Creek Views

The last few times we've gone to Lassen Volcanic National Park, we've spotted at least one Bald Eagle.

 This one was perched high up, looking out over Manzanita Creek...

Click here for a handy Birds of Lassen Field Checklist in case you ever decide to visit the park!

Pine Cone Wars

We saw our first ever Western Wood-Pewee while we were at Lassen Volcanic National Park! So excited to spot this cute little bird!

He was diligently defending his territory against this stubborn Steller's Jay...

The jay wasn't deterred at all and kept foraging around like there wasn't a little bird dive-bombing him every few seconds!

A Game of Solitaire

While we were at Lassen Volcanic National Park, we spotted a new bird to add to our lifelist and Big Year list! A Townsend's Solitaire!

It took a bit of patience to get a few good photos because this active bird is quite the mover and shaker!

Tricolored Blackbirds can also be found all around the park...

 This one just happened to be singing his heart out...

Perch with a View

Wanna know what this Tree Swallow was looking out at?

A fantastic view of Manzanita Lake!

 Lassen Volcanic National Park

 

Robins in the Mountains

The scenery at Lassen Volcanic National Park is absolutely gorgeous!

I highly recommend walking the trail around Manzanita Lake because the views will have you snapping photos every five feet!

During our visit there were a few Canada Geese on the lake, along with some Mallards, Coots and Buffleheads.

And there was a robin in every tree, or it just seemed that way anyway!

Their orange coloring contrasts nicely against the pine trees...

Go, take a hike!

The best way to beat the heat here in the valley is to get the heck outta town! Luckily, Lassen Volcanic National Park is only about an hour away and the temps there are much lower than the triple digits (112!) we're experiencing here at home.

An early morning walk around Manzanita Lake is so peaceful and relaxing. We were there early enough to hear the birds awakening and to watch the sun rise over the water.

A trail goes all around the lake and you can take your time looking for birds to add to your lifelist.

And the best part is, we saw a pair of bald eagles right off the bat! There they are at the top of that dead tree...

Let's get a little bit closer... There they are!

The only downside to birding while the sun is coming up is that you don't always get the best light for your photos.

And then two seconds later, the light changes, and your photos turn out even better!

 These eagles had a great view of the lake. It's exactly where I'd be if I had wings!

 

Star of the Show

Today's photos come to you directly from my backyard. I love watching starlings bee-bop around in the grass, looking for grub, but they are soooo difficult to photograph when they're motoring along at full speed ahead! When I noticed that one had landed and was actually standing still, I quickly grabbed my camera and managed to get a few photos before he flew off again.

They're a cool looking bird and I love how their bills turn yellow in the summertime.

They're especially beautiful in the sunlight and I was ecstatic to get a little bit of that rainbow effect in this shot...