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2010, Animalblog by Terry Costales

Raft of Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
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For an unforgettable wildlife experience, I highly recommend the Elkhorn Slough Safari external link in Moss Landing. We saw over one hundred sea otters, almost eighty harbor seals and dozens of sea lions very up close and personal.

This photo shows a raft of about eighty sea otters. Raft is the official label for a bunch of otters hanging out together, looking like a raft. external link

In addition to sea mammals, I also photographed sixteen species of birds. The trip was two hours of wildlife bliss. There were a few other bird species I got to see, but they were too distant for me to get a good photo of them.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 18 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:58:33 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Sea_Otter
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Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
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This is a photo of what appears to be a male Monarch butterfly. Male because it has two extra dots on its back wings that produce pheromones. Another obscure fact I learned from Wikipedia. external link


Jungle Expeditions Hotel, Marañon River, Peru   •  (Photo posted Saturday 2 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:57:32 Thursday 9 April, 2009)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Capped Heron
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A typical view of the jungle's edge as seen from the boat as we motored past.


Amazon River, Peru   •  (Photo posted Sunday 3 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:06:45 Sunday 5 April, 2009)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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David Graves
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My dashing brother manned the wheel of the Tourmalina. internal link However, he is a man of many talents and helped out in other ways as well. internal link


Amazon River, Peru   •  (Photo posted Monday 4 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:26:51 Sunday 5 April, 2009)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
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A flock of yellow-hooded blackbirds took off as our skiff came too near. external link The birds in the photo that are deep black were the males and the brown ones were the females.


Amazon River, Peru   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 5 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 02:04:46 Monday 6 April, 2009)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
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This is a female yellow-hooded blackbird. Her body is brown, whereas the male would be glossy black. external link


Amazon River, Peru   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 6 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 01:29:48 Monday 6 April, 2009)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)
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This is a juvenile Yellow-headed Caracara. external link Like most juvenile birds it has lots of streaking to give it more camouflage than the adult. internal link


internal link Amazon River, Peru   •  (Photo posted Thursday 7 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 01:08:36 Monday 6 April, 2009)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Anna's Hummingbird
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A male Anna's hummingbird perches on Neptunes' trident. I was surprised to see a hummingbird stay still for so long. external link


Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 14 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:08:08 Saturday 8 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Anna's Hummingbird
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A close-up of the hummingbird I posted yesterday. internal link


internal link Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 15 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:14:52 Saturday 8 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Song Sparrow
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A song sparrow foraging in the wetlands. A tiny, delicate, feathered, everyday miracle. internal link


Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 16 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:17:14 Saturday 8 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
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A scrub jay in a tree on a cold overcast day in November. external link


Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 17 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:17:14 Saturday 8 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Sparrow
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A sparrow on a bare November day.


Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 18 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:54:32 Saturday 8 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
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A vulture external link sits atop the ribcage of a rotting animal carcass on the beach. Offering disgust and fascination in equal measure.


Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 19 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:39:26 Saturday 8 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
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Prehistoric looking pelicans sun and preen in the winter sun. external link


Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 20 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:23:01 Sunday 9 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Great Egret (Ardea alba)
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A great egret at the edge of the bay looking for food. It is a very graceful bird whether walking or flying. external link internal link


Bodega Bay, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 21 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 01:40:22 Sunday 9 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Bodega_Bay
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Swimmer in the Waves
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A cold November day didn't keep this foolish man out of the water, but it made a nice photo.


Northern California Coast   •  (Photo posted Friday 22 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 01:48:35 Sunday 9 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #The_Waves
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Kite
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The human animal attached to this kite is on his board offscreen and hanging on for dear life.


Northern California Coast   •  (Photo posted Sunday 24 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 01:57:01 Sunday, 9 November, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #20100124_Kite
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Riley
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Riley is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. external link A huge name for a wonderful little dog.

The King Charles Spaniel (non-Cavalier) is smaller and has a much flatter or more pug-like face. In the '20s the King Charles was bred back to its original size and look and given the Calvalier addition to its name. external link


San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 25 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:24:08 Wednesday 24, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #20100125_Riley
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Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
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This black phoebe is dark brown and was perched near the Palo Alto duck pond. Phoebes are almost always found near water. external link


Palo Alto, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 26 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:43:50 Monday 19 May, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Black_Phoebe
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American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
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A female avocet sits on her eggs. When the tide comes in this nest will barely be above the water. external link


internal link Palo Alto, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 27 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:04:08 Monday 19 May, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #American_Avocet
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Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
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A cliff swallow sits in the opening of its mud nest. Observing me observing him. external link


Palo Alto, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 28 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:12:46 Monday 19 May, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Cliff_Swallow
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Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
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An adult night heron in full breeding plumage showing off its pink legs which are yellow the rest of the year. external link


Palo Alto, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 29 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:53:23 Monday, 19 May, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Night_Heron
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Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
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The Spectacled Bear is the only bear that comes from South America. I hope this unique and beautiful endangered bear survives. external link


San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 30 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:31:13 Saturday 7 June, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Spectacled_Bear
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Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)
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Lemurs are one of my favorite mammals. Every house in heaven should have one. external link


San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 31 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:26:32 Saturday 7 June, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Ring-tailed_Lemur
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Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
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Looking at this crow's feet you can really see the dinosaur common ancestor. I'm grateful most birds are small as I wouldn't want to try to photograph a crow the size of a T-rex. external link


internal link Palo Alto, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 1 February, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:21:32 Saturday 14 June, 2008)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #20100201_Crow
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Macaws
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Two Macaws preening one another. A very intimate, gentle moment in a birds' life.


