tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105892696898959232024-03-12T21:19:46.111-07:00River's Wind NotesThoughts and reflections of an aging naturalist,White Water rafter, Fly fisherman and Conservationist.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-58846184256961691542012-06-25T10:12:00.000-07:002012-06-25T10:12:19.401-07:00Costa Rica Cloud Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The second part of our Costa Rican adventure began as we departed Puerto Jimenez for Drakes Bay and then on to San Jose.<br />
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We were met by Pablo our driver and left San Jose driving over 2 hours through the city ascending a steep narrow mountain road climbing 10,000 feet to the pass at Cerro de La Muerte toward our destination in the mountains near San Gerardo de Dota.</div>
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There were many slower trucks and buses and it was raining and foggy but that didn't stop our driver from passing them on this very dangerous winding road.</div>
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As we began to descend the Savegre canyon I was impressed by the different vegetation and life zones compared to the Rain forest. It reminded me of the Sierra Nevada foothills. </div>
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We stayed at this beautiful <a href="http://www.savegre.com/">Sevegre Hotel De Montana</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHSc-SxqpmpND5n_l7uuYxUj0Uzu7xkD0yAM4ZDKzPu099KKvlN4U8qUt9WyglwKOCrWgfyC-WRz2dBzDRg841wyKTtMrQpZxHPYHr8UwF6n2svzbCjCIf55V-Q51mBijWtsMqzLQRgFv/s1600/Gray+tailed+Mountain+Gem+male.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHSc-SxqpmpND5n_l7uuYxUj0Uzu7xkD0yAM4ZDKzPu099KKvlN4U8qUt9WyglwKOCrWgfyC-WRz2dBzDRg841wyKTtMrQpZxHPYHr8UwF6n2svzbCjCIf55V-Q51mBijWtsMqzLQRgFv/s320/Gray+tailed+Mountain+Gem+male.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray-tailed Mountain-Gem (Colibri montanes coligris)</td></tr>
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Arriving at the <a href="http://www.savegrehotel.com/savegrelodge.html">Savegre Hotel</a> and Reserve near San Gerardo de Dota we immediately noted a dozen birders with binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras surrounding the Hummingbird feeders that were placed near the hotel entrance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnNvl_ZCJ-xs1G2qPtJNTYlLD1Qlvt7PtKzufvJCj9gvUT4BsPcQB_FRs7-eLycGbJTDuUhOy_3ag_cPrtKhkpRx2kSp3uENVn97-COrtHYmRYR-S0XZzia-oqQHNQhkbzfuqeO13ilLu/s1600/DSCN0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnNvl_ZCJ-xs1G2qPtJNTYlLD1Qlvt7PtKzufvJCj9gvUT4BsPcQB_FRs7-eLycGbJTDuUhOy_3ag_cPrtKhkpRx2kSp3uENVn97-COrtHYmRYR-S0XZzia-oqQHNQhkbzfuqeO13ilLu/s320/DSCN0337.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Our room at Savegre Hotel</td></tr>
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Our newly constructed room was some distance from the main Lodge.<br />
The rooms are large with both bathtub and walk in tiled showers and the lodge has a nice bar and large dining area with delicious buffet dinners and a variety of deserts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0sG5lll72FEd5LF8hKKjjG5tqFREtzulHRrd6U3AQPX99JOr3ayY5AKFWczSXur7CPf72ulK9yXeviekvLNt47vaYQpwoeSjcZ_XtYFxHCHR2TshvxqB3C_3rrS3kkZ3LF1va__-l7kQ/s1600/Flame-colored+Tanager.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0sG5lll72FEd5LF8hKKjjG5tqFREtzulHRrd6U3AQPX99JOr3ayY5AKFWczSXur7CPf72ulK9yXeviekvLNt47vaYQpwoeSjcZ_XtYFxHCHR2TshvxqB3C_3rrS3kkZ3LF1va__-l7kQ/s320/Flame-colored+Tanager.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata)</td></tr>
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It didn't take long for us to get out with camera and binoculars to search for birds.<br />
Our first outing was lead by Melvin Fernandez who told us the story about how he got started as a professional "Naturalist Guide". <br />
He married one of the daughters of the Savegre Lodge owners and was employed in a large city as a welder. His young wife was unhappy because she didn't like the city and was lonesome for her family. Melvin gave up his job and moved his family to the beautiful mountains near San Gerardo de Dota and worked in the orchards driving his "machine". One day an elderly woman from the United States was out searching for birds and saw Melvin in the Orchard. She asked him if he had seen any birds? Melvin pointed out that there was a "bird over there and another over there"! The lady<br />
asked him why he didn't tell her the names? Melvin answered "because I don't know the names". The old lady handed Melvin her Field Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica and told him to learn the names and be able to identify at least 10 birds by the time she returned in a year. Melvin learned his birds well and still has the book. Today he can identify over 140 species that occur in the surrounding areas. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melvin Fernandez Naturalist Guide</td></tr>
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Melvin is an excellent guide and he worked hard and diligently to find birds for us to see and photograph. This beautiful Long-tailed Silky- Flycatcher (below)is endemic to CR and western Panama. It can be found in Cordilleras Central and de Talamanca, from timberline down to 6000 ft. elevation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBXE0MIwRPuFIEl4uOuIZwFLEiJPxlJARpwcK-gx8Bmd4Gw4ORXKDop70vRKEM5dxjVKI8TgrMWLara56eJUw8j06jkLLpsURDtxnmnHGPHT5c_SikeR7_xkG-I18d11cI8rDGXoyyXDK/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBXE0MIwRPuFIEl4uOuIZwFLEiJPxlJARpwcK-gx8Bmd4Gw4ORXKDop70vRKEM5dxjVKI8TgrMWLara56eJUw8j06jkLLpsURDtxnmnHGPHT5c_SikeR7_xkG-I18d11cI8rDGXoyyXDK/s320/IMG_5997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher (Ptilogonys caudatus)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vcahLkEctdd2ZhRiubPtbV5XVWAX-3CeonJaXUMvrMsHwuX5m3MzFYumLJ_BY0h7J8RbClj9ccry-s4AVSXAGKQngs38QzaHIbJm_tv1Vgvq4rECLXWGLgn2i1OhYbvp-4yEyCiZMmEY/s1600/DSCN0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vcahLkEctdd2ZhRiubPtbV5XVWAX-3CeonJaXUMvrMsHwuX5m3MzFYumLJ_BY0h7J8RbClj9ccry-s4AVSXAGKQngs38QzaHIbJm_tv1Vgvq4rECLXWGLgn2i1OhYbvp-4yEyCiZMmEY/s320/DSCN0380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above the clouds from one of the highest spots in the Talamanca mountain range<br />
near the continental divide.</td></tr>
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Melvin drove us to this mountain top for the great veiws and to see the Volcano Hummingbird found only in the high mountains above 1200 m and is endemic to <br />
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CR and western Panama.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcano Hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula)</td></tr>
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We also saw the Volcano Junco and this Green Spiny Lizard warming up on a rock in the sun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sYlD1cgRzuADQGLdoK1LLq9T4wN7jPlF3egyZsiGshgR95Ho9cHkqMHOwmTF4vc0HsEPpKPQPvssW6Z8kCbbBDbZA3WTK3LJ4w4hjpB0Aa05MdLZ9LldHkptomtAqvUHaGSoKt6yTA6L/s1600/IMG_6028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sYlD1cgRzuADQGLdoK1LLq9T4wN7jPlF3egyZsiGshgR95Ho9cHkqMHOwmTF4vc0HsEPpKPQPvssW6Z8kCbbBDbZA3WTK3LJ4w4hjpB0Aa05MdLZ9LldHkptomtAqvUHaGSoKt6yTA6L/s320/IMG_6028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus malachiticus)</td></tr>
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We then drove down the mountain and stopped at another lodge called Mirador de Quetzals which had numerous hummingbirds at their feeders allowing for photo opportunities galore. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx_PXfQ-2JhZjC6tI_s3KfyvKBBAycW4tnEugpbbrTMYBlKCHPRK-i_63V2t3bors_L7A2UibXTEGwLKP_BQrNTv5A9HgOh87v3yUifrsvSw6T_KQ8vQLuyEJ8hwTdBxcCxJaA9hR66FE/s1600/IMG_6055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx_PXfQ-2JhZjC6tI_s3KfyvKBBAycW4tnEugpbbrTMYBlKCHPRK-i_63V2t3bors_L7A2UibXTEGwLKP_BQrNTv5A9HgOh87v3yUifrsvSw6T_KQ8vQLuyEJ8hwTdBxcCxJaA9hR66FE/s320/IMG_6055.JPG" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis)</td></tr>
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This hummingbird was amazingly beautiful and although difficult to get a good photo due to it's constant movement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqZNFQPeTfFfxfFYTkaFA-fs4aSVhub0H1GmFp1TMm99ZsS4yYCA28EeiqaQSMXb7o0s3ZYCx-OlIev_Alr98moouki2YuG-HwD9aDJxk1nkf34nV12mY3zj0cuRFLtYoEroiHdvwpmGA/s1600/IMG_6058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqZNFQPeTfFfxfFYTkaFA-fs4aSVhub0H1GmFp1TMm99ZsS4yYCA28EeiqaQSMXb7o0s3ZYCx-OlIev_Alr98moouki2YuG-HwD9aDJxk1nkf34nV12mY3zj0cuRFLtYoEroiHdvwpmGA/s400/IMG_6058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) male</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPlmvBvSckQILfcAHAiSBobFu93ylsf1grhTjXkp43zq5T-1YzkC40GMX1IufcZvWt0RX4jAeb26WMINQRfZVSW69v1HSc_xwTRKKkula4kMIxP17oZFeGPpC4Vf6VUavGvidGRD5Xkvk/s1600/Resplendent+Quetzal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPlmvBvSckQILfcAHAiSBobFu93ylsf1grhTjXkp43zq5T-1YzkC40GMX1IufcZvWt0RX4jAeb26WMINQRfZVSW69v1HSc_xwTRKKkula4kMIxP17oZFeGPpC4Vf6VUavGvidGRD5Xkvk/s320/Resplendent+Quetzal.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resplendant_Quetzal">Resplendant Quetzal</a> (Pharomachrus mocinno) male</td></tr>
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After considerable hiking up a muddy road/trail in search of the Quetzal my wife Kimberley said calmly while peering into her binoculars "I'm looking at a Quetzal".<br />
The highly sought after bird that we came to see was perched high in a distant tree in all of its beautiful glory.<br />
That night we went out with Melvin after dark to look for Nightjars and owls.<br />
After walking along a trail in the forest above the lodge we heard the call of the <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4z8XaEC4uzprbhfJfiGKNcb83Qxmv-W_iaHXrUugdVvikv6cjdP93RhaHdEzeyyjodIayNHe7L_3THppHZM3GV1aQFGYHLvDhyZpvFendFUEIsGq6YpIRIMQB0-FBocC-EoAdscNP8Ms/s1600/DSCN0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4z8XaEC4uzprbhfJfiGKNcb83Qxmv-W_iaHXrUugdVvikv6cjdP93RhaHdEzeyyjodIayNHe7L_3THppHZM3GV1aQFGYHLvDhyZpvFendFUEIsGq6YpIRIMQB0-FBocC-EoAdscNP8Ms/s320/DSCN0411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.owling.com/Bare-shanked_%20Screech.htm">Bare-shanked Screech-Owl</a> (Megascops clarkii) which is fairly uncommon in the highlands and is endemic from Costa Rica to NW Columbia. <br />
After we looked and listened for more owls without success we were startled by a sound nearby. The sound turned out to be our guide playing a practical joke on us by tossing a rock into the brush above us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNONGGbz1CuHes_jy-hAQcuZGCQDj2-D2tL-345U8bQ2g037l_I9ONnBi3OEqquyCdvdxPhr2t5D5MfYi8xbAcaf8swgKyu6OXPrqWO_Ae_c6UrvZc6PBK-lyEA1511osIkLxxP2iL8j40/s1600/DSCN0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNONGGbz1CuHes_jy-hAQcuZGCQDj2-D2tL-345U8bQ2g037l_I9ONnBi3OEqquyCdvdxPhr2t5D5MfYi8xbAcaf8swgKyu6OXPrqWO_Ae_c6UrvZc6PBK-lyEA1511osIkLxxP2iL8j40/s320/DSCN0416.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimberley on the Sendero La Quebrada trail </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeu8mBWNAQvYiP45AR5v9VYhivk0-GYgQAHf3qiMpqRaAKo9l68qizC8JpPSXRIU1vauNd5r7AlZGz8PGXtoEQxvdCmc1oaoC4ZT80NgVNeDQl51BuUSWuokVX83JFf4PYJi-8_SnUtD/s1600/IMG_5991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgeu8mBWNAQvYiP45AR5v9VYhivk0-GYgQAHf3qiMpqRaAKo9l68qizC8JpPSXRIU1vauNd5r7AlZGz8PGXtoEQxvdCmc1oaoC4ZT80NgVNeDQl51BuUSWuokVX83JFf4PYJi-8_SnUtD/s320/IMG_5991.JPG" width="172" /></a></div>
Black-capped Flycatcher(Empidonax atriceps)<br />
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Yellowish Flycatcher(Empidonax flavescens)<br />
The next day we hiked on the same trail and enjoyed the beauty of the mountain forests and it's many birds including the two flycatchers above. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-an3IZ-uFH9IZ_CX_CTv1By08N7i9uq0ovKLyFWH8baVrSg5iynp9midDTsvXIfqylRMQnoZH-mFJpKAcn-STr7FTGDMsg4eMH_2d3PiVYwFKwy0EUppr9qVAmMT57SAnRNnf_IlS5jL/s1600/Flame-colored+Tanager.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-an3IZ-uFH9IZ_CX_CTv1By08N7i9uq0ovKLyFWH8baVrSg5iynp9midDTsvXIfqylRMQnoZH-mFJpKAcn-STr7FTGDMsg4eMH_2d3PiVYwFKwy0EUppr9qVAmMT57SAnRNnf_IlS5jL/s320/Flame-colored+Tanager.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flame-colored Tanager male (Piranga bidentata)</td></tr>
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The more I try to capture quality photos of birds wherever I travel I realize and appreciate how difficult it can be often requiring much patience and more time than I usually have. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZsz14XmRlbCUWo3I009wC5zhE29UlM-ww7enK6-3YUXqcyf60K9GZ8_YOpQ6v-mw7FdfpcS_UTBn2Vv6FuDd63eIvdcOST2geOIq4VObNEos5LHtSeq4-2d4_L69tyCI2JbCK17Ykdeq/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZsz14XmRlbCUWo3I009wC5zhE29UlM-ww7enK6-3YUXqcyf60K9GZ8_YOpQ6v-mw7FdfpcS_UTBn2Vv6FuDd63eIvdcOST2geOIq4VObNEos5LHtSeq4-2d4_L69tyCI2JbCK17Ykdeq/s320/IMG_6163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collared Redstart(Myoborus torquatus)</td></tr>
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Most of the birds that we saw were not photographed but I was fortunate to get a few good ones. The Collared Redstart above is endemic to CR and Panama and was photographed near the Sevegre river on our walk downriver to see the falls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94esDkIDO92rGFXdykglqfLJXgLHQUrxWKpu09SYldXoH3zJm2ihphIyEhuUZgqV2_eh5IHN-MVwV1aKFX2-3f6zVECVd-th_XrRFSzZd8hADjraqNVMPrFyKLurvkiT1auN6kF6WJ5U7/s1600/IMG_6166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94esDkIDO92rGFXdykglqfLJXgLHQUrxWKpu09SYldXoH3zJm2ihphIyEhuUZgqV2_eh5IHN-MVwV1aKFX2-3f6zVECVd-th_XrRFSzZd8hADjraqNVMPrFyKLurvkiT1auN6kF6WJ5U7/s320/IMG_6166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collared Redstart<br />
This beautiful little bird was very friendly allowing me to photgraph it a close range.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo8PpXzteGGnNnhDFrOQHmPyH5DfNYEJOS2FirTG1NPl0QbCz5883VQOZoq4KsZ3XpszvUNxp1hUPS4DG6pngA6p3slspOCpnz2O5qR6Tb7CeqAyqFJ1y-3Gss8dcJD7sp2Hb7s4hUk7z/s1600/IMG_6109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo8PpXzteGGnNnhDFrOQHmPyH5DfNYEJOS2FirTG1NPl0QbCz5883VQOZoq4KsZ3XpszvUNxp1hUPS4DG6pngA6p3slspOCpnz2O5qR6Tb7CeqAyqFJ1y-3Gss8dcJD7sp2Hb7s4hUk7z/s320/IMG_6109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnDqMwZ1VdB99LOkW3C8kCYK_KkayEzMISdBUdlRBgymPHAx1A8zv81T5WF5UaOLtp-g0-kK3PvwW_7tk4wP0UpgjS56h1ueAmAGiBdblvb-2p2DK6g_pb2nVzXt_T2r1ojgcVwvPTE0Q/s1600/IMG_6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnDqMwZ1VdB99LOkW3C8kCYK_KkayEzMISdBUdlRBgymPHAx1A8zv81T5WF5UaOLtp-g0-kK3PvwW_7tk4wP0UpgjS56h1ueAmAGiBdblvb-2p2DK6g_pb2nVzXt_T2r1ojgcVwvPTE0Q/s320/IMG_6176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Vultures roosting near hatchery along Rio Savegre</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM3mkWD1l902bzW3iiR05BfhoKmmCHKwDt_hQCDLAmgM1x69-8lYLGG8Zc-XqYaF7BsRKJsojLj7NQgBVF8DPBg5wywx4uUhhVfryb7z0na1T2pbcPjyxjtub-YX9G4Hd_8OrCMRT8IvQ/s1600/DSCN0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM3mkWD1l902bzW3iiR05BfhoKmmCHKwDt_hQCDLAmgM1x69-8lYLGG8Zc-XqYaF7BsRKJsojLj7NQgBVF8DPBg5wywx4uUhhVfryb7z0na1T2pbcPjyxjtub-YX9G4Hd_8OrCMRT8IvQ/s320/DSCN0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Black Vultures were common and roosting along the Sevegre river near the Hatchery. According to the locals the Savegre river is one of the cleanest rivers in Central America.<br />
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Green Violet-ear (Colibri orejiviolaceo verde)</div>
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This was a place that I could spend weeks birding and fishing because of it's beauty and remoteness. As we walked along this beautiful river we noted how peaceful it was far from the crowded cities with barred windows and heavy traffic. <br />
The Hummingbirds were amazing and probably my favorites on this trip and this beautiful male Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) was no exception. <br />
The next afternoon we were driven to our last hotel a few miles north of the City of San Jose.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzXAppgHD1KuZWaCvczBCqa5jX0HVX_9dMZYDo15GYDIo_BVxeimlGkXGZXWO-0qP6Lha6x8_TisszCI_mnSJnaDGg_y6-rgukPcaGD1b8YxrDllUet_EFvZCn5Imty8ylefxIdGf2_gZ/s1600/DSCN0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzXAppgHD1KuZWaCvczBCqa5jX0HVX_9dMZYDo15GYDIo_BVxeimlGkXGZXWO-0qP6Lha6x8_TisszCI_mnSJnaDGg_y6-rgukPcaGD1b8YxrDllUet_EFvZCn5Imty8ylefxIdGf2_gZ/s320/DSCN0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying out of Puerto Jimenez</td></tr>
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Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com24239, Costa Rica9.7956775828297431 -84.375-20.264427417170257 -124.8046875 39.855782582829747 -43.9453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-62477330508744077302012-02-14T11:35:00.000-08:002012-02-22T12:51:44.110-08:00Costa Rica Osa Pennisula<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfOgfkEDYB7tVj-D6y3r5Un0MFem5E9SgTn4yWWbN6YK9H_Icy7jHeBCU3xKaMlPEAM938D_aPxPkoKi3Ernya0UfRmTrESu6PFf214oEwIqmzCXpxRmWd8eKaPngw8wvWUkm_0XHuvgX/s1600/IMG_5784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfOgfkEDYB7tVj-D6y3r5Un0MFem5E9SgTn4yWWbN6YK9H_Icy7jHeBCU3xKaMlPEAM938D_aPxPkoKi3Ernya0UfRmTrESu6PFf214oEwIqmzCXpxRmWd8eKaPngw8wvWUkm_0XHuvgX/s320/IMG_5784.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbird feeding on nectar (CLICK on photos to ealarge)</td></tr>
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This year my wife surprised me with a Christmas gift of a trip to Costa Rica. We had talked about going to CR for many years and she decided that now was the time to go because in her words "while I was still physically capable". <br />
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I was initially excited about this dream adventure until two weeks prior to<br />
departure when I stubbed my toe and fractured it. <br />
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The thought of hiking in the jungles or along the sandy beaches was no longer appealing but as my grandfather (Newton Lark) used to say “It’s a long way from the heart”. <br />
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I packed my bags a week in advance and repacked twice knowing that I usually take more than I really need. <br />
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We left the Arcata airport at 6:00 AM and had to change planes in San Francisco, California and in Huston,Texas where we had a 3 hour layover. The flight from Huston to San Jose, Costa Rica was about 3 hrs. arriving at 9:40 PM. <br />
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The process of going through customs went smoothly and our bags arrived safely. There was a mass of people jamming the exit on our way out to the street where we finally saw our driver holding up a sign with our names printed on it. We were told to wait while he looked for another person that he was scheduled to meet. <br />
We finally got packed like sardines into a small Van and off we went on a drive that had us clutching each other and the handrail holding on as if we were on a roller coaster.<br />
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Our driver seemed in a hurry and made rolling slowdowns and rabbit starts at every intersection which had stop signs but used only in Costa Rica as suggestions apparently. <br />
He turned into one narrow road that was jammed a half mile back so he pulled out of the line into opposing traffic and turned around deciding to take an alternative route. He then drove very fast through the back roads of the city and finally arrived at the small lobby of the “Adventures Inn” that was already jammed with other people checking in. Our room was adjacent to the lobby of the restaurant and we were kept awake for a while by American kids with loud voices.<br />
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Kimberley ready to board Nature Air</div>
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Flying over San Jose, Costa Rica<br />
After an early wake up and breakfast we were driven to a small airport where we boarded “Nature Air” on a small 20 + passenger plane for our trip to Puerto Jimenez. The flight took 45 minutes and had amazing views of the land below.<br />
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The Osa Pennisula bottom left (looks like<br />
the head of an upside down seahorse)<br />
We were met by our driver named Olman in Puerto Jimenez who picked up another man from Chile. As they say the journey is part of the adventure and the road was very bumpy with several river crossings in a 4 wheel drive vehicle that obviously needed new shock absorbers.<br />
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Along the way we stopped to observe and photograph White-faced Capuchin Monkeys and Spider Monkeys. <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/capuchin_monkey">White-faced Capuchin Monkey</a><br />
We passed a couple of other lodges located near the beach and then ascended a steep bumpy road passing plastic tents lived in by local Gold panners.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Miner's lodge</td></tr>
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After over 2 hours we arrived at <a href="http://www.lunalodge.com/">Luna Lodge</a> near Carate on the Osa Penninsula and were greeted by Javier with a cold glass of water. <br />
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The Luna Lodge located in approximately 60 acres in the Gulfo Dulce Reserve was even more beautiful than we expected and we felt the tropical rainforests energy and spiritual ambiance immediately upon arrival. <br />
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The natural landscaping and aromas of frangipani and Jasmine and other fragrant flowering plants titillated our olfactory senses while the sounds of Cicadas, exotic birds and the occasional howling calls of Howler Monkeys serenaded us.<br />
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We were led to our private bungalow with palm roof, open air showers with lush private gardens and a nice private deck made of tropical hardwood with natural polished tree trunk pillars where we would sit and enjoy the spectacular views. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcC5aBKYyg41skWdDY19kU7MzHnpqhgn2X9ObNhSmMh5ESLfX5tKezBP3gUydeuFk58klxTw_S71wBCtAuH8Mg2yorFzIAyZhvJym7we5VzzWSDa2peayEBo8vGGd1vHwTWZ2ahDEPtGv/s1600/DSCN0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcC5aBKYyg41skWdDY19kU7MzHnpqhgn2X9ObNhSmMh5ESLfX5tKezBP3gUydeuFk58klxTw_S71wBCtAuH8Mg2yorFzIAyZhvJym7we5VzzWSDa2peayEBo8vGGd1vHwTWZ2ahDEPtGv/s320/DSCN0262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilxSRUelQY_pC-g03Wt7SXMjK3NROSwenZOfov9O1w0MeHLnvwB6_0ijmH7Ou-4m3EKvMtBokUCHkMj7bBOmldceDkBQcbPR7T26JRlbRrsWse4LBm7kawx_PHhIfjeH7Jhrc9v2eFfro/s1600/DSCN0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilxSRUelQY_pC-g03Wt7SXMjK3NROSwenZOfov9O1w0MeHLnvwB6_0ijmH7Ou-4m3EKvMtBokUCHkMj7bBOmldceDkBQcbPR7T26JRlbRrsWse4LBm7kawx_PHhIfjeH7Jhrc9v2eFfro/s320/DSCN0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We spent the first hours after arrival walking up a steep rock pathway to the Yoga platform where the veiw was spectacular as we birded along the way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysp3LSk0xcyHh9q5htgy9UZVXFUY2HKa_F_k-HChgvcw3KxAwnhPfnAH8uyKKBs4SRFex65JmGY5mibrj6to0-dbnf1e-gyzY2i7fvj8KIjVK5xY-tlfu0z-uF_EapwOPpjEKT-F9PF0R/s1600/DSCN0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysp3LSk0xcyHh9q5htgy9UZVXFUY2HKa_F_k-HChgvcw3KxAwnhPfnAH8uyKKBs4SRFex65JmGY5mibrj6to0-dbnf1e-gyzY2i7fvj8KIjVK5xY-tlfu0z-uF_EapwOPpjEKT-F9PF0R/s320/DSCN0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooling ocean breeze blowing curtains on Yoga platform</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b1ZKyjENTMPnQwKrCeMZ-geSunsBMNYVR3RFzYQaPJXPlFzAJ57J56sA_rsRM0b3YJUD80YTaNgFpnHhuNCGE4NpblXpLa5Z071UY_jsGolif17Cn-fpbXe7Y3BiHRkqX_8gHjBvIes-/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b1ZKyjENTMPnQwKrCeMZ-geSunsBMNYVR3RFzYQaPJXPlFzAJ57J56sA_rsRM0b3YJUD80YTaNgFpnHhuNCGE4NpblXpLa5Z071UY_jsGolif17Cn-fpbXe7Y3BiHRkqX_8gHjBvIes-/s320/DSCN0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spectacular veiw from the Yoga platform</td></tr>
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The owners mother “Willy” is an attractive charming woman from Colorado who seems to be always present to greet you or tell a wonderful story about one of the guests or about her daughter (but “only if asked”) or about the history of how the lodge came to be. It was her daughter Lana Wedmore who as a sophomore in college 30 years earlier worked at another lodge nearby and was hiking one day on a steep slope deep into the rainforest when she came upon the site and decided that this is where she was meant to be. She was able to get a loan from the government to help build her dream which is now Luna Lodge.<br />
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Today Lana Wedmore is a leader in the conservation and protection of the surrounding Rainforest hoping to preserve as much of it possible from development and desecration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp5oFMYXQE08D_1ngnwiikwPg62MShcLgnD0L8efdFGgGPxliyS-Jew5ZG52e2XRXqKyj0R1XL92rfs3ajOmjc0KNM6DI43PVd3MWJ2QRdMDW8QQ7fQuDPuPgBTBqXsw_XCpl1mKdAwA_/s1600/DSCN0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp5oFMYXQE08D_1ngnwiikwPg62MShcLgnD0L8efdFGgGPxliyS-Jew5ZG52e2XRXqKyj0R1XL92rfs3ajOmjc0KNM6DI43PVd3MWJ2QRdMDW8QQ7fQuDPuPgBTBqXsw_XCpl1mKdAwA_/s320/DSCN0306.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Lana Wedmore and her mother Willy<br />
The Gold rush of the 70’s threatened the fragile ecosystem of the <a href="http://costa-rica-guide.com/Natural/Corcovado.html">Corcovado</a> Park but has now recovered since the mining was banned in 1986. Today the Corcovado is home to many endangered species including the Harpy Eagle and the Jaguar.<br />
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It was warm and humid but the Ocean breeze had a pleasant cooling effect and kept the biting insects at bay. We slathered our skin with sunscreen and insect repellent and headed off to a daylong adventure in the Corcovado National Park.<br />
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On our first long trek (9 miles) we were led by our guide Oscar Corderom along the beautiful Coconut Palm lined beach to the park’s entrance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhP0czEOasO-tSXn3AZ0RDCeeNYah44htphtnsEep4SjYrKflumyTwC4GJmd2469gL5XOu6pAQJnOHKGsfIMCc0bK3ZX-hOC7EZsz1W6glHGSZ9_0-VK5l5eGTh5zCW-90anfs4wi26LR/s1600/DSCN0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhP0czEOasO-tSXn3AZ0RDCeeNYah44htphtnsEep4SjYrKflumyTwC4GJmd2469gL5XOu6pAQJnOHKGsfIMCc0bK3ZX-hOC7EZsz1W6glHGSZ9_0-VK5l5eGTh5zCW-90anfs4wi26LR/s320/DSCN0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Dd4Ccrlj0o4lJkAay5QV5g1hcKjbrITqX-KRRPJoe3v_n4v0XJFLXxUx36yuO8a3QpfzOmgfyR9apQFK1x-OafWqQRyTIkArYxa-ArXkfHxBEJZ84iO4QQwyNOP0jq5f0wvfaOB1tlqo/s1600/DSCN0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Dd4Ccrlj0o4lJkAay5QV5g1hcKjbrITqX-KRRPJoe3v_n4v0XJFLXxUx36yuO8a3QpfzOmgfyR9apQFK1x-OafWqQRyTIkArYxa-ArXkfHxBEJZ84iO4QQwyNOP0jq5f0wvfaOB1tlqo/s320/DSCN0186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I made the decision not to carry my 400 mm lens and instead brought the Nikon Coolpix camera. My toe was burning with pain after about a mile on the beach but I soon forgot about it because I was focused on the intense diversity of birds and plants along the trail. <br />
