Happy 4th of July from the Wetlands

First let me wish everyone a great 4th of July. I plan on spending the day with family enjoying a bbq and local fireworks in the evening.

Now if you read my prior post you know I headed out to the wetlands on Saturday in an attempt to get some shots of the black skimmers, which didn't work out. I did get some great shots of the Caspian Terns, but no skimmers. Well since I was enjoying a nice 3-day weekend, something I don't get a lot of, I thought I make another attempt at the wetlands for the skimmers. I was still dissapointed with the lack of skimmers, but was able to get a few nice shots of them and it was the perfect morning to take them. The sum was coming up on a cloudless morning with mirrored water. Perfect morning to be out.

After spending some time getting some shots of the skimmers I walked to the mid-area of the wetlands to get some shots of the Caspian Terns feeding and again I wasn't dissapointed. Although I didn't stay at this location long as I wanted to walk further into the wetlands to see what else I could find. I did see and take a few pictures of a red tailed hawk and peregin falcon, although I wasn't happy with the quality and won't be posting those.

Prior to leaving I made another stop where the terns were feeding as was able to get some shots of a tern feeding her chick, which I thought was very cool and hopefully you will as well. So enjoy the shots and enjoy the 4th with your family.

I'll start with a few of the black skimmers.

Now for some caspian terns

These next two shots are actually two different shots from two different series.

A few various other shots I took during the morning.

Brown Pelican

Snowy Egret

Unknown spider, have I told you I hate spiders, although I thought this was a cool shot.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Got up at oh-dark thirty and headed out to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. I was hoping to get some shots of the black skimmers, but unfortunately it was very overcast and there just wasn't any activity from them this morning.

I started the morning along the east entrance to the wetlands along a footbridge and while I waited and watched I noticed a lot of terns flying past me with fish in their beaks. They were all coming from west of me, so I decided to head over there to see the activity. During this I met a very nice gentlemen who was out doing the same thing I was, enjoying the morning and photographing the wildlife. We talked as we walked and I found out he used to have a photography studio, which focused on weddings. Our conversation really made the morning very pleasant.

Once we got to our destination, we shot and continued to talk. Had a great time shooting the terns.

For my first shot I have the Brown Pelican.

This is followed by the Black-necked Stilt

And then Caspian Terns, many Caspian Terns.