Jim Coda Nature Photography

March 7, 2011Uncategorized

A Great Egret Catches a Small Fish.

A great egret grabs a small fish. — Great Egret, Marin County, California

It’s been raining lately here in Marin County. I drove down the hill from my house and this great egret was standing in a seasonal pond. During the winter it is connected to a larger body of water called Rush Creek which has fish in it and which drains into the Petaluma River and then into San Francisco Bay. Fishing was good. The egret caught lots of small fish, one fair-sized fish and something that looked like a crayfish.

It is mating season as evidenced by the nuptial plumes.

March 3, 2011Uncategorized

Cataract Canyon Waterfall, Marin County, California

This is one of the falls in Cataract Canyon. — Cataract Canyon Waterfall, Marin County, California

Marin County has several pretty waterfalls. This is one of many falls in Cataract Canyon. They are best seen in the rainy season.

February 17, 2011Uncategorized

Bull Elk Near San Francisco

A bull elk ruminates on Tomales Point. — Bull Elk, Tomales Point

I photographed this bull Tule elk in the Elk Reserve at Point Reyes National Seashore a couple of weeks ago. The bulls are dropping their antlers there now. This bull may no longer have his. If elk have egos I wonder how the bulls feel when they lose their antlers?

Those of us who live in the San Francisco Bay Area and like to see wildlife are very fortunate to have Point Reyes nearby. We are certain to see Tule elk and Black-tailed deer at Point Reyes. We have a very good chance of seeing coyotes and bobcats. We can see whales off the coast and marine mammals, such as elephant seals, on the shore. We can see all sorts of bird life, including peregrine falcons. I can’t think of another large metropolitan area that has all of these wildlife species nearby.

February 13, 2011Uncategorized

Bobcat Hunting Gophers

A bobcat stops in a field. — Bobcat, Point Reyes National Seashore

This bobcat was hunting gophers. Gophers are plentiful at Point Reyes, at least in the agricultural areas. They are an important food source for coyotes, bobcats, badgers and other predators at the Seashore. If this bobcat could talk he would probably say there is no such thing as too many gophers.

February 3, 2011Uncategorized

Bobcat, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A bobcat hunts on a ranch pasture. — Bobcat, Point Reyes National Seashore

I spotted this male bobcat hunting when I was out at Point Reyes a few days ago. I saw him miss on two attempts at what I assume were gophers. In addition to this guy, I saw four coyotes, including two that were paired up. As you can see, some areas are very green now.

February 1, 2011Uncategorized

Killdeer, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A killdeer hunts in the grass. — Killdeer, Point Reyes National Seashore

This killdeer had just pulled an earthworm out of the ground and was looking for its next meal when I photographed it. Killdeer are members of the plover family and get their name from their “killdee” call.

January 29, 2011Uncategorized

Northern Harrier, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A northern harrier sits on a fence ost. — Northern Harrier, Point Reyes National Seashore

A female or, possibly juvenile, harrier stands on a fence post. Harriers (AKA marsh hawks) seem to live close to ground level. When I see them they are flying just above the ground or they are perched on something low, like a post, or standing on the ground. They even nest on the ground. Note the owl-like facial disc. Like owls, they use hearing as well as sight to help in locating prey. Another trait they share with owls is soft feathers which makes them quieter in flight.