Fun with Gulls

Bonaparte's Gull at rest
Originally uploaded by Bill Walker.

Ashok and I went to Venice Beach on Yamil's advice in search of a cooperative male Wood Duck. Although we didn't find the duck, we had a lot of fun hanging out with two fearless Bonaparte's Gulls, who swam closer than the 15 foot minimum focus distance of our telephoto lenses. Beautiful birds.

Gull photos here.

"Buy nothing / Bird everything" Day

Mary and her new friend
Originally uploaded by Bill Walker.

Today we took our annual day-after-thanksgiving birding trip down to Ogier Ponds near Morgan Hill, where we found some very cooperative Osprey and Turkey Vultures. Too cooperative, really -- we filled up flash cards like there was no tomorrow, and frankly tried Mary's patience as the Vultures sunned themselves while allowing us to approach quite closely.

The most exciting birding moment was a very quick glimpse at, and one photograph of, a Green-tailed towhee. I've never seen this species in Santa Clara county before, so I was pretty excited to find him; unfortunately, I was unable to show the bird to either Mary or Ashok.

After winding up our Ogier Ponds stop with some very gratifying Osprey watching, Mary and I finished up the day at Calero Reservoir, which we found very conducive to (a) napping, and (b) visiting with friendly horses, who think Mary's clothing is really yummy.

You can see more Photos here at flickr.

Bill with the Laura Johnson Group this Sunday

Hey all,

If you're in the mood to hear the blues, or play the blues, come to J. J.'s Blues in San Jose this Sunday (November 19th) around 5:30 or 6pm to hear me with the Laura Johnson Group. We'll be hosting the Blues Jam Session featuring us and whoever else shows up. Should be a fun time. Bring yer axe!

Scouting Arrowhead Marsh

Clapper Rail
Originally uploaded by Bill Walker.

I got back home Wednesday night, and Thursday morning I was out in Oakland with Ashok, scouting for our Wild Bird Center trip. We had very cooperative Clapper Rails, the Virginia Rails were much more elusive, popping up for a second or two at a time. Photos here.

A Visit to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Skywalker, Red-tailed Hawk
Originally uploaded by Bill Walker.

At the end of our Wisconsin trip, we got to visit our dear friends Rick and Sherry in Milwaukee. Sherry is a dedicated volunteer at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, where she helps out with their raptor program.

We got a chance to go backstage and lean about how she and the other volunteers care for and train the birds. Sherry brought a few of the birds outside so I had a chance to make these portraits of them. Thanks, Sherry and Rick, for a wonderful visit!

Hangin' around Hamann's

Hamann's Variety Store
Originally uploaded by Bill Walker.

We had a charmingly quiet day around Prairie du Chien today. One of the highlights was Hamann's, a honest-to-goodness Variety Store that still sells hair nets and flash cubes and cribbage pegs. Wonderful place. I posted a few more photos from today and the past few days. Tomorrow, we're off for a quick stop in Milwaukee before heading back west.

Rivers and Bluffs Birding Festival concludes

Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by Bill Walker.

Today we wrapped up Ric Zarwell's Rivers and Bluffs Birding Festival with a field trip to Minnesota (not as far as it sounds, only like 20 miles up from Lansing). We got great looks at Bald Eagle, and even found a Golden Eagle to go with them. Zillions of Tundra Swans and geese, beautiful weather, nice company, a wonderful day.

Greetings from Wisconsin

Bald Eagles on the Missisippi
Originally uploaded by Bill Walker.

Hey everybody,

Just a quick note to say howdy from Wisconsin. It's coooold and overcast here, but we're having a great time birding along the river. I just can't get used to how many Bald Eagles there are flying around. Ric Zarwell's Rivers and Bluffs birding festival has been great so far. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.