Jim Coda Nature Photography

May 14, 2011Uncategorized

Large Bull Tule Elk in Velvet

Photo of bull tule elk in velvet feeding at sunset. — Bull Tule Elk in Velvet, Point Reyes National Seashore

This 6×7 bull is probably the largest one I’ve seen on the Tomales Peninsula. However, you won’t see him in the elk enclosure. He and four other bulls live outside the enclosure. They escaped some time ago and I don’t think there is any plan to try to capture them and return them to the preserve. I think this is the same individual I posted on this blog roaming around inside a corral at the Kehoe Ranch months ago. I’ve seen him on his own several times over the past year. The other four seem to stay together.

May 13, 2011Uncategorized

A Young Bull Tule Elk Finds An Antler to Chew On.

Photo of an elk chewing on a deer antler. — Young Bull Elk with Deer Antler, Point Reyes National Seashore

The young bull tule elk on the left is fortunate to have found a shed antler to chew on. Shed antlers are an important source of minerals, such as calcium. He laid down and worked on the antler for about half an hour. The other young bull would like to have it. Such is life.

A couple of days ago I remembered that I started this blog when I was in Yellowstone in May of last year. I checked and found that I published the first photo on May 13, 2010. A year ago today.

May 12, 2011Uncategorized

Tule Elk Cows and Calves

Photo of some cow elk and calves. — Tule Elk Cows and Calves, Point Reyes National Seashore

Elk calving has been going on for a while at Point Reyes. This photo was taken on April 28. Mothers keep their calves hidden for the first two weeks or so because it is the best protection from predators. By two weeks of age they can run with the adults. Given that, I assume these calves were born no later than April 14. I have also been seeing fawns lately. As you can see, wildflowers are also well underway.

May 11, 2011Uncategorized

Red-winged Blackbird Exposes Himself

A red-winged blackbird calls from a fence post. — Red-winged Blackbird, Point Reyes National Seashore

This red-winged blackbird doesn’t have the yellow median coverts most red-wings have. The medians are black. It is called “bicolored” and exists in much of California. What I find interesting here is that he is exposing a beautiful yellow-orange color to the base of the lesser coverts.

May 10, 2011Uncategorized

Badger Cubs

Here is another photo of the badger cubs I found a few days ago. The dominant cub is clearly visible. The other cub is partially obscured by vegetation with its back to the viewer. Note that when viewed from behind its fur is almost indistinguishable from the mound of earth.

May 10, 2011Uncategorized

Handsome Bob; Point Reyes National Seashore

Photo of a bobcat resting. — Handsome Bobcat

I saw this bobcat a few days ago in Point Reyes National Seashore. I had previously seen him a couple of times in March. I named him “Handsome Bob” then because he had very distinctive spots and stripes. When I saw him the other day he had no problem with my car stopping. I was there maybe 10 minutes when another photographer parked. Bob was still unconcerned. About 5 minute later a third car stopped. That was his limit. Bob went from being relaxed to tense and then did a quick disappearing act. I’m now thinking of him also as “Three Car Bob.” In this photo Handsome Bob has his rump on a rodent mound and his legs in the burrow.

May 9, 2011Uncategorized

A Red-winged Blackbird Stretches Its Wings

A red-winged blackbird stretches her wings. — Red-winged Blackbird, Point Reyes National Seashore

I think that for every female or sub-adult male red-winged blackbird that gets photographed there must be 100 adult males that are photographed. The adult males are quite striking with their red epaulets. But I think the females and sub-adult males are beautiful as well. It’s just more subtle.