Jungle Expeditions Hotel, Marañon River, Peru   •  (Photo posted Friday 1 January, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:46:12 Thursday April 9, 2009)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(27 of 189) (339423 views)

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Here is an older otter, recognized by the light colored fur on its face. It is grooming itself after eating. Otters must have one of the cutest faces in the animal kingdom


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 19 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:01:57 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Otter_Groomed
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Raft of Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
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This photo shows just part of a very large raft of otters we saw in the Elkhorn Slough. internal link The older individuals had light faces, and such cute faces they were.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 20 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:58:04 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Sea_Otter
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(29 of 189) (340020 views)

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It was beautiful day in Santa Cruz and I had been photographing the sea lions when this pelican landed a few feet away on the pier railing. external link

If there was ever a compelling visual argument for birds being the modern descendants of dinosaurs, it's the pelican. I could easily imagine them flying just out of reach above the snapping jaws of some aquatic sea monster.


Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 21 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:54:42 Wednesday 10 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Brown_Pelican
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis )
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This is a close-up of the same Pelican I posted yesterday, internal link


Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 21 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:54:42 Wednesday 10 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Pelican_Head
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(31 of 189) (335654 views)

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Harbor seals external link are close to the top of the cute list, right up there next to sea otters. internal link

We saw close to eighty harbor seals that day, most of them lying on shore watching us watching them.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 23 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:23:44 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Harbor_Seal
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Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)
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Brandt's cormorants were the most numerous of the three species of cormorants seen that day. The slender white plumes on its face and the blue patch on its throat only appear during breeding season. The red color seen in this photo is not part of the cormorant but was from a nearby pelican. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 24 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:54:25 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Brants_Cormorant
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(33 of 189) (335570 views)

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Bette Davis eyes? Bedroom eyes? Puppy dog eyes? They've got nothing on harbor seal eyes!

The little slit behind the eye is the ear which is an easy way to distinguish it from a sea lion with its little external ear. internal link


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 25 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:16:13 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Harbor_Seal
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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(34 of 189) (336583 views)

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A lone individual popped up out of the water after a dive for food. We suspected he has a clam grasped in his paws. Otters love shellfish.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 26 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:47:58 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #With_Shell
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(35 of 189) (338040 views)

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Here is a view of a pelican you don't usually see. A head on view of its enormous bill. external link


Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 27 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:55:17 Wednesday 10 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Head_On
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Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
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A handsome Double-crested Cormorant posed on a mossy rock for the photographer. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 29 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:14:53 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Crested_Cormorant
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Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus)
(37 of 189) (325976 views)

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After a dive this Pelagic Cormorant surfaced much too close to the boat and immediately swam away. This photo captured its startled look. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 31 March, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:25:12 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Cormorant_Surfaced
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Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(38 of 189) (347723 views)

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This photo shows a sea lion swimming in the late afternoon sunlight beneath the wharf in Santa Cruz. Lovely light on a lovely animal. external link


Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 2 April, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:51:04 Friday 2 April, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Lion_Swimming
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Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)
(39 of 189) (325600 views)

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The white plumes that appear during the breeding season are easily seen in this photo of the Brandt's cormorant.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 4 April, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:12:04 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #White_Plumes
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Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(40 of 189) (325675 views)

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In this photo you can easily see the differences between the adult and the juvenile cormorant. The glossy black bird with prominent "eyebrows" is an adult in breeding plumage.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 5 April, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:11:32 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Double-crested_Cormorants
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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(41 of 189) (337147 views)

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This is one otter trying to persuade another otter to share its meal. It wasn't very successful.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 13 April, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:43:46 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Otter_Persuade
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(42 of 189) (335729 views)

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This group shot of harbor seals illustrates their cuteness and wide variations in colors. external link


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 26 April, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:19:06 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Seal_Colors
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Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(43 of 189) (337682 views)

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Sea Lions swam in and out of sunlight and shade beneath the wharf in Santa Cruz. external link


Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 27 April, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:51:22 Wednesday 10 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Under_Wharf
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Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
(44 of 189) (326565 views)

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Having escaped from a collection somewhere this Flamingo showed up in Elkhorn Slough in January. external link It was tagged but no-one has claimed it yet.

I had previously seen this type of Flamingo in zoos but this was the first time "in the wild". internal link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 3 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:11:58 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Elkhorn_Slough
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Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)
(45 of 189) (325371 views)

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This photo of a Brandt's Cormorant preening shows the decorative white plumes they acquire during the breeding season. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 8 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:54:42 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Cormorant_Preening
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(46 of 189) (335531 views)

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Two Harbor Seal were of quite different fur colors but all the whiskers were blonde.


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 9 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:19:14 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Seal_Whiskers
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Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
(47 of 189) (325556 views)

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The Eared Grebe is a very small bird compared to the Western and Clark's Grebes. Only 13 inches long compared to the other bird's 25 inches. I hope to photograph one in breeding plumage someday because that look is quite different from their winter look seen here. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 10 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:02:28 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Winter_Look
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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(48 of 189) (337111 views)

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Sea Otters appeared to spend a great deal of their time grooming themselves. They use their bodies as tables, so have to keep food scraps washed off. While they clean, they also push and sometimes blow air bubbles into their fur. The extra air trapped in their fur contributes to their buoyancy and increases insulation. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 11 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:04:37 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Traps_Air
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Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
(49 of 189) (325290 views)

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Here is the escaped flamingo of Elkhorn Slough. I realize it's the look of this species of flamingo, but doesn't this guy appear as if he's totally fed up with his job and can't take it anymore? internal link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:12:07 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Fed_Up
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(50 of 189) (340189 views)

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To our left as we exited the harbor and entered the slough, we saw an old pier covered with sea lions. We slowly motored past them. It was quite satisfying to be at their level and so close to them. I feel like I ended up with a family portrait instead of a wildlife photo.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 13 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:07:08 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Family_Portrait
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Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
(51 of 189) (325738 views)

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Here is the lesser flamingo which internal link hung out near the cormorants in the Elkhorn Slough. I hope the flamingo is still there and thriving.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 14 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:23:03 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Still_There
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(52 of 189) (335988 views)

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The Harbor Seal was very curious about us as we motored past, but not curious enough to actually move.


