Morning Jog
A pair of Whimbrels jog along the beach at Salinas River NWR.
We just returned from a great, albeit shortened trip to the San Diego and Monterey areas of California. As with all trips we saw things we didn't expect, checked items off our bucket list, caught up with relatives and made some new friends.
Salinas River NWR was only four miles north of the RV park we stayed at so I was able to make multiple trips into the area. Access to the beach is something that takes some effort, but worth it. Each day I logged between 4 and 5 miles of walking with my tripod with camera and 600mm lens attached - a great workout but sore shoulders afterwards!
Walking along the beach i met a pair of Chris's - Chris the biologist and Chris the refuge manager. Both were extremely helpful and gracious. The Refuge has a good population of endangered western snowy plovers (hint that there may be some images that follow). Although I did not see any nests or chicks (next time!) I did get to observe some males sparring and showing off for the ladies.
Whimbrels were lifers for me and as usual, until I got the iBird app out I was mis-identifying them as marbeled godwits.
Still trying to catch up! Thanks for your views and comments. They are so appreciated!
© 2016 Craig Goettsch - All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use without permission is prohibited.
Morning Jog
A pair of Whimbrels jog along the beach at Salinas River NWR.
We just returned from a great, albeit shortened trip to the San Diego and Monterey areas of California. As with all trips we saw things we didn't expect, checked items off our bucket list, caught up with relatives and made some new friends.
Salinas River NWR was only four miles north of the RV park we stayed at so I was able to make multiple trips into the area. Access to the beach is something that takes some effort, but worth it. Each day I logged between 4 and 5 miles of walking with my tripod with camera and 600mm lens attached - a great workout but sore shoulders afterwards!
Walking along the beach i met a pair of Chris's - Chris the biologist and Chris the refuge manager. Both were extremely helpful and gracious. The Refuge has a good population of endangered western snowy plovers (hint that there may be some images that follow). Although I did not see any nests or chicks (next time!) I did get to observe some males sparring and showing off for the ladies.
Whimbrels were lifers for me and as usual, until I got the iBird app out I was mis-identifying them as marbeled godwits.
Still trying to catch up! Thanks for your views and comments. They are so appreciated!
© 2016 Craig Goettsch - All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use without permission is prohibited.