The days have been crisp and clear and the bird subjects
have been plentiful with exciting actions around the beautiful tide channels of our lagoon at low tide. Here are a few shots from "the day of the grebes" when
I spotted three different kind of grebes hunting in the same fish rich area of our
San Elijo Lagoon. I also drove over to Santa Carina, the Solana Beach side of the lagoon for a look at a few raptors.
Approaching the first lookout deck by the visitor center
of the San Elijo Nature Reserve, I spot a California Clapper Rail now renamed as the
Ridgway Rail walking along the shoreline. I alert a visiting photographer from
Indiana that one of our endangered birds is out in the open if he cared to
take a few shots. He was delighted to spot one of these
elusive birds and got many great shots to take home.
This is his trademark walk. They stretch their necks out and
hike their legs high always ready to run. They are one of the fastest running
birds I have seen at the lagoon appearing to be able to run much quicker than
fly.
Checking for predators he feels safe enough to swim across
the tide channel.
As one California Clapper Rail / Ridgway Rail leaves the shoreline,
another one swims towards us.
What a treat to see two Clapper Rails so close for viewing
in one day.
I am on the bridge located midway on the main trail that
follows the tide channel, looking down at the beautiful little Rail.
He climbs to the top of the bank next to the bridge and
poses for a few minutes.
A close-up of the famous endangered rail.
He wanders off and my attention now turns to the tide
channel.
I see turbulence and find a grebe hunting down a fish. Can
you see the fish in front of his beak? What a treat, it is almost impossible to
see a grebe hunting unless they are directly below the
bridge and the tide has to be low enough and the water clear enough with the
sunlight just right to be able to see what is going on
under water.
The fish makes a run for his life but the lightning speed
of the hunting grebe is no match.
The Grebe appears to have the fish by the tail, slowing it
down. You can also see tiny little fish jumping out of the way.
Extra effort and push forward and the grebe has his
prey!
Close-up of the grab.
As the grebe surfaces with his prey I realize
that I have been watching an Eared Grebe hunting. What a beautiful sight to see.
Now the Grebe needs to swallow it as fast as possible or
he may get it stolen.
Trying to position the fish so the head goes down first.
Working to the middle of the fish.
The fish is in a good position for the swallow.
OOOps, something has spooked the Eared Grebe and he exits the
fish rich area with his prey still not consumed.
Here is the reason for the Eared Grebe's quick exit, a
Western Grebe wants to hunt this part of the shoreline that appears to be
teaming with schools of nice sized fish. The Western Grebe has just surfaced
and is in the process of swallowing a nice size fish.
With amazing speed, this Western Grebe has got himself
another fish. You can see why he chased the Eared Grebe out of the way. This spot is loaded with fish!
It is really rare to see one fighting with his prey above
water, usually they swallow their prey underwater and we hardly ever get to see
a fish being consumed above water. Also these grebes are known to hunt at night.
He has quite a lively fish and it takes a few moments to
subdue his prey.
The fish calms down and the grebe is getting ready to
swallow it head first.
A few more chomps at the gills and the fish appears to be more
manageable.
Well, lol... I spoke too soon, it still has a little fight
left but the Grebe soon manages to position the fish perfectly for swallowing.
Down the hatch.
All the activity of the Grebes brings this Snowy Egret to
the area. You can see the fish panicking and breaking the surface of the water
as he lands.
This Western Grebe has himself another fish. Slightly
smaller than the last he manages to swallow this one quickly.
The area was so full of fish, the Pied-billed Grebe sneaks
into the fishing area on the far side of the tide channel. He instantly gets a
fish. A quick swallow and he is back under water hunting
for more.
There are so many fish being chased by the three grebes
that the Snowy Egret can't decide which grebe he wants to follow to catch the
scattering fish from the hunting grebes.
There is excitement in the air and the Snowy is eager to
catch his share of the abundant schools of fish.
The Western Grebe surfaces and gives a nice pose.
The red eyes are striking when he faces the sunlight.
He appears full and starts to swim up the channel probably
to find a nice hiding place to take a nap and digest his successful catch.
The Pied-billed Grebe appears to still be hungry and has
got himself another fish. This one is going to be a little harder to swallow.
LOL... My goodness, this reminds me that tomorrow is
Thanksgiving Day and a lot of us will be stuffing ourselves! I decided that it was
such a beautiful day that I would like to go and check
out the east side of the lagoon at Santa Carina Trails on the Solana Beach side
of our Nature Reserve.
Arriving at the trail-head, I immediately spot a raptor
that I have not seen in a while... it is a Merlin Falcon! Falco
columbarius measures 10 inches long with a wingspan of 24 inches.
They are a small but compact and powerful falcon.
He soon flies off and returns with a dragonfly snack.
A young Red-tailed Hawk flies near the Merlin and gives
him a once-over but does not challenge him, instead, he leisurely soars
east.
Walking towards the lookout area about a 1/4 mile from the
trail-head, I spot the pair of White-tailed Kites sitting on their favorite
snag. They are back to our lagoon for the breeding season. I will keep checking to see where they make their
nest this year.
As I scan the lagoon, a White-faced Ibis flies in. I'm
hoping one of these days I will be able to get a close-up of this exotic
looking bird.
A beautiful male American Kestrel hunts near the
trail.
American Kestrel measures only 9 inches long with a
wingspan of 22 inches. They are our smallest falcon.
Even though they are small, they will hunt birds almost as
big as themselves. They are also fearless, chasing other hawks away from their
nest area.
It didn't take long for me to spot one of my favorite
raptors of our lagoon, the female Northern Harrier was on the hunt.
Northern Harrier, Circus cyaneus
measures 18 inches long with a wingspan of 43 inches.
Their flight style is described as "buoyant". It is a
pleasure to see the effortless way they glide and pop on the surface of the
reeds over our lagoon.
A look at the white band at the base of the tail that
makes these hawks easy to identify.
The face is much like a owl with a disc-like marking used
for extra sensory hearing. A specialized way of hunting by these beautiful marsh
hawks.
One last look and it's time for me to head for home. A fantastic walk with fabulous subjects to shoot. I am so very thankful for the chance to be able to photograph them at our beautiful lagoon.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday everyone! A photo showing the
Turkey cupcake made by my friend Betty and her granddaughter to celebrate
our wonderful Holiday. There is much that I am thankful
for but the most important are the wonderful friends and family. I also want
to take this time to thank all of you for visiting my
blog.