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 15 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:19:14 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #About_Us
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Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)
(53 of 189) (325765 views)

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We saw many of these Marbled Godwits that day on the slough. This one is just about to take flight. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 16 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:13:58 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Elkhorn_Slough
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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(54 of 189) (337026 views)

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Here is another otter grooming or maybe he is thinking "oh, not another boatload of paparazzi!"


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 17 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:03:19 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Otter_Paparazzi
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Great Blue Heron
(55 of 189) (326679 views)

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Across the slough and in the tops of a grove of distant trees was a colony of nesting Great Blue Herons. Four adult herons and many more nests were visible. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:33:12 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Elkhorn_Slough
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(56 of 189) (337650 views)

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A very large male sea lion with a much smaller female. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 19 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:06:39 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Elkhorn_Slough
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Bumblebee
(57 of 189) (325311 views)

./20100520_Bumblebee.jpg

I have always wanted to photograph a bumblebee external link with flowers and this was my lucky day. My camera and lens together weighed about five pounds and I had been out for a couple of hours before I came across this bee. I followed him for a while and then finally grabbed the opportunity to get this photo.

Nature composed this shot perfectly, I just cropped a little off the right side. The amazing thing to me is that it is in focus!


Tilden Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 20 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:28:44 Tuesday 18, May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #20100520_Bumblebee
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(58 of 189) (338415 views)

./20100521_California_Sea_Lion_Male_Close_Up.jpg

Close up of a male sea lion. According to Wiki, "Zalophus californianus" means "Californian big-head" because a male grows a crest of bone on top of his head that causes a bulging forehead. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 21 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:06:24 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Close_Up
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Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
(59 of 189) (325925 views)

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After the boat trip on Elkhorn Slough, we stopped by nearby Moss Landing State Beach and saw this marvelous Great Blue Heron. external link

It may have been a member of the breeding colony we saw from the earlier boat trip. internal link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 21 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:59:15 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Moss_Landing
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
(60 of 189) (337942 views)

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These two pelicans were one pair of dozens loitering around the marina, all waiting for a fishy opportunity. The one on the left was an immature bird which had not grown into its adult plumage.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 22 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:54:28 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Moss_Landing
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
(61 of 189) (337995 views)

./20100522_Brown_Pelicans_Perched_Fishing_Equipment.jpg

A large group of pelicans were perched on the fish processing equipment.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 22 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:49:27 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Fishing_Equipment
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(62 of 189) (337638 views)

./20100523_California_Sea_Lion_Sleepy.jpg

Portrait of a large male sea lion sleepily surveying his domain.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 23 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:06:43 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Lion_Sleepy
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Forster Tern
(63 of 189) (325456 views)

./20100523_Foster_Terns_On_Sunken_Ship.jpg

A row of Forster Terns perched on the partial remains of a sunken ship. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 23 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:26:48 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Sunken_Ship
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(64 of 189) (335646 views)

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I love the pattern of this seal's fur, but I would never entertain the idea of taking it away from her to use for myself.


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 24 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:19:44 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Seal_Fur
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(65 of 189) (337567 views)

./20100524_Pregnant_Harbor_Seal.jpg

A very pregnant Harbor Seal looking quite pleased with herself.


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 24 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:19:54 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Harbor_Seal
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Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)
(66 of 189) (325333 views)

./20100525_Marbled_Godwit_Displayed_Its_Legs.jpg

A Marbled Godwit stood on the shore of the slough and displayed its classy black legs. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 25 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:14:25 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Its_Legs
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Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
(67 of 189) (325437 views)

./20100525_Whimbrel_Flying_Elkhorn_Slough.jpg

This photo of a Whimbrel flying illustrates the unique shape of its bill. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 25 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:21:004 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Elkhorn_Slough
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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(68 of 189) (336505 views)

./20100526_Sea_Otter_Plate_On_Stomach.jpg

The otter balanced his "plate" on his stomach while enjoying that last little morsel.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 26 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:21:01 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #On_Stomach
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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(69 of 189) (336048 views)

./20100526_Sea_Otter_With_Large_Shell.jpg

A shell was almost the size of the otter's head, but was no match for its appetite.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 26 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:47:58 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Large_Shell
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Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
(70 of 189) (325041 views)

./20100527_Great_Blue_Heron_Waded.jpg

A Great Blue Heron waded in shallow water in search of food.


Moss Landing State Beach, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 27 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:59:15 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Heron_Waded
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(71 of 189) (336146 views)

./20100530_Harbor_Seal_Big_Teeth.jpg

I know they are wild animals with big teeth and claws but jeez, don't they look cuddly?!


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 30 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:18:50 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Big_Teeth
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(72 of 189) (336272 views)

./20100531_Harbor_Seals_Up_Close.jpg

I was able to get nice close-ups of the harbor seals because I used a telephoto lens. If the boat had come this close they would have been disturbed and swum away.


Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 31 May, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:13:52 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Up_Close
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(73 of 189) (338577 views)

./20100601_Sea_Lion_Expressions.jpg

More of the endless variation of facial expressions you can always find in sea lions.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 1 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:06:30 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Lion_Expressions
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(74 of 189) (338177 views)

./20100601_Sea_Lion_King_Of_Mountain.jpg

King of the mountain and he knows it.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 1 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:06:405 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Of_Mountain
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
(75 of 189) (338133 views)

./20100602_Brown_Pelican_On_Fishing_Boat.jpg

Pelican posed aboard an old fishing boat.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 2 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 011:25:24 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Fishing_Boat
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Brown Pelican and Snowy Egret
(76 of 189) (325509 views)

./20100603_Brown_Pelican_And_Snowy_Egret.jpg

A Pelican and Snowy Egret perched on the edge of an old vessel. The frayed ropes added a colorful touch.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 3 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:49:27 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Snowy_Egret
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Forster Tern
(77 of 189) (325427 views)

./20100603_Foster_Tern_Elkhorn_Slough.jpg

It was satisfying to get a close-up of this wonderful diving bird. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 3 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:27:05 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Elkhorn_Slough
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(78 of 189) (340976 views)

./20100604_Demure_California_Sea_Lion.jpg

A female sea lion tried to appear very demure.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 4 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:06:05 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Sea_Lion
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California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(79 of 189) (337542 views)

./20100604_Young_Sleepy_California_Sea_Lion.jpg

A very young sea lion was sleepily curious about his observers.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 4 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:06:05 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Sea_Lion
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Forster Tern (Sterna forsteri)
(80 of 189) (325455 views)

./20100606_Foster_Terns_On_Ship_Ribs.jpg

Skeletal ship ribs now supported a row of windswept terns.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 6 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:26:06 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Ship_Ribs
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Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
(81 of 189) (325229 views)

./20100607_Western_Grebe_Caught_Fish.jpg

A Western Grebe after its dive for fish.


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 7 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:45:05 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Caught_Fish
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Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
(82 of 189) (325458 views)

./20100607_Western_Grebe_Ready_To_Dive.jpg

Here is a Western Grebe ready to dive for fish. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 7 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:44:14 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #To_Dive
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Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
(83 of 189) (325484 views)

./20100608_Allens_Hummingbird_Santa_Cruz.jpg

A tiny bronze hummingbird stopped to pose on the tip of a branch and I thanked him. external link


Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 8 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:45:29 Thursday 1 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Santa_Cruz
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Common Loon (Gavia immer)
(84 of 189) (325599 views)

./20100608_Common_Loon_Elkhorn_Slough.jpg

The loons that day seemed to stay well away from our boat. I was only able to get close enough for this one photo. This is a Common Loon in winter plumage. external link


Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 8 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:46:38 Friday 12 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Elkhorn_Slough
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California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
(85 of 189) (325374 views)

./20100609_California_Towhee_Natural_Bridges_Park_Santa_Cruz.jpg

Towhees are the robin-sized birds that scoot away under shrubbery before you can get a close look at them. Unless you are a bird stalker (I mean photographer) with much patience. external link


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 9 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:51:05 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Santa_Cruz
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Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
(86 of 189) (325575 views)

./20100609_Chestnut_backed_Chickadee_Posed_3_Seconds.jpg

This photo shows a chickadee that had gathered some fuzzy material for its nest. Chickadees are quite active birds who don't usually pose as nicely as this one did for me. It actually held still for more than three seconds. external link


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 9 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:45:29 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #3_Seconds
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis )
(87 of 189) (338528 views)

./20100610_Brown_Pelican_By_fisherman.jpg

The fisherman hadn't noticed that a pelican had just landed next to him on the pier.


Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 10 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:54:42 Wednesday 10 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #By_fisherman
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Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)
(88 of 189) (325303 views)

./20100611_Bewicks_Wren_Natural_Bridges_Santa_Cruz.jpg

Bewick is pronounced Buick, like the car. This wren is thriving in the nation's parklands and adds its voice to nature's concert. external link


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 11 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:47:16 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Santa_Cruz
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California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
(89 of 189) (325447 views)

./20100611_California_Towhee_In_A_Tree.jpg

Towhees are not often seen in trees, because they love to forage in leaf litter under bushes and at the edges of paths.


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 11 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:51:05 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #A_Tree
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis )
(90 of 189) (337948 views)

./20100612_Brown_Pelican_Can_Fly.jpg

It surprises me that a big bird like a Pelican can fly so effortlessly.


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 12 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:13:40 Wednesday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Can_Fly
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Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
(91 of 189) (325508 views)

./20100612_Whimbrel_Natural_Bridges_Santa_Cruz.jpg

Natural Bridges Park was sunny and bright that day, which brought out the colors of the birds and water. In contrast, he following day was overcast with afternoon rain. external link


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 12 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:14:42 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Santa_Cruz
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Pygmy Nuthatch (Siffa pygmaea)
(92 of 189) (325888 views)

./20100613_Pygmy_Nuthatch.jpg

This tiny bird was poking around the holes in a dead tree. It was far away but I did manage to get a couple of shots. external link


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 13 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:32:50 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Pygmy_Nuthatch
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Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
(93 of 189) (325631 views)

./20100613_Whimbrel_Head_Markings.jpg

This photo of whimbrels shows their head markings quite well. external link


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California
(Photo posted Sunday 13 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:12:50 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales
Creative Commons License #Head_Markings
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Killdeer eggs
(94 of 189) (335960 views)

./20100614_Killdeer_eggs_Oakland_Middle_Harbor_Park.jpg

This was the second killdeer nest I'd found. internal link The first one was on gravel and this one on flowerbed mulch. Both times the nests were easily overlooked and the eggs hard to spot. external link


Middle Harbor Park, Oakland, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:10:46 Sunday 14 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Harbor_Park
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Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) with Sandpipers
(95 of 189) (325482 views)

./20100614_Whimbrel_With_Sandpipers.jpg

The sandpipers illustrate the adage that "birds of a feather flock together" and the whimbrel shows that, yes, we all can just get along.


