Jim Coda Nature Photography

January 24, 2011Uncategorized

Red-Tailed Hawk, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

Photo of a red-tailed hawk. — “What do you want?”

A red-tailed hawk perches on a piling. You might wonder why most of my photos of raptors at Point Reyes are on posts. The reason is that much of Point Reyes is open dairy or ranch land. In the farming/ranching area there are few trees or, better yet for the birds, snags (dead trees with no leaves and therefore unlimited visibility). There are also power poles that they roost on, but I don’t normally photograph birds on them for several reasons (too high, too far, unaesthetic structures and poor (sky) backgrounds).

January 22, 2011Uncategorized

Tule Elk, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

Photo of a tule elk cow. — Cows Know Best

A cow elk gazes off into the distance. Pardon the anthropomorphism, but she looks like she is smiling. This photo was taken at the Tule Elk Refuge on Tomales Point.

January 22, 2011Uncategorized

Columbia Blacktail Deer, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A blacktail deer stands in a field of lfowers. — Columbia Blacktail Deer, Point Reyes National Seashore

It’s really green at Point Reyes now and the early flowers are starting to bloom. This photo was taken on January 26, 2010, just south of Abbott’s Lagoon. I haven’t been there in about a week, but Ill bet it will look just like it did last year real soon if not right now.

January 20, 2011Uncategorized

Raven, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A raven eats a snack at Point Reyes National Seashore — Raven, Point Reyes National Seashore

I don’t know what this raven was eating. It was a soft, yellow vegetative material.

January 17, 2011Uncategorized

Turkey Vulture, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A turkey vulture rests on a post. — Turkey Vulture, Point Reyes National Seashore

This turkey vulture is one of a few that were feeding on a skunk carcass on the Pierce Point Road. Turkey vultures or turkey buzzards get their name because their heads resemble a turkey’s. When you see them riding the thermals you may think they are using their eyes to find carrion, but in fact they rely more on their sense of smell. They lack a nasal septum and in profile you can see in one nostril and out the other. Note the very long front toes.

January 16, 2011Uncategorized

Western Bluebird, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A western bluebird perches on a fence post. — Western Bluebird, Point Reyes National Seashore

I’ve been looking for a western bluebird to photograph for some time. It hasn’t been easy. First, they are hard to find. Second, they aren’t easy to get a lens on them. They don’t sit still for more than a few seconds, if that. Third, it’s hard to get a clean background. This guy accommodated me recently at Point Reyes. Thank you my friend.

January 15, 2011Uncategorized

Coyote, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A coyote stops to take a look. — Coyote, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

This resident coyote was looking for something to eat when it spotted yet another Point Reyes tourist. The Seashore is a good place to spot coyotes, but they exist throughout Marin County, provided there is good habitat for them.