The Swainson's Hawk Show

I had so much fun photographing at my favorite place last Sunday, I had to go back today!

I was headed for the gazebo and I heard the familiar call of the wood duck. There he was! The light was a bit funky for getting any decent pics but I gave it ago.

I continued on my way, excited to see what the day would bring. I bypassed the avocets as I figured they'd be around on my second lap. 

I quickly spotted momma mallard and her ducklings! So cute!

I pulled myself away from all that cuteness and headed for the back pond. The pond was very quiet, so I walked over to the swainson's area. Showtime!
The female was on top of the telephone pole enjoying some bunny for breakfast.

She chowed down! The breakfast of champions,right? Time stood still as I stood and watched her enjoy her food.

Then I spotted her mate nearby. I thought he might try to sneak a bite of her food but he was a smart guy and left her alone......

I continued on and heard a familiar call. Oh yeah, the western kingbird. I do not usually see them here so it was a fun treat!

Then I spotted the canada goose nursery, or at least it looked like one. There were lots of goslings and a few adults supervising.....

I went over to check on the cooper's hawks. I could see the female was on the eggs and the male was close by. 

I began lap two and walked over the boardwalk. This tree swallow landed right in front of me and posed so nicely......

Not much else was going on, so I heard back to the swainson's nest. On the way I spotted this blue jay....

I got back to the swainson's and now the male was on the telephone pole with some nesting material.....

After some finagling, he got the stick in his talons and flew off.....

I thought he was gonna fly to the nest but he landed on the next telephone pole to get a better grip...

Then he headed for the nest....

After dropping off the twig at the nest, he flew into a nearby tree for more twigs....

I continued on around the main pond and went back to see if the cooper's hawks were available for a pic. Nope! But I did spot the says phoebe. He posed nicely and then zipped off to grab a grasshopper for breakfast....

Time for lap three! One of the avocets was in a nice spot for a pic........

Then I walked over to check on the great blue herons. Everyone was napping, so I continued on. A streak of yellow zipped by and landed right in front of me! Oh yea, a yellow warbler!

Yum! Green caterpillar for breakfast!

After the warbler flew off, I noticed another avocet with an itch to scratch.....

And the turtles finally got up.........

Finally! My first black crown night heron of the season........

I just love the colors on the mallard's head!

I headed back to check on the swainson's one last time. They were not around at the moment but a flock of bushtits flew in. They are tiny and fast, so it took awhile to get a pic. 
It looked like a mix of youngsters and their parents. I believe this is a youngster.....

Whew! What a fun time at my favorite place! It did not disappoint! It was time to head home and get Hazel dog out for some playtime. We headed over to twin lakes to meet up with Georgia and Amber for playtime and possible owl sightings.
We did spot one of the owlets and one of the parents. All the trees are now in full bloom which makes it quite challenging to see these guys. But it also makes fun!

The doggies had some good playtime and then it was time for lunch and an afternoon nap!

Thanks for reading!