Strutting to get clear of oncoming cars and carrying a little morsel of ground squirrel.
A Tern for the Better /
Shoreline Park was quiet and windy and the birds were distant. Until the sun started to turn gold and the Forster's Terns put on a dazzling aerial display as they hunted for the strange red wormlike creatures lurking in the lake. I'll keep the text to a minimum and just let you share the experience (just click to see the big versions). It was great fun.
Just before leaving, fellow photographers and I were treated to this wonderful moment in the setting sunlight. Perfect.
Shoreline Park Owls /
I had always heard there were Burrowing Owls at Shoreline Park but only got to see them last week. Leaving the park I saw a bird fly to ground in the distance and it had the feel of a Mourning Dove landing, or a female Kestrel pouncing on a bug. In the fading light the view through the binoculars revealed a vigilant Burrowing Owl.
Apparently they live in the sand trap. Click on the image to see in better detail. You'll be able to pick out the female just beyond and to the left of the burrow. (if you go looking for them, please respect their space and don't approach the burrow)
Keeping an eye on the burrow and hunting the golf course from a perch which affords a commanding view. The little sentinel was a wonderful surprise. I'm going to keep an eye out for him next time I'm in the area.
Egret Fight/Ballet /
You never know if these encounters are going to be civil or agressive. What followed was surprising in that it went on and on, rather than resolving after a few seconds.
Two birds become one in the picture above.
The fight ends with this departure. A few feathers out of line but none the worse for wear.
A Seaside Meal /
One of my favorite places to go when I need a raptor fix is along Great Highway near Ocean Beach. This is as reliable a spot as you'll find in San Francsico for finding a perched bird of prey. If you are patient, or lucky enough to find one actively hunting, you might get a chance to see how it makes a living.
Posture means a lot when it comes to determining raptorial intent. If you see a bird preening, sitting straight up, one leg folded into its feathers, there is a good chance you will be waiting awhile. This Redtail was alert, head up, leaning forward, looking around frequently, and moving its feet. These were all very good signs it was on the hunt.
Sure enough, a few moments later it dove intently toward a patch of ground that was strewn with gopher holes, and secured a meal.
Dramatically, the gopher loses bladder control as the Redtail grips it firmly and departs.
After landing back on its favoured perch, the hawk, understandably wary of nearby Ravens, departs.
With the gopher firmly grasped, the hawk flew to the relative shelter of some nearby pines to dine.