I tripped on a rock and rolled with the fall and jumped to my feet quickly hoping that no one noticed but they did anyway and I was more embarrassed than physically injured. <br />
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In retrospect I thought had I been carrying my Telephoto lens it could have been damaged from that fall. I hoped to get photos with our small camera but was really bummed when the battery went dead. I forgot to recharge it the night before. A tough lesson learned the hard way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUzSOl_oiep9C-owFWSCz_2QMjH3gV3O6NZMe-FuJUiFSyzIbvgP6_-qwumkM-ZL7E7KEZF2OAab4cDhz69ZwbHf8qQFS45OwAnIhVtnH4cezyYIwbg2u8d-Q-kMGXWqlyg6XkEdYPtCz/s1600/DSCN0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUzSOl_oiep9C-owFWSCz_2QMjH3gV3O6NZMe-FuJUiFSyzIbvgP6_-qwumkM-ZL7E7KEZF2OAab4cDhz69ZwbHf8qQFS45OwAnIhVtnH4cezyYIwbg2u8d-Q-kMGXWqlyg6XkEdYPtCz/s320/DSCN0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The entrance to Corcovado National Park<br />
As a result I didn’t get some photos that I could have of arboreal anteaters, Coatimundi's, and Sloths. Our new friends Greg and Rene from Colorado hopefully got some good photos that they promised to share with us.<br />
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I was hot and very tired at the end of the hike and when offered a cold "Imperial" cerveza by our driver that picked us up at the beach it was extremly welcomed and turned out to be the best beer I ever tasted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavFQ5paSph245NRoT49j-jCUUdC-HPBC2DrnxL9IW-nChJlkHL2KZzA12m1ESufw66HRy1noNSiCYaPyH1DsLV1dO1p-JgLjLcRqeYWm2WR4is2Sh76RfTlQR-dYq_tZYEZPuF69iMo1c/s1600/DSCN0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavFQ5paSph245NRoT49j-jCUUdC-HPBC2DrnxL9IW-nChJlkHL2KZzA12m1ESufw66HRy1noNSiCYaPyH1DsLV1dO1p-JgLjLcRqeYWm2WR4is2Sh76RfTlQR-dYq_tZYEZPuF69iMo1c/s320/DSCN0132.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little falls below Luna Lodge was a beautiful hike.</td></tr>
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After a refreshing shower we had a great evening and excellent food in the dining area. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_l76083jxtfimrspTwybtuSXTfRy4EbZYA0zqi-QFFqEvUkb1fdPA2_Torxdh4tHngPEh3_QK5lCl3_XCTHywMHILDzysqIg5yOMgr78DTPHBsqeE1Qc4QIVs3tYA-CTPCpBRS1rWq4L/s1600/DSCN0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_l76083jxtfimrspTwybtuSXTfRy4EbZYA0zqi-QFFqEvUkb1fdPA2_Torxdh4tHngPEh3_QK5lCl3_XCTHywMHILDzysqIg5yOMgr78DTPHBsqeE1Qc4QIVs3tYA-CTPCpBRS1rWq4L/s320/DSCN0072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The veiw of the blue Pacific from the dining area<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKNNFpdrsb6CLy4-2NNDK6-QnQBMcOMqoNgr1SNJptGSiWWNOvh4fph2Xa8EeLJ7QSqNHE7K2nY7qjb8OjIVda_Zt8iC8ZDtWzAOmPbqyJtpAfgpq7lByHZ1rMf3oYsBApEc6NtOZObmp/s1600/DSCN0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKNNFpdrsb6CLy4-2NNDK6-QnQBMcOMqoNgr1SNJptGSiWWNOvh4fph2Xa8EeLJ7QSqNHE7K2nY7qjb8OjIVda_Zt8iC8ZDtWzAOmPbqyJtpAfgpq7lByHZ1rMf3oYsBApEc6NtOZObmp/s320/DSCN0157.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Kimberley writing notes in dining area<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLB-rS9hwDywie-OMaia1mUAfnGk9i4q3ZtnIRgoTdMy94dNQHcjPnMfDGFL8-HSy05qKI6cPivmZUwpWAta84v_TODJTUEbp4nvsCl2AjE_iHOVRN09HcjtvRrlcQYJFFC_lXmdKT9PY/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLB-rS9hwDywie-OMaia1mUAfnGk9i4q3ZtnIRgoTdMy94dNQHcjPnMfDGFL8-HSy05qKI6cPivmZUwpWAta84v_TODJTUEbp4nvsCl2AjE_iHOVRN09HcjtvRrlcQYJFFC_lXmdKT9PY/s320/DSCN0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooded Mantis (Choeradodis rhombifolia)</td></tr>
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The dining platform had wildlife right in our laps and example is this well disguised Hooded Mantid on a leaf.</div>
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Hummingbirds everywhere sipping nectar from flowers</div>
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Black-hooded Antshrike<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVrdthlOMq913azVBrlipsialXhyYqVPKz0zmKwRpQJKaIob9PWVwUTZ9ft9rjWXK0IuIJ4h8P6mOVTvvPK8Yc8Ao9jtEmKOu3wrqTRVHgzBHPhcKASHqUj-RxQPB-vA-a8IZNdWPy8WT/s1600/IMG_5906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVrdthlOMq913azVBrlipsialXhyYqVPKz0zmKwRpQJKaIob9PWVwUTZ9ft9rjWXK0IuIJ4h8P6mOVTvvPK8Yc8Ao9jtEmKOu3wrqTRVHgzBHPhcKASHqUj-RxQPB-vA-a8IZNdWPy8WT/s320/IMG_5906.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Macaw">Scarlet Macaw</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJOXjgDrqAf1GFWhlPqzNdcusKUAf8EcZJe0hqesoWlZO7HEwd-lQJ1qmMo6sR8wXUxJVuo-N8wm7nZyiXNacCHaIIzIiJP09SgmqVPI6O5csMoYcqSaFAAae0ec8PuqkfvfAgivgWM3n/s1600/IMG_5937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJOXjgDrqAf1GFWhlPqzNdcusKUAf8EcZJe0hqesoWlZO7HEwd-lQJ1qmMo6sR8wXUxJVuo-N8wm7nZyiXNacCHaIIzIiJP09SgmqVPI6O5csMoYcqSaFAAae0ec8PuqkfvfAgivgWM3n/s320/IMG_5937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-nosed_Coati">White-nosed Coati</a> <br />
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We didn't have to go far to enjoy wildlife but did go kayaking and on walk along a shady lane were we saw a family of Howler Monkeys, Coati mundi, Sloth and Scarlet Macaws and many other birds. Our guide Oscar Corderom was excellent and greatly aided us in finding wildlife.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx6uc-DhR-ySsIN59n-3UipyWIlUztMA8KUTFf9xfNg3zsmp_AtKrTBMy2LbbypYh3T4Hi9QM1GAx3zyqVQdPT9nXTEjqjtnaJ4NH-7fc3SPS1D8WNoaku03jGs7Ap4kjjkeXJwMWSkd9/s1600/IMG_5768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx6uc-DhR-ySsIN59n-3UipyWIlUztMA8KUTFf9xfNg3zsmp_AtKrTBMy2LbbypYh3T4Hi9QM1GAx3zyqVQdPT9nXTEjqjtnaJ4NH-7fc3SPS1D8WNoaku03jGs7Ap4kjjkeXJwMWSkd9/s320/IMG_5768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postman Butterfly</td></tr>
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Oscar Coderom Field Guide</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon1vpcuc9VkLZnzrLSVNeph6nYcapVyXPcZRf4yoa-xLK-YwNg66ZWQecX6AybrOBdGuZ03wgKmolK9sMBV-2a5MXuAszEQvszNENYcfUI-Ejiq5AX5PJ95M7HEVSX8znIstAdtVYCZhG/s1600/Great+Frigatebird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon1vpcuc9VkLZnzrLSVNeph6nYcapVyXPcZRf4yoa-xLK-YwNg66ZWQecX6AybrOBdGuZ03wgKmolK9sMBV-2a5MXuAszEQvszNENYcfUI-Ejiq5AX5PJ95M7HEVSX8znIstAdtVYCZhG/s320/Great+Frigatebird.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Magnificent Frigatebird <br />
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The Frigatebird silohuette was the best I could get on this occassion</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPssa4v72EiDX0tTYRtoobQaRLjVR2ueRQj9nZEgmbqYjSomaCm6xaJjh8RKZdHwZ60r97pSQdWlldPuoS6IyftEaaHwspVyTV-RW9arU2o0LrdIzMCpeazbSoCi0wocBTCkP0LTOE192G/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPssa4v72EiDX0tTYRtoobQaRLjVR2ueRQj9nZEgmbqYjSomaCm6xaJjh8RKZdHwZ60r97pSQdWlldPuoS6IyftEaaHwspVyTV-RW9arU2o0LrdIzMCpeazbSoCi0wocBTCkP0LTOE192G/s320/IMG_5866.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Pelicans flying over</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz-Nmqlekk7q9dXyUzR1kPdzXr_C16QqKk6tVMBHp1Z6J8ctHspjuGEhlhcoqOZkNiBREr1Po-HijlcVCOO9GlBnicAcKUqPOYejhjNppMr17maDP76lE89V1LdtgG_rQFzgmPQt0eMmq/s1600/DSCN0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz-Nmqlekk7q9dXyUzR1kPdzXr_C16QqKk6tVMBHp1Z6J8ctHspjuGEhlhcoqOZkNiBREr1Po-HijlcVCOO9GlBnicAcKUqPOYejhjNppMr17maDP76lE89V1LdtgG_rQFzgmPQt0eMmq/s320/DSCN0204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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While walking on the beach near the lagoon I was impressed with the large numbers of Brown Pelicans soaring over and gliding low over the surf.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f4SJLYpoDoWRLvM8exbd9fcDygglS5bJwQ1IzNVZzBhi3gLG-CTl7X5lAvPC2KoUfbuLNZ99d4a988Nq-BRqrzD7RB5XQUpGGby7AU3IIvc3OgnEH5bEVmYJW2eAoSC1LH6gs-EiQs-G/s1600/DSCN0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f4SJLYpoDoWRLvM8exbd9fcDygglS5bJwQ1IzNVZzBhi3gLG-CTl7X5lAvPC2KoUfbuLNZ99d4a988Nq-BRqrzD7RB5XQUpGGby7AU3IIvc3OgnEH5bEVmYJW2eAoSC1LH6gs-EiQs-G/s320/DSCN0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bare-throated Tiger- Heron</td></tr>
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I stalked this magnificent Heron to get close enough for a decent photo without my telephoto lens,</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFOp-OxwI8zujV6PTUFjh5Vim1_BvKuxdbda0PPis-0xDJp8CJVgH0MCqT2i9B1hfnrDWarYvidMNdfSZqCtpeDBOxZDknIFppORpZjuI8iTr_939CRwgDTNzB6FQJ_RRpcyAokKhIPps/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFOp-OxwI8zujV6PTUFjh5Vim1_BvKuxdbda0PPis-0xDJp8CJVgH0MCqT2i9B1hfnrDWarYvidMNdfSZqCtpeDBOxZDknIFppORpZjuI8iTr_939CRwgDTNzB6FQJ_RRpcyAokKhIPps/s320/IMG_5890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bare-Throated Tiger Heron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hqITXyqQVLLGEfI6J3ccRS2NF1d2QFCqizmtgdmnAss3bmvB7icWPVbbmJrU5myO9WXAtxIqgV-KPx-Xe0xFQWAsolCqmGISO02PkNSeA32D7J2nnKJYfAJy2vkwGZQKauBlgG5TGYS9/s1600/IMG_5857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hqITXyqQVLLGEfI6J3ccRS2NF1d2QFCqizmtgdmnAss3bmvB7icWPVbbmJrU5myO9WXAtxIqgV-KPx-Xe0xFQWAsolCqmGISO02PkNSeA32D7J2nnKJYfAJy2vkwGZQKauBlgG5TGYS9/s320/IMG_5857.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringed Kingfisher</td></tr>
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While crossing the river I saw this beautiful Kingfisher and got out of the landrover and took the photo.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBMRORPdocyVxjItZ69U-iT0DMPcaEDCJNHX6k9hAPMB3LU3E0ywn7PxLhXxGoNDVKpfdDcomgEOI6U124zavtcZmQSMiP2YbQuwl5W8jOeAqQmlwHLlR3KHJijq_zwN9OkEvEMdT-5Rj/s1600/IMG_5820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBMRORPdocyVxjItZ69U-iT0DMPcaEDCJNHX6k9hAPMB3LU3E0ywn7PxLhXxGoNDVKpfdDcomgEOI6U124zavtcZmQSMiP2YbQuwl5W8jOeAqQmlwHLlR3KHJijq_zwN9OkEvEMdT-5Rj/s320/IMG_5820.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heliconia sp.</td></tr>
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The tropical plants on the Oso pennisula are many and varied with brilliant flowers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSPibNAB7AXmZkPXDC4-Jl5p8TTTE3kQetU-1U6ttxuFwiWMG48AhccDfqGYTl-xhYxkGNfHmsWerdK5ABsjX1BYzmV10nuu-tFEZu0JAAtfdkhJ3vdkeiN1AHdaP4dQKJ62o7fqXliQh/s1600/DSCN0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSPibNAB7AXmZkPXDC4-Jl5p8TTTE3kQetU-1U6ttxuFwiWMG48AhccDfqGYTl-xhYxkGNfHmsWerdK5ABsjX1BYzmV10nuu-tFEZu0JAAtfdkhJ3vdkeiN1AHdaP4dQKJ62o7fqXliQh/s320/DSCN0316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc_smXSO6eon1wUhlFtnMRaqrlzgRFGB5ebWZPtRIYgiptMq-y5Z8Ug3on6Mtv41S2W0b2cD5TrX3FdK9Mw3uGxmuYkOYMlzb8UVPq9HwSR_u9hAVZTdesDr8UBB1OmKBS1wIVmxFqvG_/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc_smXSO6eon1wUhlFtnMRaqrlzgRFGB5ebWZPtRIYgiptMq-y5Z8Ug3on6Mtv41S2W0b2cD5TrX3FdK9Mw3uGxmuYkOYMlzb8UVPq9HwSR_u9hAVZTdesDr8UBB1OmKBS1wIVmxFqvG_/s320/IMG_5948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Neotropical Fruit (Tent-making) Bats (Euroderma sp.)</div>
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While sitting out on the dining room platform we observed several bats flying around and the next day found one area that they used for daytime roosting under the cupped leaves of a palm. These tiny bats belong to the subfamily Stenodermatinae and make a tent -like structure by biting and chewing the veins and midribs of leaves so that it droops around them for protection. Touching the leaves causes them to fly out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5nta4vUYcpss-lCNl-o2PCz8FJq8GkdYRSV2KCI_iGb_XGNgvaEqzC-6SvB6ys_bAvBxIY9sbZTSxeoYAO8Qh_teYh_thQHTeO7JV7HT7Dj1jJk9Yi02yoTlWc2POqmvuyVYKVYn_4uN/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5nta4vUYcpss-lCNl-o2PCz8FJq8GkdYRSV2KCI_iGb_XGNgvaEqzC-6SvB6ys_bAvBxIY9sbZTSxeoYAO8Qh_teYh_thQHTeO7JV7HT7Dj1jJk9Yi02yoTlWc2POqmvuyVYKVYn_4uN/s320/DSCN0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osa taking a nap after a long day at work</td></tr>
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One of the staff members at Luna Lodge is a dog named Osa who greets everyone that arrives and on each day we return from a hike. She seems to enjoy her job and often goes on hikes with some of the clients staying at the Lodge.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnWhoG33hR7adWx10AxrF1XTCGBCkulyyuz8Mdi2QKRN2HUUdYDGpmzi4_sEbDqFdIygY92f4jL9Ybad0Izb4wu1vozTQQmQYlr3a1X_FZ_ah6XpwD_m9mh6iA0I-85d3Njr8cGNAT_dr/s1600/DSCN0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnWhoG33hR7adWx10AxrF1XTCGBCkulyyuz8Mdi2QKRN2HUUdYDGpmzi4_sEbDqFdIygY92f4jL9Ybad0Izb4wu1vozTQQmQYlr3a1X_FZ_ah6XpwD_m9mh6iA0I-85d3Njr8cGNAT_dr/s320/DSCN0174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A special table was set up for us to celebrate our 20th anniversary year</td></tr>
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This was one of our most memorable adventures and we soon realized that there wasn't enough time to do it justice and see all that we wanted to see in just 4 days.</div>
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If possible we would like to return to Luna Lodge and spend at least a week,</div>
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We saw and identified over 80 species of birds and 10 species of Mammals in 3 days but only got decent photos of a few.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf6sf-ZCGsHeiD12lri1liLlgorIfTyBRSJrSCbo_PXxp9dd_49eQMA4bXEoFdSeyNsCxBing1OUQod8K_c8Oi1cwfseXdWgpFUFDknmqSxnp4q6HwldJ6c_ML4g-nNlZAjuhP_m6EmrL/s1600/DSCN0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf6sf-ZCGsHeiD12lri1liLlgorIfTyBRSJrSCbo_PXxp9dd_49eQMA4bXEoFdSeyNsCxBing1OUQod8K_c8Oi1cwfseXdWgpFUFDknmqSxnp4q6HwldJ6c_ML4g-nNlZAjuhP_m6EmrL/s320/DSCN0258.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)</td></tr>
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On my next blog I will write about our adventure in the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica on the Rio Savegre.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5vVdK6JQrE79hRyYERwVaVMW_68V34GGWkTqCKLqKNDs_lvo8f8-XQ41UqQeT3ZKl5AiU7asDT7MUZ9-qosdKF9OFCYOU-Df4JQJOVNECJnQGESQvH8a2PC-x_GO-K-6ULBZHNs99seb/s1600/IMG_5951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5vVdK6JQrE79hRyYERwVaVMW_68V34GGWkTqCKLqKNDs_lvo8f8-XQ41UqQeT3ZKl5AiU7asDT7MUZ9-qosdKF9OFCYOU-Df4JQJOVNECJnQGESQvH8a2PC-x_GO-K-6ULBZHNs99seb/s320/IMG_5951.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Iguana">Green Iguana (Iguana iguana</a>)<br />
We saw this Iguana on our return trip to Puerto Jimenez.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildPryGeqSNcxkgrgV4tJMcnomgttQ3hgV7a_6ikHTO9K__DaF6gmRgg8eVj5O5nCUGLMmXW4c8VSt4nIY4aaqn6OtVlMWb6iSpp0GuktHHCycj3DNa_-sm0gQy1ZUIXqJsF3uIvxTLsD1/s1600/DSCN0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildPryGeqSNcxkgrgV4tJMcnomgttQ3hgV7a_6ikHTO9K__DaF6gmRgg8eVj5O5nCUGLMmXW4c8VSt4nIY4aaqn6OtVlMWb6iSpp0GuktHHCycj3DNa_-sm0gQy1ZUIXqJsF3uIvxTLsD1/s320/DSCN0328.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
On our way to San Jose we had one last look at the rain forest below and thought of the thousands of organisms that live there and realized that we had barely scratched the surface and knew that one day we would return to this incredible paradise. <br />
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<br /></div>Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-83430993826375903532012-01-17T15:26:00.000-08:002012-01-19T11:34:54.004-08:00Red Tree Vole and Fisher Captured on CameraAfter over 2 months my friend Chris Wemmer returned to Humboldt County to check his Camera traps.<br />
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We were both excited about the possibilities of capturing on camera these sought after mammals as we drove to the Green Diamond Wildlife Office in Korbel, California less than 15 minutes from my home.<br />
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Chris used his GPS to find the exact spot that each camera had been previously set. Upon arrival at the first set which was the large Douglas Fir tree on the slope below the dirt road adjacent to the Mad River, we went to work gathering the necessary gear, ladder and this time Chris put on a climbing harness to secure him to the tree while removing the camera. He climbed the tree and removed the camera in less than 10 minutes and lowered it down in a canvas bag attached to a rope.<br />
He uploaded the photos into his PC on the tailgate of my pickup and realized that he had captured the<a href="http://cameratrapcodger.blogspot.com/"> prize. </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa2dnQY9LX4muALpPxVpp9_jRsi6Ydm0byrcuRk7tkwAisnQeUTOg2pXKZle5Rk-HhREllFnOglaHxST9O3Mjjlhy9oYI9R4DnVMIKg7wp9tsdJ-pq1hQ6mV9AiRYUehdLZ_-umupx3SQ/s1600/DSCN0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa2dnQY9LX4muALpPxVpp9_jRsi6Ydm0byrcuRk7tkwAisnQeUTOg2pXKZle5Rk-HhREllFnOglaHxST9O3Mjjlhy9oYI9R4DnVMIKg7wp9tsdJ-pq1hQ6mV9AiRYUehdLZ_-umupx3SQ/s320/DSCN0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There it was the Red Tree Vole (Arborimus pomus) one of the main prey species of the Spotted Owl caught by camera trap. Excited would be putting it mildly because to Chris it was more like winning the lottery. <br />
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We were off to the next set to see if our luck would continue and even more excited now that we had our first prize.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHAFFvoEPrOW4jAMm7qBfMV1dQ7-a41Nwpu6jtNVLFMgf4xduUcls5FMhOA53H1F2aiy7pIzbBL9uYzeAsR2c539v2KD4cbm5ezNoyfA_4YqvTsKvWQsANIqxrWHv2xWrbV4_Q4kw__kW/s1600/DSCN0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHAFFvoEPrOW4jAMm7qBfMV1dQ7-a41Nwpu6jtNVLFMgf4xduUcls5FMhOA53H1F2aiy7pIzbBL9uYzeAsR2c539v2KD4cbm5ezNoyfA_4YqvTsKvWQsANIqxrWHv2xWrbV4_Q4kw__kW/s320/DSCN0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Chris Wemmer setting a cameratrap in hollow stump<br />
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The next set was in a hollowed out Redwood stump that measured 38.5 feet in circumference and had an inside diameter of 12 – 15 feet by 7 feet. The floor inside the stump was 7 feet below the outside surrounding soil due to years of organic detritus buildup.<br />
Upon checking the results Chris found that he captured a variety of species including, Bobcat, Grey Fox, Black Bear, Virginia Opossum, Brush Rabbit, Wood Rat, Deer Mouse, Shrew( sp. undetermined), and a Hermit Thrush. Since some of the photos were not the best Chris decided to set up two cameras at this set to capture the quarry at different angles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ9SOQ3-PJ0rmC-VkhGp6kxc-o-1ECbQrpW-rE7cCgsEQ7hwfyU2cqed-BSdlOySh_L7HYbIL1zrt5hovxun02mb1Y1lPSIN7CrvAVfwGfp38JNrLDCsGg84jD8FazSpcklzUNwEHx2Tu/s1600/DSCN0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ9SOQ3-PJ0rmC-VkhGp6kxc-o-1ECbQrpW-rE7cCgsEQ7hwfyU2cqed-BSdlOySh_L7HYbIL1zrt5hovxun02mb1Y1lPSIN7CrvAVfwGfp38JNrLDCsGg84jD8FazSpcklzUNwEHx2Tu/s320/DSCN0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The new set would face into one of the 3 openings hoping to frame a mammal<br />
entering the stump. <br />
The third set would be even more exciting because it would be another first for Chris in his attempt to get most all of the California mammals by Camera trap. <br />
In fact it is a mammal rarely seen by humans due to it's reclusive nature.<br />
The<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher_(animal)"> Fisher </a>(Martes pennanti) is a medium size mammal with a tail as long as it's body in the Mustelid family. You will be able to see it eventually by going<a href="http://cameratrapcodger.blogspot.com/"> here</a>.<br />
While Chris was here he fixed my camera trap and found a short in the circuitry.<br />
Thanks to him I am back in business.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2Korbel, CA 95525, USA40.870556 -123.95722240.8664995 -123.9645175 40.8746125 -123.9499265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-69346738867750928142011-11-07T14:26:00.000-08:002011-11-08T10:25:46.923-08:00The Quest for the Red Tree VoleMy old college friend <a href="http://cameratrapcodger.blogspot.com/">Chris Wemmer </a>recently visited the Pacific Northwest here in Humboldt County and was our guest for a couple nights. Chris was here to check some camera traps that he set 3 weeks earlier in Green Diamond property with the help of <a href="http://www.humboldt.edu/wildlife/faculty.html">Lowell Diller</a>. <br />
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I jumped at the opportunity to go out in the field with Chris who is an expert on camera trapping and mammal behavior. We set out in Lowell Diller's official company vehicle to locate the traps. Unfortuately one of the traps which had been set 30 feet up in a tree was destroyed by a vegetation cutter used to clear the sides of the road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSibp-fbQsuHV8h1ZF8-q8pTEBSaku-x4BWRPgtnIgbxvgMFw3h8Qe6ymrvUTLeT-sosRtGUMo85ztVPBAlF55j30nwZOQhbXavrLiBGrPXP0_JikS8_0v9nZnMsiZg1BlhS8rGpZ_F2CU/s1600/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSibp-fbQsuHV8h1ZF8-q8pTEBSaku-x4BWRPgtnIgbxvgMFw3h8Qe6ymrvUTLeT-sosRtGUMo85ztVPBAlF55j30nwZOQhbXavrLiBGrPXP0_JikS8_0v9nZnMsiZg1BlhS8rGpZ_F2CU/s320/IMG_5600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetation cut by the "Masticator"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The parts were found with a metal detector by Green Diamond staff earlier shown here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyrebj8btWXmGj3Sjrn3qgL5b8VkFMmQW5tJkcybJqcuxsF5ogr4bF1QD9c0b7qA1CSuaMPuBLUTLW3XRwLYyc3HFXXgBdORnZpDx4DtDWGMQyw_YyvimGaRtIvyHq8IuqdsXcN9llfaR/s1600/IMG_5667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyrebj8btWXmGj3Sjrn3qgL5b8VkFMmQW5tJkcybJqcuxsF5ogr4bF1QD9c0b7qA1CSuaMPuBLUTLW3XRwLYyc3HFXXgBdORnZpDx4DtDWGMQyw_YyvimGaRtIvyHq8IuqdsXcN9llfaR/s320/IMG_5667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The traps were checked and none of the sought after targets were captured other than a Bobcat, mice, chipmunk, rabbit and a Thrush. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p00l6ViXsq0nXbhZKo_u5bSDKPCqvNQQbACjwpF-lLWfXXJnnvVk5fvhqnzWy5YHNdlfQQRb3SiAgqb-WYuatzrZ6Cjkmk1xfTaIMfFqrukE8YN8WWLPK1vbqNhzOYiZmbuH_1aoBJYu/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p00l6ViXsq0nXbhZKo_u5bSDKPCqvNQQbACjwpF-lLWfXXJnnvVk5fvhqnzWy5YHNdlfQQRb3SiAgqb-WYuatzrZ6Cjkmk1xfTaIMfFqrukE8YN8WWLPK1vbqNhzOYiZmbuH_1aoBJYu/s320/IMG_5603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lowell Diller and Chris Wemmer checking camera trap results</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Chris was disappointed but undeterred in his quest as we drove to another site where Chris and Lowell had located a Red Tree Vole nest on their last outing. The nest was in a Douglas Fir on a 60 degree slope between the road and the Mad River below. Lowell was the first to climb down to the trees base and test the ladder.<br />
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Chris went through the boxes of equipment to gather the tools needed for the job at hand. Watching him prepare for the task ahead of him was like watching a young enthusiastic biologist about to discover something new to science. Although he has done this many times before with other species this tiny specialized mouse was one mammal he wanted badly. Chris first tied a rope climbing harness from his crotch and around his waist to secure him safely to the tree.<br />
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I watched him with admiration as he climbed upwards from limb to limb with the ease and grace of an Orangutan making his way 30 feet above to the nest. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWw00tFFj6DJlz812HAf4m6ZHZVvLv7VCTN3Jj2JwJiO1raoNeasByXdvLod0eBoMii4FRPlW667P1w9MFDveBqB6ZCM7dM1MIU8nnJWm_FLvhyLSOx5u4QD0OPf29z8LJzmEg5m-MvPH/s1600/IMG_5619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWw00tFFj6DJlz812HAf4m6ZHZVvLv7VCTN3Jj2JwJiO1raoNeasByXdvLod0eBoMii4FRPlW667P1w9MFDveBqB6ZCM7dM1MIU8nnJWm_FLvhyLSOx5u4QD0OPf29z8LJzmEg5m-MvPH/s320/IMG_5619.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must addmit that I felt some trepidation hoping that It would not be necessary to pull him out of the cold waters of the Mad River 80+ feet below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm2fAXyPhEWuWRVdAVDKDeP99AG2T8183xtlGmUKvefaXzQmmp9W2PPhf0GiKvSHzV0tcPRanOjlJvU7_mtc3PDhK-QwCsThrTF3aq3fi-xGc5mxEkkG8xqf8AIy3fZ6_E3hfYjvDEh2Z/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm2fAXyPhEWuWRVdAVDKDeP99AG2T8183xtlGmUKvefaXzQmmp9W2PPhf0GiKvSHzV0tcPRanOjlJvU7_mtc3PDhK-QwCsThrTF3aq3fi-xGc5mxEkkG8xqf8AIy3fZ6_E3hfYjvDEh2Z/s320/IMG_5641.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Yoga exercise is beneficial" C.Wemmer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxUcS4GNe69D1eYAAXTpASIwulqptKHvEluIsd7h4BzSTZekYCw4lVEoVuerDqKIw9J7xBCvkYH_Oe0Wt3EjvASe67gXSquYyKb6V0s-XaPG4C5xK5YuTD-po_FUd8h1Pqkuef8pFY2xi/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxUcS4GNe69D1eYAAXTpASIwulqptKHvEluIsd7h4BzSTZekYCw4lVEoVuerDqKIw9J7xBCvkYH_Oe0Wt3EjvASe67gXSquYyKb6V0s-XaPG4C5xK5YuTD-po_FUd8h1Pqkuef8pFY2xi/s320/IMG_5637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It was my job to climb the ladder and attach the bag with equipment to the rope which was pulled up by Chris.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtttIujFUJaTye_ZgPu5mnXHOEv98US_3zW6Ne99-rbDERrtuWcBLfmi1vZ3rckLzIIYwhUppyT92K1jDuQr12XxNfCiXIDHdC83ttNHCpEsxicnsztQYYETtRfdPWflhngY4ed8VSd_JK/s1600/IMG_5649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtttIujFUJaTye_ZgPu5mnXHOEv98US_3zW6Ne99-rbDERrtuWcBLfmi1vZ3rckLzIIYwhUppyT92K1jDuQr12XxNfCiXIDHdC83ttNHCpEsxicnsztQYYETtRfdPWflhngY4ed8VSd_JK/s320/IMG_5649.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera trap pointing at a active Red Tree Mouse nest</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">He attached the camera to the limb 2 feet from the nest with hopes of getting a Red Tree Vole peering into the lens or peeking out of it's nest when he returns in a month to check his cameras. Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to camera trapping and maybe a little luck. The most import ingredient for success is knowledge of the biology and behavior of the animal that you seek to photograph.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjBmzXlIHqoEIQVK0TPdAmFOgm9hPI9aWSfdqQ0amaTqNojoOdADBVgJDTQ8xPdetzlksUaP-jKCkOXz7UTLLbDlzUWapqWMzvZmJpV6jFmg8_wtkSl2tDzUXxgtlh14cKUhzfA_tgT48/s1600/IMG_5653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjBmzXlIHqoEIQVK0TPdAmFOgm9hPI9aWSfdqQ0amaTqNojoOdADBVgJDTQ8xPdetzlksUaP-jKCkOXz7UTLLbDlzUWapqWMzvZmJpV6jFmg8_wtkSl2tDzUXxgtlh14cKUhzfA_tgT48/s320/IMG_5653.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris setting trap in hollowed out redwood stump</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmHt6MuJEiZInm5Q_HGXLIbrfEylyhMp8pX3eqc5_6fB7UrIp7cgXmdWxv1A_owu3-6F8DUj7dPVNl9RJVQY2tZwyFMAA_cXu6-esT-5pEHKd1ic3XOXOD0z6otNcWGx7djM4tVuKqo7m/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmHt6MuJEiZInm5Q_HGXLIbrfEylyhMp8pX3eqc5_6fB7UrIp7cgXmdWxv1A_owu3-6F8DUj7dPVNl9RJVQY2tZwyFMAA_cXu6-esT-5pEHKd1ic3XOXOD0z6otNcWGx7djM4tVuKqo7m/s320/IMG_5654.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris holding the predator bait</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">While driving along the road Chris spotted a large stump hidden in the underbrush and he asked me to stop the car so we could check it. The stump turned out to be a very large hollowed out old growth redwood with a 8 foot deep opening and 15 feet wide at its base. Chris thought this would be a good site to catch a predator such as a Fisher. He used a partially frozen roadkill squirrel that he had picked up for this purpose and attached it securely to the tree. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">By now it was raining and there were still other traps to check. We spent the whole day out in this beautiful country and I look forward to seeing the results the next time the Camera Trap Codger returns.</div>Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-17736406330353945812011-08-26T14:03:00.000-07:002011-08-27T15:52:22.562-07:00River Rat ReunionRiver Rat Reunion<br />
