Wildlife at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge - Part 1

It has become a tradition that in late December or early January I head out to the local wildlife refuges to do a bit of wildlife photography.

This year was no different. The weather has been unseasonably warm, dry and windy, so I didn't have to worry about rain or fog ruining the shoot.

On the first day, winds were calm and wildlife was abundant. Geese, ducks, hawks - all were easily seen and photographed. Missing on this day were the pheasants, herons, and egrets that usually lurk around the edges of the wetlands.

Redtail hawk on the hunt.

Snow goose

Snow goose

A Ross's goose comes in for a landing.

Two snow geese prepare to land.

Late afternoon at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Winter on the Feather River

This winter has been one of the driest in history, but last month we were blessed with a very cold winter storm that dropped snow down to about 1000 feet, including our street.

Snow on our street.

The next morning, I got up, scraped the ice and snow off my truck, packed up my gear and headed up Highway 70, up the Feather River toward Quincy.

Conditions were amazingly icy, and there was virtually no one on the road, so I traveled slowly.

Although, I got few wonderful winter shots, the biggest disappointment was that the snow was only a couple of inches deep even in Quincy.

Snow covered trees along the Feather River

The Feather River winds through a snow-covered canyon.

Oaks covered with a dusting of snow.

Snow-covered Feather River at the Storie Bridge.

Favorite Images of 2013

Well, it's that time of year again. As I do every year, I post my ten favorite images for the preceding year. You can also view my favorite photos of 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

2013 wasn't nearly as productive as 2012, but I nevertheless took some wonderful images. Here are my ten favorite images of 2013, in chronological order.

White-fronted Goose - Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Great Egret catching dinner - Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Lamb at Chaffin Family Orchards

Bulwinkle Ravine, Nevada City

Fall colors in Bidwell Park, Chico

Fall colors in Bidwell Park, Chico

William Land Park, Sacramento

Clouds reflected in rice fields

Sunset over the rice fields

Snow in Feather River Canyon