Wildlife at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge - Part 2

The second day of wildlife photography at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge was a bit different than the first. A strong north wind had kicked in, and I was concerned about what that would do to the birds.

What it did was cause the ducks and geese to form tight groups deep in the reeds, far from prying eyes and difficult to shoot. However, the wind also made them skittish, and entire flocks would suddenly burst into the air when one bird got disturbed.

A flock of snow geese take flight.

With some patience, I was able to get a number of good images of the geese both taking off and landing.

Snow geese come in for a landing.

Overall, the wind had the effect of keeping the birds on the ground. In the case of the geese and most of the ducks, it meant they were far away and hard to see, but for other species, it made them easier to shoot, because they were reluctant to take off. So, overall, the two days balanced out in the opportunities and images they provided.

Mallard couple

Great blue heron

Great egret

Great egret with feather ruffled by the wind.

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