On August 20, 2011 I was privileged to attend a reunion of people who grew up along the Russian River in the 50’s.<br />
It was back in the 40’s and 50’s when I lived in Guerneville, California on the Russian River.<br />
Things were simpler in those days with no TV’s, Computers, or Cell phones. The town was quiet and it seemed like you knew almost everyone. There were no homeless folks living under the bridge or hanging out in town. My Grandfather Newton Lark opened the only Drugstore in town in 1910 and his oldest son Warne Lark bought it in the late 40’s. I along with my cousins worked in Larks Drugstore in the summers at various stages of our lives. I began working there the summer of 1949 after graduating from Guerneville Elementary School. At first I stocked shelves,dusted,blew up inflatable swim tubes for display and eventually became a clerk. I spent many hours swimming and fishing in the river when not working. I worked in my Uncles store while going to college through the summer of 1956. In those 8 years of summers I have wonderful memories of dancing to the music of Les Brown and his band renown at the Grove, hiking into Austin Creek above Armstrong Woods with my buddy Tom King, Parties at Goat Rock,Swimming at Reins Beach and dating a Bohemian Grove member’s daughter named Noreen Doyle. <br />
There have been many changes in Guerneville since then. I remember that there was a small Bowling alley in Gori’s Tavern where today’s West America bank stands. We had a couple of skating rinks that are gone now and the “River Queen” used to cruise people from Johnson’s beach to the old Russian River Inn and back. If you were so inclined you could rent a horse in Guernewood park. The Shad and Steelhead fishing on the Russian River was legendary in those days but has declined since.<br />
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54 years have passed since I left Guerneville to pursue my life’s goals, sometimes struggle with relationships and the death of loved ones. <br />
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I never really left the river at heart and visited my mother many times while she lived there until 2008 when I had to place her in a Convalescent home in Santa Rosa.<br />
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On August 19 I returned again to play golf at my favorite and most beautiful golf course ”Northwood” with the River Rat Reunion contingency the day before our reunion. <br />
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The River Rats have had other reunions over the years but the last one I attended was 20 years earlier. <br />
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On this occasion most of us in our “Golden” aka “Rusted” years gathered at Cliff Eckert’s resort to once again celebrate old friendships and acquaintances, talk about old times or catch up on people who most of us have lost contact with. <br />
Upon arrival I decided to document the event with my camera and spent most of the time doing so,but paused often to enjoy interactions with old friends and acquaintances and sitting down to eat with old friends Herb and Kathy Genelly.<br />
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The setting was perfect with towering Douglas Fir and Redwoods bordering and shading our celebration. <br />
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<br />
The smell of barbecued Chicken wafted in the air as we sipped “two buck Chuck” wine and listened to oldies music played by our MC Herb Genelly III. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJVhH-xbijwGYQhW5mTJFzCMZYJIS-i3AH2BzrIUtcAYeRWWDLnt7oUjI1D5rAyZEMj7WyJrin-vd4B_HjyjVZD_X-hmL_Pa0rfB0xGwmo8SvCJp2Y34ZKDH5TKD8APzUTRjxfyBsRzcw/s1600/IMG_5306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJVhH-xbijwGYQhW5mTJFzCMZYJIS-i3AH2BzrIUtcAYeRWWDLnt7oUjI1D5rAyZEMj7WyJrin-vd4B_HjyjVZD_X-hmL_Pa0rfB0xGwmo8SvCJp2Y34ZKDH5TKD8APzUTRjxfyBsRzcw/s320/IMG_5306.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Seeing people for the first time in over 50 years can be a reality check for some of us who refuse to admit we are old Codger’s. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVCpUeW0hGiIMqNTFinBzAi3LJPklPu2UXE_r3COkvXrW79f_fee2UlC6hpOp8Lb7I_cP6JbF0dEb65lYPlEw3qK23L_NNn2H3yFHJIWO-Bg91Eh_EtSjbayz2UYQ7Dwtan8mHo7ZjqqF/s1600/IMG_5349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVCpUeW0hGiIMqNTFinBzAi3LJPklPu2UXE_r3COkvXrW79f_fee2UlC6hpOp8Lb7I_cP6JbF0dEb65lYPlEw3qK23L_NNn2H3yFHJIWO-Bg91Eh_EtSjbayz2UYQ7Dwtan8mHo7ZjqqF/s320/IMG_5349.JPG" /></a></div>From left to right: Ms.Markaroff,Barbara McGee,Terry Schulz,Lauretta Higgins (Ratcliff)Miss Sonoma County 1955,Dolores Markarian(Gori),Barbara Hoffmann(King),Dianna Phillips(Culazzo)<br />
<br />
Herb Genelly a friend for over 65 years still runs the Guerneville "Antiques aka "flea" Market.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh1LkDA921Gs7k2uFNP1Ub7l3xXZrpAUwTQc-ch7I08LG_h6-YT3YmXcB2Czr0R6IcLbLSOcf-7ye-MkIZfcQmEDtpCj1v7yghh_1O9ObEu2cqFme5ndZKw0PsUOC2igxiq1odlXcU2G7/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh1LkDA921Gs7k2uFNP1Ub7l3xXZrpAUwTQc-ch7I08LG_h6-YT3YmXcB2Czr0R6IcLbLSOcf-7ye-MkIZfcQmEDtpCj1v7yghh_1O9ObEu2cqFme5ndZKw0PsUOC2igxiq1odlXcU2G7/s320/IMG_5339.JPG" /></a></div>Barbara Mcgee was our Life Saving Instructor when we were Boy Scouts and she most likey precipitated my "wet" dreams era. (Pardon the pun)<br />
<br />
Yes there have been changes in our faces and bodies but we are the same people who in most cases have evolved intellectually and spiritually as a result of life’s experiences. <br />
I noticed some people with vision deterioration bending close to read name tags because physical changes and memory loss can be prevalent with those of us who have lived this long.<br />
<br />
My cousin Ray Lark was there in his 1933 Ford Roadster which he built.<br />
Ray has driven his roadster across country as far as Pennsylvania and florida for over 130 thousand miles often in pouring down rain with no top. No he's not crazy and say's "the rain just blows over my head unless I stop".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHMTFmJjXNZe7QFj9pAZLWgcBIPqvrrmIfqO_naHM7OL_XxTacaDyhy0s0Bboz1VD8YQYVa8lWY0wbrcBQdMBi2oUBp2E4Bk65IIE2nnSiAtU_7IzcteYUh97_nIezz52a8oGqnd22BO3/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHMTFmJjXNZe7QFj9pAZLWgcBIPqvrrmIfqO_naHM7OL_XxTacaDyhy0s0Bboz1VD8YQYVa8lWY0wbrcBQdMBi2oUBp2E4Bk65IIE2nnSiAtU_7IzcteYUh97_nIezz52a8oGqnd22BO3/s320/IMG_5385.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It’s been a good life and the memories and friendships will always be cherished.<br />
To veiw all of the River Rat photos go<a <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/102217592620585974844/RiverRatsReunion">href="picasaweb.google.com/102217592620585974844/RiverRatsReunion"> Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-80171108300825886032011-05-17T11:37:00.000-07:002011-05-27T13:03:28.572-07:00Chasing BirdsIn November of 2010 Gary Lester and his wife Lauren discovered a very rare<br />
bird while out walking Clam Beach in Humboldt County, California<br />
Gary is a local highly regarded birder and professional biologist was scanning the large ponds that are east of Clam Beach and south of the highway 101 Vista Point overlook. <br />
He noticed a bird that was definitely not an endemic species and later reported it to the Humboldt County Birder alert as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Shrike">Brown Shrike.</a><br />
<br />
In the ensuing days word got out to the bird community as fast as lightning and the Shrike rush was on.<br />
<br />
Birders from all over the country began to show up to get a glimpse of this very rare bird.<br />
<br />
Even local birders became addicted to it as they returned sometimes daily or weekly just to see it again or photograph it.<br />
<br />
People who chase birds must be reasonably successful in life because it requires time and money to travel great distances to add a new bird to one's life list.<br />
<br />
According to an article in<a href="http://www.USATODAY.com/travel/destinations/2006-01-25-extreme-birding-x.hthm"> USA Today </a>American birders spend over 32 billion annually on their hobby and 18 million to travel inorder to see birds.<br />
<br />
A 2001 study by USFW found that the average age of birders is 49 with above average income and education level.<br />
<br />
I met several birders while looking for the Shrike who had traveled from as far away as Boston, MA, Washington State, Arizona and Oregon. <br />
<br />
Most were equipped with the best and most expensive binoculars and /or spotting scopes <br />
on the market and clothed in Gortex raingear and waterproof footwear.<br />
<br />
Most were friendly but serious and dedicated to their passion of chasing birds. <br />
Birders are collectors in a sense because each new bird is another notch on their lifetime list. <br />
<br />
Many bird chasers are also competitive as well and each new bird gives them bragging rights to their peers.<br />
<br />
I have observed birders when they see a new bird for the first time display a keen sense of accomplishment<br />
often with "High Fives", handshakes, and even Tiger Woods like fist pumps.<br />
Others may calmly display a sigh of relief for all their efforts and move on to the next challenge.<br />
<br />
The second time that I was out looking for it I ran into a legend in Humboldt County by the name of Dr. Harris a retired professor at Humboldt State University.<br />
He was there with his adult son sitting atop one of highest foredunes scanning the leafless alders hoping to add this bird to his list of Humboldt County birds which tops all other birders.<br />
Neither of us spotted the shrike on that day even though we scanned the habitat patiently for well over an hour.<br />
<br />
On the third time that I went out to look for it there were several people who had it in their scope making it easy for me. <br />
<br />
While talking to a lady from Sonoma County I mentioned an old friend (Mike Parmeter) who greatly influenced me when I was a boy scout in Guerneville, California. He became a Medical doctor and one of the best birders in California and co authored "Birds of Sonoma County, California" with the late Gordon Bolander. She knew Mike and we talked about him and birds briefly while walking toward the birders who arrived before us to see the Shrike.<br />
<br />
I mention this to point out that birders often meet new people while chasing birds and it becomes a social gathering of sorts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTGg8DXJlJO7PvewXmOCE7Kw4OaCC7_GAyik6hgA71_8umwvvrirXISybOjOPdPBHMYIVsTf_9-tFn_GSxJAfH-vr87rcnMV5aifWAsmSTTYrzRsrf1_VG1V7qdn8OcOpLv6iAGEOvpws/s1600/brown-shrike-nepal-2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTGg8DXJlJO7PvewXmOCE7Kw4OaCC7_GAyik6hgA71_8umwvvrirXISybOjOPdPBHMYIVsTf_9-tFn_GSxJAfH-vr87rcnMV5aifWAsmSTTYrzRsrf1_VG1V7qdn8OcOpLv6iAGEOvpws/s320/brown-shrike-nepal-2008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Brown Shrike photo courtesy of Wikipedia<br />
As I write this the Brown Shrike has stayed put for over 6 months and apparently finds the area a good place for food and cover. <br />
<br />
This bird has undoubtedly affected our local economy in a positive way since birders who come here most likely use a local motel and restaurants if they stay more than a day.<br />
This years annual <a href="http://www.godwitdays.com/">"Godwit Days"</a> celebration was a huge success with most all birding trips sold out. <br />
<br />
One of the big drawing cards was the possibility of seeing the Brown Shrike and to add it to their Life list.<br />
A good friend of mine and highly regarded naturalist and birder Wayne Laubscher who works with this years keynote speaker <a href="http://www.scottweidensaul.com/">Scott Wiedensaul</a> banding Saw Whet Owls in Pennsylvania came out for Godwit days. <br />
Wayne was excited about the possibilties of seeing many new birds and ended up with 20 including the Brown Shrike and Spotted owl.<br />
<br />
In constant rain we followed by car our leader Keith Hamm a Associate biologist with<a href="http://www.greendiamond.com/"> Green Diamond</a> up a mountain road for several miles. <br />
About 12 enthusiastic people in rain gear trudged up a slippery slope in riparian mature forest to get a glimpse of the owl that has created controversy amongst environmentalist and the logging industry for over 30 years.<br />
Mr. Hamm explained eloquently the background research that he and others have been conducting for over<br />
20 years. He told us that most all the owls in this large area owned by Green Diamond have been banded and he knew exactly where to find the owl that we were about to see.<br />
<br />
He first mimiced the call of the owl with a dog like barking described by Sibley as <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/sounds">"whup, hoo-hoo, hooo</a>".<br />
Within seconds his sharp eyes picked up the owl that most of the group didn't notice because of it's cryptic coloration making it almost invisible.<br />
<br />
He then placed a white lab mouse on the end of a small twig and held it up high above his head.<br />
Within seconds the owl swooped in so close that we could feel the breeze of the silent wing beat as it snatched up the mouse and took it to a nearby branch. One gentleman from Southern California was almost in tears from the overwhelming emotion of seeing the owl for the first time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6bl5c1v1h5mEXwdnh2SaONUG6Gwy0BdVkkZE6DcuKydbwdD5bGPlAhgZntZSuuKe8-w9fJbJE62YxPlF69UWfHB08sIuj8CNgZ3Muc61J1tkuFBvAARUQpDoap6LtJaFykBKU8X-Uh1E/s320/Spotted+Owl.jpg" width="215" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo of Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) by Wayne Laubscher</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wayne who is an accomplished photographer brought his camera inspite of the wet conditions and I held</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">an umbrella over him as he photographed the owl.</div><br />
Mr. Hamm being a father himself next allowed a young boy his sons age<br />
hold the stick with another mouse on it. <br />
<br />
Someone should have gotten a photo of the boys expression when the owl again swooped down and deftly plucked the mouse from its perch and flew to a nearby branch. <br />
It was priceless!<br />
An experience that this boy will likely remember the rest of his life.<br />
<br />
We signed up for the Brown Shrike trip on Waynes last full day in Humboldt County which was guided<br />
by Gary Lester who originally found it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfWOoif44vO5avtkcaUWO8QetLha4dtFq6cb0Qa6Zczs4raMA3iMtk4YXBS_OOST2iqHJrP3_0Tmguq6tWkG6Pi6K-NixNYNVCUG8qUNF40949SJKy_086PeN2WZFvXDzmdmwQARSZYcn/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfWOoif44vO5avtkcaUWO8QetLha4dtFq6cb0Qa6Zczs4raMA3iMtk4YXBS_OOST2iqHJrP3_0Tmguq6tWkG6Pi6K-NixNYNVCUG8qUNF40949SJKy_086PeN2WZFvXDzmdmwQARSZYcn/s320/IMG_4532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Gary Lester with a trip participant looking for the Brown Shrike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9XM1LkBeYP4D_pbJG_Hv-1XJ9BCKEs1uUKYoBCRyxEHtcp_zDnP1ajRe7XrjllV78RYcqRvVX3akursivaEwjZLf40fq6MvfAPuHkA6a9cszY-3dpyNXBPHSJIbaqxMHcNGzvm3uSndk/s1600/IMG_4534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9XM1LkBeYP4D_pbJG_Hv-1XJ9BCKEs1uUKYoBCRyxEHtcp_zDnP1ajRe7XrjllV78RYcqRvVX3akursivaEwjZLf40fq6MvfAPuHkA6a9cszY-3dpyNXBPHSJIbaqxMHcNGzvm3uSndk/s320/IMG_4534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The ponds where the Brown Shrike has remained for nearly 6 months in Mckinleyville, California.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ZwoOgn5U89mqCm9A-tZQXxFDqXY-WfEQ_EemdvmD7tFQpmo3O4gRb9HCT8LZrsaV0lr2ju_MOMvdV2-NQJAIxt1KjSWuNCENayQIzv7Jvz-U42JtbKnd8EziK0i_N0v9RmBE1QXgSUn/s1600/IMG_4531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ZwoOgn5U89mqCm9A-tZQXxFDqXY-WfEQ_EemdvmD7tFQpmo3O4gRb9HCT8LZrsaV0lr2ju_MOMvdV2-NQJAIxt1KjSWuNCENayQIzv7Jvz-U42JtbKnd8EziK0i_N0v9RmBE1QXgSUn/s320/IMG_4531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Wayne Laubscher scanning for the Brown Shrike<br />
The Shrike was found and all the participants excluding Gary and myself had added another bird to their life list. <br />
I had a great time and it was good to see a friend from our days living in Pennsylvania once again.<br />
I must add that I am not a "Bird Chaser" and most likely would not fly across country to see a new bird. However, I love seeing new birds and appreciate them from a different aspect and marvel at their diversity, beauty and the many adaptations that have evolved through natural selection.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-72190568138670677992011-03-23T14:37:00.000-07:002011-11-10T10:41:07.936-08:00Hawk slams dove against my windowRecently while working at my computer I was startled by a loud slam against my window and looked up and saw some feathers stuck to it.<br />
I jumped up out of my chair and saw an adult male Sharp-shinned Hawk mantling over a Mourning Dove on the deck below my window.<br />
I ran for my camera as the hawk flew down below about 20 yards away and with it he carried the dove clutched firmly in it's talons.<br />
<br />
The dove was eating chicken feed that I put out periodically for them and Quail. <br />
Feathers near the chicken scratch indicate that the dove was hit first on the ground <br />
then it must have escaped toward my window when it was caught again.<br />
<br />
The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a bird a little larger than a Robin that often hunts near homes with bird feeders. <br />
<br />
While concealing itself in the forest canopy it waits for the opportunity to surprise it's prey.<br />
It is "lightning quick" using the ambush technique to it's great advantage.<br />
<br />
On this occasion it was successful and I watched it hold on to the <br />
struggling dove until there was no longer any movement.<br />
<br />
It flew to a branch of a Redwood tree and plucked the feathers to the skin <br />
and devoured it's meal piece by piece.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXE6jD8nX5UeVd7fVdkGLhJ1eMRq_XKTc8HLMJFTAvowOxjog40485HZVHH7Mm2il_fVRvoskeeKHc-Za_8IjgKpgmOEKKru1Yq7yFjq4p6jObkl1Oyi5Q4si5OEANoXekqiSvCX6wvDX/s1600/IMG_4500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXE6jD8nX5UeVd7fVdkGLhJ1eMRq_XKTc8HLMJFTAvowOxjog40485HZVHH7Mm2il_fVRvoskeeKHc-Za_8IjgKpgmOEKKru1Yq7yFjq4p6jObkl1Oyi5Q4si5OEANoXekqiSvCX6wvDX/s320/IMG_4500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEb1doQhFAqcL848dId1k8eFw4_FODw3_T2ysgRBoVzvfwmd-avtm46hMrAV1IOEwXXbZVi_tgP1W9ryS3LvTPDYM8mv3ZWcaYRa6xOdv7jHvKeWA06fDCoVYLX8k2Jcx1xNQ5Cuv5U2W/s1600/IMG_4498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEb1doQhFAqcL848dId1k8eFw4_FODw3_T2ysgRBoVzvfwmd-avtm46hMrAV1IOEwXXbZVi_tgP1W9ryS3LvTPDYM8mv3ZWcaYRa6xOdv7jHvKeWA06fDCoVYLX8k2Jcx1xNQ5Cuv5U2W/s320/IMG_4498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>For me it was a unique and rare opportunity to witness nature in action at its most defining moment.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-56786426162078762182011-03-02T14:15:00.000-08:002011-03-04T09:25:55.559-08:00Watching Snowy Plovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrGoVYNWlr3pRoge_E0oy2o5ZV60_f0PAQ-2_0FUOiLgYVpXjZpVutvilAbedDDISjhsCOrdHiFXrrAdc6iVghsmTNxl00eZSjlHyUlHIcaB5gMnKwCJyaz6fr8hA-eHBSu3CKbe6M3io/s1600/IMG_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrGoVYNWlr3pRoge_E0oy2o5ZV60_f0PAQ-2_0FUOiLgYVpXjZpVutvilAbedDDISjhsCOrdHiFXrrAdc6iVghsmTNxl00eZSjlHyUlHIcaB5gMnKwCJyaz6fr8hA-eHBSu3CKbe6M3io/s320/IMG_4289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Western Snowy Plover and Sanderling<br />
<br />
On some days while walking along Clam Beach and Little River State Beach I am fortunate to see the tiny <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/23071/files/ploverpdf.pdf">Snowy Plover</a> crouched low and motionless among the beach debris or in a shallow depression such as a human footprint in the sand. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TyC1wnEso9AEj9StdvQK4X7CFntmgNwFGl2fJYTv41V0N06gtJkrgc8h49g-FeW5Scab-3iGqtKVvO9rEUDrgqTRiXIKrS5fIwaQ4RW7ms-HX1JC0AfT8CU-S6IxOZ5Y9AHH-XouURB1/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TyC1wnEso9AEj9StdvQK4X7CFntmgNwFGl2fJYTv41V0N06gtJkrgc8h49g-FeW5Scab-3iGqtKVvO9rEUDrgqTRiXIKrS5fIwaQ4RW7ms-HX1JC0AfT8CU-S6IxOZ5Y9AHH-XouURB1/s320/IMG_4280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
When I walk past them they will often move away slowly walking as though they are stiff from sitting like an old man who has been glued to his chair for hours. During the winter months they can often be seen in loose flocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugKso9QTjE60Z92qbqPQd2aZj6Cj5av3MMzvanYlW-fRLGO0mdftpTSjkCMpqncd5JXv6zoDSnpuYuogR0xVRhFb3BxJQYlgMxZW1rcM22gl1YZ8jg99ICI922hCsRhnXQsGMyhdnM3h-/s1600/IMG_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugKso9QTjE60Z92qbqPQd2aZj6Cj5av3MMzvanYlW-fRLGO0mdftpTSjkCMpqncd5JXv6zoDSnpuYuogR0xVRhFb3BxJQYlgMxZW1rcM22gl1YZ8jg99ICI922hCsRhnXQsGMyhdnM3h-/s320/IMG_4293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><br />
I watched 25 Snowy Plovers recently fly before me in synchrony flashing their wing markings along the surfs edge first south then turning abruptly in unison and flying back the other way.<br />
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They all landed abruptly like leaves dropping from a tree and instantly became invisible to the untrained eye. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh914UxaRWiG0XNWk3d-6RGT5-BjqAegZwiz8zBSY8zdA3a7tR4mDywYlCzHGdiLPZjlUedpF8GnwKtugxEpigT4sdpUfCuReLf1ctw-LqrCCeBNKS_RYEmDsZ2CdymImEB8V2s5UG-b36Y/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh914UxaRWiG0XNWk3d-6RGT5-BjqAegZwiz8zBSY8zdA3a7tR4mDywYlCzHGdiLPZjlUedpF8GnwKtugxEpigT4sdpUfCuReLf1ctw-LqrCCeBNKS_RYEmDsZ2CdymImEB8V2s5UG-b36Y/s320/IMG_4240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The above is a photo just after landing showing how well they blend in with their background appearing as beach debris.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ttGf5y9TGmjPqA1OzQ2adCdq0nlnKKuXjfdKyLY1O219xTIz5dTGqn8ivtfWQPnEaVcBhTloisEG8dVIu1ozq6gDp8BMMONpmnHuOllc-iBHZvQmthxtFRe_8ECHLL-1864TIrWrJ1WT/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ttGf5y9TGmjPqA1OzQ2adCdq0nlnKKuXjfdKyLY1O219xTIz5dTGqn8ivtfWQPnEaVcBhTloisEG8dVIu1ozq6gDp8BMMONpmnHuOllc-iBHZvQmthxtFRe_8ECHLL-1864TIrWrJ1WT/s320/IMG_4255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The majority of the individuals that I see have been banded by local biologists Mark Colwell, Matt Johnson and their students at Humboldt State University who are studying them to learn more about their biology, behavior, and movements.<br />
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The Pacific Coast population of the Western Snowy Plover has been listed as threatened since 1993 by the Federal Government due to declining numbers and decreased habitat as a result of introduced invasive vegetation such as European Beach grass. The Plover lays its eggs in depressions in the sand or river rock in open areas along the coast from Washington to Northern Baja, Mexico. <br />
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The threats to this “cute” sparrow sized plover are many and include natural predators like falcons, raccoons, coyotes, owls, fox, crows and ravens. The later has been determined to be the cause of most nest failures due to predation of the eggs when the parent has been disturbed.<br />
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However one of the major threats to the plover is human disturbance including Horses, bikes, vehicles, kite flying, and dogs running loose in the plovers nesting habitat.<br />
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Each time the tiny plover takes flight when disturbed they use valuable energy and often abandon their nest site making the eggs more vulnerable by increasing the opportunity for nest failure due to predation.<br />
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Much effort in cooperation with USFW and other Government agencies has been given to protect and improve the plover’s habitat. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhaYfYM5wnSLJBgV-Q5-NUbqhjQjTy7GzAzfn0e5X9oDeAMigQ0CcV5gzTBxN2jlyU_RSIdfsKdLsrZ91CPWWIqmihEEY1zO-tWwHpmFe_6Falj1tHqS-did4e8oAHjWUqwku84WSXsTF/s1600/IMG_4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhaYfYM5wnSLJBgV-Q5-NUbqhjQjTy7GzAzfn0e5X9oDeAMigQ0CcV5gzTBxN2jlyU_RSIdfsKdLsrZ91CPWWIqmihEEY1zO-tWwHpmFe_6Falj1tHqS-did4e8oAHjWUqwku84WSXsTF/s320/IMG_4211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The California Conservation Corps has been working on invasive<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb-BmXxghARouDetW1J3D9nVmt991ObrfDzYRj10HU6lWj26ArnqRc9kGkzMC_YuQUtAUi2Ox7GWQmjd7WrNnSFV5cTgxwLe7gaNcbAicWdZWVxoNJy1JvPkVboOVMSNFYpwLJ27zdJjj/s1600/IMG_4385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb-BmXxghARouDetW1J3D9nVmt991ObrfDzYRj10HU6lWj26ArnqRc9kGkzMC_YuQUtAUi2Ox7GWQmjd7WrNnSFV5cTgxwLe7gaNcbAicWdZWVxoNJy1JvPkVboOVMSNFYpwLJ27zdJjj/s320/IMG_4385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.nps.gov/archive/redw/beach-gr,htm">European Beach grass</a> removal west of the highway 101 Vista Point overlook by digging the grass up and burning it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hoAP08kOS4tOWkCEyRyf6iSKo_mNaVnKP1HBGAxLPZEbHsatTaM2EpAYtq-HQ1Sny-sAYLxy1JZ7DYnvNOVupylWFhQLFVJdwo1NLLGYmhLfTOHa2iYAi9Oa05km2AiYGHgAUjXa63TJ/s1600/IMG_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hoAP08kOS4tOWkCEyRyf6iSKo_mNaVnKP1HBGAxLPZEbHsatTaM2EpAYtq-HQ1Sny-sAYLxy1JZ7DYnvNOVupylWFhQLFVJdwo1NLLGYmhLfTOHa2iYAi9Oa05km2AiYGHgAUjXa63TJ/s320/IMG_4301.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The above photo looking north toward the mouth of the Little River shows the roped off area that has been restored by mechanical removal of the European Beach Grass and then restoration with native plants.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GlYUP_PIaD0PfGhIWeOPZCoabp3QjLvTpH7NseH3m09r4_S5pdk0ucBZRhlq2hl2TCwWy17T-a7dpb6JmYrALAkSBIsPesBT91nEaWqVAfvVT8jT6962ZyjwTX6O53yy9LM0ipyowUZw/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GlYUP_PIaD0PfGhIWeOPZCoabp3QjLvTpH7NseH3m09r4_S5pdk0ucBZRhlq2hl2TCwWy17T-a7dpb6JmYrALAkSBIsPesBT91nEaWqVAfvVT8jT6962ZyjwTX6O53yy9LM0ipyowUZw/s320/IMG_4483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlztcxlM2d9SpTNXVS_h_iplUQCHrVa3Q45Fo3PBYubmFeFSPTSzZvkhmitygKyqACPpZpfYsz7NgzXdFc33uWbJLRdN1DywJNzTtNF0VS9UlBG4BZgkwhHhZrbPTavde52tWpuDhHYWHm/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlztcxlM2d9SpTNXVS_h_iplUQCHrVa3Q45Fo3PBYubmFeFSPTSzZvkhmitygKyqACPpZpfYsz7NgzXdFc33uWbJLRdN1DywJNzTtNF0VS9UlBG4BZgkwhHhZrbPTavde52tWpuDhHYWHm/s320/IMG_4238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This work allows native plants to compete and provides a more open<br />
