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Light rain fell and skies were dark as we traversed the roads of the Wildlife Area this afternoon. Our foray began just after 1pm and took about 2 hours. Numerous species were observed and photographed without the benefits of sunlight.

The yellow-headed blackbirds were still abundant in the pond just southeast of Lot A and the wildlife area entrance. Several tule reed clusters were inhabited bit these animals and they made frequent flights between them. For the first time we also found numerous yellow-heads in the tule reeds along the road that meanders northwest in the general direction of the area entrance/exit. There have always been red-winged blackbirds and plenty of coots here, but for today at least, there more yellow-headed blackbirds (especially females) than anywhere else. All photographs were under dim light and no sun, as previously stated.

Harriers were swooping around, but unfortunately none came close enough to shoot. Several nice red-tailed hawks were seen perched on signs and irrigation control valves, but took flight long before a lens could be lifted. Numerous large crows/ravens were in the trees and flying around including one in a large (perhaps former hawk) nest.

The patterns made by the raindrops on the glassy waters of the wetlands were fun to watch, but not as much fun as seeing the herd of goats on the levee again…same as our last trip on 2020 04-02.

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