Image
2010, Animalblog by Terry Costales

Lion (Panthera leo)
(1 of 189) (329886 views)

./20101222_Camouflaged_Lion_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
(2 of 189) (324249 views)

./20100102.jpg

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
#20100102.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Capped Heron
(3 of 189) (325544 views)

./20100103.jpg

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
#20100103.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

David Graves
(4 of 189) (324658 views)

./20100104.jpg

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
#20100104.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
(5 of 189) (324097 views)

./20100105.jpg

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
#20100105.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
(6 of 189) (325412 views)

./20100106.jpg

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
#20100106.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)
(7 of 189) (325894 views)

./20100107.jpg

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
#20100107.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Anna's Hummingbird
(8 of 189) (325520 views)

./20100114.jpg

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
#20100114.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Anna's Hummingbird
(9 of 189) (325848 views)

./20100115.jpg

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
#20100115.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Song Sparrow
(10 of 189) (325188 views)

./20100116.jpg

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
#20100116.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
(11 of 189) (324837 views)

./20100117.jpg

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
#20100117.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Sparrow
(12 of 189) (324379 views)

./20100118.jpg

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
#20100118.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
(13 of 189) (325109 views)

./20100119.jpg

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
#20100119.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(14 of 189) (336150 views)

./20100120.jpg

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
#20100120.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
(15 of 189) (336752 views)

./20100121_Great_Egret_Bodega_Bay.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Swimmer in the Waves
(16 of 189) (323731 views)

./20100122_Swimmer_In_The_Waves.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Kite
(17 of 189) (323730 views)

./20100124_Kite.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Riley
(18 of 189) (324551 views)

./20100125_Riley.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
(19 of 189) (323890 views)

./20100126_Black_Phoebe.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
(20 of 189) (333624 views)

./20100127_American_Avocet.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
(21 of 189) (323747 views)

./20100128_Cliff_Swallow.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
(22 of 189) (333743 views)

./20100129_Black-Crowned_Night_Heron.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
(23 of 189) (333256 views)

./20100130_Spectacled_Bear.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)
(24 of 189) (324162 views)

./20100131_Ring-tailed_Lemur.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
(25 of 189) (325685 views)

./20100201_Crow.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Raft of Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(26 of 189) (345607 views)

./20100318_Raft_of_Sea_Otter.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(27 of 189) (337595 views)

./20100319_Sea_Otter_Groomed.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Raft of Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(28 of 189) (336193 views)

./20100320_Raft_of_Sea_Otter.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(29 of 189) (338113 views)

./20100321_Brown_Pelican.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis )
(30 of 189) (336902 views)

./20100322_Brown_Pelican_Head.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(31 of 189) (333843 views)

./20100323_Harbor_Seal.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)
(32 of 189) (323908 views)

./20100324_Brants_Cormorant.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(33 of 189) (333761 views)

./20100325_Harbor_Seal.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(34 of 189) (334770 views)

./20100326_Sea_Otter_With_Shell.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(35 of 189) (336159 views)

./20100327_Brown_Pelican_Head_On.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(36 of 189) (323951 views)

./20100329_Double_Crested_Cormorant.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus)
(37 of 189) (324222 views)

./20100331_Pelagic_Cormorant_Surfaced.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(38 of 189) (345782 views)

./20100402_Sea_Lion_Swimming.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)
(39 of 189) (323845 views)

./20100404_Brants_Cormorant_White_Plumes.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(40 of 189) (323919 views)

./20100405_Two_Double-crested_Cormorants.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(41 of 189) (335338 views)

./20100413_Sea_Otter_Persuade.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(42 of 189) (333918 views)

./20100426_Harbor_Seal_Colors.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(43 of 189) (335808 views)

./20100427_Sea_Lions_Under_Wharf.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
(44 of 189) (324793 views)

./20100503_Lesser_Flamingo_Elkhorn_Slough.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)
(45 of 189) (323616 views)

./20100508_Brants_Cormorant_Preening.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(46 of 189) (333716 views)

./20100509_Harbor_Seal_Whiskers.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
(47 of 189) (323799 views)

./20100510_Eared_Grebe_Winter_Look.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(48 of 189) (335312 views)

./20100511_Sea_Otter_Grooming_Traps_Air.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
(49 of 189) (323534 views)

./20100512_Lesser_Flamingo_Fed_Up.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(50 of 189) (338243 views)

./20100513_California_Sea_Lion_Family_Portrait.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
(51 of 189) (323983 views)

./20100514_Lesser_Flamingo_Still_There.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(52 of 189) (334183 views)

./20100515_Harbor_Seal_Curious_About_Us.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)
(53 of 189) (324008 views)

./20100516_Marbled_Godwit_Elkhorn_Slough.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(54 of 189) (335227 views)

./20100517_Sea_Otter_Paparazzi.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Great Blue Heron
(55 of 189) (324910 views)

./20100518_Great_Blue_Herons_Elkhorn_Slough.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(56 of 189) (335789 views)

./20100519_California_Sea_Lion_Elkhorn_Slough.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Bumblebee
(57 of 189) (323556 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(58 of 189) (336540 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
(59 of 189) (324164 views)