foredune habitat for the Snowy Plover.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP75mINmiCXpcLVhVIBK3A1qe4BxYf9xm98TFZsKccDPIc-4CCxigEWoeIk6aY8UPtoKAdXsZsNWeZVRJOqUgWsfyU2tHbhAjeo8RxEmMxF2ziAUPw3m5TV4p72-YOFZ-ZyeFEKbrlz-m/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP75mINmiCXpcLVhVIBK3A1qe4BxYf9xm98TFZsKccDPIc-4CCxigEWoeIk6aY8UPtoKAdXsZsNWeZVRJOqUgWsfyU2tHbhAjeo8RxEmMxF2ziAUPw3m5TV4p72-YOFZ-ZyeFEKbrlz-m/s320/IMG_4464.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>The signs at the perimeter of the roped off area at Little River State Beach<br />
do not keep unleashed dogs from running into their habitat.<br />
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Recently my wife and I were out photographing and observing Snowy Plovers.<br />
We observed a middle aged woman and her unleashed dog walking along the roped off area. The dog took off into the Snowy Plover protected habitat and I waved to the lady to indicate that her dog should not be there.<br />
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Her pace quickened as she approached me and she shouted "you better have a badge!" Then before I could explain why we were concerned she blurted out "I'm tired of this shit, and I'm calling 911." As she walked past us we heard her say pointing to the restoration area, "look what they've done already!"<br />
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She phoned someone while we watched her looking back at us as if we had ruined her day.<br />
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This is the challenge those of us concerned about protecting this tiny plover have when trying to educate people who simply don't care or refuse to listen to the facts. I personally feel that most people are willing to listen and learn and hopefully change.<br />
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There are volunteers who often hand out educational material but I doubt that it changes those who just don't care.<br />
Anyone reading who would like to volunteer go <a href="http://here./">here.</a><a href="http://www.westernsnowyplover.org/volunteering.html">http://www.westernsnowyplover.org/volunteering.html</a><br />
I would like to hear your ideas on how best we can protect this beautiful tiny plover whose numbers are declining. Should people who ignore signs and allow their unleashed dogs to run through Snowy Plover habitat be ticketed? <br />
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</div>Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-70035574990597487012010-12-19T12:29:00.000-08:002010-12-19T13:57:41.454-08:00Looking for Dead Birds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6zrzpneV-qFT4HT9puarCDiD0qe91h-PTgEXTJiB5Coh7wzEZ2pk2wPOB6EZKxStR64yZRcujSNu0Fom7ngQ7oza6jrx2tMhilv929rrYc1f6RJOG_hwM7pO4K526xtI9VQThMiKJuIh/s1600/053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542498459648770178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6zrzpneV-qFT4HT9puarCDiD0qe91h-PTgEXTJiB5Coh7wzEZ2pk2wPOB6EZKxStR64yZRcujSNu0Fom7ngQ7oza6jrx2tMhilv929rrYc1f6RJOG_hwM7pO4K526xtI9VQThMiKJuIh/s320/053.JPG" /></a><br />Photo by Kimberley Pittman-Schulz<br /><br />My wife and I greatly enjoy our proximity to the Pacific Coast and walking along the many beaches here in Humboldt County.<br />We are volunteers with <a href="http://depts.washington.edu/coasst/">COASST</a> as citizen scientist looking for dead beached birds that have washed ashore.<br />We've been involved with the program for a little over one year now and both of us look forward each month to our purposeful walk on "our" beach.<br /><br /><br />The way I found out about the program is interesting indeed.<br />I was checking out the mouth of the Mad River in early Febuary of 2009 and found a bottle with a lid and picked it up to see if there was a note in it.<br /><br />There wasn't so I decided to put one in it and threw it into the river nearly 400 meters from the mouth. Perhaps I thought someone far away in some exotic place would eventually find it.<br /><br />Gary Lester a local highly regarded birder and COASST volunteer found the bottle with the note and notified me by email the very next day.<br /><br />Shortly after that I met Gary and his wife in person and he told me of the COASST volunteer program.<br />I took the COASST training class held in Trinidad, Ca and was assigned Clam Beach south.<br /><br />It includes the area from the southern parking lot of <a href="http://co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/living/county_parks/default.asp?parkid=clam">Clam Beach County Park </a>south to the Vista Point overlook approximately 1.7 Kilometers one way. It is a very flat and wide beach with the mouth of Strawberry Creek intersecting it about a third of the way.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1ZutlmQ0-GtxfuTvSGKmXLXTu4H6lV7WRwZQr3XdOO_jof5bnIWFp96H6JPiK2tf-FnLIWte4mKeJVcbW5g6pj4PwZ68qFUjtw4DHD6QRmB5MaRkY7K6mOmj37skmm9-kwPrMpnKhDKN/s1600/CIMG0002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550224032286110594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1ZutlmQ0-GtxfuTvSGKmXLXTu4H6lV7WRwZQr3XdOO_jof5bnIWFp96H6JPiK2tf-FnLIWte4mKeJVcbW5g6pj4PwZ68qFUjtw4DHD6QRmB5MaRkY7K6mOmj37skmm9-kwPrMpnKhDKN/s320/CIMG0002.JPG" /></a> Turkey Vultures and Ravens scavenging a dead Marine Mammal on Clam beach.<br /><br /><p>We sometimes find dead Marine mammals that have washed ashore including this scavenged Dolphin.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD3EaMTR8gjzLopevo2LYqABQ9vqkuMD2Cglyz-gqLX2oFMek-4drOvyMkyaUbvO_Jk8rHNEoyzRjfnnC-955JTSB8Xrq0-L8nQgsPf7HglwQoOLtCm8AYN-wG0v8QhhFwgGv_l9EVT8h/s1600/CIMG0005.JPG"></p></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD3EaMTR8gjzLopevo2LYqABQ9vqkuMD2Cglyz-gqLX2oFMek-4drOvyMkyaUbvO_Jk8rHNEoyzRjfnnC-955JTSB8Xrq0-L8nQgsPf7HglwQoOLtCm8AYN-wG0v8QhhFwgGv_l9EVT8h/s1600/CIMG0005.JPG"><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550226204077652738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD3EaMTR8gjzLopevo2LYqABQ9vqkuMD2Cglyz-gqLX2oFMek-4drOvyMkyaUbvO_Jk8rHNEoyzRjfnnC-955JTSB8Xrq0-L8nQgsPf7HglwQoOLtCm8AYN-wG0v8QhhFwgGv_l9EVT8h/s320/CIMG0005.JPG" /></a></p><br />The purpose of the project is to monitor the marine ecosystems health in the Pacific Northwest. It is a cooperative effort by hundreds of volunteers from the Aleutians south to Humboldt County, California.<br /><br /><br /><p>Assigned beaches are surveyed each month and data is collected on special data sheets. The data is analysed by scientist at the University of Washington and assembled into an annual report. </p><br /><p>Data from all of the beaches surveyed reveal <a href="http://depts.washington.edu/patterns.html">patterns </a>which may help biologist make future decisions on the conservation of species of concern. </p><br /><p>We enjoy the project for several reasons which include doing something outdoors together as a team and contributing in a small way to our knowledge about the Marine ecosystem. </p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmg8b6Ru5F9KrOcarR0sS9nUI0Pk_GvBplXcLGvd4gaappjCFh7dvAuZthsXJRoN51X5AyAG2v93AbTRyfeLgH79K6dlZ6kjrd6VEmOLPmsqkgb2iMXCvIKOKR-VvnwuWJYBRzZSJrr2y/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551417205850475394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmg8b6Ru5F9KrOcarR0sS9nUI0Pk_GvBplXcLGvd4gaappjCFh7dvAuZthsXJRoN51X5AyAG2v93AbTRyfeLgH79K6dlZ6kjrd6VEmOLPmsqkgb2iMXCvIKOKR-VvnwuWJYBRzZSJrr2y/s320/IMG_3937.JPG" /></a> Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)</p><br /><p>During our surveys we also enjoy getting close veiws of live birds that frequent our coastal beaches.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9J7W0nZz6DxXlUyj1jJAerTeNDNpCG7SdryVmRA9o98Aoc1g0mVGuyNAQa7a5O1TxTGFUXXm-lpwn98oepjB4AbU-lEHYgvvT90zPrtbqL5Chgt3MD8HOFrNComwwY6GyDNsUyB9hl9Z/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552475761134919378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9J7W0nZz6DxXlUyj1jJAerTeNDNpCG7SdryVmRA9o98Aoc1g0mVGuyNAQa7a5O1TxTGFUXXm-lpwn98oepjB4AbU-lEHYgvvT90zPrtbqL5Chgt3MD8HOFrNComwwY6GyDNsUyB9hl9Z/s320/IMG_3912.JPG" /></a> Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri)<br /><br />I must admit that it isn't always fun when you're hunched over a badly decayed specimen that falls apart at the slightest tug while trying to measure and Identify it in a cold wind.<br /><br />The majority of birds found have been scavenged to some extent by other birds.<br /><br /><br /><p>When we find one it is measured (tarsus,wing chord, bill) and identified when possible with the use of a key. We then mark it with color coded plastic cable ties and photograph it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObQQi09pnfABGFNeX3fzUlkeX5WqJ_V19C8zQfRBj4JThhzBN6iN9IVsOl0KMklwe0-nV0Nfz786S31D_4aKIk3apBgWowwpwg95GgwU3HGsizYMHrY-uiHFFS3et6nwORwUnOtermubH/s1600/CIMG0009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551420071502774834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObQQi09pnfABGFNeX3fzUlkeX5WqJ_V19C8zQfRBj4JThhzBN6iN9IVsOl0KMklwe0-nV0Nfz786S31D_4aKIk3apBgWowwpwg95GgwU3HGsizYMHrY-uiHFFS3et6nwORwUnOtermubH/s320/CIMG0009.JPG" /></a> Marking a bird prevents recounting it if it is found again by us or someone else. Thus far we have not stumbled upon anything rare or unusual like an Albatross or a Flesh footed Shearwater. </p><p>We have not experienced a "Wreck"* yet either and when and if we do we will be sure to call out the troops for help. </p><p>Most days we try to pick up as much litter that we find washed ashore.<br />Below is an example of a days find that we carried back to the dumpsters.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkC7VpTmIGYiB7XJT24u_tzzPA3A97VcRZsLppCTjQwbL3VIwwyfVeri0bQ5UAinQmQ1J8z_H17SU3szwWsmS-V3WZIgQP-oKC1SoLxxC-F41RKpZyhsZpDDqtCdfHu_J9Ryr7H_2-EsL9/s1600/CIMG0016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552486342737726738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkC7VpTmIGYiB7XJT24u_tzzPA3A97VcRZsLppCTjQwbL3VIwwyfVeri0bQ5UAinQmQ1J8z_H17SU3szwWsmS-V3WZIgQP-oKC1SoLxxC-F41RKpZyhsZpDDqtCdfHu_J9Ryr7H_2-EsL9/s320/CIMG0016.JPG" /></a> If I were younger and looking for a job it would be interesting to put this experience on my Resume and wait for a curious response by the potential employer during a interveiw.<br /><br />*A wreck is a large number of single species, or group of species washed ashore sometimes resulting in 10 to 100 times normal.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-8628324455988549192010-10-26T13:10:00.000-07:002010-10-26T13:53:14.118-07:00Trash along roads<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhsl2d_54SulONb09odgbXGeouNxjhYNXD_oXmhyphenhyphenBnoWm4I1VP83J-g6tVW-CwKxJ-8cG0-6HnjgzX7-dHgeGQKVCSh9rZmImFGO_0fb7CZQdvRPeMjdt_ETl4uScJy5QlZ0RlpXRcGQa/s1600/CIMG0017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532450899158844402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhsl2d_54SulONb09odgbXGeouNxjhYNXD_oXmhyphenhyphenBnoWm4I1VP83J-g6tVW-CwKxJ-8cG0-6HnjgzX7-dHgeGQKVCSh9rZmImFGO_0fb7CZQdvRPeMjdt_ETl4uScJy5QlZ0RlpXRcGQa/s320/CIMG0017.JPG" /></a>
<br />Every time I see trash deposited along our beautiful roads it makes me sad even sick to my stomach. Why I ask would a human with a brain do something so stupid?
<br />Perhaps they are brainless but I'd rather think that they are people who have no respect for the environment or concern for their community.
<br />Yesterday while driving home along Murray road I saw this and stopped to photograph it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe8I4v1jRoNd-KdfFjQNsvBJ1yIuTat3wDcZDytxfymrfaJu1J6CsoDo8hRTxOhwTTsifl2FjZZu5OdTwogVtNDeE6a5rJh4sn_ZHX18LrlI21_Pu3yKETxr0oh9zNIhZteqZEuEIIrkB/s1600/CIMG0018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532452403474663906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe8I4v1jRoNd-KdfFjQNsvBJ1yIuTat3wDcZDytxfymrfaJu1J6CsoDo8hRTxOhwTTsifl2FjZZu5OdTwogVtNDeE6a5rJh4sn_ZHX18LrlI21_Pu3yKETxr0oh9zNIhZteqZEuEIIrkB/s320/CIMG0018.JPG" /></a>
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<br />I am thinking about putting up some camera traps along this road to catch the idiots who disgrace the human race by their behavior.
<br />><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532456339043488578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xp-MMqeTknr8qS8ZlyGTNmmo1sex1-rwv_W8qQ95iW3Y3w_IHLE4T_CEqrlcK8GRkjtzbBBFXwpqWfjY6I7bwHwzTeNqagPbaE0KkiKvdkVidcEl7yDZrSDDdZPz47E5A9DEkY2Z9J4B/s320/CIMG0020.JPG" /></a>
<br /><p>I hope to catch someone eventually and turn them in. When caught they should be required to clean up the trash along the same roadway for at least one year or go to jail for a year. </p><p>This must cost taxpayer money that could be used for better purposes.</p><p>The trash was gone today apparently picked up by a local agency? Thank you to whoever cleaned up the outrageous mess.</p><p></p>Anyone out there with any suggestions that might help?
<br />Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-13240282048123929842010-09-28T16:20:00.000-07:002010-09-29T08:57:32.167-07:00Sussi & Chuma Lodge on the Zambezi RiverThe last part of our Africa trip to Zambia was booked specifically to see Victoria Falls and wildlife along the Zambezi river.
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<br />Upon arrival at the airport near the northern border of Botswana we were met by a polite African gentelman and driven by cab to the rivers edge. Along the way we passed hundreds of large transport trucks waiting in line to cross the border.
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<br />Our driver explained that sometimes the wait was several days or over a week. This is because there are only two ferries and they can take only one semi trailer at a time.
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<br />We were told there is huge problem of prostitution with the truckers while they wait to cross the border.
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<br />Our connections were impeccable as we were met within 5 minutes by the person who would take us to the other side and crossed the river into Zambia by small motor craft.
<br />The walk from the boat was over uneven terrain requiring at least a moderate amount of agility to get to the mobile office where our passports were checked taking only a few minutes and then proceeded to ride in a Van to our lodge.
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<br />We would stay two more nights at <a href="http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/lodges/zambia/sussi-and-chuma.cfm">Sussi & chuma lodge </a>on the banks of the Zambezi River.
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<br />We were greeted once again by very friendly and smiling hosts who led us along a platform walkway built on stilts to our room overlooking the river.
<br />The entire lodge except the dining area was built on stilts to prevent flooding and to minimize the impact on the environment below.
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<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYHcnX4acBDBHiIKlulXsPVNcQcLGqXj6W-BfzMifxQvpQtwArr_93_wiXr6qSVdvHAhe4gp5xisFF0gYEn1E8vAFG5DJyALK4nVkcls7THLraBoYt91_XdSGZhEhqMSjv15cxraIdlO2/s1600/CIMG0347.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516480572592625746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYHcnX4acBDBHiIKlulXsPVNcQcLGqXj6W-BfzMifxQvpQtwArr_93_wiXr6qSVdvHAhe4gp5xisFF0gYEn1E8vAFG5DJyALK4nVkcls7THLraBoYt91_XdSGZhEhqMSjv15cxraIdlO2/s320/CIMG0347.JPG" /></a>
<br />Our room was at the end of the walkway and once inside it looked like this.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBAo9rewFAC8Ms4r8hGGMV6tBCSe-lIcWXQpfSqCDukmrdRPwlljTZwj5QbRr7aAQ05G3ZErzw7JTAPofj-0t9pWcXmfw5fcQo9ubInQAypJMgndMfFhOPiypED9ooH22CKHf0feT_RvH/s1600/CIMG0343.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516481641918522194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBAo9rewFAC8Ms4r8hGGMV6tBCSe-lIcWXQpfSqCDukmrdRPwlljTZwj5QbRr7aAQ05G3ZErzw7JTAPofj-0t9pWcXmfw5fcQo9ubInQAypJMgndMfFhOPiypED9ooH22CKHf0feT_RvH/s320/CIMG0343.JPG" /></a> The view from our room was amazing and for the next two days we would soak up every moment. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22bic0jEKTL0ckocdKsKaKo9skcThLR58CabTf5y5ldiQoQtnG2sxEbJPrUiK1KRyfC_50ZKxXIDuYqgmF6OzYt34BhGrWjM1OfuT8gHTteKVG4l0qBtmPuVnjl-ik0DNqvlWU-xeMQTA/s1600/CIMG0348.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516482956128168770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22bic0jEKTL0ckocdKsKaKo9skcThLR58CabTf5y5ldiQoQtnG2sxEbJPrUiK1KRyfC_50ZKxXIDuYqgmF6OzYt34BhGrWjM1OfuT8gHTteKVG4l0qBtmPuVnjl-ik0DNqvlWU-xeMQTA/s320/CIMG0348.JPG" /></a> Looking out from our deck was a powerful humid ambiance showcasing the beauty of the Zambezi and it's richly diverse riparian sounds. We listened with reverence while the birds, insects and Hippos serenaded us to the tune of a swollen river as we soaked in this once in a lifetime experience . </p>It didn't take long for us to grab our binoculars and walk out on our deck to view the area and look for birds. There were many and one fine example was this beautiful little Bee-eater.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR4Va__Ys1TGseKA2aWv5dQFSzuscGIdEDR9rfLdmgMtFy1kkxCy2ibJ2_r_ms91DR6QeH_4EsXoIdLbM6L9tSxVcxMkmmSX_V4shSthhHuJ1-OW49GMhF5am00u5XjV1d09WDcGWEox5/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR4Va__Ys1TGseKA2aWv5dQFSzuscGIdEDR9rfLdmgMtFy1kkxCy2ibJ2_r_ms91DR6QeH_4EsXoIdLbM6L9tSxVcxMkmmSX_V4shSthhHuJ1-OW49GMhF5am00u5XjV1d09WDcGWEox5/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516472165280144658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR4Va__Ys1TGseKA2aWv5dQFSzuscGIdEDR9rfLdmgMtFy1kkxCy2ibJ2_r_ms91DR6QeH_4EsXoIdLbM6L9tSxVcxMkmmSX_V4shSthhHuJ1-OW49GMhF5am00u5XjV1d09WDcGWEox5/s320/IMG_3013.JPG" /> White-Fronted Bee-Eater (Merops bullockoides)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6m9vij7jDoEPMzt1wUFx-GNdPajLIuXPVRm105mmnHnh7jT5OSYABNI2LCkZx3InxBHfp_4I4NNYV2iJXaaQPIFvjvCGqVGQrtTRxknyPUlqIgB-X0rVJO0Nca7kI49Y0uHvZ2CjiqSKN/s1600/CIMG0418.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516862737358109490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6m9vij7jDoEPMzt1wUFx-GNdPajLIuXPVRm105mmnHnh7jT5OSYABNI2LCkZx3InxBHfp_4I4NNYV2iJXaaQPIFvjvCGqVGQrtTRxknyPUlqIgB-X0rVJO0Nca7kI49Y0uHvZ2CjiqSKN/s320/CIMG0418.JPG" /></a> My faithful companion and fellow adventurer always with binoculars ready for anything that moves, crawls or flies.
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<br />She found a frog in our bathroom and we eventually released it to the outside and photographed it on the deck railing. Perhaps someone who knows African amphibians can identify it for us?
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DovvF1GILDVCYbcaU4infV1co6yzPvyAoVzqoSD1Zqlvi_9TH7IQI3khFeKhzFpZ08gQU5nm-fFhCpYQIDBzpobrRH56OM6qeUWGv11QNZ9ChTevbEdYteIdsrbw1KHEGFTRcukLa9PD/s1600/CIMG0413.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516478001757062626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DovvF1GILDVCYbcaU4infV1co6yzPvyAoVzqoSD1Zqlvi_9TH7IQI3khFeKhzFpZ08gQU5nm-fFhCpYQIDBzpobrRH56OM6qeUWGv11QNZ9ChTevbEdYteIdsrbw1KHEGFTRcukLa9PD/s320/CIMG0413.JPG" /></a> The first afternoon we chose to take a boat ride on the Zambezi where we encountered a family of Hippos that greeted us with disdain for our intrusion upon their space.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7YSWvbthPg6FKd7gkMOk5RB9gAs-6ZHyW1_Ty93zFIjWiHP8TNfG6PBZo6z06BAMfJwpd4RjJOSRx9FC6IktSqX3HsX3ciHaSinaWO1g-AJ1BVwKR3juQxSGUtvexnrGPzVD2FviS1Mw/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516487791062188370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7YSWvbthPg6FKd7gkMOk5RB9gAs-6ZHyW1_Ty93zFIjWiHP8TNfG6PBZo6z06BAMfJwpd4RjJOSRx9FC6IktSqX3HsX3ciHaSinaWO1g-AJ1BVwKR3juQxSGUtvexnrGPzVD2FviS1Mw/s320/IMG_2995.JPG" /></a> The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamus">Hippopotamus </a>is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa and very territorial when in the water. They put up a very impressive argument that convinced everyone that we were close enough.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFke0MUrBsb4lHwEMf8uI0ZFAU33sapR3In9UKtFjcdwP_9H396LOHesvQKPCyHveSUGxkssmw8_yDwwEbwfea4mefPxF2EHKbRDyMpR2v6as_toOR9TaUHzlI9-UPyqAYJBC_4GfxKw4/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516494059279552418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFke0MUrBsb4lHwEMf8uI0ZFAU33sapR3In9UKtFjcdwP_9H396LOHesvQKPCyHveSUGxkssmw8_yDwwEbwfea4mefPxF2EHKbRDyMpR2v6as_toOR9TaUHzlI9-UPyqAYJBC_4GfxKw4/s320/IMG_2984.JPG" /></a> Brown-Hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris)
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<br />The bird life along the river was phenomenal and one example is this beautiful little Kingfisher(above).
<br />That evening we enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere at the Main lodge with a glass of wine and excellent food and a superb view of the Zambezi river. The Staff entertained us with music and dancing and invited us to join them. We did and below is Kimberley feeling the African groove.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8QFIKkdS2XAm0uMpRejaXYPtAUnJBA7qGl1UL2-5UwjINRvoTYQaGe8YxSINISG4blfpt1cpJB4sFSHI69uAwZ1sJCSNeAiaSD0pHqrhyphenhyphen19R1FCW0dyBp082a3X_ZzXKTFT4sPbcYcWj/s1600/Kimberley+dancing+to+African+Music.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522035992606405314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8QFIKkdS2XAm0uMpRejaXYPtAUnJBA7qGl1UL2-5UwjINRvoTYQaGe8YxSINISG4blfpt1cpJB4sFSHI69uAwZ1sJCSNeAiaSD0pHqrhyphenhyphen19R1FCW0dyBp082a3X_ZzXKTFT4sPbcYcWj/s320/Kimberley+dancing+to+African+Music.JPG" /></a>
<br />The next morning we were visited by a family of <a href="http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vervet_Monkey">Vervet Monkeys</a> near our room and immediately went out to observe, enjoy and photograph them.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcp7hXuZq4tEKepzLIDzATgMr-RX-X2hRnklapou8VGFqOjhSJHNnHHijiSB9qffIHboKUHOK6wr5qft3p0uw_b00lYs8umtG0P4XYT1ojLm4rVYyXc7rkpcs3a3iI7edxcRBUwQiyFfm/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517566301121810946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcp7hXuZq4tEKepzLIDzATgMr-RX-X2hRnklapou8VGFqOjhSJHNnHHijiSB9qffIHboKUHOK6wr5qft3p0uw_b00lYs8umtG0P4XYT1ojLm4rVYyXc7rkpcs3a3iI7edxcRBUwQiyFfm/s320/IMG_3031.JPG" /></a> These monkeys are undoubtedly curious by nature and very unafraid as they approached us closely.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RQD84CwnpgdIO7sHeIllrg9pADijIta2rbKJbOhtIqw8p4dJKKEwLuQ0AqulL2XTiIE6rln3lA8CW_ocs4ApCBtoBMVKME2puf-UPD_HIHl3CpDohrGnkd0W6VvmOJ6z94h1xDl_4L60/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517569502799232834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RQD84CwnpgdIO7sHeIllrg9pADijIta2rbKJbOhtIqw8p4dJKKEwLuQ0AqulL2XTiIE6rln3lA8CW_ocs4ApCBtoBMVKME2puf-UPD_HIHl3CpDohrGnkd0W6VvmOJ6z94h1xDl_4L60/s320/IMG_3034.JPG" /></a> As we gazed into each other's eyes I wondered what is going on in her mind? I think she wanted to be friends and at that moment we became friends.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpYzBnEtnXiW0YskOai7KVDe5dwD0XKgrIBcZzmZBWn12Iy5tyN8BTGXVH4jO-3mDWlxkDpJIoNVwRXxH3vhPBXVmqh5QKb5bqPh2C5oMoRUfjZM-d2xYlrgHdlTsBlURjMpRzE59gL3r/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517956605732904306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpYzBnEtnXiW0YskOai7KVDe5dwD0XKgrIBcZzmZBWn12Iy5tyN8BTGXVH4jO-3mDWlxkDpJIoNVwRXxH3vhPBXVmqh5QKb5bqPh2C5oMoRUfjZM-d2xYlrgHdlTsBlURjMpRzE59gL3r/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" /></a> The male Vervet monkey showing off his colorful genitalia while a female grooms his fur.
<br />I thought to myself now why didn't Homo sapiens evolve such a colorful scheme?
<br />Although the adaptive significance of the colored genitalia may not be well understood, it is thought to aid in visual communication among male Vervets to reinforce the dominance hierarchy.
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<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbG9sP41JSGQk47vNvKSn25TRLhuKa1d0TA-nlCxqAnrXBqwCOLKQzQ9Hl_a7KMfKAAdnf01r_-YWVxozyV1_ZO0mO8X-nuoJICI7dDkMXc489nBzvr6WmpPpkI77P2yT8v_sW_Oy19Xh/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517986062627230594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbG9sP41JSGQk47vNvKSn25TRLhuKa1d0TA-nlCxqAnrXBqwCOLKQzQ9Hl_a7KMfKAAdnf01r_-YWVxozyV1_ZO0mO8X-nuoJICI7dDkMXc489nBzvr6WmpPpkI77P2yT8v_sW_Oy19Xh/s320/IMG_3056.JPG" /></a> The Bateleur (terathopius ecaudatus) is one of the most striking and easily identified eagles in Africa. We saw these beautiful eagles at every place we visited while in Africa.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFCV_EMxUdxpIxiGkz7xmTHCJBfz_szpPpV-AMdNXW5fu3R1T_RdYyoxloUIYIE9_B2E-IwSHqIY9ZA8JrM1Rm3SFrW8ElO0gc4bshS-YI8SShjU_2o4osI9c7eYJHSRjiKd3BRzOXg0X/s1600/IMG_3062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517988767352551970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFCV_EMxUdxpIxiGkz7xmTHCJBfz_szpPpV-AMdNXW5fu3R1T_RdYyoxloUIYIE9_B2E-IwSHqIY9ZA8JrM1Rm3SFrW8ElO0gc4bshS-YI8SShjU_2o4osI9c7eYJHSRjiKd3BRzOXg0X/s320/IMG_3062.JPG" /></a> This large Rock Monitor moved quickly away from us as we approached it.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsxHz63IpDNP8zFMhim07uQYazsjgedH5w7V-A5yfXKsw6ohRPvie6C7UN0VCLkLfevEdKYA_MM1EuCs2enBxS2Ji6KgLZwKinMcEMlANvBqITnFm1h7Vg304AfG9MYt0Oi9BVgqM8h6y/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519545384484439298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsxHz63IpDNP8zFMhim07uQYazsjgedH5w7V-A5yfXKsw6ohRPvie6C7UN0VCLkLfevEdKYA_MM1EuCs2enBxS2Ji6KgLZwKinMcEMlANvBqITnFm1h7Vg304AfG9MYt0Oi9BVgqM8h6y/s320/IMG_3072.JPG" /></a> The Red-Billed Oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) were busy keeping ectoparasites at bay on the backs of these Impala (Aepyceros melampus).