Natural Bridges Park, Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:12:53 Thursday 11 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #With_Sandpipers
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Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
(96 of 189) (334003 views)

./20100615_Killdeer_Faked_Being_Hurt.jpg

This killdeer external link tried to lure me away from her nest and eggs fluttering her wings as if injured. internal link Ironically, the only reason I knew her nest was nearby was because of the mother killdeer's behavior. She faked being hurt and then looked back to see if I was buying it.


Middle Harbor Park, Oakland, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 15 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:11:44 Sunday 14 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Being_Hurt
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Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
(97 of 189) (325411 views)

./20100615_Snowy_Egret_In_Flight.jpg

A snowy egret in flight is the poetry of nature. external link


Middle Harbor Park, Oakland, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 15 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:23:54 Sunday 14 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #In_Flight
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Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
(98 of 189) (325265 views)

./20100616_Snowy_Egret_In_Mid_Landing.jpg

A snowy egret mid landing appeared to dance.


Middle Harbor Park, Oakland, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 16 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:23:54 Sunday 14 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Mid_Landing
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Snowy Egret and Great Egret
(99 of 189) (337917 views)

./20100616_Snowy_Egret_Stalked_Great_Egret.jpg

The larger Great Egret was stalked by the smaller Snowy Egret.


Middle Harbor Park, Oakland, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 16 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:39:54 Sunday 14 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Great_Egret
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Blue Damselfly
(100 of 189) (325324 views)

./20100617_Blue_Damsefly.jpg

These conjoined damselflies are a mated pair and stay connected like this until the eggs are laid. Both damselflies seen here are bright blue so this may be a "gay" pairing as documented in National Geographic. external link


Lake Merced, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 17 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:11:41 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Blue_Damsefly
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Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
(101 of 189) (326274 views)

./20100617_Red_Shouldered_Hawk_On_Powereline.jpg

A Red-shouldered Hawk showed off his very red shoulders while atop a high voltage power pole. external link


Lake Merced, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 17 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:57:08 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #On_Powereline
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Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
(102 of 189) (325827 views)

./20100618_Black_Phoebe_On_A_Gate.jpg

Phoebes are one of my favorite birds because they seem so positive about life. I know I embue them with that attitude, but it's what I see.

Shown here is a Phoebe perched on a gate. external link


Lake Merced, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 18 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:13:09 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #A_Gate
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White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
(103 of 189) (325577 views)

./20100618_White_Crowned_Sparrow.jpg

I just love it when a bird comes close enough and holds still enough to get a good shot like this! external link


Lake Merced, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 18 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:17:17 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Crowned_Sparrow
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Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(104 of 189) (326194 views)

./20100619_Double_Crested_Cormorant_Scooped_Plants.jpg

This cormorant scooped up a beakful of water plants to build its nest and then flew off.


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 19 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:54:32 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Scooped_Plants
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Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(105 of 189) (325657 views)

./20100619_Double_Crested_Cormorant_Silhouette.jpg

This silhouette clearly shows the double crests that gave this cormorant its name. external link


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 19 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:52:29 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Cormorant_Silhouette
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American Coot (Fulica americana)
(106 of 189) (325500 views)

./20100620_American_Coot_Close_Up.jpg

A close-up of the lovely coot.


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 20 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:10:27 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Close_Up
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American Coot (Fulica americana)
(107 of 189) (325509 views)

./20100620_American_Coots.jpg

The coot external link is a common bird found just about everywhere there is fresh water. The coot is not a duck but a rail. external link It doesn't have the typical flat bill of a duck and its feet are quite different, not webbed but lobed. internal link


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 20 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:09:57 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #American_Coots
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Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
(108 of 189) (325707 views)

./20100621_Brewers_Blackbird_Shows_Off.jpg

A male Brewer's blackbird was showing off its glorious purple sheen.


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 21 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:11:45 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Shows_Off
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Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
(109 of 189) (325779 views)

./20100621_Male_Brewers_Blackbird.jpg

A handsome male blackbird perched on a branch. external link


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 21 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:11:45 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Brewers_Blackbird
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House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
(110 of 189) (325567 views)

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A very common bird but one I've rarely photographed. The red color of this house finch indicated he was male. The female, by contrast, is quite plain with no coloration. external link


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 22 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:17:54 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Is_Colorful
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Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
(111 of 189) (325812 views)

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Pretty, noisy and never stays still for long. That's the chickadee. external link


Lake Merced, Harding Park internal link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 22 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:10:27 Sunday 28 March, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #The_Chickadee
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Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
(112 of 189) (326153 views)

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Gray Squirrels external link seem to be thriving in the Arboretum. We saw about a dozen that afternoon.


