California Wildlife

November 16, 2023

Golden Eagle flight

James Hale Story GOLDEN COUNTRY

Sharing an event in October when I photographed a female and male set of Golden Eagles about 200 feet apart on separate remote utility posts in Eastern Contra Costa County. They were obviously traveling together. I positioned myself between them for a short period of time with decent light at fairly close range. Both appeared to be young birds. Photographs below.

*Sad news; Bay Area biologist and friend “James (Doc) M Hale” has passed away. Actually, James was much more than that to the Bay Area. He was a professional vertebrate zoologist, certified wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant for forty-six years.

When I was a PW crew supervisor in Martinez, the fish and wildlife committee would meet once a month in our Maintenance yard. Jim attended these meetings during that time, as a consultant I believe for F&W. When the meetings ended, I would try to catch Jim on his way to his car in the parking lot. Only problem was, others from the meetings would always be talking to him. He was a wealth of information on wildlife, and loved to talk with others who were interested. He listened to everyone, even those like me who were not nearly as educated and knowledgeable as he. I always had a pre thought question or questions in mind that I knew he was the best to answer.

James was mentioned a few times in this wildlife site over the years, as I was able to tour some local areas with him where he had some concerns or interests. In Contra Costa County, concerning burrowing owl populations, and badger sightings. A couple of times, he met me in Oakley, and I drove. He documented badgers that had been struck by vehicles on Vasco Rd. At that time, I remember, there were three dead badgers along that roadway. It was a problem. He and I visited an active burrow in Los Vaqueros reservoir in 2013. The most recent trip with Jim was on 05-14-21, a day after another active badger den was located near Vasco Rd. towards the North end. On that Saturday, he drove his truck out and we toured the area, and though we did not see any badgers, he noted where other possible dens were located and could be monitored. It was always a great day getting to talk with James and listen to his thoughts and experiences. I have been, and will continue inspecting these areas.

After reading all the things Jim was involved with on his website, I have no idea how he had the time to do all the things he did. Much of the time without being paid for it, and I think it proves how much he loved wildlife, and how fortunate he was to live the incredible life he did. I didn’t even get to know much about his personal life; He was without a doubt, the original “wilderness man.”

* In my golden eagle encounter above, while I was observing, I noticed the larger female eagle took off first towards the west foothills, I turned my attention onto the smaller eagle, thought to be a male. After a minute or two, he took flight following the female towards the foothills of the Diablo region. I was literally in the same area where Jim and I last visited. I found out later that Jim had passed away, and that it was the same day I photographed these two eagles.

* Good news Governor Gavin Newsome signed AB 1322 (To crackdown on diphacinone Rat Poison) to the benefit of raptors and wildlife- Thank you Lisa Owens and Allen Fish (Raptors are the Solution)

Sharing other recent photos of species taken lately in the Bay Area, including a Mink in the California Delta system and a bobcat in Alameda County. Many more as well… All Local