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y096cq2tApreXtwoCK1ZcEjDUWyXk0lQej55HcyMb2Xo9OYX7-JcB-uccwIgGfSZKuITQslJNMTuxmI-uEOBBSJqy3QaXzO5klUFBkG_B_mb7jlIamXftvq9tAEdHH_ttkSCGPgYd7uX/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522032830960237154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y096cq2tApreXtwoCK1ZcEjDUWyXk0lQej55HcyMb2Xo9OYX7-JcB-uccwIgGfSZKuITQslJNMTuxmI-uEOBBSJqy3QaXzO5klUFBkG_B_mb7jlIamXftvq9tAEdHH_ttkSCGPgYd7uX/s320/IMG_3084.JPG" /></a> White-Crowned Lapwing (Plover) (Vanellus albiceps)</p><p>Driving along bumpy roads in a Land Rover not far from our lodge we were consumed with the many birds and mammals and keeping our eyes wide open hoping to see the Pel's Fishing Owl. It was perfect habitat but this is one bird that I would only get a fleeting glimpse of in the Okavanga. </p><p>On our last day in Africa we visited <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Falls">Victoria Falls </a>and felt its awesome power and the deafening sound as we walked in its drenching rain along the trails . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRBy1YjJ0uAdveuhApSODDxo-eqZcf6L1JRD7yrK6gx-SGOdbYlEg3Nf4nx_3a2QFMNTYiV53QKEk7o5TV3JxSlyRLfReqOE7Q-9NIAqxRqtrC0qGhqWInsId2i6LJYM-IKut-lQQ7lDB/s1600/Victoria+Falls.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522040318466483570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRBy1YjJ0uAdveuhApSODDxo-eqZcf6L1JRD7yrK6gx-SGOdbYlEg3Nf4nx_3a2QFMNTYiV53QKEk7o5TV3JxSlyRLfReqOE7Q-9NIAqxRqtrC0qGhqWInsId2i6LJYM-IKut-lQQ7lDB/s320/Victoria+Falls.JPG" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJxCY6Wm5l5SN5HbXwgrmWteyV4fvb5BKhnIk_7TE31Xs5BuYXyDBOGz4nJf94HNSntAGTIC498Kkia3QbNHWySFiKfMhD_D_TP0wwa8FIRfFeLk4aFbzokM73ox6_vXI0qmzBm9maAl_/s1600/CIMG0383.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522042810665053282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJxCY6Wm5l5SN5HbXwgrmWteyV4fvb5BKhnIk_7TE31Xs5BuYXyDBOGz4nJf94HNSntAGTIC498Kkia3QbNHWySFiKfMhD_D_TP0wwa8FIRfFeLk4aFbzokM73ox6_vXI0qmzBm9maAl_/s320/CIMG0383.JPG" /></a> A beautiful rainbow created by the falls mist .</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfU78tQE8C7QYSrsxJI3_QaNkCPUEWRr2sxh2WHebBvtmBv13bRj4ck7dT76X8FYWpewMwj3GWBpu2POpEq3nk4_THYiNJVVUV1-cgsajLZoNYDi1BfSHUbEuMAIoIIIroCmivMdwdbYL/s1600/CIMG0380.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522052813670259394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfU78tQE8C7QYSrsxJI3_QaNkCPUEWRr2sxh2WHebBvtmBv13bRj4ck7dT76X8FYWpewMwj3GWBpu2POpEq3nk4_THYiNJVVUV1-cgsajLZoNYDi1BfSHUbEuMAIoIIIroCmivMdwdbYL/s320/CIMG0380.JPG" /></a> High water at one of the "Seven Wonders" of the world. We waited a long time for this adventure and it will remain one of the highlights of our lives.
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<br />Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-66328414340510883532010-06-15T09:05:00.000-07:002010-06-16T14:39:55.741-07:00Chobe Nat. Park, Savute<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P0_vxEoYosM6zTuCW-KiIhUH9CVBU4ddbzs7FE0lDQJfiBuLRbpPnXi89rhjvcQlpz-apDD4E3HqgPrXxnU_AsLZb2cBxlClwY2LiJGVq9xOH33loqyJVcnvNRDKgViasInBGd5mI8lf/s1600/Giraffe+at+Savute.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467177490694656066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P0_vxEoYosM6zTuCW-KiIhUH9CVBU4ddbzs7FE0lDQJfiBuLRbpPnXi89rhjvcQlpz-apDD4E3HqgPrXxnU_AsLZb2cBxlClwY2LiJGVq9xOH33loqyJVcnvNRDKgViasInBGd5mI8lf/s320/Giraffe+at+Savute.JPG" /></a> Our flight to our next lodge in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chobe_National_Park">Chobe National Park </a>was a little over an hour. We were met at the airport and driven about 30 minutes to the <a href="http://desertdelta.blogspot.com/">Savute Safari Lodge </a>where we would spend the next two days. Our room looked out over a water hole that had Elephants drinking from it and the odor of elephant dung wafted in the air.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7t5VYdWipQJsY3aa8kKN4KKXOgicQLsA8Sa_lOxpYKFgGLan50ZikYw_pC7utln4j9g8e6leGaWb_YSw0DExRt6YsuosaDs-cU5pw2GHdW92EJTN5jQaHw4Uc0EJvWjnidm9isAgiy0pa/s1600/IMG_2878.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467180546396337186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7t5VYdWipQJsY3aa8kKN4KKXOgicQLsA8Sa_lOxpYKFgGLan50ZikYw_pC7utln4j9g8e6leGaWb_YSw0DExRt6YsuosaDs-cU5pw2GHdW92EJTN5jQaHw4Uc0EJvWjnidm9isAgiy0pa/s320/IMG_2878.JPG" /></a> The Chobe is known for having one of the worlds largest elephant populations and is<br /><div>the second largest national park in Botswana encompassing nearly 11,000 sq. km. renowned for its uniqueness and abundance of wildlife.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihTvzeRol-SmJ49ASig6HJ2M71klh9IAa-AHZemKusX1tU8ZMg7XwfdcVS4TS8DBJz43XAKHKKtl2l9Ks7yTapxnKZ95K8U6wCy1y7PYnkhZA4G4KQU8bBHss4VRyGJw8kFZ4NPGQCC8p/s1600/IMG_2798.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471970947424144418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihTvzeRol-SmJ49ASig6HJ2M71klh9IAa-AHZemKusX1tU8ZMg7XwfdcVS4TS8DBJz43XAKHKKtl2l9Ks7yTapxnKZ95K8U6wCy1y7PYnkhZA4G4KQU8bBHss4VRyGJw8kFZ4NPGQCC8p/s320/IMG_2798.JPG" /></a> The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Dog">African Wild Dog </a>has large rounded ears a "Hyena-like" head and beautiful<br />mottled black, white with shades of light yellow brown patches of short hair giving it a<br />very distinctive appearance.<br />This beautiful dog-like animal is only a distant relative to our domestic canids.<br />A small pack of four adults were found napping under a tree in the late afternoon.<br />We waited patiently until they arose to begin their evening sojourn and watched them eagerly as they trotted slowly away.<br /><br />They are exclusively carnivorous and like the North American Wolf, hunt for their prey cooperatively. They can run up to 35 mph and as long as 3 miles making it difficult for their prey to escape.<br />We were thrilled to experience the sight of these rare animals since they are considered endangered with only 5,000 of them remaining.<br /><br />The Blackbacked Jackal reminded us of the North American Coyote by the way it moves.<br />It has a distinctive black and silver "saddle."<br />An interesting habit of laying on Elephant dung to mask its odor also hides it from predators.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP95kg5BtBHvEyFyV9HZyPBXvL_p6b3gVDANchG0hn9iNYC3x4qLWLF99CvtDXYF0k4pha5NwVISEExk24-dXV8re4R8MkHno7nVuXzq6oWjeofaj4iP3C9VrF_sFOuSD2TgbAbPyfeB2X/s1600/Black-Backed+Jackal.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473781531546546594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP95kg5BtBHvEyFyV9HZyPBXvL_p6b3gVDANchG0hn9iNYC3x4qLWLF99CvtDXYF0k4pha5NwVISEExk24-dXV8re4R8MkHno7nVuXzq6oWjeofaj4iP3C9VrF_sFOuSD2TgbAbPyfeB2X/s320/Black-Backed+Jackal.JPG" /></a><br />Our guide was a big African gentleman named <a href="http://themosslitpath.blogspot.com/">Ngande</a> with a deep voice and keen sense of humor. I found out early that he was not into birds as much as we were but he quickly caught on when I was stopping him frequently to take photos.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSde7dQoxJ2pzaN_OB6fxW1SIcocXs6gIUk5CaLLkM5zOF7JFjpNI6k3-lkvIIXittSujJghowTe6iio3Y_AAXL2zi03xfUu6NUZgiyKMnII8bVQW9_7wq0dXBeWtSRaq6WnKxVMByHOg/s1600/IMG_2956.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474151876529930898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSde7dQoxJ2pzaN_OB6fxW1SIcocXs6gIUk5CaLLkM5zOF7JFjpNI6k3-lkvIIXittSujJghowTe6iio3Y_AAXL2zi03xfUu6NUZgiyKMnII8bVQW9_7wq0dXBeWtSRaq6WnKxVMByHOg/s320/IMG_2956.JPG" /></a> A common resident throughout Botswana is the beautiful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lilac-breasted_roller">Lilac Breasted Roller</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheeVOI1fMxQZxWteHrLoWhtx1N4sNl-gB89N-LNZE8d_nzPv8-5IQEM17OVMzOR1IrCszyDN5Xi0CPVN1_Q4s9n2E_qgbW-kXLKjqDrQUYzd3pslk5FD8HqOUohCKZZHsi7QMXcYKcnhf/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473786875129835154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheeVOI1fMxQZxWteHrLoWhtx1N4sNl-gB89N-LNZE8d_nzPv8-5IQEM17OVMzOR1IrCszyDN5Xi0CPVN1_Q4s9n2E_qgbW-kXLKjqDrQUYzd3pslk5FD8HqOUohCKZZHsi7QMXcYKcnhf/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" /></a> The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kori_Bustard">Kori Bustard </a>(Ardeotis kori) is the largest bustard in Botswana and have become extinct in some areas due to habitat destruction from agriculture, development, hunting and a slow reproductive rate.<br />They are mostly terrestrial and one of the heaviest birds capable of flying.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBXBVJNd-l2CelcZAv0oCSw6p1LIOSVDv_56tAxpic0bob7C07WsryvIJ_4FQ_zHMeGvMQ9GPyOpUCKLb7YoqvAEHdj9KUEg4C-sP-8AArPFUabe3y085RoUdFvllD1ovUpHCU1EA4DZh/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473795184738326802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBXBVJNd-l2CelcZAv0oCSw6p1LIOSVDv_56tAxpic0bob7C07WsryvIJ_4FQ_zHMeGvMQ9GPyOpUCKLb7YoqvAEHdj9KUEg4C-sP-8AArPFUabe3y085RoUdFvllD1ovUpHCU1EA4DZh/s320/IMG_2867.JPG" /></a> The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souther_Ground-Hornbill">Southern Ground-Hornbill </a>(Bucorvus leadbeateri) is also threatened in many parts of its range and confined to reserves and national parks.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVym4hNT3Kv_XFrvXIuhBLWOdcwKzhHOB4a3THAsA7wHsXgXhDBdorJqqyWMZQKO8FYi3sd5adPFuXrKzegjgcoJn_jGaW40xCvLruHPwoW6tlstKRQmbYBYfENsc86DIPiQEwkZ28g7l/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473798430520874354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVym4hNT3Kv_XFrvXIuhBLWOdcwKzhHOB4a3THAsA7wHsXgXhDBdorJqqyWMZQKO8FYi3sd5adPFuXrKzegjgcoJn_jGaW40xCvLruHPwoW6tlstKRQmbYBYfENsc86DIPiQEwkZ28g7l/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" /></a> The Plains Zebra (Equus burchellii) was present in great numbers grazing in the Savute marsh where the grass was lush and not far from water. To see them in such high density in this vast savanna, each with their slightly varied markings was truely one of the heights of our experience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopIXu5uZsDx_FFundk9OL2uNIWFSxLT1T1qrwSieGly-zDg7SVb3vplJmMMLiVGegIiASjKm9kjJ5nB9SsEP6B4idfleUzXldUSJKrR55_B5lasTnbEaXRRAcfTnySAaRwh_JIkZ1uhMk/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480083140874964018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopIXu5uZsDx_FFundk9OL2uNIWFSxLT1T1qrwSieGly-zDg7SVb3vplJmMMLiVGegIiASjKm9kjJ5nB9SsEP6B4idfleUzXldUSJKrR55_B5lasTnbEaXRRAcfTnySAaRwh_JIkZ1uhMk/s320/IMG_2977.JPG" /></a> Hundreds of Cattle Egrets(Bubulcus ibis) followed the herd<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGp5n3mIyd6aHTRlPqn-q0zxS_vfb5h4wVwWg1M09GC0KLhjPDrgyvYjdoTKy_5-0QVEpAGMCPl0AFnfTxubleW4JbixXLhaOjrYmbRl6boQboqHSDWi8O37J9VEM9Ulvu_eo58sqndBU/s1600/IMG_2884.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474162662650531698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGp5n3mIyd6aHTRlPqn-q0zxS_vfb5h4wVwWg1M09GC0KLhjPDrgyvYjdoTKy_5-0QVEpAGMCPl0AFnfTxubleW4JbixXLhaOjrYmbRl6boQboqHSDWi8O37J9VEM9Ulvu_eo58sqndBU/s320/IMG_2884.JPG" /></a> Our guide was constantly in touch by radio with other guides and learned of a pride of <a href="http://www,defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/lion.php">lions </a>found a few miles away. We arrived within minutes to see two male lions loafing in the shade in the late afternoon while other members of the pride were a few yards away near the water hole.<br />It was like watching a National Geographic episode on TV in HD but this time we were actually seeing the drama before us as it took place.<br /><br />There less than 20 yards away were three 5 month old cubs drinking and playing near a water hole.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYHIVQlI8MGz0zq5fiseZ1J6nXZ9V8ZOuHNjVk7DVEgR3xqGFudiC2anGpyoRc69-eoHeHS8Vr7EO3XpgMybLwrswcO_PQheH-Wpqh3wcAr1DXDW12FokPeOQfUBNysXxM3cqQtnawPJ4/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474160248131686290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYHIVQlI8MGz0zq5fiseZ1J6nXZ9V8ZOuHNjVk7DVEgR3xqGFudiC2anGpyoRc69-eoHeHS8Vr7EO3XpgMybLwrswcO_PQheH-Wpqh3wcAr1DXDW12FokPeOQfUBNysXxM3cqQtnawPJ4/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTotlBDUue88e_aHz7tmyex699PDrmcc9zuxL5mT5wVtQmyGnEwQqUV4UFLGmQJ941zE5E5PjQv-QVafokjbDkCcJ02srhbzXXinOghjeayBi6xM2H5ACl-eaDizj9PmNKc9vZ9CU-pyr/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474165386636913506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTotlBDUue88e_aHz7tmyex699PDrmcc9zuxL5mT5wVtQmyGnEwQqUV4UFLGmQJ941zE5E5PjQv-QVafokjbDkCcJ02srhbzXXinOghjeayBi6xM2H5ACl-eaDizj9PmNKc9vZ9CU-pyr/s320/IMG_2923.JPG" /></a> The cubs attacked their parents playfully and generally ignored us and the<br />sound of our cameras clicking away.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iZP6gswBOznXUnc8J-kybk3qBb2Z_x7B_Q5ZFFpkdaB-_gkRVYWcuIhJ-KAwAT2Kbk9ScllSQdqMFdOE-JusGM5uPUjnq13fn0A8X9H89iwb_LOLEG5RpI98chhtgdyfpWzAIvJz9Hca/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480070652384329906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iZP6gswBOznXUnc8J-kybk3qBb2Z_x7B_Q5ZFFpkdaB-_gkRVYWcuIhJ-KAwAT2Kbk9ScllSQdqMFdOE-JusGM5uPUjnq13fn0A8X9H89iwb_LOLEG5RpI98chhtgdyfpWzAIvJz9Hca/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" /></a> The cubs went to their mothers side periodically for comfort and affection which they received with licking and rubbing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_eG8Mg0K3Al82NP2uvmWeCWkUCAraYG31ytAbe5mjDlBlSPHFH3-hQYcYIx__vqzr6Ae7HjNlheIPwtiPQU0bQHNXWE3I4NxeHIuWiyn4LBVJpvKEwaLrfb7XwRumznIrd-utY4H-frn/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474173823335442706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_eG8Mg0K3Al82NP2uvmWeCWkUCAraYG31ytAbe5mjDlBlSPHFH3-hQYcYIx__vqzr6Ae7HjNlheIPwtiPQU0bQHNXWE3I4NxeHIuWiyn4LBVJpvKEwaLrfb7XwRumznIrd-utY4H-frn/s320/IMG_2938.JPG" /></a> We were immersed in the action before us for nearly 45 minutes but these precious moments would remain in our memories the rest of our lives.<br />On the way back to our lodge we saw dozens birds unfamiliar to us.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-33QSWdyvktfdyLWCNb3Xj2vWXjunDMP6EZV16WS0ElMyPef4_apky_yZhnhz-2QzlQI3a0eXA89oTO-eCJDuzQQWBigKwYeUvoVLgaHq1BJd56lGJ7GYvYSMQBVbhOY6kZCGca9rQziF/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480065560708045938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-33QSWdyvktfdyLWCNb3Xj2vWXjunDMP6EZV16WS0ElMyPef4_apky_yZhnhz-2QzlQI3a0eXA89oTO-eCJDuzQQWBigKwYeUvoVLgaHq1BJd56lGJ7GYvYSMQBVbhOY6kZCGca9rQziF/s320/IMG_2616.JPG" /></a> The African Sacrid Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) are common here but all of the wildlife in this wonderland were new for us.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbrNHTZFl8xTBOAM4oe59Cx-9e6NVCIFvoDEncp6zJzxThhdTHn9Q6dayxFx6E5nuyOAC7cFWDPVLwUlebfAsi5aZ4X6n3HOuQ3rtXbIKqAUnfHh031MD9gBTdcFciAN8VCuEqAtMPG33/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480076602239961858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbrNHTZFl8xTBOAM4oe59Cx-9e6NVCIFvoDEncp6zJzxThhdTHn9Q6dayxFx6E5nuyOAC7cFWDPVLwUlebfAsi5aZ4X6n3HOuQ3rtXbIKqAUnfHh031MD9gBTdcFciAN8VCuEqAtMPG33/s320/IMG_2590.JPG" /></a>While passing through a grove of trees the stricking African Hoopoe (Upupa africana) posed briefly for a photo but didn't flair it's crest for us. Back in the open grassland a Northern Black Korhan (Eupodotis afraoides) appeared walking cautiously away from our approach.</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAm71j3aXwSPP4AFpBXMZjQOxdt7ELFhg21p9QHcZzz3_SyRYLHMf4Nru2Xlns12BjJUF7d3tKbPUsc19DXYIU3E_Ixud2Pe-QUteB_a1gW7zN9hrBjgKc1aUzy9tYn8_HEGT6YHA6pGf/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480080445374491378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAm71j3aXwSPP4AFpBXMZjQOxdt7ELFhg21p9QHcZzz3_SyRYLHMf4Nru2Xlns12BjJUF7d3tKbPUsc19DXYIU3E_Ixud2Pe-QUteB_a1gW7zN9hrBjgKc1aUzy9tYn8_HEGT6YHA6pGf/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFTIg2f1oC-qzsDM5092ha-i9wQJ3RRfYxrz0m91CeMscFosv443EDqIPIjdhgtcDl8DOS3ihsZJ1Tg_RFzXXNldPh6aVXakpTI6YJceUrv4MttsvEPMEEVE2Rjp4BEMsu-D1h6Z5c9Yo/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483029286239906130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFTIg2f1oC-qzsDM5092ha-i9wQJ3RRfYxrz0m91CeMscFosv443EDqIPIjdhgtcDl8DOS3ihsZJ1Tg_RFzXXNldPh6aVXakpTI6YJceUrv4MttsvEPMEEVE2Rjp4BEMsu-D1h6Z5c9Yo/s320/IMG_2787.JPG" /></a><br />Another amazing sunset on our last evening at Chobe as we headed back to our lodge with thoughts of the next adventure on the Zambesi River.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-42162070065828738572010-06-04T13:10:00.000-07:002010-07-02T08:13:19.544-07:00A NEW "LEASH" ON LIFEIt was the first day of June and for a change it wasn't raining. My wife was on state mandated furlough due to the budget crisis in California.<br /><br />We decided to take a walk along the Mad River near it's mouth which is a short drive from our home.<br /><br />The mouth of the Mad River in Mckinleyville California is a great place to enjoy the spectacular views of the river where it meets the sea.<br /><br />While sitting in the warm sun on large log eating our lunch we realized that we were the only people in the area.<br /><br />We scanned the area with our binoculars and observed over 90 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbor_Seal">Harbor Seals </a>hauled out on the west shore of the Mad River where it makes a 90 degree turn from North to West before it reaches the Ocean.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKESKvQiPvJAEOjOZ37eTJZ4wDvBzeZDi_S4KJEqEtVjzlFJS94_HE6xsWnBOWjfXMeIiebVWcwfX88wjPJoOWbFLY8lhfnwazncAGKKIiXrCSgS9_fZ2_tCFiaVnAQvCRZ_L3d8IAZyZJ/s1600/IMG_3471.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478593427379098722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKESKvQiPvJAEOjOZ37eTJZ4wDvBzeZDi_S4KJEqEtVjzlFJS94_HE6xsWnBOWjfXMeIiebVWcwfX88wjPJoOWbFLY8lhfnwazncAGKKIiXrCSgS9_fZ2_tCFiaVnAQvCRZ_L3d8IAZyZJ/s320/IMG_3471.JPG" /></a><br />Then we noticed in the distance that we were not alone anymore as a couple with two dogs were approaching along the rivers edge.<br /><br />The dogs were running exuberantly, unleashed and one of them stopped and defecated near the waters edge.<br /><br />I didn't observe their owners pick up the poop even though there are plastic bag dispensers at the trail head for that purpose.<br /><br />On most beaches with a few exceptions dogs are <a href="http://co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/living/county_parks/default.asp?content=guidelines_to_activities.htm">required to be on a leash</a>, but most people ignore the law. After all dogs need to run, play and get their exercise, don't they?<br /><br />As we sat in the warm sun munching away, one of the dogs (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Husky">Siberian Husky</a>) came running up and nearly swiped the granola bar from my hand while shaking his wet body on us.<br /><br />Although slightly irritated, we dismissed the incident as just an overly friendly and excited dog greeting strangers.<br /><br />The dogs owners ignored its hyperactive behavior and the fact that it had just accosted two people minding their own business.<br /><br />I personally don't mind if people allow their dogs to run, play and get their necessary exercise.<br />However, I don't appreciate dogs that are out of the control of their owners command either by voice or whistle.<br /><br />On another occasion I witnessed a bloody dog fight in the same vicinity when two dog owners allowed their dogs to roam freely. It was a good reminder why dogs should be leashed in public areas.<br /><br />We finished our lunch and walked past the couple and their dogs, which ran at us brushing against our legs while their owners yelled in vain for them to stop and come back.<br />The woman had a whistle which she blew as if there where a fire.<br /><br />A few minutes later my wife and I were both checking out birds and the Harbor Seals when we were blindsided by both dogs as they jumped up and slammed against our backsides nearly knocking my wife off her feet.<br /><br />This time I hollered to the owners asking them to "get their dogs under control". They whistled and called for their "puppies" but didn't say anything to us and avoided eye contact.<br /><br />A few minutes passed while we were looking for a way to cross Widow White Creek when we heard the incessant loud screaming by the woman and her whistle blowing.<br /><br />One of the dogs was swimming across the river and heading directly toward the beached Harbor Seals.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnpm17zBeOBOiMD0LzhvyqVW1rlVL4_76W23Jgtp92UiWIKZF6yZNZtnK_Pc3vPFQHu6HbwhZ5vgE6179rBQd-fRqOoMbBjKChtUXNhdOPP72ZVlFadN9EgzmuA5QOcXO8YRovKp5lZfX/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478594967046803490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnpm17zBeOBOiMD0LzhvyqVW1rlVL4_76W23Jgtp92UiWIKZF6yZNZtnK_Pc3vPFQHu6HbwhZ5vgE6179rBQd-fRqOoMbBjKChtUXNhdOPP72ZVlFadN9EgzmuA5QOcXO8YRovKp5lZfX/s320/IMG_3455.JPG" /></a><br />Now the drama had begun as I quickly took my camera from its backpack and headed toward the scene.<br />The dog owners were frantic, and the dog was ignoring their pleas to come back.<br />Here the current is deceptive, it looks calm, but is very strong and cold.<br />However, the Husky was on a "mission" and refused to be deterred.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB9il7fpkSfyvci_T9kPlMcd94SbjmgXxKSBDS0PCeihyERhFFwcr5Xze1lKprXpvsTHGI-RoOtSgxVGkMOSrt4Jnt4aAEDhx7QLpSP9GpC1cEAcSxN7wPjuUZPeqkE7MDUE4bbvdTrah/s1600/IMG_3482.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478596991623226978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB9il7fpkSfyvci_T9kPlMcd94SbjmgXxKSBDS0PCeihyERhFFwcr5Xze1lKprXpvsTHGI-RoOtSgxVGkMOSrt4Jnt4aAEDhx7QLpSP9GpC1cEAcSxN7wPjuUZPeqkE7MDUE4bbvdTrah/s320/IMG_3482.JPG" /></a> I later found out that this Husky was a year old "puppy", and it was merely responding to its strong genetic impulses.<br /><br />Apparently the owners either didn't realize or ignored the fact that their Husky breed tends to be hyperactive, impulsive, stubborn, and have an overactive prey drive.<br /><br />On this day they discovered their Puppy's "inner dog" and perhaps will never forget.<br />As the Blue-eyed Husky neared the shore where the Harbor Seals were resting, they rapidly plunged into the water like dozens of Depth charges.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJFLZx12rBDjqOw50i79gOU5vh1VfHeWaTW-9DYnIyUvW_lLMq3nQ5bEfqqXRtXhjV-4VVQRwheOk7hf4bYoqNODDQ9r8gdYMmwNvBJ3V0xlLfc5maqUFyVgoAleJCTnecRIJvkHRWcmv/s1600/IMG_3478.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478980443761028914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJFLZx12rBDjqOw50i79gOU5vh1VfHeWaTW-9DYnIyUvW_lLMq3nQ5bEfqqXRtXhjV-4VVQRwheOk7hf4bYoqNODDQ9r8gdYMmwNvBJ3V0xlLfc5maqUFyVgoAleJCTnecRIJvkHRWcmv/s320/IMG_3478.JPG" /></a> The obviously distressed woman, with her other dog now leashed, loudly pleaded, screaming and whistling for her dog to come back, while the man paced back and forth along the shore, helplessly calling "come here puppy."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpt7xmNAs0d3tOnaOVZqRnkaJvYtZNxXshsaGqDYsdLdSv9_UqrRL2P_Zs3Dhs0WV1yAq8vDp4txKMf8DNkfVblP_bz69qB7YvMgPeGYYRfx9PrhXf3UvF9dMmbiUQpICXvLBXAaz91M2/s1600/IMG_3452.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478604253758171938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpt7xmNAs0d3tOnaOVZqRnkaJvYtZNxXshsaGqDYsdLdSv9_UqrRL2P_Zs3Dhs0WV1yAq8vDp4txKMf8DNkfVblP_bz69qB7YvMgPeGYYRfx9PrhXf3UvF9dMmbiUQpICXvLBXAaz91M2/s320/IMG_3452.JPG" /></a> Harbor Seal heads bobbed up several feet from the dog surrounding it. The Husky, I later learned, was swimming for the first time and seemed to intent on pursuing its intended target.<br /><br />The dog showed no signs of letting up as it changed directions each time a different seal's head bobbed to the surface.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgwxYhjUc1NQ-UetyckTyTHexaq2eyXOUX1LGc7ysHrKg70fs7axxtUtvCwNG2BH2IeJFMMhXPXs4nEuiwt5FamNpJ6r9d1YdCr7tCyqXwm5MXVW77CM4zsEnASkKxe0BUQ6Umn2IUxFl/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478600906736507410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgwxYhjUc1NQ-UetyckTyTHexaq2eyXOUX1LGc7ysHrKg70fs7axxtUtvCwNG2BH2IeJFMMhXPXs4nEuiwt5FamNpJ6r9d1YdCr7tCyqXwm5MXVW77CM4zsEnASkKxe0BUQ6Umn2IUxFl/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" /></a> I asked the fellow if he wanted me to call for help but his attention was on his dog and he ignored me. I was concerned that the dog was in danger of drowning and also the stress on the Harbor Seals which are protected by law.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1xKSz2evOnNr3vjegtI5YGejDSniuVu2LljPgLQEMVqrp_NzK0vn1K9LIGDJzlG77fnSY5ThiQg1yU7EUJ8SITLTFdzE0kIqv7kntkhbo8_4uYNobmSNF0Fyhzi8SN8arIJbeRarloTe/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478963064803476786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1xKSz2evOnNr3vjegtI5YGejDSniuVu2LljPgLQEMVqrp_NzK0vn1K9LIGDJzlG77fnSY5ThiQg1yU7EUJ8SITLTFdzE0kIqv7kntkhbo8_4uYNobmSNF0Fyhzi8SN8arIJbeRarloTe/s320/IMG_3481.JPG" /></a> The Siberian Husky turned toward us several times but was quickly diverted by Harbor seals popping up from another direction.