early bird gets... the early bird

we coordinated a day off together (LOVE when that happens!) and planned for some early morning birding up the coast...

it was also an opportunity to try out my new super lightweight tripod (hoping this one pinches fingers a bit less too!)

here is the little guy we came to see

and photograph

but these birds had other ideas (like flying away)

the california least tern

the behaviour we were really hoping to see was...

mating couples feeding on the railing

'where is my lunch!?'

here it is, i am here

with your lunch

i brought you a delicious yummy fish to eat

here you go...

wait! you haven't eaten your yummy lunch yet!

oh drat! wait for me! (this pair, disturbed by passing fisherman) flew away.



we came to see the california least tern. we hoped to see them feed on the rails here at oso flaco lake. it wasn't so simple. the pretty birds flew off at the smallest motion by us (of course) and so we would wait, and then tiptoe as close as we could to watch and take photos. and hope passersby wouldn't frighten them at inopportune times...

terns are seabirds in the family sternidae that have a worldwide distribution and are normally found near the sea, rivers or wetlands.

    

we will have to try this again...

these two were not shy at all

hee hee

a tiny wren

 -->  feathers

mallard grooming station

little duckling trains of all ages put-putted around the lake

ten am, time to go. we've already been out a few hours, and we're a long way from a hot cup of coffee.

next time we will remember the thermos, we hope  ;)

xxx lori

p.s. my last post, thank you.