Strybing Arboretum internal link, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 23 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:16:16 Sunday, 2 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Gray_Squirrel
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Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
(113 of 189) (325333 views)

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A Western Squirrel scavenging on the ground, glimpsed through the foliage. A nice sun-dappled look.


Strybing Arboretum internal link, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 23 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:05:04 Sunday, 2 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Sun_Dappled
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Frogless Lilly Pad
(114 of 189) (325826 views)

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As we left that day we passed a nice pond with water lilies. A gorgeous flower but without the iconic frog. external link


Strybing Arboretum internal link, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 24 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:16:51 Sunday, 2 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Lilly_Pad
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Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
(115 of 189) (325875 views)

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A tiny charmer with a beakful of lunch. external link


Strybing Arboretum internal link, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 24 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:33:06 Sunday, 2 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #With_Beakful
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Fern
(116 of 189) (325673 views)

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This was neither a talon nor a mutated squid tentacle. It was the just the frond of a fern about to unroll. The actual plant was at least seven feet tall. external link


Strybing Arboretum internal link, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 25 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:47:53 Sunday, 2 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #20100625_Fern
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Swan River Daisy (Brachycome Iberidifolia)
(117 of 189) (326056 views)

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The arboretum gardeners really knew what they were doing. These Swan River Daisies were bloomed in wild profusion. external link


Strybing Arboretum internal link, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 25 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:42:32 Sunday, 2 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #River_Daisy
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Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
(118 of 189) (325694 views)

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I believe we San Franciscans should campaign for better dental care for Our squirrels. Maybe we can get it on the next ballot.


Strybing Arboretum internal link, San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 25 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:05:38 Sunday, 2 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Squirrel_Teeth
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Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(119 of 189) (325296 views)

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This cormorant appeared to swim in green water but the green was actually a reflection of trees. external link


Lake Anza, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 26 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:02:44 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Green_Water
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Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(120 of 189) (325263 views)

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A cormorant was about to remove a leaf that had fallen onto its back.


Lake Anza, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 26 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:02:44 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #On_Back
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Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
(121 of 189) (325297 views)

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A mallard duckling observes Mom's dabbling technique.


Lake Anza, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 27 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:05:12 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Demos_Dabbling
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Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
(122 of 189) (325399 views)

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Here is a mallard hen with her one chick. external link


Lake Anza, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 27 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:04:54 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #With_Chick
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Junco (Junco hyemalis)
(123 of 189) (325347 views)

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I grew up to know this bird as the Oregon Junco with it's rufous flanks and black hood. Then I later learned it is really a Dark-eyed Junco external link and the Oregon Junco is a subspecies. This species of Juncos is too large a group to be a subspecies so debate still goes on, but to me they will always be Oregon Juncos.

Here is a little guy foraging in the typical junco fashion, giving me a pretty sun-dappled photo.


Lake Anza, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 28 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:38:34 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Oregon_Junco
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Oregon Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
(124 of 189) (325845 views)

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A bird with young to feed has a full time job and in this case a very full beak. external link


Lake Anza, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 29 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:19:48 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Full_Beak
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Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
(125 of 189) (325257 views)

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A male mallard posed on a large tree limb that extended out over the water. The sunlight made his iridescent colors show well.


Lake Anza, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 30 June, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:31:49 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Iridescent_Colors
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California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
(126 of 189) (325381 views)

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The typical Towhee is very shy and will scuttle away as soon as anyone approaches. This Towhee however, allowed me to get quite close and seemed unpreturbed by me or other visitors to the park. external link


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 2 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:26:05 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Approachable_Towhee
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Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
(127 of 189) (325403 views)

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A song sparrow found a place to drink. external link


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 2 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:14:04 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #To_Drink
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Banana Slug (Ariolimax californicus)
(128 of 189) (325731 views)

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I almost didn't see this well camouflaged and slow moving slug. He and I are both happy I didn't step on him. external link

The Banana Slug is also famous for its role in sports. It is the official mascot of University of California at Santa Cruz. external link


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 4 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:28:29 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata)
(129 of 189) (326577 views)

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Four turtles sunned themselves just across the pond in the weak afternoon sunshine. external link


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 4 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:28:29 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
(130 of 189) (325277 views)

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As we left Jewel Lake we were escorted out by a loud scolding Stellar's Jay. He was quite insistent that we had overstayed our welcome. external link


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 5 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:28:29 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
(131 of 189) (325112 views)

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After "evicting" us from its part of the park, the jay watched and made sure we were actually leaving.


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 5 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:33:39 Wednesday 12 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Watched_Us
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Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
(132 of 189) (325503 views)

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Two Phoebes were very active near Jewel Lake's shore. This nesting pair would each catch insects, pose on the spillway and then fly to feed their nesting young. external link


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 6 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:20:21 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla )
(133 of 189) (326638 views)

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Wilson's Warblers are numerous in California, yet this was the first one I had ever seen. Of course, since seeing my first, I now suddenly seem to find them on every outing. external link


Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 6 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:38:02 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla )
(134 of 189) (325254 views)

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The Wilson's Warbler from yesterdays posting, internal link viewed from a different angle, showed that it had been banded. The silver band was numbered and was issued by US Fish & Wildlife, the colored bands had letters and were issued by research groups. Each number and color could be used to access a database for info about that specific bird. external link


Jewel Lake external link Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:38:14 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Wilsons_Warbler
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Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata)
(135 of 189) (326090 views)

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A solitary pond turtle suns itself on a log.


Jewel Lake external link Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 8 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:49:40 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Western Pond Turtles & Red Slider
(136 of 189) (325957 views)

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Western Pond Turtles external link sunned themselves on a log in Jewel Lake. The leading turtle on the log however was a Red Slider. Perhaps a pet released after the owners became bored with it or the turtle became too big to remain cute.