<br />A half hour had passed, and the dog was relentless in its pursuit though now beginning to show signs of tiring. He was working his way against the current, moving upstream nearly a half mile from its entry into the cold waters of the Mad River.<br />At this point , I could no longer watch this without taking some action, so I told the man that I was calling for help. He asked who I was calling, and I responded "911"!</p><p>I'm uncertain whether my action prompted him to remove his outer clothing with the intent to rescue his dog.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsTPnU6YuA8-8YXf_NcRZ-gJCNaK0NDkbpKdvCO9MQ5sVV9i9vmhc-9oMypyJDx6QC4-d1187a0dvvxWqnC0GwEZjk7ew1Oy0NERWhl76cv3JCO_98EAmZPgWajFH-9zIf5bwqU-jdWCQ/s1600/IMG_3474.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478967653377696274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsTPnU6YuA8-8YXf_NcRZ-gJCNaK0NDkbpKdvCO9MQ5sVV9i9vmhc-9oMypyJDx6QC4-d1187a0dvvxWqnC0GwEZjk7ew1Oy0NERWhl76cv3JCO_98EAmZPgWajFH-9zIf5bwqU-jdWCQ/s320/IMG_3474.JPG" /></a> This, I thought to myself, could end up in tragedy, so the call was made.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWwMh7XoCN4_vvKM1kGDesS38e_mKuz6kStCNsgRgliv3Ux1cZhrtYah5dnIwgEu83cgVFbg39Y5UkUwhsy5oO7lPHIuNL32CKy_0i9sAdCiU2WjRQ1HbnvaV-cQVOZqtBFAsn1DZsrGu/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478982679688016210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWwMh7XoCN4_vvKM1kGDesS38e_mKuz6kStCNsgRgliv3Ux1cZhrtYah5dnIwgEu83cgVFbg39Y5UkUwhsy5oO7lPHIuNL32CKy_0i9sAdCiU2WjRQ1HbnvaV-cQVOZqtBFAsn1DZsrGu/s320/IMG_3457.JPG" /></a> I was concerned that he would swim out, not realizing how strong the current and how cold the water. I told his companion that I'd made the call, and she responded abruptly, "I wish you hadn't!"<br /><p>In the meantime the now desperate owner stripped to his underwear, got as far as his waist and stopped in his tracks, realizing that the water was too frigid for a rescue.</p><p>I had been throwing sticks at water's edge trying to divert the dog's attention, without results.</p><p>Then finally, after nearly 40 minutes, the Husky, beginning to struggle, seemed to respond to the flapping of my hat as I knelled down at eye level to the dog.</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57PTit9KsYcHVzL-kLgzvbseoBMvltAt7-HD9h33lEmQoPcPubCFfXLx2HOCjT9M3_m2EKjeb8pkHc6VRDsYS32-yI9qsIeq7dfFBl_oL0kUki-OMtkMrMRXBW4WweOqqukorBBGIPEyS/s1600/IMG_3486.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478985074638264530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57PTit9KsYcHVzL-kLgzvbseoBMvltAt7-HD9h33lEmQoPcPubCFfXLx2HOCjT9M3_m2EKjeb8pkHc6VRDsYS32-yI9qsIeq7dfFBl_oL0kUki-OMtkMrMRXBW4WweOqqukorBBGIPEyS/s320/IMG_3486.JPG" /></a> Two officers from the McKinleyville Sheriff's office appeared on the trail overlooking the river at the same time the dog was nearing its relieved owner, who had dressed and was wading toward the bedraggled pup.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77egXjVAFzNHO_2jN0dPiaabPYq-0p6-HY1IZlE5Lg6DmLrKPE9SPLGrmT8gRGnKnGkxl5wKJp8-5BLPd6DThAIdSQDjRqAUwvzGFY6FiycS4mawG4J4slQ5IG6VPyA7faBq_NKN0iXie/s1600/IMG_3484.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478984178770738594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77egXjVAFzNHO_2jN0dPiaabPYq-0p6-HY1IZlE5Lg6DmLrKPE9SPLGrmT8gRGnKnGkxl5wKJp8-5BLPd6DThAIdSQDjRqAUwvzGFY6FiycS4mawG4J4slQ5IG6VPyA7faBq_NKN0iXie/s320/IMG_3484.JPG" /></a> As the man grasped his dog , I heard him say, "no more beach for you puppy."<br /><br />The dogs now leashed, their owners took off in the opposite direction of the officers, while my wife and I ascended the trail toward the 911 respondents.<br /><br />I answered their questions concerning what had happened and they seemed content that the situation no longer required their presence.<br /><br />I wondered to myself why they didn't at least ask the dog owners to use a leash in the future.<br /><br />Perhaps they decided that the near loss of the beloved puppy was better than any lecture they could give?<br /><br />"Leash laws" generally require dogs to be on leash and under control whenever they are in public property. In some citys leash laws are strictly enforced. Apparently they are not enforced in Humboldt County.<br />Leash laws are made for good reasons including: Protection of humans, wildlife and other pets, prevention of predation or disturbance of wildlife, prevent transmission of diseases from dogs to wildlife especially fox, coyotes and deer, and prevent contamination of local water supply.<br /><br />We were relieved that this story had a happy ending and hope that the dog owner's learned a very important lesson.<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-5161162029081003152010-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:002010-04-29T14:01:57.287-07:00Okavango Delta 2 Xugana Island Lodge Botswana<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVctXL71yBmw6CU2PEHXDJI7fUqtLr1ODzMBdLZCWCugU3WgQJivUEk-n_dvtlgAHYEcb1N6KKzw_HFFb7yjS_OAse6Ajl5uODqi5NkSvfHxH140mD9zWvkjzHDwR49hbb8ZKaOmp6A7P/s1600/CIMG0179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464887293250642338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVctXL71yBmw6CU2PEHXDJI7fUqtLr1ODzMBdLZCWCugU3WgQJivUEk-n_dvtlgAHYEcb1N6KKzw_HFFb7yjS_OAse6Ajl5uODqi5NkSvfHxH140mD9zWvkjzHDwR49hbb8ZKaOmp6A7P/s320/CIMG0179.JPG" /></a><br />Our guide Frank Mochaba(photo above)at Camp Moremi was assigned to take us halfway by boat to Xugana lodge which is a 3 hour trip. We traveled through sometimes narrow channels of permanent swamp and open waters surrounded by dense stands of Bulrush,Common reed,papyrus, and dotted with blankets of Day waterlilys and Water Chesnut along the channel fringes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjZVah_1Yue3X9ZM6KztfQonfwXG5rXmp2Lz24B_IAQ12vrR10fiej2qrM0zYoYvNN2AYbVBxW4RG7BBp_nd-Chk5nFZ6zpVBv16r7i2QNux28KhOnYJKzooS0JJtCYyavQO0mdChyaVZ/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464889181697128482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjZVah_1Yue3X9ZM6KztfQonfwXG5rXmp2Lz24B_IAQ12vrR10fiej2qrM0zYoYvNN2AYbVBxW4RG7BBp_nd-Chk5nFZ6zpVBv16r7i2QNux28KhOnYJKzooS0JJtCYyavQO0mdChyaVZ/s320/IMG_2679.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It is believed by geologists that the Okavango River once reached the sea. Tectonic movement created a series of parallel faults (Graben faults)collapsing the earth which led to the formation of the inland delta or alluvial fan.(1) The Okavango delta is one of the world's largest inland water sytems at 16,000 sq. km.<br /><br />Along the way we observed many new birds and insects as the channels narrowed bringing us within close view.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbArploqeamg37hcmZWpO8s5onbiWPd6PhzYOwgD3wS_rKQhWXWrMtFiFkm54d0HtfX2X1WiZWMBBKFYKNp8iYw0Bb-St-VRYAyBT_Dlnx8VagBZnQFesghv-O_0F61oHyfZIaikSTx0FG/s1600/African+Darter+(male+in+breeding+plumage).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464884309317549890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbArploqeamg37hcmZWpO8s5onbiWPd6PhzYOwgD3wS_rKQhWXWrMtFiFkm54d0HtfX2X1WiZWMBBKFYKNp8iYw0Bb-St-VRYAyBT_Dlnx8VagBZnQFesghv-O_0F61oHyfZIaikSTx0FG/s320/African+Darter+(male+in+breeding+plumage).JPG" /></a><br /><br />The African Darter(Anhinga rufa)or locally called "Snake bird" because of its habit of swimming with only the neck and head above the water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPiSiZHJNmESBMyd0AjAhdMSynSQTtFJaoP_Z2xEWO6m2ov3bJsvVtreqX8QGa2BsBgjzjoGuiqKXlUWX00lz5MYapzUd9HPzWVubBQM2f8Om1_G-OtjWwRxv7cWtoSiO18-k4ZOfWYFC/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464892499886413010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPiSiZHJNmESBMyd0AjAhdMSynSQTtFJaoP_Z2xEWO6m2ov3bJsvVtreqX8QGa2BsBgjzjoGuiqKXlUWX00lz5MYapzUd9HPzWVubBQM2f8Om1_G-OtjWwRxv7cWtoSiO18-k4ZOfWYFC/s320/IMG_2685.JPG" /></a><br />The Little Bee-eater fly's off its low perch on Papyrus to snatch butterfly's and other flying insects and is one of the many striking and beautiful birds seen in Africa.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzqBuEaXje0Ga0VRz_CbFR8gvPLzzou_L5_Pn0JYkfQehUH1dR2iWJoOHEdDh0_rQcp3UnA5NBQ5McIp5dvVLM1cLdgbFkRKtc49wRBFSSHUyM3jdYcQHevOXL1xLngtU9Ep6IxCwXQzB/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464896173002395778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzqBuEaXje0Ga0VRz_CbFR8gvPLzzou_L5_Pn0JYkfQehUH1dR2iWJoOHEdDh0_rQcp3UnA5NBQ5McIp5dvVLM1cLdgbFkRKtc49wRBFSSHUyM3jdYcQHevOXL1xLngtU9Ep6IxCwXQzB/s320/IMG_2699.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Woodland Kingfisher is a summer migrant from central Africa that doesn't fish as the name implies but rather preys on large insects and small reptiles.<br /><br />At midway we were met by our next guide named "Losty". While saying farewell to Frank I caught my only glimpse of the unmistakeable Pel's Fishing Owl as it glided out of and quickly into dense canopy across the channel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh537loAfvqh-3ayJjBghXM_8k_CytKldwvDiYoxsh3I3ZxqIxlPN-tuuylAL4v6lBKbViUDqcgtHw2JYOoBk2556KjMjqOkJSrDZ0MUnYsDHGHPuvp3kVw7R_0yPmEpkPmtmcrxcPHsGYI/s1600/CIMG0225.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464926581180985826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh537loAfvqh-3ayJjBghXM_8k_CytKldwvDiYoxsh3I3ZxqIxlPN-tuuylAL4v6lBKbViUDqcgtHw2JYOoBk2556KjMjqOkJSrDZ0MUnYsDHGHPuvp3kVw7R_0yPmEpkPmtmcrxcPHsGYI/s320/CIMG0225.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Losty slowed down when his sharp eyes caught a glimpse of something that blends in well with its background. An example is this large Crocodile floating on the waters surface.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml8XfR5OpTIHo80AlfuBXQFxXg051DYFJuCHEM7I0QvsT1KaNNDQ2NMI1yXW7ZdI5ZGFqpe69APnM_zAn_jTdUxDoTGq8DpmQIsX47awTCba3MSeGevsgGPQnppu4BmWDjDxHryBgvOAU/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464905127166128482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml8XfR5OpTIHo80AlfuBXQFxXg051DYFJuCHEM7I0QvsT1KaNNDQ2NMI1yXW7ZdI5ZGFqpe69APnM_zAn_jTdUxDoTGq8DpmQIsX47awTCba3MSeGevsgGPQnppu4BmWDjDxHryBgvOAU/s320/IMG_2705.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjSo6Z4X7TthkQbrFKxOxaS7SVPQv1eK4ZbkygoXz2veICuDot6FGmhUPcz8S5QuSyS59wXEKsoKKgTmZxxMpbMv6D_9R6U1S-d9QPujg6oiCC1l04eOEUKi4HnTxrjPoKriWQC2Rbw0f/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464908134294641010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjSo6Z4X7TthkQbrFKxOxaS7SVPQv1eK4ZbkygoXz2veICuDot6FGmhUPcz8S5QuSyS59wXEKsoKKgTmZxxMpbMv6D_9R6U1S-d9QPujg6oiCC1l04eOEUKi4HnTxrjPoKriWQC2Rbw0f/s320/IMG_2715.JPG" /></a><br />Water Monitor is a large aquatic lizard that feeds on just about anything it can handle including crocodile eggs,frogs,crabs,etc.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ1np-YkUxvKZhVgP6vNU618EqpEzS8EbOJE7kO3S02LTDCCqQK2LXZYHvsGOqNp0UQXPq49R4o3RSyuqU-N8P1QvLnEYv7-m8Tz4Veae7rXQ1srzhfwObpAj0Z4MmmbWwauG_0rafQFD/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464915196756662898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ1np-YkUxvKZhVgP6vNU618EqpEzS8EbOJE7kO3S02LTDCCqQK2LXZYHvsGOqNp0UQXPq49R4o3RSyuqU-N8P1QvLnEYv7-m8Tz4Veae7rXQ1srzhfwObpAj0Z4MmmbWwauG_0rafQFD/s320/IMG_2569.JPG" /></a><br />The African Jacana has extremely long toes which enables it to walk on aquatic vegetation such as water lily leaves giving it the name "Jesus" bird.<br /><br />We arrived at our destination on a small island greeted by the the staff of the Xugana lodge with warm smiles, moistened towels and a cool drink.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXjOaQswZIOLDixwpQH3YKXVAtnYGLivfHMbiI6GU7fS4pe53I1siIZIyhH-VGxiF8IeQkkCN1AFetQYdykWh7qabHt0rEwg0z4Hq3u6uEdr_Nwi5lBUT7osmfnj1j0qc_suimB4fXIoJ/s1600/CIMG0190.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464918102958108802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXjOaQswZIOLDixwpQH3YKXVAtnYGLivfHMbiI6GU7fS4pe53I1siIZIyhH-VGxiF8IeQkkCN1AFetQYdykWh7qabHt0rEwg0z4Hq3u6uEdr_Nwi5lBUT7osmfnj1j0qc_suimB4fXIoJ/s320/CIMG0190.JPG" /></a><br />After a brief orientation we were led to our room overlooking the water where we had time to relax,write notes and take in the many sights and sounds.<br />That afternoon we went out on another boating excursion to look for more wildlife.<br />We passed through very narrow channels that are maintained by Hippos and some by the staff at the lodge.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fbFoGqO5KuCzs1youb9v3kRUJDEP2YnNFPLCIN1MDqnJVNuG1jIOqKgM2L-MRRQiGNE_0V1GRaqU9kH7L0nuk6kIlc4xePDbbnYxffCiqNFIo7XeTVeIM0DtNEAyWsk-ee14tLoonbJh/s1600/CIMG0221.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464922028048319266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fbFoGqO5KuCzs1youb9v3kRUJDEP2YnNFPLCIN1MDqnJVNuG1jIOqKgM2L-MRRQiGNE_0V1GRaqU9kH7L0nuk6kIlc4xePDbbnYxffCiqNFIo7XeTVeIM0DtNEAyWsk-ee14tLoonbJh/s320/CIMG0221.JPG" /></a><br />It was a beautiful sunset on this evening and we were surprised by a special dinner setting that the host's prepared for both Kimberley and I celebrating our year of "Big" birthdays.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU81Fj-6ndtBkCuedBRrymMyxHnNNEJsWvl6CqJP_Ou8IkB5erGxJCRMHhZGKZHDZa8cK2aWJWptaH7LsbTG4lrMoOUwfp5tSkC7oF9JXyw0JyK9pRM-9GWPQTV7TjCO7JAePouBqjYC4b/s1600/CIMG0206.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464924479349716706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU81Fj-6ndtBkCuedBRrymMyxHnNNEJsWvl6CqJP_Ou8IkB5erGxJCRMHhZGKZHDZa8cK2aWJWptaH7LsbTG4lrMoOUwfp5tSkC7oF9JXyw0JyK9pRM-9GWPQTV7TjCO7JAePouBqjYC4b/s320/CIMG0206.JPG" /></a><br />Our trusted guide "Losty" proved that he could dance with the best of them and ignite the urge in all of us with the help of the wonderful beat of African music.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5rZ9_4LyaoH0u06KT_fYO2vaxrRbzulbllDuV-UL9PX06sU0gWmZruu8-ggsfzwA-P6yLGiWxi0qGNmdDinnyGMRvTivVQB92hVzvgUHmFzqGOXYEki1_iD6mk2UpxconVpvtiNsoieA/s1600/CIMG0238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464930911993583522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5rZ9_4LyaoH0u06KT_fYO2vaxrRbzulbllDuV-UL9PX06sU0gWmZruu8-ggsfzwA-P6yLGiWxi0qGNmdDinnyGMRvTivVQB92hVzvgUHmFzqGOXYEki1_iD6mk2UpxconVpvtiNsoieA/s320/CIMG0238.JPG" /></a><br />The next day we explored the delta in the rain and visited a small island and saw the large African(Cape)Buffalo,Elephants and Vervet Monkeys.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqHjhHBZwGrIRyYwhiCZB1J8nNumyrdYZxnOzaJQvPV7GH5T3y8nCiY4iagvyCulU7GKqCMbNR7_-8Xem1vFtup_fK4XAetyv2Nm4gN2I99PUCl-4CxxUFTVPXHGZl_MJ212GwJ_WlqMF/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464942017888035346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqHjhHBZwGrIRyYwhiCZB1J8nNumyrdYZxnOzaJQvPV7GH5T3y8nCiY4iagvyCulU7GKqCMbNR7_-8Xem1vFtup_fK4XAetyv2Nm4gN2I99PUCl-4CxxUFTVPXHGZl_MJ212GwJ_WlqMF/s320/IMG_2731.JPG" /></a><br />Later in the afternoon the sun came out and we saw many more beautiful birds including this splendid Great White Egret perched in a tree along the water.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D0gw8eVJaUhkipDNVtjapH3i3cEBlA9Iwc-cvtknedEuou2XIJspPPVphbjusdCcfJUVXDmTPDR1YQG7WEfuf3c-pF0qy2iGGoxKcwSKu-TLLKw1wwfphJMpLZ28N3z8qu4AcLcW01nb/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464936395207238466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D0gw8eVJaUhkipDNVtjapH3i3cEBlA9Iwc-cvtknedEuou2XIJspPPVphbjusdCcfJUVXDmTPDR1YQG7WEfuf3c-pF0qy2iGGoxKcwSKu-TLLKw1wwfphJMpLZ28N3z8qu4AcLcW01nb/s320/IMG_2725.JPG" /></a><br />In the evening we were enthralled at the sight of several Hippopotamus keeping a close eye on us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYPEOJ5XOmRGYWLOGKAm77-eweZIG0ShcD1bcCpkXfr9KUSmrQ6hU9AgRL4tM6L5hjJaQp4VkZx15nuJLn06RxMal4QKhHf5st0s7KsvghOoBYvaCmUZvGprg8gGKKyLdlurZTGtxfvNw/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464944785657190178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYPEOJ5XOmRGYWLOGKAm77-eweZIG0ShcD1bcCpkXfr9KUSmrQ6hU9AgRL4tM6L5hjJaQp4VkZx15nuJLn06RxMal4QKhHf5st0s7KsvghOoBYvaCmUZvGprg8gGKKyLdlurZTGtxfvNw/s320/IMG_2720.JPG" /></a><br />This Bat was determined to be a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritian_Tomb_Bat">Tomb Bat </a>(Taphonzous mauritianus) and was photographed roosting near the dining area. Other bats were observed flying out from under the eves of our room at dusk.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt0SvmpFynrVAVjfh1-RWMDB0OnO0bwGh6w6Z61Vyb72o63XBQRsnZM8zNk6C4mp_TXX4T1f2lnp0LcEYykFcQ1RZckqLNRbVE0NUMFUTcS73R4jKEADnJSM_iEO7lwmEeo1TO8OCQAjn/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464946366641302658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt0SvmpFynrVAVjfh1-RWMDB0OnO0bwGh6w6Z61Vyb72o63XBQRsnZM8zNk6C4mp_TXX4T1f2lnp0LcEYykFcQ1RZckqLNRbVE0NUMFUTcS73R4jKEADnJSM_iEO7lwmEeo1TO8OCQAjn/s320/IMG_2745.JPG" /></a><br />We walked around the lodge area before departing observing many birds and a Marsh Mongoose. This Greater Blue-eared Starling was dazziling to look at and posed briefly for this photo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkG99RbL_1UyVBmPdJtYCj7HYXYYaEY8MCR2YGthw8uUDRKmgZ2TW9LJJephVQH6UJM4b2-z9D9yyNqYamnXPgyXUV-QfUI2oQt_hpJLSitPURO0vPYamPkcQWfgw7_fDG7hmnXXJDcic/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464949624370302242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkG99RbL_1UyVBmPdJtYCj7HYXYYaEY8MCR2YGthw8uUDRKmgZ2TW9LJJephVQH6UJM4b2-z9D9yyNqYamnXPgyXUV-QfUI2oQt_hpJLSitPURO0vPYamPkcQWfgw7_fDG7hmnXXJDcic/s320/IMG_2698.JPG" /></a><br />It was a brief two days at this unique setting on the waters edge of the incredible Okavango delta. We barely scratched the surface of its many wonders but<br />the memories will linger as long as we live.<br />Thanks to the dedication of all the warm and friendly staff we had a great adventure and enjoyed excellent food and accomodations.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfJ1uLJx0H4uJjxOJmHBs-_itqgR3LvUMzy4lSapu5kBg1hBqZS741WNnd4rxn53jOKX2uuwlcpogGwkE1DXP3VgJT8DM_49JTjjR3I-8VrUBlToA4qN-mhx9qmoMFVGAyxKaaMDFvYt6/s1600/CIMG0243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464954578129112722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfJ1uLJx0H4uJjxOJmHBs-_itqgR3LvUMzy4lSapu5kBg1hBqZS741WNnd4rxn53jOKX2uuwlcpogGwkE1DXP3VgJT8DM_49JTjjR3I-8VrUBlToA4qN-mhx9qmoMFVGAyxKaaMDFvYt6/s320/CIMG0243.JPG" /></a><br />Some of the Staff at the Xugana Lodge.(Arnold,MPHO,Obie and Candy).<br /><br />References: Butchart, Duncan. 2000. Wildlife of the Okavango,<br />126 pgs. Struick Nature.<br />Sinclair,I. et.al. 2002. Birds of Southern Africa.<br />Struick publishers.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-83582210257760179612010-04-21T11:24:00.000-07:002010-04-26T10:44:55.245-07:00Okavango Delta at Camp Moremi<DIV>On the 21st of March we left Deception Valley Lodge on a Bush plane for a 45 minute flight to our next lodge. Within minutes we could see large areas of water and marsh below. We landed at <A href="http://www.desertdelta.com/lodges/lodge/12/camp-moremi">Camp Moremi </A>which is situated in the Xakanaxa lagoon in the heart of the Okavango delta at Moremi Wildlife Reserve. This area was the first to be set aside by tribal people rather than colonial pioneers. We rode in a Toyota Land Rover for 15 minutes, sometimes through flooded roads to Camp Moremi where we stayed in fancy tents on wood foundations overlooking the riparian woodland. On our first game drive we felt that we had come to the land of Oz with animals we both had only seen on TV or at Zoos previously. Here they were wild and free in their natural habitat. </DIV>
<br /><P><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEh-yv5o8E_Q3HY-3xyejaE_a6k0YcU5-qJFBZ6ih_aq7e7OvxQNAzZaIs1UccMtu8ajPH1hD7pQIp_0BWq7MRj76hFRFVvRQsIx1YfDbqKKuKtOtfc-JQeglzmDUw9tUN7ff6mU9a3PF/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462660143330587426 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEh-yv5o8E_Q3HY-3xyejaE_a6k0YcU5-qJFBZ6ih_aq7e7OvxQNAzZaIs1UccMtu8ajPH1hD7pQIp_0BWq7MRj76hFRFVvRQsIx1YfDbqKKuKtOtfc-JQeglzmDUw9tUN7ff6mU9a3PF/s320/IMG_2386.JPG"></A> The <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamus">Hippopotamus</A> with eyes, nose and ears protruding above the waters surface watched us closely as our vehicle drove slowly by and paused for a photo. </P>
<br /><P>These huge aquatic mammals play a significant role in maintaining the many channels in the Okavango delta. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1gwWPwfPVBWvQeMCE39Brs__FrLx0yHm79_gjJEUmIo_fyCEuY7YJO_BUKc9NVKDj8yvZKybAogFpmPHJmUG4r_nc_uFcZ0TChR4a7IEeid5spWgNmEzw94MSvgEvfn5a9GrJVVA7XuM/s1600/CIMG0126.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462669427301506578 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1gwWPwfPVBWvQeMCE39Brs__FrLx0yHm79_gjJEUmIo_fyCEuY7YJO_BUKc9NVKDj8yvZKybAogFpmPHJmUG4r_nc_uFcZ0TChR4a7IEeid5spWgNmEzw94MSvgEvfn5a9GrJVVA7XuM/s320/CIMG0126.JPG"></A> The Okavango was teeming with wildlife and our knowledgeable guide (in photo) Frank Mochaba gave us our “money’s worth” which added greatly to the experience that was beyond our greatest expectations. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vGt6ddpLB4XzROIekPNkCy_MkJxl52HSqkr2ElmUFEXF4KQrZxZZtWMs7AaQPQ4c4sc1v9ZOvMwjuIiCNxYiJgGbZSkI40FzOB4sh5YbMEVrQGjdWaoFp5VMUJqc0ZSsb5P7aozD35Js/s1600/Red-Billed+Hornbill.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462706905100869538 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vGt6ddpLB4XzROIekPNkCy_MkJxl52HSqkr2ElmUFEXF4KQrZxZZtWMs7AaQPQ4c4sc1v9ZOvMwjuIiCNxYiJgGbZSkI40FzOB4sh5YbMEVrQGjdWaoFp5VMUJqc0ZSsb5P7aozD35Js/s320/Red-Billed+Hornbill.JPG"></A> Red-Billed Hornbill was one of the many birds that got our attention. Exotic birds everywhere, unfamiliar sounds reminiscent of Jurassic Park and the Elephants that we have become so familiar with from our early childhood days appear as never before like some giant prehistoric creature out of the past. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l8nbhMNUJMBjZuJPsbMhyphenhyphen6-_S8DAtUsxtJ-MReIb5TC3T5k71Wz4cN8vXF02hg-WAbp2xpq1-yMddIh5f73Vijl7tIrb0kqBzLXWQ4wdwwRvg_-VVz8gn-th5hmSefBQt9isN1UzFymB/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463752058609014162 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l8nbhMNUJMBjZuJPsbMhyphenhyphen6-_S8DAtUsxtJ-MReIb5TC3T5k71Wz4cN8vXF02hg-WAbp2xpq1-yMddIh5f73Vijl7tIrb0kqBzLXWQ4wdwwRvg_-VVz8gn-th5hmSefBQt9isN1UzFymB/s320/IMG_2637.JPG"></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPsBYBp6SQhTz_rIq1ryRC9OyTLWZghJcMveyzgX0HuLiwv8O-EQS2Xoydchw8oSG4Gm3webahSJdYvG1vjKlEOfVFrbUKoIAUER1SGDFGuS0Y5XMpaP0OxH8XABWaJHi5IcGmWT3kn2r/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462684509720784130 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPsBYBp6SQhTz_rIq1ryRC9OyTLWZghJcMveyzgX0HuLiwv8O-EQS2Xoydchw8oSG4Gm3webahSJdYvG1vjKlEOfVFrbUKoIAUER1SGDFGuS0Y5XMpaP0OxH8XABWaJHi5IcGmWT3kn2r/s320/IMG_2527.JPG"></A><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462726110951078946 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcRFh4FKXHzOl5DUW23VPIuEkcEQreybPIrKPIRDjUWqOXqlf4SFM_CwZotqKGMgbREcSqn5V9C-_QoMZLjrZEsUx4Ncyv_CEHtpjfTJF0BlYh4p_ugh7033Fekz7g5F5VABhYvcP8r1d/s320/IMG_2596.JPG"></A> <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Fish_Eagle">African Fish Eagles </A>with their snow white head and chest and rust brown body are conspicuous as they perch on large branches in trees overlooking the water. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGrB9BkE8ziOSiXqIJRDt76_2i5zZCcryWUhOgl0RmADiiHWZes7wsNLx_QcHmiLfM1f8kWvDdkoxEyK35_OqP803huVAcBUX2sE1KWboagZAHmUf9sEwt8DygdJ2enVENGygHyAbSk4_/s1600/African+Fish-Eagle.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462685502074212690 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGrB9BkE8ziOSiXqIJRDt76_2i5zZCcryWUhOgl0RmADiiHWZes7wsNLx_QcHmiLfM1f8kWvDdkoxEyK35_OqP803huVAcBUX2sE1KWboagZAHmUf9sEwt8DygdJ2enVENGygHyAbSk4_/s320/African+Fish-Eagle.JPG"></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgasl4XQph6Xpc2iSvhLHZH6YvLqh4vsZIhlOI7KSqeLN-_dlOBgAnWMn5unT2iaw6TM2tTuVM9yf3WQxcBx7k5JkkkF_5BkyixrsqOOVBsYcmqxe3A2RBEd1bNtRiVERLpKAy4HsdR9b/s1600/IMG_2430.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462700526274949874 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgasl4XQph6Xpc2iSvhLHZH6YvLqh4vsZIhlOI7KSqeLN-_dlOBgAnWMn5unT2iaw6TM2tTuVM9yf3WQxcBx7k5JkkkF_5BkyixrsqOOVBsYcmqxe3A2RBEd1bNtRiVERLpKAy4HsdR9b/s320/IMG_2430.JPG"></A> The<A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterbuck"> Waterbuck </A>(Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is a large "shaggy" antelope with short legs and a white rump ring and long heavily ridged horns with points that curve forward. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RhwHktbVfQQZMQJ-x1NtPZCV5x88VxJuR71TZ7no_0QowdPLC7xZPm0QpsJoxqjkiO5M6Mhhc8fc_ZGtxl4_0koclBgJU50K-yCPWvZAJc62T2fO7g2rMS6ogo8R_oibhGis20Zj_1vS/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462732373033424562 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RhwHktbVfQQZMQJ-x1NtPZCV5x88VxJuR71TZ7no_0QowdPLC7xZPm0QpsJoxqjkiO5M6Mhhc8fc_ZGtxl4_0koclBgJU50K-yCPWvZAJc62T2fO7g2rMS6ogo8R_oibhGis20Zj_1vS/s320/IMG_2582.JPG"></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJ9Fy4O8eAlputO19yh6D77EHyWex0soqzCUdtgCleDFow9yBIyfNejt8VRe64gJ-aYhwXEzIAWdSeT4bBTvcskIv6Qkp5V3VPTHp4CfI8n8fjLQAhzFqOq6cazqHFgH5eK7lUtthEilB/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462703516170712258 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJ9Fy4O8eAlputO19yh6D77EHyWex0soqzCUdtgCleDFow9yBIyfNejt8VRe64gJ-aYhwXEzIAWdSeT4bBTvcskIv6Qkp5V3VPTHp4CfI8n8fjLQAhzFqOq6cazqHFgH5eK7lUtthEilB/s320/IMG_2616.JPG"></A> <A href="http://en,wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Sacred_Ibis">The African Sacred Ibis </A>(Threskiornis aethiopicus) is a common resident of northern and eastern Botswana in islands and estuaries and grasslands. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYB3XkzEbggeAo6B-BaSR5dwKd5h54eMJUlRw73g7qHkn5kcAQEz7fF1Fn-2Yq1o_blZTwz-PfXcLyQFYTHyNogiW6BciqkfIdQGy7BXxyxnrXCCQfp9hRdT4Q8rdV6ndqH-8zJF7M914/s1600/IMG_2489.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462719189321302098 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYB3XkzEbggeAo6B-BaSR5dwKd5h54eMJUlRw73g7qHkn5kcAQEz7fF1Fn-2Yq1o_blZTwz-PfXcLyQFYTHyNogiW6BciqkfIdQGy7BXxyxnrXCCQfp9hRdT4Q8rdV6ndqH-8zJF7M914/s320/IMG_2489.JPG"></A> <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baboon">Savanna Baboons </A>in small troops appear in the open wooded Savannah. The female in estrus shown here was pursued by the dominant male below. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaeAgnVP6yuwZ5YUZN_eRjWopLE-5Y8sbHx_-dI3aOYuL4QgBquOl2k80SXTH_EgTj4g4i4xqk7X4hPX6uZScYh7vz8ziXBkx3Oc6AOMJyBngKWcgU-mkmlL2fRikPngqaUqaajLzlrL1/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462733300076127426 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaeAgnVP6yuwZ5YUZN_eRjWopLE-5Y8sbHx_-dI3aOYuL4QgBquOl2k80SXTH_EgTj4g4i4xqk7X4hPX6uZScYh7vz8ziXBkx3Oc6AOMJyBngKWcgU-mkmlL2fRikPngqaUqaajLzlrL1/s320/IMG_2488.JPG"></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjfJxyIqnLtrdhR_bkyWU0itbq3_-6aZZBbfkXyxbbjzfaFJEacEQliyun_4-rBiXZx7QM6gYOcxdsoqYSP3-eAMZl0oF6oAehMbMSUvX10EGM44JfrPNiQYAo0loW6i6CUNvxaoxgVft/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462730617633147058 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjfJxyIqnLtrdhR_bkyWU0itbq3_-6aZZBbfkXyxbbjzfaFJEacEQliyun_4-rBiXZx7QM6gYOcxdsoqYSP3-eAMZl0oF6oAehMbMSUvX10EGM44JfrPNiQYAo0loW6i6CUNvxaoxgVft/s320/IMG_2297.JPG"></A> </P>A female <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudu">Greater Kudu </A>above. The Lodges that we stayed at served the meat of Kudu and Impala but the Kudu is not as common due to habitat loss and hunting. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FCf97FcCs2-SayAHdsqZUvYE97sB5CLNIpz1J9ekqRihkPgvXkYcBaNXFuu8hJ4hv6aZYLX-4GQ05buWUIeZ1AC8xi4pVeGl8Xw9se7OLwMLsWCMjaXIGJRtbKG_qhTAv7xTmvlASMqg/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404604067980994 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FCf97FcCs2-SayAHdsqZUvYE97sB5CLNIpz1J9ekqRihkPgvXkYcBaNXFuu8hJ4hv6aZYLX-4GQ05buWUIeZ1AC8xi4pVeGl8Xw9se7OLwMLsWCMjaXIGJRtbKG_qhTAv7xTmvlASMqg/s320/IMG_2604.JPG"></A> The <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impala">Impala</A> were the most numerous antelope we saw and the rutting season had begun. During the rutting season the male establishes territories and spends much energy chasing off rivals who vie for females in the herd. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ULho1gM_0t2X7A4cIyy0fgMfzLVfGq5hgQuI2HbOFRaNKz_kbBsdQwPAQ8jOeXTg_ho8-b_dyYgAfQXn0JTmUEUN3rpYQw3eq-1yqO8YiYup335LlTHJJ3HJzLY54-bvsd2ms5yu4BmI/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463741947672889874 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ULho1gM_0t2X7A4cIyy0fgMfzLVfGq5hgQuI2HbOFRaNKz_kbBsdQwPAQ8jOeXTg_ho8-b_dyYgAfQXn0JTmUEUN3rpYQw3eq-1yqO8YiYup335LlTHJJ3HJzLY54-bvsd2ms5yu4BmI/s320/IMG_2571.JPG"></A> We were thrilled to get close to a pride of lions in the late afternoon and watched them lying lazily in lush grass licking their fur and paws fastidiously. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Enazb7OOhmIQHfRQCKrwkHDDPtdX-8V_0vP0Qlymytp0H7Wkqg21RZ-wrycZLd4ZWAdLdYKM6r1gquKFCWzddeMf9nAlqF_C2bz_KvB85AZ8TtD4IszMnnHWoh_D95Y1BxSZ2vk014m_/s1600/IMG_2447.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463395343642731362 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Enazb7OOhmIQHfRQCKrwkHDDPtdX-8V_0vP0Qlymytp0H7Wkqg21RZ-wrycZLd4ZWAdLdYKM6r1gquKFCWzddeMf9nAlqF_C2bz_KvB85AZ8TtD4IszMnnHWoh_D95Y1BxSZ2vk014m_/s320/IMG_2447.JPG"></A> At night the loud <A href="http://listentoafrica.com/audio/Spotted-hyaena-contact-call-11092009/">"contact" calls </A>of the Spotted Hyaenas woke us. While awake we were entertained by the deep grunting sounds of the Hippopotamus that come out of the water to feed after dark. It was a symphony of African sounds and we lay in the dark enjoying the music. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnPf0xWzR6-GxQ9za6ICm9EL8_XntSliK3aY0hos9M1uRt_FKNwd_8ZmxXI628ouHxxWWCU7REl9krjYGurdVav3GabbbZHnp98hGZ4FurPkWMNpvb6eoXUT9q7U_5for8UOBCi6-FdOm/s1600/Crocodile.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463746652951186994 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnPf0xWzR6-GxQ9za6ICm9EL8_XntSliK3aY0hos9M1uRt_FKNwd_8ZmxXI628ouHxxWWCU7REl9krjYGurdVav3GabbbZHnp98hGZ4FurPkWMNpvb6eoXUT9q7U_5for8UOBCi6-FdOm/s320/Crocodile.JPG"></A> The <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_crocodile">Nile Crocodile</A> lay resting in the evening light not far from the waters edge. A family of Banded Mongoose appeared near their den in a large termite nest. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDOa5IrRX-w6OQiLDVhM-kz-oB2T9KKPTdawPdzh4bbfwF7vsQ3qqRx3daj6pJcxYDvUMy0PpDaTzLlTwB2dxD4Wj-O5LNhIHtnMMd_xU9D7Ba_At8OnAfVC5rifaQJaddgmZO8Gn-oTr/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464488903399560146 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDOa5IrRX-w6OQiLDVhM-kz-oB2T9KKPTdawPdzh4bbfwF7vsQ3qqRx3daj6pJcxYDvUMy0PpDaTzLlTwB2dxD4Wj-O5LNhIHtnMMd_xU9D7Ba_At8OnAfVC5rifaQJaddgmZO8Gn-oTr/s320/IMG_2587.JPG"></A> <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banded_Mongoose">Banded Mongoose</A>(Mungos mungo) are highly sociable living in packs of up to 40 and are active durning the day when they forage for insects,mice,reptiles, amphibians, ground nesting birds and their eggs. It was time for our "Sundowners" and what a perfect place we thought to sip a glass of wine, relax and realize that we were actually in this wonderful land of Africa so far away from the redwoods and our cats. Next blog: Xugana Island Lodge.
<br />Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-15467713177340609862010-04-09T08:54:00.000-07:002010-04-09T14:26:01.727-07:00Kalahari,Botswana part 2<A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybr_Uk8QNdoNtGwnQ6I5XLsDQHilz9Yhs05KDpbPzirCcjQ2DSP22N5MSS5eEPndpBMSd8Fs6SWbsilCZGzZKx-0a3PJZQszcZidtvFYJPEUzhIARgJO5M2Pxvv0XXhLA5vvpRDJqmoQE/s1600/Bushman+(Kalahari).JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458170322815469314 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybr_Uk8QNdoNtGwnQ6I5XLsDQHilz9Yhs05KDpbPzirCcjQ2DSP22N5MSS5eEPndpBMSd8Fs6SWbsilCZGzZKx-0a3PJZQszcZidtvFYJPEUzhIARgJO5M2Pxvv0XXhLA5vvpRDJqmoQE/s320/Bushman+(Kalahari).JPG"></A> On our last night at Deception Valley Lodge (Deception comes from the mirage affect seen when looking at the dry surface of a pan from a distance giving the appearance of water until one approaches more closely) we went on a walk with two <A href="http://www.swaziweb.net/bushman/">San Bushman</A>. We watched them demonstrate survival methods used by their ancestors and talk in their native language dressed in their traditional clothing of animal skins and plant fiber. Archaeologists believe that the San people lived in the Kalahari over 50,000 years ago making them the oldest race on earth. We were taken back in time as we watched them dig deep in the Kalahari sand to reach the root of the Bie plant. They chipped away small pieces from the root then squeezed water out of it. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mwp1j7qJSNruZFzM81AxCiMDg6RC3wsDA54U_Yvz-Qk72sVD5RxVbzxA0td5EvUbkIl28tGDjH7l8vyJ71oA9tGtAUa5D-7jVEdxtG1zh2auJeng7X7kNKh-r8DZfxgYtjzVyVX3jc26/s1600/CIMG0097.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458232955899837202 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mwp1j7qJSNruZFzM81AxCiMDg6RC3wsDA54U_Yvz-Qk72sVD5RxVbzxA0td5EvUbkIl28tGDjH7l8vyJ71oA9tGtAUa5D-7jVEdxtG1zh2auJeng7X7kNKh-r8DZfxgYtjzVyVX3jc26/s320/CIMG0097.JPG"></A> They demonstrated how an Ostrich egg was used for food and water storage. After the egg is scrambled in the shell by using a stick through a half inch hole the contents are poured onto hot sand where it cooks. The egg is filled with water and plugged with a plant (Kalahari Currant) which acts as a preservative. The egg is buried a foot deep in damp sand and marked so that they can find it at a later date. The bushman used poison on their arrows which is obtained from the pupae of a “Flea” beetle. It requires 8 pupae per arrow head and “can remain active for 50 years”. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaKnMjZ-CMCawD2QCQ4OJc1J9WTtJH2et8oEWWD79pk96dZpQYFgzHLsyQHQNy-zPhWt7zfv_w3syWBPOfHSGB0KHVlcc-vYQpjha6yoUw4p4p2sOCibkUSzCVN2A2Z_n5VPghWp2xWC4/s1600/CIMG0094.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458230707169110994 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaKnMjZ-CMCawD2QCQ4OJc1J9WTtJH2et8oEWWD79pk96dZpQYFgzHLsyQHQNy-zPhWt7zfv_w3syWBPOfHSGB0KHVlcc-vYQpjha6yoUw4p4p2sOCibkUSzCVN2A2Z_n5VPghWp2xWC4/s320/CIMG0094.JPG"></A> The Aardvark hole is often used by African Porcupines and Warthogs which the Bushman hunt for food. The Bushman stand outside the hole with sticks probing inside and making noise to irritate its occupant.<A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MyLzuZ5tnUIokj0PfC6fz3k_OoXBSwzOgYHLCSIIFQETHYPMBGn6rad4pUhnbgf7fkoT4y3QVb7rHDIykwGi_ypmQxb_wpX9rOp_APwoU8uIBlvQBsTXe8V5nyXOuGHnMUUTek3pEjWz/s1600/CIMG0096.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458231595613723410 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MyLzuZ5tnUIokj0PfC6fz3k_OoXBSwzOgYHLCSIIFQETHYPMBGn6rad4pUhnbgf7fkoT4y3QVb7rHDIykwGi_ypmQxb_wpX9rOp_APwoU8uIBlvQBsTXe8V5nyXOuGHnMUUTek3pEjWz/s320/CIMG0096.JPG"></A> When the Porcupine is irritated enough it comes out of the hole while the Bushman wait to spear it. We watched mesmerized in the evening stillness while the sun slowly disappeared below the horizon as the Bushman demonstrated how they started a fire by friction of stick to sand and stick using straight pieces of Corkwood and dry grass. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55cGYKWKhPv8vRUErbw9kgFrrlNPlw66b6GZtHeUJ-dfTtJul9k_WX62rPIHHTE0B364rx9dHpRbNryncI1a47a3oC8-FtpqKjk9y9dTksxZ0pkDnyeBLYxVUKMQAkZNn9HiTYuO67gZO/s1600/CIMG0102.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458234321710365394 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55cGYKWKhPv8vRUErbw9kgFrrlNPlw66b6GZtHeUJ-dfTtJul9k_WX62rPIHHTE0B364rx9dHpRbNryncI1a47a3oC8-FtpqKjk9y9dTksxZ0pkDnyeBLYxVUKMQAkZNn9HiTYuO67gZO/s320/CIMG0102.JPG"></A> After the fire was going they danced to an ancient rhythm and hand made musical instruments. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m_IdGeIdsWKKSw7_hBbE4ovkLHgjOg6HOaApOFA4QMYfsvg6tQ_xfzJXBOivNWf4gzl4MOuhhMV9xownvoOobnwmQhXbIGDw_SuYxcJZFW6bItcsM-pMCbaqQeYbHuF7546LynmuVc9P/s1600/CIMG0105.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458234775783757522 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m_IdGeIdsWKKSw7_hBbE4ovkLHgjOg6HOaApOFA4QMYfsvg6tQ_xfzJXBOivNWf4gzl4MOuhhMV9xownvoOobnwmQhXbIGDw_SuYxcJZFW6bItcsM-pMCbaqQeYbHuF7546LynmuVc9P/s320/CIMG0105.JPG"></A><br />Today only about 3000 out of a population of 95,000 San continue to follow a totally traditional lifestyle of gathering and hunting.<br />Land that the San used to hunt is being increasingly lost to cattle grazing by farmers. Wildlife that the San depend on are changing their migration patterns due to the fences constructed to protect cattle.<br />The issue of fences is very contentious between the cattle farmers and environmentalists and San people.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-29103826922124433942010-04-06T13:56:00.000-07:002010-04-16T09:16:53.238-07:00Kalahari Desert, Botswana, AfricaAfter 2 days of flights from San Francisco to Frankfurt, Germany then on to Johannesburg, South Africa totaling over 20 hrs. in the air we landed in Maun, Botswana. <br />It took us only 10 minutes to go through the line showing our passports then a quarter mile walk to a Bush plane where we were met by the Pilot and his Co pilot.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_jUoAcBjEF1XyTwGtSHMBri1ju83TS77Ag2L9aa8iuzL10HIAyEami3nwYos7usjWFATOQb2Uiteiqo6ZbOYNUv22V99mBSuh429sn2m4M-g44gPONNcL54r3fZYBIywdVzIgQ1OIvfh/s1600/CIMG0028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_jUoAcBjEF1XyTwGtSHMBri1ju83TS77Ag2L9aa8iuzL10HIAyEami3nwYos7usjWFATOQb2Uiteiqo6ZbOYNUv22V99mBSuh429sn2m4M-g44gPONNcL54r3fZYBIywdVzIgQ1OIvfh/s320/CIMG0028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457132074166145602" /></a><br /> Bush Pilots<br /> Within an hour of flying over arid and semi arid land below we landed on a small dirt airstrip near the<a href="http://www.dvl.co.za"> Deception Valley Lodge </a>in the Kalahari desert.<br />It is situated in a landscape so vast and untouched by civilization or as another author wrote “one of the last places on earth to be corrupted by humans”.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyBV8PFPClXTzLUVYGHVRbAPtJ3O8X1R7rUvEhZBC2OQa_1vdZzd5NHSxJfzPvgedXhdiLqezWb3M1L5A6oYPqTW0Tuy9SpNnGlwm6Gz8g5OpZ-HUhprtATYgZTIIWSBzsxPVBNeTXVEB/s1600/CIMG0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyBV8PFPClXTzLUVYGHVRbAPtJ3O8X1R7rUvEhZBC2OQa_1vdZzd5NHSxJfzPvgedXhdiLqezWb3M1L5A6oYPqTW0Tuy9SpNnGlwm6Gz8g5OpZ-HUhprtATYgZTIIWSBzsxPVBNeTXVEB/s320/CIMG0026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457133249793645490" /></a><br />It is not a true desert but rather a semi-arid land covered by drought resistant plants such as the dominant Acacia Thorn bush and several grasses.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvv_R8xb7tpqi63LiJB2-1d6SkggsjjNw5417MZ1fiPEGX3cYUhpe676Nbd1NQNQ9uoICGnjASCQMZXt8U2bFJUyG-Y-kXzNQNt2a2Tubj_k_q3Z_J1GEi4ggV99ct5AWew_pt4XJ1zyt/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvv_R8xb7tpqi63LiJB2-1d6SkggsjjNw5417MZ1fiPEGX3cYUhpe676Nbd1NQNQ9uoICGnjASCQMZXt8U2bFJUyG-Y-kXzNQNt2a2Tubj_k_q3Z_J1GEi4ggV99ct5AWew_pt4XJ1zyt/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457134601357018274" /></a><br />We were pleasantly surprised to find that we were the only guests during our 2 night stay. As a result we were treated like special guests by our guide Adriaan his future wife Wanda.<br /><br />Our room was reached by a boardwalk and had an enclosed outdoor shower and a deck overlooking the water hole 50 yards away. <br /><br />Just outside our room I photographed exotic birds never before seen by either of us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIkYwSrwkGVvkZIeKedvXC9cTr-T5OOsbf7zUOK4OVX_tgLJPO3pi-7q9ndQZJFWWi-K4OlWhFF5DF4aK2mWEg8Ea4cLh1kdyme85Tf5yk9xvuaj0r4aXucD_7edWioOJDJjxSTWlz54p/s1600/Crimson-Breasted+Shrike.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIkYwSrwkGVvkZIeKedvXC9cTr-T5OOsbf7zUOK4OVX_tgLJPO3pi-7q9ndQZJFWWi-K4OlWhFF5DF4aK2mWEg8Ea4cLh1kdyme85Tf5yk9xvuaj0r4aXucD_7edWioOJDJjxSTWlz54p/s320/Crimson-Breasted+Shrike.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457135198370794722" /></a><br /> Crimson-Breasted Shrike<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d4Np6jfhV2mCI1Fk28Ld1DGzq-wG3Xf2fP3tGkQm7JLkrV0sqKvnN-HVC9Lmtk7_TVNit1RKiW8ikzPDAUMUW1TXcpOOxsl6N2CnKtAnc-CLZUNPeMLsmapxob7ZAi6yfSLjXvouoTn5/s1600/Fork-Tailed+Drongo+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d4Np6jfhV2mCI1Fk28Ld1DGzq-wG3Xf2fP3tGkQm7JLkrV0sqKvnN-HVC9Lmtk7_TVNit1RKiW8ikzPDAUMUW1TXcpOOxsl6N2CnKtAnc-CLZUNPeMLsmapxob7ZAi6yfSLjXvouoTn5/s320/Fork-Tailed+Drongo+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457136197650094674" /></a><br /> Fork-Tailed Drongo<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-jfdun8AIY_ftRpgPNiy1puMbvsnCwu_BAvv-IKOKLZmhOvJ0p7Bm-ghxo_4p-WZB4UXCL4j9Hyjav6PNhGjITUtWYOj6w3KsCBbQ9dsGKR4ogZRFq40SsmvQ22uwfsS79Ihywkoykza/s1600/Shaft-Tailed+Whydah.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-jfdun8AIY_ftRpgPNiy1puMbvsnCwu_BAvv-IKOKLZmhOvJ0p7Bm-ghxo_4p-WZB4UXCL4j9Hyjav6PNhGjITUtWYOj6w3KsCBbQ9dsGKR4ogZRFq40SsmvQ22uwfsS79Ihywkoykza/s320/Shaft-Tailed+Whydah.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457457179576107906" /></a><br /> Shaft-Tailed Wydah<br />On our first evening we went on a “Game drive” in a beat up Toyota Landrover with Numsi a Sans Bushman descendant as our point guide/tracker. <br /><br /> Numsi sat in a small seat mounted in front of the Landrover where he astutely looked for tracks and listened for sounds that would alert him of something nearby. Adriaan a South African of Colonial descent and ex professional Cricket player told us that he always wanted to be a guide and here he was in his prime proving that he knew his subject well.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL0VSf8vNYTCafTR79snZpPbSStOCQ6nukPpns2mHs81iImEuVtlT6t8r10_X8BliImdwOHkkbrTc6HK9uPMUcFfpUZs5ZExIcCioELz4b3NtpyD8kVQ5vZ232PYnKLRVU0ryYk5ELDqi/s1600/CIMG0070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL0VSf8vNYTCafTR79snZpPbSStOCQ6nukPpns2mHs81iImEuVtlT6t8r10_X8BliImdwOHkkbrTc6HK9uPMUcFfpUZs5ZExIcCioELz4b3NtpyD8kVQ5vZ232PYnKLRVU0ryYk5ELDqi/s320/CIMG0070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457138663851921842" /></a><br /><br />We stopped at a large water hole for our “Sundowners” (South African Sauvignon Blanc). I had just sipped my first taste of the wine when Adriaan said “Get back in the Land Rover, Lions!”<br /><br />I quickly sucked the entire glass of wine as I scrambled back into the vehicle to grab my camera. Kimberley calmly got back into her seat with full glass in hand filled with joy and excitement to see her first Lions in the wild.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgtJ__TCArmsEdQxrgQzP74erqWL83LlChgis8dgW6OEUNRiL3Z7Bd8ZloxSCvcwGOa7PXorSpDHfCNYaPswDDTRm6H67amHGeVO1t0StwwV0BnIARDIYU3Du_RBGgZOcJCAXymdpnIv5/s1600/IMG_2200.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgtJ__TCArmsEdQxrgQzP74erqWL83LlChgis8dgW6OEUNRiL3Z7Bd8ZloxSCvcwGOa7PXorSpDHfCNYaPswDDTRm6H67amHGeVO1t0StwwV0BnIARDIYU3Du_RBGgZOcJCAXymdpnIv5/s320/IMG_2200.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457139931799395266" /></a><br />Before us less than 20 yards away were two huge Black manned adult male Lions. According to Adriaan they were 7 year old brothers. They sauntered by us on their way to drink side by side then came back and lay down to relax and were completely oblivious to our presence.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYx8PSzJ_MOJPGEqZbzQlBH1uRz0K9Ozb9Su_9gZF2xvV2oIRAHhTlEkVY8ORmHtpMsfVgBjVNp2GZ-Ld3WTciKJDdjomh6-tJncVlcwzUQIYN6uRRS87UApdbCtZWecHpIgufc-0uC_q/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYx8PSzJ_MOJPGEqZbzQlBH1uRz0K9Ozb9Su_9gZF2xvV2oIRAHhTlEkVY8ORmHtpMsfVgBjVNp2GZ-Ld3WTciKJDdjomh6-tJncVlcwzUQIYN6uRRS87UApdbCtZWecHpIgufc-0uC_q/s320/IMG_2211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457140947115158194" /></a><br /><br />What a beginning we both thought of what would turn out to be a continuing adventure of a lifetime.<br />On our return to the Lodge we saw a Nightjar in the middle of the road and stopped to get a closer look.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7JK0QIW38Fodh2EgDa_lq413EEhvSwLNUwrGPLc9yN1gpQPhk4uOh9yg_f00FcBQGuZVHQybjPkZg76nkPfC0gnJkax_EHP9FOD7lOIQqJ6DRjtuhKBgK1v7iJBrEGG1Gc4cdy2c9wt7/s1600/Rufous-Cheeked+Nightjar.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7JK0QIW38Fodh2EgDa_lq413EEhvSwLNUwrGPLc9yN1gpQPhk4uOh9yg_f00FcBQGuZVHQybjPkZg76nkPfC0gnJkax_EHP9FOD7lOIQqJ6DRjtuhKBgK1v7iJBrEGG1Gc4cdy2c9wt7/s320/Rufous-Cheeked+Nightjar.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457142807322189858" /></a><br /> Rufous-Cheeked Nightjar<br />We were in the vehicle when a heavy rainfall hit and lasted for about an hour.<br />While enjoying good food with our hosts a large African Porcupine entered the dining area giving us a chance for photos.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdKJky00YOzbyD1_t7JA6vkRSZCcwtmJmIV4CxoFcHOSEXbngdyF_jpcYEvhq5TOaehNRvCT2eRtT5JYCr6AHmladKY4en55P3xzpwbjtiHka7_AiNe46YG963s1GmVaDDLjNiquGU7nD/s1600/CIMG0059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdKJky00YOzbyD1_t7JA6vkRSZCcwtmJmIV4CxoFcHOSEXbngdyF_jpcYEvhq5TOaehNRvCT2eRtT5JYCr6AHmladKY4en55P3xzpwbjtiHka7_AiNe46YG963s1GmVaDDLjNiquGU7nD/s320/CIMG0059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457184780357529394" /></a><br />The next day our expert guides were attracted by the sounds of alarm calls by birds that told them something was up nearby.<br />It turned out to be one of the most poisonous snakes in Africa and it was apparently not welcome by the birds. I photographed it as it slithered up into the bush. <br /><br />The Boomslang is active during the day and feeds mostly on birds and chameleons.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8cBcxKEHsaIkCUROyACIHpGDBMQKFso7Efbr1kJ3mXod9XuCcrWSN3cnQJa4bS0GBh9gpEUK6GnO1UBGy8WT_5AbcIsAoeRfDxI8hOLAqwxeWAuoqygarIAniliMfOe7BbNoRGNqg1lB/s1600/Boomslang+(Dispholidus+typus).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8cBcxKEHsaIkCUROyACIHpGDBMQKFso7Efbr1kJ3mXod9XuCcrWSN3cnQJa4bS0GBh9gpEUK6GnO1UBGy8WT_5AbcIsAoeRfDxI8hOLAqwxeWAuoqygarIAniliMfOe7BbNoRGNqg1lB/s320/Boomslang+(Dispholidus+typus).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457188278629987330" /></a><br /> Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) Large green eyes indicate juvenile<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNpBpFs3jZ7IU3Tf63YR7_2KK0KJV0bkdQCG_qOIfjk_7XIcOk2daIB15pVRMGtuS7uYT7WokW6NYnh6FsIdDefaycuTt7mHj4PtMu7xV_gk0NHUWUcagl-G8s6MzJbWE6umZUOG3hRR7/s1600/Helmeted+Guineafowl.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNpBpFs3jZ7IU3Tf63YR7_2KK0KJV0bkdQCG_qOIfjk_7XIcOk2daIB15pVRMGtuS7uYT7WokW6NYnh6FsIdDefaycuTt7mHj4PtMu7xV_gk0NHUWUcagl-G8s6MzJbWE6umZUOG3hRR7/s320/Helmeted+Guineafowl.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457452935362131618" /></a><br /> Helmeted Guineafowl<br />The Guineafowl were plentiful usually on the road and would run fast (25 mph)in front of the Landrover for well over 2 minutes before escaping into the grass.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVe_JI6xN5guDu2n4CAgTDvv6zm7Gf1Aenbsdu1ifEbR0kn_cq4iyPSzozBWMY-cO_I29kg9xcKZjTL6tWuF6LlEYYRC8gUhDpOuSva4dUbLNk8irTaSlRQVGBhckTPUQFtXfd8RxRYyN/s1600/Tawny+Eagle.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVe_JI6xN5guDu2n4CAgTDvv6zm7Gf1Aenbsdu1ifEbR0kn_cq4iyPSzozBWMY-cO_I29kg9xcKZjTL6tWuF6LlEYYRC8gUhDpOuSva4dUbLNk8irTaSlRQVGBhckTPUQFtXfd8RxRYyN/s320/Tawny+Eagle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457459255696750946" /></a><br /> Tawny Eagle<br />We were never without a new bird or mammal to look at or photograph. I was snapping away at every opportunity but would find out later that many of my photos were out of focus despite the fact that I was using a lens with optical stabilizer and usually automatic focus. Fortunately I did manage to get a few good photos.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK8MjrotxdPzwOzw1Nk6ORHX7GUHufA7F1zZwqbtL4_mVPJcGXXDRoDoW_ofp8S4tau2NitlJ5KysjavT_MP5XnZ5UTTzAYNH-lWH8H1p9MHiEV5-7RBZpsIGqDhJQ3Uj_KdZraIUjBWY/s1600/Southern+White-Faced+Scops+Owl.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK8MjrotxdPzwOzw1Nk6ORHX7GUHufA7F1zZwqbtL4_mVPJcGXXDRoDoW_ofp8S4tau2NitlJ5KysjavT_MP5XnZ5UTTzAYNH-lWH8H1p9MHiEV5-7RBZpsIGqDhJQ3Uj_KdZraIUjBWY/s320/Southern+White-Faced+Scops+Owl.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457461688060436818" /></a><br /> Southern White-Faced Scops Owl<br />I am particulary grateful to the owner of The Deception Valley Lodge for pointing out the owl that was perched during mid day near our room.<br />The water hole near the lodge was visited by Warthogs,Kudus and Impalas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJD4ahf7udg6uiB9X7LZVzsRwCND5lkC9TF6xdlAK_pxIiqj99J9sjOlDPu9LESOhZfl5uSwQqCIKOB_2ITjCQVryKBaljXi0tF4cc_k0usZrCAbAp5cZOwpH04pr2UYbEY9tb_CysYKi/s1600/IMG_2159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJD4ahf7udg6uiB9X7LZVzsRwCND5lkC9TF6xdlAK_pxIiqj99J9sjOlDPu9LESOhZfl5uSwQqCIKOB_2ITjCQVryKBaljXi0tF4cc_k0usZrCAbAp5cZOwpH04pr2UYbEY9tb_CysYKi/s320/IMG_2159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457465753464211618" /></a><br /> Greater Kudu<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA4Yx844IPa3lUUsVdt6mNLmQIbrpxW8dQcAotydqBKMH0UgYNJ-p2Ph1XKqgE11zABf3vDiRhtSK7lyZOA6wz5YyKQofqOXElUYw442mDyu-lagMSOWdTZ6XodNQ_8cS4sRvRJuhmbBE/s1600/Warthog+with+tail+up.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA4Yx844IPa3lUUsVdt6mNLmQIbrpxW8dQcAotydqBKMH0UgYNJ-p2Ph1XKqgE11zABf3vDiRhtSK7lyZOA6wz5YyKQofqOXElUYw442mDyu-lagMSOWdTZ6XodNQ_8cS4sRvRJuhmbBE/s320/Warthog+with+tail+up.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457483494047035538" /></a><br /> Warthog running with tail straight up are reffered to by the locals as "radio Botswana".<br />I will continue this in another post soon and talk about the Bushman and our adventures in the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls, Zambia.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-28793987403619674972010-01-23T11:20:00.000-08:002010-01-23T11:45:00.904-08:00We found Paradise in Fiji<div>The Fiji islands was not on my "Bucket" list but I can honestly say after having been there that it should have been.
