Cosumnes River Preserve
Located just fifteen miles South of Sacramento is the Cosumnes River Preserve.
The Cosumnes River is undammed so the preserve water level is subject to the whims of nature.
With miles of waterway, it’s a great place to bring your kayak and catch fish - if they’re not biting, there’s always mosquitoes.
Egrets are especially abundant in the area.
Egrets have a certain style and grace in movement and stance.
Large and powerful.
But shy and non aggressive.
Nimble and quick.
There is a reason they prefer a back or profile pose.
Graceful despite their size - they fly low across the waterbeds scanning for prey.
The following three images are composite panoramas of one Egret in his flightpath to another feeding ground.
Set your calendars and clocks.
The Spring is the time for early morning sightings of the fledglings that have left the nest and are exploring on their own.
They seem to get along well with White Faced Ibis.
With swampy ground, there is plenty of food at the buffett.
“Tripod toes” for great underwater footing.
There is an understanding that you give wildlife their space. Hawks are not easily intimidated.
If you walk by a Sparrow, they fly away. If you walk by a Hawk, it’s “What are you lookin’ at?”
I kind of became buddies with one in particular. After a few trips to the Preserve, he would almost pose for me.
The hawks are focused - on their next meal.
Potential dinner.
Groves and grassland provide “foresting”.
New flowers and dying foliage blend in beauty.
Secluded waterways provide feasts for the Heron.
Slowly creeping about on a quest.
Success! Carpe Crappie!
You have to be quick. I just caught the paddlewheel splash of a Coot takeoff as he passes a Stilt.
Serenity can be found in a still pool in the quiet of a grove.
The Killdeer favor the area because the marshes add some protection for their ground nests.
A beaver had started a dam. Before he finished his first log, he realized that this part of the river is probably a hundred yards wide.
The Heron are amazingly powerful flyers.
Countless species of ducks pass through the area.
The fall brings in the Sandhill Cranes.
They fill the sky with their distinctive call and wingspans of up to seven feet.
They find the Central Valley a good place to spend the winter.
Time to catch up on grooming after a long flight.
Maybe look for a new mate…
Maybe hang out with the one you have…
Some people stop by just because there is decent cell phone coverage.
Other folks are here for alternate bird watching.
But the birds are here mainly to dine before they continue their migration.
They will feast until the last light.
And start again at first light until the waters dry up and dissipate.
….THANKS FOR THE LOOK!