./20100521_Great_Blue_Heron_Moss_Landing.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
(60 of 189) (336038 views)

./20100522_Brown_Pelicans_Moss_Landing.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
(61 of 189) (336112 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(62 of 189) (335773 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Forster Tern
(63 of 189) (323694 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(64 of 189) (333837 views)

./20100524_Harbor_Seal_Fur.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(65 of 189) (335760 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)
(66 of 189) (323578 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
(67 of 189) (323682 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(68 of 189) (334696 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
(69 of 189) (334241 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
(70 of 189) (323284 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(71 of 189) (334340 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
(72 of 189) (334459 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(73 of 189) (336711 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(74 of 189) (336304 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
(75 of 189) (336226 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican and Snowy Egret
(76 of 189) (323756 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Forster Tern
(77 of 189) (323673 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(78 of 189) (339099 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(79 of 189) (335645 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Forster Tern (Sterna forsteri)
(80 of 189) (323684 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
(81 of 189) (323472 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
(82 of 189) (323703 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
(83 of 189) (323730 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Common Loon (Gavia immer)
(84 of 189) (323840 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
(85 of 189) (323618 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
(86 of 189) (323817 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis )
(87 of 189) (336646 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)
(88 of 189) (323549 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
(89 of 189) (323692 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis )
(90 of 189) (336074 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
(91 of 189) (323747 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Pygmy Nuthatch (Siffa pygmaea)
(92 of 189) (324134 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
(93 of 189) (323875 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Killdeer eggs
(94 of 189) (334120 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) with Sandpipers
(95 of 189) (323727 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
(96 of 189) (332188 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
(97 of 189) (323655 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
(98 of 189) (323506 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Snowy Egret and Great Egret
(99 of 189) (336082 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Blue Damselfly
(100 of 189) (323568 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
(101 of 189) (324518 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
(102 of 189) (324064 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
(103 of 189) (323822 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(104 of 189) (324440 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(105 of 189) (323887 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

American Coot (Fulica americana)
(106 of 189) (323742 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

American Coot (Fulica americana)
(107 of 189) (323756 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
(108 of 189) (323954 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
(109 of 189) (324022 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
Add a comment or report a mistake

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
(110 of 189) (323807 views)

./20100622_Male_House_Finch_Is_Colorful.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
(111 of 189) (324059 views)

./20100622_The_Chickadee.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
(112 of 189) (324391 views)

./20100623_Western_Gray_Squirrel.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
(113 of 189) (323574 views)

./20100623_Western_Gray_Squirrel_Sun_Dappled.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Frogless Lilly Pad
(114 of 189) (324070 views)

./20100624_Frogless_Lilly_Pad.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
(115 of 189) (324120 views)

./20100624_Song_Sparrow_With_Beakful.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Fern
(116 of 189) (323912 views)

./20100625_Fern.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Swan River Daisy (Brachycome Iberidifolia)
(117 of 189) (324299 views)

./20100625_Swan_River_Daisy.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
(118 of 189) (323938 views)

./20100625_Western_Gray_Squirrel_Teeth.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(119 of 189) (323543 views)

./20100626_Double_Crested_Cormorant_In_Green_Water.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
(120 of 189) (323509 views)

./20100626_Double_Crested_Cormorant_Leaf_On_Back.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
(121 of 189) (323538 views)

./20100627_Mallard_Hen_Demos_Dabbling.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
(122 of 189) (323642 views)

./20100627_Mallard_Hen_With_Chick.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Junco (Junco hyemalis)
(123 of 189) (323592 views)

./20100628_Oregon_Junco.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Oregon Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
(124 of 189) (324092 views)

./20100629_Oregon_Junco_With_Full_Beak.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
(125 of 189) (323503 views)

./20100630_Male_Mallard_Iridescent_Colors.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
(126 of 189) (323621 views)

./20100702_Approachable_Towhee.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
(127 of 189) (323649 views)

./20100702_Song_Sparrow_Place_To_Drink.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Banana Slug (Ariolimax californicus)
(128 of 189) (323970 views)

./20100704_Banana_Slug_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata)
(129 of 189) (324823 views)

./20100704_Western_Pond_Turtles_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
(130 of 189) (323520 views)

./20100705_Stellars_Jay_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
(131 of 189) (323358 views)

./20100705_Stellars_Jay_Watched_Us.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
(132 of 189) (323748 views)

./20100706_Black_Phoebe_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla )
(133 of 189) (324869 views)

./20100706_Wilsons_Warbler_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla )
(134 of 189) (323499 views)

./20100707_Banded_Wilsons_Warbler.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata)
(135 of 189) (324328 views)

./20100708_Solitary_Western_Pond_Turtle_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Pond Turtles & Red Slider
(136 of 189) (324203 views)

./20100708_Western_Pond_Turtles_And_Red_Slider.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
(137 of 189) (323908 views)

./20100709_Black_Phoebe_Delivers_Lunch.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Oregon Junco (Junco hyemalis var. Oregonus)
(138 of 189) (323533 views)

./20100709_Oregon_Junco_White_Tail_Markings.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
(139 of 189) (323789 views)

