Marsh Sunset

Lumix G5, Lumix 100-300mm


--Warren

Black Necked Stilts

Lumix G5, Lumix 100-300mm

I was visiting my friend in Alameda last night for dinner. He lives near Crown Beach. I got there early and took a walk there right around sunset time. There were a lot of shorebirds there including these Black Necked Stilts. I don't remember seeing these birds on the west side of the Bay, but maybe it's only because I haven't noticed before.

--Warren

Grebes in Love (Spring is Almost Here!)

Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix 100-300mm

Here is a picture the same two Clark's Grebes from another angle. I was standing about 20 feet to the left of Dolph. We happened to see them towards the end of their courtship dance. Like Dolph said, it was fascinating to watch them being so playful with each other. We were a little late this time, so I'm hoping to go back here to see them or another pair next time.

I found a video on Youtube that documents the dance.

Link: to Youtube video.

--Warren

Black Oystercatchers

Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix 100-300mm

These striking shorebirds do not usually eat oysters despite their name. They mainly feed on small mollusks along the shoreline. These were seen at Heron's Head park at India Basin. I like the vivid colors in their beaks and eyes, could they be SF Giants fans? :)

--Warren

Sanderlings at Pacifica

Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix 100-300mm

I like these small shorebirds because they are so cute. In the first picture, a large wave came in and scattered them from the rock that they were standing on. I think they got tired after a while. Many of them were trying to rest in the midst of all the wind and waves. It's interesting that they can ignore all that to nap so close to the waves.

--Warren

Whimbrel

Panasonic DMC-G1, Lumix 45-200mm

This shorebird breeds in the Arctic Tundra, but spends winters in the Bay Area and other southern areas.

--Warren