Palo Alto, CA July 3, 2008 There was a small group of eucalyptus trees with a little rookery of Snowy Egrets nesting in them at the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. These beautiful birds were nearly wiped out in the late 1800's and early 1900's for their delicate plumage. The feathers were used in women's hats! What a tragic loss that would have been! These birds may be elegant, but they do not make good neighbors! They would squawk and peck at each other if one came too close to another's nest. They make the funniest sound I have ever heard from a bird, a chortling sound like a drunk duck! This guy (or gal, they look alike) has raised its feathers, perhaps to make it look more intimidating or to attract a mate.
Santa Cruz, CA July 6, 2008 It seems like I did a lot of photography from cliff tops while I was in California! These birds nest in holes in the cliff sides. They would fly down to the ocean to catch fish, then quickly fly back to their hungry, waiting chicks. They are very fast fliers and are hard to photograph! We got a kick out of their bright red feet!
Santa Cruz, CA July 6, 2008 These birds were sharing their fishing area with the local surfers! They seemed to be unfazed by them though!