./20100711_American_Goldfinch_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis)
(140 of 189) (323367 views)

./20100711_Pacific_Slope_Flycatcher_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
(141 of 189) (323474 views)

./20100712_American_Goldfinch_In_Breeding_Plumage_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)
(142 of 189) (323677 views)

./20100712_Spotted_Tohee_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Crayfish
(143 of 189) (323944 views)

./20100713_Crayfish_Tilden_Botanical_Gardens.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Junco (Junco oreganus)
(144 of 189) (324043 views)

./20100715_Junco_Tilden_Botanical_Gardens.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
(145 of 189) (324912 views)

./20100716_Western_Fence_Lizard_Sherman_Island_CA.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
(146 of 189) (323745 views)

./20100717_Scrub_Jay_Sherman_Island_California.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
(147 of 189) (323541 views)

./20100718_Scrub_Jay_with_Bug_Sherman_Island_California.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
(148 of 189) (323410 views)

./20100719_Western_Fence_Lizard_Tilden_Park.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri )
(149 of 189) (323744 views)

./20100721_Stellars_Jay_Charcoal_Top.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Yucca
(150 of 189) (323882 views)

./20100722_Yucca_at_Tilden_Botanical_Garden.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri )
(151 of 189) (323758 views)

./20100723_Stellars_Jay_On_Branch.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri )
(152 of 189) (323687 views)

./20100726_Stellars_Jay_With_Butterfly.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
(153 of 189) (323860 views)

./20100727_Stellars_Jay_Butterfly_As_Food.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna )
(154 of 189) (323687 views)

./20100728_Annas_Hummingbird_Remained_Still.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
(155 of 189) (324356 views)

./20101030.jpg

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
#20101030.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(156 of 189) (323848 views)

./20101031.jpg

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
#20101031.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(157 of 189) (323721 views)

./20101101.jpg

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
#20101101.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(158 of 189) (324314 views)

./20101103.jpg

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
#20101103.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
(159 of 189) (323725 views)

./20101104.jpg

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
#20101104.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Black-crowned Night Heron
(160 of 189) (333548 views)

./20101108.jpg

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
#20101108.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(161 of 189) (335947 views)

./20101109.jpg

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
#20101109.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Brandt's and Double-crested Cormorants
(162 of 189) (324058 views)

./20101110.jpg

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
#20101110.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(163 of 189) (323744 views)

./20101111.jpg

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
#20101111.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(164 of 189) (336324 views)

./20101113.jpg

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
#20101113.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(165 of 189) (323858 views)

./20101114_Wall_Of_Pelicans_Anacapa_Island.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(166 of 189) (323643 views)

./20101117_Pelicans_On_Cliff_Top_Anacapa_Island.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(167 of 189) (323485 views)

./20101121_Pelicans_On_Cliff_Closer_View.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
(168 of 189) (323512 views)

./20101123_Pelicans_Below_Anacapa_Lighthouse.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Brandt's and Double-crested Cormorants
(169 of 189) (323605 views)

./20101124_Cliff_Of_Cormorants.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus)
(170 of 189) (331119 views)

./20101130_Green-winged_Mcaw_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
(171 of 189) (324624 views)

./20101201_Sulphur_crested_Cockatoo_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna)
(172 of 189) (330867 views)

./20101202_Blue_and_Gold_Macaw_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
(173 of 189) (323993 views)

./20101203_Asian_Elephant_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar)
(174 of 189) (324157 views)

./20101204_Lar_Gibbon_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
(175 of 189) (323899 views)

./20101205_Chilean_Flamingo_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis)
(176 of 189) (332557 views)

./20101208_Leopard_Tortoise_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata)
(177 of 189) (332631 views)

./20101210_African_Spurred_Tortoise_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
(178 of 189) (331659 views)

./20101211_Capybara_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
(179 of 189) (332730 views)

./20101212_Capybara_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
(180 of 189) (331241 views)

./20101213_Coy_Capybara_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Baringo Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi)
(181 of 189) (323943 views)

./20101214_Baringo_Giraffe_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Southern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
(182 of 189) (323849 views)

./20101217_Southern_Ground_Hornbill_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis)
(183 of 189) (323745 views)

./20101220_Island_Fox_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Lion (Panthera leo)
(184 of 189) (329041 views)

./20101221_Lion_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Macaws
(185 of 189) (345280 views)

./20100101.jpg

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
#20100101.jpg

Add a comment or report a mistake

Lion (Panthera leo)
(186 of 189) (328789 views)

./20101223_Lion_Contemplated_Freedom_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Meerkat (Suricata suricatta)
(187 of 189) (323518 views)

./20101226_Meerkat_Sentry_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
(188 of 189) (323763 views)

./20101228_Red_Tailed_Hawk_Santa_Barbara_Zoo.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
(189 of 189) (323858 views)

./20101229_Red_Tailed_Hawk_On_Keepers_Arm.jpg

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
Add a comment or report a mistake


Subscribe to our mailing list for a Sunday summary of the week's stories.
* indicates required
Email Format
home contact topic guide top 25 photos video writing blogs upload terms privacy