CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE JULY 2024

                                                       "she say's she talks to angels"

      

Recent White tailed kite Eastern CC County

            Updating wildlife pictures taken in the Bay Area. The best sky shows during the fourth of July season in my biased view, are the amazing raptors in our Bay Area. In Eastern CC County the white tail kites are a great example. I have been viewing these birds in high Eucalyptus trees where they use their beaks to tear off small branches in order to use them to build or line their nests. Sharing recent views of this activity. Hopefully, the youngsters will hang out in this same area. Last year I posted many photos of kites with their prey, usually small field mice and gophers. This time around, I am posting a couple of re-edited older “food transfer” photos from a few years back, just to remind everyone how amazing these birds are. I believe this to be a training exercise performed more by white tailed kites than most other raptors. All other kite photos in this set are recent. Check individual photo text for dates on older pictures.

           According to older Audubon field guides, the white-tailed kites were nearly extinct in the early 1930’s with no known explanation. They have come back strong since. Often described as graceful birds, they are excellent flyers, fierce when adversaries wander into their territory. Around here, red shouldered hawks, Swainsons, and red tails share the some of the same locations resulting in an interesting “Hatfield and McCoy’s” situation. I will say the red shoulders provide more audible entertainment, screaming at times more than necessary. The expanding populations of crows and raven are concerning. Overall, the white tail populations seem to be doing well. I am fortunate to live close by.

Including other local summertime species from our area. Happy summer everyone! Stay safe in the heat! Please click on individual photos for larger views...

Recent Juvenile bald eagle from the Ohlone trail S/O Del Valle reservoir

Recent Northern Bullocks oriole California Delta near seven mile slough

Recent white tail kite Eastern CC County

 Older (06-02-18) Western coyote Marsh Creek area...

Recent white tail kite Eastern CC County

Recent stellars jay Del Valle reservoir area

Older (05-27-14) white tail kite training session Eastern Cc County

Older (05-27-17) white tail kite training session Eastern CC County

Recent eight spot dragon fly? (not sure) Del Valle reservoir

Recent dark morph swainson hawk Eastern CC County

Recent white tailed kite Eastern CC County Note; All white tail photos including older versions photographed in same location... Thanks everyone! 

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