On the Backroads Again

I don't think we've ever driven around on the backroads around Llano Seco and the Sacramento NWR and not seen a kestrel! Gosh, they sure are colorful (even in not the best light)!

We also spotted a Merlin, right in the same tree I've seen one in years past...

Wonder if it's the same one or one of its offspring?

 I'll have to come up with a name for him if he's going to be a regular on our birding route...

Country Cranes

This was probably the closest we've been to Sandhill Cranes before!

This group was in one of the fields across from Llano Seco and I was able to zoom in real nice and get some great photos!

Another Magical Sunrise

Llano Seco Wildlife Area sure puts on a show in the early morning hours...

Western Meadowlark

Viewing Platform

American Kestrel

Black Phoebe

If I was a painter, this would be a great place to capture on canvas...

Let's go birding!

Refuge Greeters

It's always nice to receive a warm welcome when you arrive at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge!

This Black Phoebe was on the sign, waving us in...

And this Say's Phoebe was right there on the other side of the road, doing his part to welcome visitors, too!

And here's a bonus pic of a Red-tailed Hawk and his impressive nest, just down the road...

Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge ☼ Codora Unit

We took a walk through the Codora Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, looking for songbirds...

Here a few of the swallows' nests under the overpass...

The birds were tough to see, even with no leaves on the trees, but they sure make a lot of noise!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Bewick's Wren

Black Phoebe

And when we arrived at Packer Lake, guess what we saw! Our very first beaver sighting!

Visit my travel blog, Vaughn the Road Again, for more about the refuge and to watch the video highlights from our walk!

Land Right Here!

This spot in my backyard is getting some serious bird action!

Besides the Sharp-shinned Hawk that landed here last week, I've spotted quite a few backyard bird visitors in this very same spot...

Western Meadowlark

(Keep in mind that these photos were taken through my tinted sliding glass door!)

Male Western Bluebird

And he even brought his girlfriend along!

Female Western Bluebird

These adorable little guys are one of my favorites and I always have a tough time getting photos of them in the wild because they are so quick. And here I'm taking pictures of him from my couch!

Yellow-rumped Warbler

And, because it's always nice to see birds in motion, I took some video...