Red-eared Sliders are an invasive species native to the Southern US. After they became common household pets they started showing up in Western states as well. Released in the wild they were "able to hybridize with native turtles damaging the integrity of the native species and introducing new pathogens to native animals." external link


Jewel Lake external link Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 8 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:49:40 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Red_Slider
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Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
(137 of 189) (325664 views)

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A Black Phoebe about to deliver lunch to it's young.


Jewel Lake external link Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 9 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:20:21 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Delivers_Lunch
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Oregon Junco (Junco hyemalis var. Oregonus)
(138 of 189) (325290 views)

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The white markings on the tail of a female Oregon Junco are only visible in flight. Or, in this case, just before take-off. external link


Jewel Lake external link Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 9 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:47:20 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tail_Markings
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American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
(139 of 189) (325549 views)

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This male goldfinch was in transitional plumage, moving from non-breeding into breeding colors. He also appeared to be molting a bit, as goldfinches do twice a year. external link


Tilden Park Ponyrides internal link Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 11 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:27:43 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis)
(140 of 189) (325122 views)

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This Pacific-slope Flycatcher external link sat on its thorny branch and let me approach to within a few feet. It was perched in the trees surrounding the now closed Pony Rides at Tilden Park. internal link


Tilden Park Ponyrides, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 11 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:27:43 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
(141 of 189) (325236 views)

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A male American Goldfinch coming into breeding plumage.


Tilden Park Ponyrides internal link Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 12 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:29:36 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)
(142 of 189) (325439 views)

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Usually, a spotted towhee is seen in the underbrush. In the spring however, the male spends a great deal of time in the trees singing to attract a mate. external link


Tilden Park Ponyrides internal link Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 12 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:27:43 Tuesday 18 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Crayfish
(143 of 189) (325702 views)

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A crayfish was unexpectedly sighted in the Botanical Gardens. When I was a kid we called it a crawdad. external link


Botanical Gardens, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 13 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:41:42 Tuesday 18, May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Botanical_Gardens
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Junco (Junco oreganus)
(144 of 189) (325801 views)

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As we headed to the car I captured this last glimpse of an Oregon Junco just before he disappeared over the rooftop. external link


Tilden Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 15 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:28:44 Tuesday 18, May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Botanical_Gardens
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Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
(145 of 189) (326679 views)

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I saw many lizards that day. This one was recharging his "solar batteries". When I was a kid we called this type of lizard a blue-belly. external link


Sherman Island, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 16 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:13:44 Friday 23 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Island_CA
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Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
(146 of 189) (325502 views)

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A Scrub Jay on a barbecue searched for food. external link


Sherman Island, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 17 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:43:20 Friday 23 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Island_California
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Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
(147 of 189) (325298 views)

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A Scrub Jay in a tree with a very large bug!


Sherman Island, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 18 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:44:04 Friday 23 May, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Island_California
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Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
(148 of 189) (325165 views)

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The same type of lizard I saw on Sherman Island internal link was found in Tilden Park.


Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 19 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:08:02 Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Tilden_Park
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Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri )
(149 of 189) (325500 views)

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Imagine a charcoal colored bird that landed in a birdbath filled with indigo-blue Easter Egg dye. That's the Stellar's Jay. But in bright sunlight, the normally charcoal top of the Stellar's Jay appears brown. external link


Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 21 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:33:51 Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Charcoal_Top
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Yucca
(150 of 189) (325638 views)

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This dramatically spiny yucca plant was found just inside the gate. external link


Botanical Garden, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 22 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:33:51 Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Botanical_Garden
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Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri )
(151 of 189) (325512 views)

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Is the Stellar's Jay a blue bird with a charcoal top or a charcoal bird with a blue bottom?


Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Friday 23 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:36:11 Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #On_Branch
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Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri )
(152 of 189) (325442 views)

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This Stellar's Jay held down a butterfly and pulled off it's wing's. Naughty bird.


Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 26 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:37:20 Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #With_Butterfly
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Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
(153 of 189) (325616 views)

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Pretty butterflies are often the food for pretty birds.


Tilden Park, Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 27 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 13:37:35 Monday 14 June, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #As_Food
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Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna )
(154 of 189) (325442 views)

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A female Anna's Hummingbird sat quite still on a dried twig. For a moment. external link


Bay Point Trail, Bay Point, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 28 July, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:18:06 Sunday 25 July, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Remained_Still
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Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
(155 of 189) (326110 views)

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We encountered a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins on our return from a cruise around part of Anacapa Island in the Santa Barbara Channel . Some were leaping ahead and to the side of us while others raced with us.

I was not able to get many usable photographs. The dolphins were so very fast and you never know where they will appear. The ones racing alongside the boat were amazing, but I didn't have the equipment to film them. Here is a link to bow riding dolphins that shows exactly what I saw: external link

Seeing the dolphins was an unforgettable experience.


Santa Barbara Channel, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 30 October, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:05:25 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(156 of 189) (325605 views)

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There are hundreds of sea lions on Anacapa Island. external link This group was on the side of the island that faced the mainland, but the majority of them were on the other side facing the sea, which we did see a few minutes later.


Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Channel, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 31 October, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:25:59 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(157 of 189) (325484 views)

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These sea lions looked great on the rocks next to the opening of a sea cave.


Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Channel, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 31 October, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:25:59 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(158 of 189) (326073 views)

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Seeing a large colony of sea lions in the wild is very different than seeing them in a manmade setting like Pier 39. internal link


Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Channel, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 3 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:35:33 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(159 of 189) (325479 views)

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A small harem of sea lions on their private island.


Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Channel, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 4 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:31:24 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Black-crowned Night Heron
(160 of 189) (335399 views)

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This bedraggled juvenile black-crowned night heron was perched on the dock near the boat we were going to use. I hoped it wasn't a harbinger of how our trip would turn out.


Oxnard, California   •  (Photo posted Monday 8 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 09:21:08 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(161 of 189) (337814 views)

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A flock of pelicans flying in typical formation with Anacapa island in the background.


Anacapa Island, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 9 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:32:36 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Brandt's and Double-crested Cormorants
(162 of 189) (325814 views)

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Close to Anacapa there were scores of seabirds and the light was lovely.


Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Channel, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 10 November, 2010) <
(Photo taken 11:11:38 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales
Creative Commons License
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(163 of 189) (325497 views)

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The rocks surrounding Anacapa Island are dramatic and favored by pelicans.


Anacapa Island, California   •  (Photo posted Thursday 11 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:13:03 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(164 of 189) (338202 views)

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The pelican glides effortlessly over the surface of the sea.


Anacapa Island, California   •  (Photo posted Saturday 13 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:12:27 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(165 of 189) (325617 views)

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This wall of pelicans was only a small sampling of the hundreds on the island.


Anacapa Island, California
(Photo posted Sunday 14 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:15:19 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales
Creative Commons License #Anacapa_Island
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(166 of 189) (325397 views)

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Pelicans sunned themselves high atop a large rock cliff.


Anacapa Island, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 17 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:19:27 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Anacapa_Island
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(167 of 189) (325240 views)

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A closer look at pelicans on the cliff face.


Anacapa Island, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 21 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:21:16 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Closer_View
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(168 of 189) (325273 views)

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Pelicans roosting near the Anacapa lighthouse.


Anacapa Island, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 23 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:19:27 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Anacapa_Lighthouse
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Brandt's and Double-crested Cormorants
(169 of 189) (325366 views)

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A cliff of cormorants.


Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Channel, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 24 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:23:22 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Of_Cormorants
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Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus)
(170 of 189) (332928 views)

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The Green-winged Macaw goes by many names: Greenwing Macaw, Red and Green Macaw and Green Wing Macaw. external link They are one of the largest and gentlest of all the Macaws.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 30 November, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:39:48 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
(171 of 189) (326379 views)

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This cockatoo seemed healthy and alert but very quiet. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 1 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:48:06 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna)
(172 of 189) (332674 views)

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A loud, large, parrot looking quite handsome. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Thursday 2 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:31:55 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
(173 of 189) (325746 views)

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No, that's not its trunk. It's the tail of an Asian Elephant. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Friday 3 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:05:04 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar)
(174 of 189) (325912 views)

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Also known as the white-handed gibbon, this Lar Gibbon lazed in the afternoon sun. external link These gibbons have colorings that range from black to white with all shades of brown in between.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Saturday 4 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:05:23 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
(175 of 189) (325653 views)

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The improbable flamingo pondering its place in natural history. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Sunday 5 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:02:46 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis)
(176 of 189) (334363 views)

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A very large, old Leopard Tortoise sunned itself that afternoon. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 8 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 14:57:03 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata)
(177 of 189) (334433 views)

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A very large tortoise with an imposing look. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Friday 10 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:57:00 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
(178 of 189) (333495 views)

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Catching the afternoon sun, the master of the grasses rests in its domain.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Saturday 11 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:13:46 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
(179 of 189) (334580 views)

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This Capybara needs a good brushing.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Sunday 12 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:33:31 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
(180 of 189) (333079 views)

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A capybara peeking coyly from behind its giant palm frond.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Monday 13 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:33:31 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Baringo Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi)
(181 of 189) (325699 views)

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The Santa Barbara zoo called this giraffe a Baringo giraffe. It was originally named the Rothschild giraffe and now sometimes called the Ugandan giraffe. No matter its name, it is a threatened species of giraffe. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 14 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:57:03 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Southern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
(182 of 189) (325604 views)

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Several energetic hornbills rarely stopped their rapid walk around the giraffe enclosure. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Friday 17 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:58:01 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis)
(183 of 189) (325499 views)

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The Island Fox is only found on the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Each of those six islands has its own subspecies of this little fox. Very Galapagos of them. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Monday 20 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:14:56 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Lion (Panthera leo)
(184 of 189) (330845 views)

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The King of the Jungle appeared regal that day. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 21 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:54:02 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Lion (Panthera leo)
(185 of 189) (331696 views)

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The lion demonstrated camouflage.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link
(Photo posted Wednesday 22 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:54:13 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales
Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Lion (Panthera leo)
(186 of 189) (330607 views)

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The King contemplated freedom.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Thursday 23 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:54:13 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Meerkat (Suricata suricatta)
(187 of 189) (325272 views)

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A meerkat taking his turn as sentry. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Sunday 26 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 16:02:28 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
(188 of 189) (325520 views)

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This Red-tailed hawk was being trained that afternoon. He flew down to gobble a tossed tidbit and then contemplated his flight back up to the keepers arm. external link


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 28 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:42:17 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Barbara_Zoo
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Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
(189 of 189) (325612 views)

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A Red-tailed hawk perched on the keeper's arm.


Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California internal link   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 29 December, 2010)   •  (Photo taken 15:42:02 Friday 8 October, 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Keepers_Arm
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