Jim Coda Nature Photography

March 27, 2011Uncategorized

Dawn Falls, Larkspur, California

I took this photo a year ago. This is the time to be shooting waterfalls in Marin County because most of them are at their best in the rainy season. I had a hard time getting down to the creek for this photo. It was very steep the way I went. If I go again I’ll try to find a better route. Getting out was even harder. I had to decide which rock or limb I was going to try to grab for the next move. Being on my belly at times crawling through the wet leaves and dirt got me into prime tick habitat and, sure enough, I got one. I didn’t find it until the next day and by that time it was deeply imbedded. Fortunately, it wasn’t carrying Lyme disease. Only 10% of the ticks in Marin carry it. On the East Coast it’s more like 90%. You don’t want Lyme disease. To purchase a print of this image click here.

March 26, 2011Uncategorized

Lone Tree at Sunset

Photo of a lone tree and Pacific Ocean at dusk. — Lone Tree at Dusk, Mount Tamalpais State Park

I had driven by this scene a few times before I stopped to photograph it. The lower part of the tree is cut off by the hill. To order a print of this image click here.

March 22, 2011Uncategorized

Mad Duck; Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Photo of ring-necked duck. — “Back-off Bud.”

I was photographing ducks at a pond in Golden Gate Park last spring when this ring-necked drake came swimming toward me. The drakes were pursuing females and I guess he didn’t like me around. He looked mad and I felt like he was saying “back off buster.” I gave him some more space and he went about his business.

This photo reminds me of a photo that a friend of mine from the 1970s took of a bluebird that looked like it was mad. My friend’s name is Michael L. Smith and his mad bluebird photo made Mike a millionaire. Here is a link about Mike and his famous photo. I don’t think my mad duck is going to make me a millionaire, but one can dream. To purchase a print of this image click here.

March 20, 2011Uncategorized

Coyote, Point Reyes National Seashore

Photo of a coyote looking back at sunset. — Coyote at Sunset

I took this photo about a month ago at Point Reyes. I can’t remember the exact location, but it was shot around sunset. I usually miss sunrise at Point Reyes, but I try to always be there for sunset. It’s the best of times — for light and wildlife. When the sun starts getting low my senses heighten. It’s a feeling of anticipation. Something is going to happen. Something better happen. I need a good photo. I also know that many of the animals I like to photograph, such as coyotes and bobcats, are up and beginning to hunt. It’s time to crank up the ISO. Time to be steady. 1/30th of a second time. It’s make or break time. If I get a good photo of an animal at that time the day is a success. If I don’t, the day is usually a failure. I try not to let it get to me. But it does. Some. To purchase a print of this image click here.

March 18, 2011Uncategorized

Handsome Bobcat

I saw this bobcat for the first time a couple of days ago. He’s very well-marked. I’m used to seeing bobcats in Point Reyes National Seashore with little or no distinctive markings on the torso. This guy has very pronounced spots and stripes on his trunk. I think I’ll remember him as “Handsome Bob.” Unfortunately, Handsome Bob didn’t stop in the prettiest place. It looks like a badger has been through here shortly before Bob and really tore the place up. I saw a coyote stop here and hunt a couple of weeks ago. It must be (or was) a good spot for gophers and/or other rodents. Click here to purchase a print of this image.

March 17, 2011Uncategorized

Pack of Coyotes on the Hunt

Coyote Pack, Point Reyes National Seashore — Coyote Pack on Outcrop

I went out to Point Reyes yesterday afternoon. I saw four bobcats, although one was probably a double count. It’s hard to be sure. I saw no coyotes until the last hour of the day when I saw a pack of four. That’s the most I’ve ever seen there in a group. I think I saw three of these individuals a week ago in the same area. Unfortunately, when they got to this point they were too spread out to all be in the frame together. These two were in the lead. Are they the alpha pair? Click here to order a print of this image.

March 16, 2011Uncategorized

A Bobcat Moves Through a Grassy Field; Point Reyes National Seashore.

Photo of a bobcat walking across a field. — Bobcat on the Move

It is not unusual to see a bobcat at Point Reyes National Seashore. I have wondered how many there are in the Seashore. I don’t think anyone knows. Determining the bobcat population would be a lot harder than counting elk. Click here to purchase a print of this image.