Central Valley Refuges

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California

White-faced Ibis

White-faced Ibis, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California

Long-billed Curlew

Long-billed Curlew, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California

Sunset at Isenberg Crane Refuge

Sunset at Isenberg Crane Refuge, California. As the sun was going down at Isenberg and the cranes were flyiing in through the twilight, the sun hit a cloud bank and the light and color disappeared. We thought the show was over, but a bit later, the sun popped below the clouds and into a fog bank, and suddenly we had this....

Sandhill Cranes in flight

Sandhill Cranes in flight, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California

Sandhill Cranes in flight

Sandhill Cranes in flight, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California

Sandhill Cranes Dancing

I found this beautiful stick for you! Sandhill Cranes Dancing, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California. Sandhill Cranes dance. This dancing begins early in life, and cranes will dance as part of the interactions between potential partners. Partnered birds will continue to dance and this is thought to help strengthen the pair bonds. Dancing includes various postures including bows and wing stretches as well as hops and jumps and short flights. Sometimes the birds will carry or present sticks to their partner.

Sandhill Cranes Dancing

Sandhill Cranes Dancing, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, California. Sandhill Cranes dance. This dancing begins early in life, and cranes will dance as part of the interactions between potential partners. Partnered birds will continue to dance and this is thought to help strengthen the pair bonds. Dancing includes various postures including bows and wing stretches as well as hops and jumps and short flights. Sometimes the birds will carry or present sticks to their partner.

Swainson's Hawk

Swainson's Hawk, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, California

California Quail

California Quail, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced County, California

White-faced Ibis

White-faced Ibis, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced County, California

Greater White-fronted Goose Landing

Greater White-fronted Goose coming in for a landing, Colusa NWR, California

Wilson's Warbler

Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California

You Can't See Me!

Rabbit, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California

Sunset at Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail, Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Sunset at Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Ross's Geese

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Ross's Goose Landing, Merced NWR

Ross's Goose Landing, Merced National Wildlife Refuge

American Bittern

American Bittern, Merced National Wildlife Refuge. This bird flew out past my car, doubled back and disappeared into the rushes. I didn't expect to see it, but when I drove up to where it had bee, there it was, hanging out halfway up the reeds and trying its darnest to convince me it wasn't there. At this point, I am maybe 3 meters from it. It was wary but didn't seem to be stressed, so I took a short period of time to get some images, and then got away from it so it could get to a safer place.

Juvenile Red-Shouldered Hawk

Juvenile Red-Shouldered Hawk, Merced National Wildlife Refuge