<br />I "won" a 3 night vacation at the <a href="http://www.korosunresort.com/">Koro Sun Resort</a> at our annual Watershed Stewards banquet. My wife and I realized that flying such a long distance would be hardly worth it for only 3 nights so we booked another 4 nights in the summer of 2008.
<br />There was much trepidation on my part because of the expense and deep rooted guilt that I should use the money for more important things.
<br />My wife convinced me otherwise with the widely stated philosophy that "you only go around once"!
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<br />Our destination would be the smaller Island of Vanua Levu, heart of the "friendly north". To get there we flew from the LA International airport by Pacific Air on a 10 hr. flight which provided excellent service by native Fijians. Our first landing was at Nadi, Fiji's "gateway" city where we changed planes for our flight to the mill town of Labasa on the island of Vitui Levu.
<br />We flew on a much smaller 18 seat plane on this trip which was most likely a factor that keeps the majority of tourist from visiting this part of Fiji.
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<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwyxn6ZK9YwZ2b7DxVjSQodOcFEVXsEhSfY6gZzRuV75XICX7bGSxWrGKTX7UVtSMidft_X80NPpYcbxKUG_AqL9CJ5k0W3jijIE4H1wnL6H4R-4_h97_7GGWX37wXO2PRAP9egChUuFo/s1600-h/18+seat+plane+in+Labasa.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428175403619764418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwyxn6ZK9YwZ2b7DxVjSQodOcFEVXsEhSfY6gZzRuV75XICX7bGSxWrGKTX7UVtSMidft_X80NPpYcbxKUG_AqL9CJ5k0W3jijIE4H1wnL6H4R-4_h97_7GGWX37wXO2PRAP9egChUuFo/s320/18+seat+plane+in+Labasa.JPG" /></a>
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<br />We were greeted at this small airport by a KORO SUN employee named Vijay who welcomed us enthusiastically and was very friendly.
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259316904863158082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaltB_7yHm2zK9mBOVXZt7UrzFO5SknwWvFkErl0w2VahcZsWsktNQCWgUyJpz1tZPrIHUpU9krkfgT9t43u556XfMleo4E2AfWKsSyiTGZV_uRUxAz13sTI5MqMn4aoaCD_4qKwVsqc06/s320/Vijay.JPG" /></a>
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<br />Because the small airport on the other side of the Island was closed due to reconstruction we were driven for two and half hours by Vijay over the mountains through Sugar cane plantations passing numerous trucks loaded to the brim with cut canes. The winding road took us through hundreds of acres of commercial Pine forest while listening to Vijays colorful description of Fijian history and land use. We stopped along the way for photos of a beautiful view of the Savusavu bay.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9V7J921FT0vi6f7lXZOtcDT5R53-Goh5u2xbVO6JEgXtxAx-Izpe5ryuHttZOFNAlEjowYAAXn-m7u8kVpLJY5z8qYAAHydvJiHngIVp3FRBmaAUi_Qsuci8AvE8tqBaY1FPrPpKgk4M/s1600-h/View+from+atop+the+mountain.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428177021814470370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9V7J921FT0vi6f7lXZOtcDT5R53-Goh5u2xbVO6JEgXtxAx-Izpe5ryuHttZOFNAlEjowYAAXn-m7u8kVpLJY5z8qYAAHydvJiHngIVp3FRBmaAUi_Qsuci8AvE8tqBaY1FPrPpKgk4M/s320/View+from+atop+the+mountain.JPG" /></a> Savusavu Bay from road to Koro Sun Resort
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<br /><on ahref="http://.bp.blogspot.com/_DhCHkvAeqzM/SVPumSXqAxI/AAAAAAAAAJo/24NNSMVQOXY/s1600-h/Grounds+at+Koro+Sun.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283829129369223954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC6VUEqwzTrqWARPxe6NMoN-zwe7XdlOGk7pADEuYhUqB8xz3V2AfRmnhZaC0Pa67IM5ECnuBLQZErCA02NJruIQqyMU8HGSQZ-8uUVL9_kVCCbekLaHI-dry7Nlw3gdpJWx_R06h-uij/s320/Grounds+at+Koro+Sun.JPG" /></a> Beautiful grounds at Koro Sun
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xZLN3w5qxCOLLlrxJN0c0pBPnFO8J3cN1szZvLXvXOGcOIC2t7vQ6B03a2i7D-S5ZgOZCTM2ElUTwuPNuSytonUPaYDLagg_MkuMHcc0U_60CnzbpEWQwOACx1S1CYWORG0c6JPeSA3-/s1600-h/Reef+waves+and+Plam+trees.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264500537760026274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xZLN3w5qxCOLLlrxJN0c0pBPnFO8J3cN1szZvLXvXOGcOIC2t7vQ6B03a2i7D-S5ZgOZCTM2ElUTwuPNuSytonUPaYDLagg_MkuMHcc0U_60CnzbpEWQwOACx1S1CYWORG0c6JPeSA3-/s400/Reef+waves+and+Plam+trees.JPG" /></a> Ocean veiw from Koro Sun property </p>
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<br /><p>Upon arrival we were greeted by woman dressed in Fijian traditional attire who gave each of us a foot soak and foot massage accompanied by a tropical drink.
<br />The food was outstanding in both taste and presentation and each evening was a time to meet folks from other places over a tropical drink or a glass of wine. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92LMEpN4ihNIicXnhLGp8yl1jzrgxdtn5_QknVJATj6nRBpwRD6nNNt_wSoecXirUVieiyyd3aikuTh7OZ9Mi_5mE_ApofHEMutVKlmGQALOnXk-tGxinLCCD05Crbut8TO9l3PhKXYSa/s1600-h/Drumming+the+dinner+call.JPG"></p>
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<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283830957886837506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92LMEpN4ihNIicXnhLGp8yl1jzrgxdtn5_QknVJATj6nRBpwRD6nNNt_wSoecXirUVieiyyd3aikuTh7OZ9Mi_5mE_ApofHEMutVKlmGQALOnXk-tGxinLCCD05Crbut8TO9l3PhKXYSa/s320/Drumming+the+dinner+call.JPG" /></a> Two of our Fiji hosts drumming the dinner call
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94-Whn5BzvVZjwBpn8Q3EczW7TU4tKlu73E9M2tL4kg_B_iLWL0SK1CQRIBGU4kHiTTQaAublrgOQUu8wVuOqCsahIiOk-_Qiu3NoiV6yyPm2BGHV6_uejPu7X0dSH8KUpY73wQqCIbiA/s1600-h/Terry+and+Kimberley.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395537133531254754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94-Whn5BzvVZjwBpn8Q3EczW7TU4tKlu73E9M2tL4kg_B_iLWL0SK1CQRIBGU4kHiTTQaAublrgOQUu8wVuOqCsahIiOk-_Qiu3NoiV6yyPm2BGHV6_uejPu7X0dSH8KUpY73wQqCIbiA/s320/Terry+and+Kimberley.JPG" /></a> Posing at entrance to the Koro Sun Resort
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95KmZkkFJ9HMlx33Z3OF40Qeb5JIZgBpyhGzrMySHcwoAproY8JPoz_FhXHu7hI6vXXSgx0_ymgUg5zPx6oIyF9o6olaHtYoIsXbx3MAJQixI5FGKTb4vf9fEtR6IfsCJZi1EMxxlHee5/s1600-h/Kimberley+in+kayak.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398835616798223138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95KmZkkFJ9HMlx33Z3OF40Qeb5JIZgBpyhGzrMySHcwoAproY8JPoz_FhXHu7hI6vXXSgx0_ymgUg5zPx6oIyF9o6olaHtYoIsXbx3MAJQixI5FGKTb4vf9fEtR6IfsCJZi1EMxxlHee5/s320/Kimberley+in+kayak.JPG" /></a>
<br />Our favorite activities included Kayaking and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjAYMZCno2np2cbiUyWshe9grPRR2u9FrLCdb8tMMyGVmdRbxtuPslfkoZBYezdzHWGyX5hBREfBjGfbXnbSaL3nPo4tN-duOwV6_TXbFkCcrRDUggN4UeraFN-bmoj05EBGwhYMFQK5h/s1600-h/Blue+Star+fish.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421148621569499410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjAYMZCno2np2cbiUyWshe9grPRR2u9FrLCdb8tMMyGVmdRbxtuPslfkoZBYezdzHWGyX5hBREfBjGfbXnbSaL3nPo4tN-duOwV6_TXbFkCcrRDUggN4UeraFN-bmoj05EBGwhYMFQK5h/s320/Blue+Star+fish.JPG" /></a>
<br />The Blue Starfish (Linckia laevigata) is beautifully striking and easily seen in the bright sunlight shallow waters of tropical coral reefs.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9aL8ua3CvMot-7ykgtQ-d2ESaU2K7-HBP8Aju06vV9TX0xVOWtjrssx8c1GITcrn2hiDFP3EOvI2yBIhy2af-M6GEpL5Tkk9rFz2Z8uIVHDg45AQD5TUunTfx8JiNBhUFzzjqeSf836a/s1600-h/CIMG0364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421168122128829202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9aL8ua3CvMot-7ykgtQ-d2ESaU2K7-HBP8Aju06vV9TX0xVOWtjrssx8c1GITcrn2hiDFP3EOvI2yBIhy2af-M6GEpL5Tkk9rFz2Z8uIVHDg45AQD5TUunTfx8JiNBhUFzzjqeSf836a/s320/CIMG0364.JPG" /></a>
<br />Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina)
<br />This highly venomous snake is one of the most plentiful and widely dispersed family
<br />(Hydrophilidae) in the world. It's venom is more virulent than any known land snake but it is also extremely docile and many Fijians play with these snakes. It frequents shallow waters of tropical coral reefs and was here probing the holes for prey on the volacanic rock of a small island outcrop near our resort.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOjn7LZwY9gzBD4-DYxOSwQXqgdA9BnaKf4raZGmH3ejei24Wl4EOwiap-Ey_wRodz3ZsvOgvqzj4YnowFGM6QgdyUg-IfpfPJQCzcUHARg0Hv0aOFlwl_I34Rv_lmrElySWSYuDbUCI0/s1600-h/CIMG0361.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421171043616758642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOjn7LZwY9gzBD4-DYxOSwQXqgdA9BnaKf4raZGmH3ejei24Wl4EOwiap-Ey_wRodz3ZsvOgvqzj4YnowFGM6QgdyUg-IfpfPJQCzcUHARg0Hv0aOFlwl_I34Rv_lmrElySWSYuDbUCI0/s320/CIMG0361.JPG" /></a>
<br />Here you can see (click on photo to enlarge) the laterally compressed tail which is an adaptation the sea snake uses like an oar to swim efficiently in water. This snake is in a group of sea snakes that lay eggs on land. All other sea snakes give birth to live young in the ocean.
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<br />We snorkeled in deeper water with Spinner Dolphins and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/whitetip_reef_shark">White tipped Sharks </a>bigger than us.
<br />The shark swam by us lazily only 15 feet away causing our adrenalin to peak at very high levels. It didn't deter our excitement as we continued our amazing veiws of dozens of beautiful and diversely colorfed fish.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidElYerfIbyz7MvbZTNp6BIvdnj2yYMvN4yY2w3IyMMezrQ5NgwKQl7davkX9xOQVz_Tn2qFX9as1m0ryd7R-xvV4uWC3oe1JXTq_9bz93NJ58gVy7hS4AMTPC-uZ1wY5EewLtuHuU4Qm_/s1600-h/Dolphins+in+bay.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421174698377144690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidElYerfIbyz7MvbZTNp6BIvdnj2yYMvN4yY2w3IyMMezrQ5NgwKQl7davkX9xOQVz_Tn2qFX9as1m0ryd7R-xvV4uWC3oe1JXTq_9bz93NJ58gVy7hS4AMTPC-uZ1wY5EewLtuHuU4Qm_/s320/Dolphins+in+bay.JPG" /></a>
<br />Spinner Dolphins
<br />The town of Savusavu is a short bus ride from the resort and had great shopping opportunities for locally made crafts.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiSVwTFIocd4PGH-vVW_NaDUHD7FXsfUlfjbHKPxAiGDEz-imjqZqFAjiGl5OljUUuwE-P9Zy5QOWD_h1vEFwp8IjaNYbNy_wtWpZqM9dW1Omw83Tgt_20dvlromRRZbxj_kNt39VRChB/s1600-h/Figian+lady+at+Savusavu+market.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428984688341663282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiSVwTFIocd4PGH-vVW_NaDUHD7FXsfUlfjbHKPxAiGDEz-imjqZqFAjiGl5OljUUuwE-P9Zy5QOWD_h1vEFwp8IjaNYbNy_wtWpZqM9dW1Omw83Tgt_20dvlromRRZbxj_kNt39VRChB/s320/Figian+lady+at+Savusavu+market.JPG" /></a> We met this wonderful and friendly lady, Natale weaving baskets in the town of Savusavu.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34d_-0uAKx9ekKDOdQERBhwRzX-tNlwpdFca1km98x5x5dhNLgMf2vS4lXylS13Fpdd2iyfxSZmErBFcJFkHIGjmKgG7L2EPHydjXPiBSS3Zhm5uxApARwlPp6NltrvPcVDBOU1rphCsT/s1600-h/Young+Fiji+ladies+posing+in+Savusavu.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428193814320188722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34d_-0uAKx9ekKDOdQERBhwRzX-tNlwpdFca1km98x5x5dhNLgMf2vS4lXylS13Fpdd2iyfxSZmErBFcJFkHIGjmKgG7L2EPHydjXPiBSS3Zhm5uxApARwlPp6NltrvPcVDBOU1rphCsT/s320/Young+Fiji+ladies+posing+in+Savusavu.JPG" /></a> Young women gladly posing for a photo in Savusavu
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GIXyrqBhDjpOOS4EsV5cJ_JHxh0sPypIvNuo0EVEGiczut6w1qKfpgyEP_7xDnVaSxBBMwpJRW-MPEY0SVvVUkNd9YKYJOawTkaPLiuGhHlIarHzqOSa_CUO78pwL06AbNZ5QaYpJl27/s1600-h/Our+Koro+Sun+Bure.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428197518530446210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GIXyrqBhDjpOOS4EsV5cJ_JHxh0sPypIvNuo0EVEGiczut6w1qKfpgyEP_7xDnVaSxBBMwpJRW-MPEY0SVvVUkNd9YKYJOawTkaPLiuGhHlIarHzqOSa_CUO78pwL06AbNZ5QaYpJl27/s320/Our+Koro+Sun+Bure.JPG" /></a> Our Burre with a beautiful veiw of the ocean.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPusUgIhtqAXUqaN4JLRP9j3XFcdDM7RgCh178oAMLM9QUF20iTFCAiSZ6DyeRgyLhg2o8oRR6w0RsQwQo_-hQp9Fsb1lN8y8vij6PS-mtw7i4ijupHrvAJ6ela7DElO4k4GUQoCwM1CK/s1600-h/large+Gecko.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428895633511958770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPusUgIhtqAXUqaN4JLRP9j3XFcdDM7RgCh178oAMLM9QUF20iTFCAiSZ6DyeRgyLhg2o8oRR6w0RsQwQo_-hQp9Fsb1lN8y8vij6PS-mtw7i4ijupHrvAJ6ela7DElO4k4GUQoCwM1CK/s320/large+Gecko.JPG" /></a> Gecko (Lepidactylus lugubris) in our burre</<p>
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<br />
<br /><p>The geckos are common here and are rarely seen during the day. They come out after dark to prey on insects. I was told that many native Fijians are terrified of geckos.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZZrRjtoUduPyxlZ_Xiy0zpZHQNc3MFfmsUPC4Ta9MuJNm2OvGh7IfjSl_MfUpsN-5lCwfVaR9jJ9HgM8qbHGsJGH8y1FvIYEGqo86nY42NqCuWA7VmKToYVRdoKSS7JPpiVwBSxevqMh/s1600-h/Mili+our+waitrees.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428914318394684162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZZrRjtoUduPyxlZ_Xiy0zpZHQNc3MFfmsUPC4Ta9MuJNm2OvGh7IfjSl_MfUpsN-5lCwfVaR9jJ9HgM8qbHGsJGH8y1FvIYEGqo86nY42NqCuWA7VmKToYVRdoKSS7JPpiVwBSxevqMh/s320/Mili+our+waitrees.JPG" /></a> Mili
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<br />We both agree that the people at Koro Sun were very friendly and greeted us each day with" Bula Terry" and "Bula Keemburlee". Our favorite host and waitress was Mili with her cheerful personality and million dollar smile.
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<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM5VfEGRJFMt3Wr2o-Xzfq6naQwTZMaXl4lbnwby7u0ER_jL1dtddeANm8KyA9RFVffH-uDzSLiApT8LaLOApKFtpbjP_HerO7hYYdDhtqn0bb8ZUBJKENr53hlQD0HknxehLRSQa0Q4c/s1600-h/CIMG0267.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428974769289065314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM5VfEGRJFMt3Wr2o-Xzfq6naQwTZMaXl4lbnwby7u0ER_jL1dtddeANm8KyA9RFVffH-uDzSLiApT8LaLOApKFtpbjP_HerO7hYYdDhtqn0bb8ZUBJKENr53hlQD0HknxehLRSQa0Q4c/s320/CIMG0267.JPG" /></a>
<br />We had a great time on a optional fishing excursion with two other couples and I caught a nice hard fighting Baracuda. A Mahi mahi and a Tuna were also caught by the others and we shared the Mahi mahi that evening for dinner which was cooked to perfection by our chefs at the Koro Sun restaurant.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxpAnF8Y5LlTVrtnaLX2dlEoykUqA7C8zOmp3NmhBtEVAh5GWqsxb7MQDa2i2PWzhPu36hKYIef_C5YfeldG6ufbkqvRA5pgoyzMN-qMHPtjByoRULEmZFpEjN8MKrRDVcCGRFt9PY556/s1600-h/Fiji+shoreline+from+boat.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxpAnF8Y5LlTVrtnaLX2dlEoykUqA7C8zOmp3NmhBtEVAh5GWqsxb7MQDa2i2PWzhPu36hKYIef_C5YfeldG6ufbkqvRA5pgoyzMN-qMHPtjByoRULEmZFpEjN8MKrRDVcCGRFt9PY556/s320/Fiji+shoreline+from+boat.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430014486655467186" /></a>
<br /> Looking at Fiji shoreline from our fishing boat
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y0qAPCJrPsVUdg-3NxgSrtJLZnIVb77vjVpz1woLGEfuQugbHlaCwabe6gG0HSWIl8Ea0lBah8yQj5SoOPhCdZ27iYIbbGoZv0wUscKHYtGtvXxw9D_198KC87cvQRvS_DF4pMXNv1KR/s1600-h/Fiji+Rainbow.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y0qAPCJrPsVUdg-3NxgSrtJLZnIVb77vjVpz1woLGEfuQugbHlaCwabe6gG0HSWIl8Ea0lBah8yQj5SoOPhCdZ27iYIbbGoZv0wUscKHYtGtvXxw9D_198KC87cvQRvS_DF4pMXNv1KR/s320/Fiji+Rainbow.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430015536869716738" /></a>
<br />Rainbow seen from our boat on our way to shore.
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<br />We enjoyed birding in the jungle behind the resort and added several species of new birds to our life list.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZooaIOwnV5Zfyd-wEk_U_W8wxl9V-Wcv36LT1AbK8nZ-_T8CxzYmONwXbZzeMNWX1yMv1QFEE20jxbIpxVN22KjAKlVUKIQkxzAe_Yj1FS2Ws5cXINQlkGy0zlFxbnnWLlvZkTNNfRqag/s1600-h/CIMG0380.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428978237588800162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZooaIOwnV5Zfyd-wEk_U_W8wxl9V-Wcv36LT1AbK8nZ-_T8CxzYmONwXbZzeMNWX1yMv1QFEE20jxbIpxVN22KjAKlVUKIQkxzAe_Yj1FS2Ws5cXINQlkGy0zlFxbnnWLlvZkTNNfRqag/s320/CIMG0380.JPG" /></a>
<br />We hiked to the secret waterfall over the mountain and down into a canyon not far from the resort where I cooled off below a waterfall.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2cGVCo-Q-GL6Pt-Tqm0rLWqKJiz4zvyBXpZ-Oho07EGThUaKuY4KoFjrsdEP_lChzR7RxOV0wCCsTXKErAKe3q7tVROzH24q72MrqbpCxWmWc0TzbXwmDO_OvA3dKKsFs27XRvsB6y-1/s1600-h/Terry+cooling+off+below+waterfall.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428981215259047010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2cGVCo-Q-GL6Pt-Tqm0rLWqKJiz4zvyBXpZ-Oho07EGThUaKuY4KoFjrsdEP_lChzR7RxOV0wCCsTXKErAKe3q7tVROzH24q72MrqbpCxWmWc0TzbXwmDO_OvA3dKKsFs27XRvsB6y-1/s320/Terry+cooling+off+below+waterfall.JPG" /></a> It doesn't get any better I thought while cooling off but it did. On our hike back over the mountain we had spectacular views of the resort and pacific ocean below. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfoRFnuY0Kw_Cm-HD1kDqVPNeV_Vog_3wrCsGw89qDWlzclaapO7qXkMamPSbJwmkcbsHrdZgvnyMGKHlnkApF9227FagJnnEhecK5SsUiWHJbMi399Fau4l358K2qt6Y0fPsMhgqM08Z/s1600-h/Koro+Sun+Resort+from+hill.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429990591675731058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfoRFnuY0Kw_Cm-HD1kDqVPNeV_Vog_3wrCsGw89qDWlzclaapO7qXkMamPSbJwmkcbsHrdZgvnyMGKHlnkApF9227FagJnnEhecK5SsUiWHJbMi399Fau4l358K2qt6Y0fPsMhgqM08Z/s320/Koro+Sun+Resort+from+hill.JPG" /></a>
<br /> The resort has a 9 hole "Adventure" golf course which is truly an adventure. The fairways are littered with land Crab holes which can swallow up golf balls. In the evening we walked along the golf course and saw giant Fruit Bats flying from the Banana trees and hundreds of Toads everywhere you stepped.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6ZSsCUYfqS2IkzUaZslaiMNQ8-77vBByGaZD30zT0nBMNKTwyHL4mpf2bboLoF3pjyztP80O_ULoZwrELGGqIZkjdnncbQhX_5QRsaWf8VBPO9Ybhxu3DbM_zz3MjwmHWnzUEWnlOi_7/s1600-h/Fiji+Toad.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6ZSsCUYfqS2IkzUaZslaiMNQ8-77vBByGaZD30zT0nBMNKTwyHL4mpf2bboLoF3pjyztP80O_ULoZwrELGGqIZkjdnncbQhX_5QRsaWf8VBPO9Ybhxu3DbM_zz3MjwmHWnzUEWnlOi_7/s320/Fiji+Toad.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429994190220397682" /></a>
<br /> The introduced <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad#fiji">Giant Toad </a>(Bufo marinus) called "Cane Toad" in Fiji.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nLhTjpAw7u3Q4xZrigYow2fUBZURKP3wAy_PlVIF3rqoQvhbsM0I6_f4iDjff7JRZY0sQS-ZNs881x9eTxUwyZqThoXPekKm59nGMB9ydzWUeu4o63NhM43vUa-MbzYbcWUJHEUChjNr/s1600-h/CIMG0305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nLhTjpAw7u3Q4xZrigYow2fUBZURKP3wAy_PlVIF3rqoQvhbsM0I6_f4iDjff7JRZY0sQS-ZNs881x9eTxUwyZqThoXPekKm59nGMB9ydzWUeu4o63NhM43vUa-MbzYbcWUJHEUChjNr/s320/CIMG0305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429998939573265330" /></a>
<br /> We were entertained one night by local native Fiji dancers and were amazed by the
<br />talent and enthusiasum they had.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmtjjZc3OKmD1hr9O-ZRDE-1B-JJ98ApGTz3UlcTFgatNOUZB0KppqDkeSIQvlBv9YfR8o4T6WC6x4kMeN_WFOFTCymx8jd_uL60YR_wUC1HXc0ejHYYIV1qLHEXc-HuG2EkKLcWzIPHQ/s1600-h/CIMG0312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmtjjZc3OKmD1hr9O-ZRDE-1B-JJ98ApGTz3UlcTFgatNOUZB0KppqDkeSIQvlBv9YfR8o4T6WC6x4kMeN_WFOFTCymx8jd_uL60YR_wUC1HXc0ejHYYIV1qLHEXc-HuG2EkKLcWzIPHQ/s320/CIMG0312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430001321065301042" /></a>
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<br />This young man had the stage presence and talent of a young Michael Jackson.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0RkSfsY2bLG9aJRWQQB0QmoVxLIoY6MbYzv_I6P0PfcQyszuZI6pzEBiYYvPCw3el9PCulbw794fXnuzXARqw6DUFh8edizVUaF0lynmUT65pAff84x6AxCY2ZycmyT1e0jKAxQHHNFE/s1600-h/Quality+food+and+presentation.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0RkSfsY2bLG9aJRWQQB0QmoVxLIoY6MbYzv_I6P0PfcQyszuZI6pzEBiYYvPCw3el9PCulbw794fXnuzXARqw6DUFh8edizVUaF0lynmUT65pAff84x6AxCY2ZycmyT1e0jKAxQHHNFE/s320/Quality+food+and+presentation.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430003220263114722" /></a>
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<br />The food at the Koro Sun was incredible,delicious and each evening there was something different.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBmkccvuZpOCewZww88oWvpar6oQ-MI_OBoGzVeBaW3Pcg6a3SxokO_yJbac8XCdqf3xN27iKtLe871HogSSww55fG_N26rmKoFeBEdqjba8PARd0fwn_4trtWPPRkBWsVrEftpLT5JxU/s1600-h/Isabelle+and+Phillipe.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBmkccvuZpOCewZww88oWvpar6oQ-MI_OBoGzVeBaW3Pcg6a3SxokO_yJbac8XCdqf3xN27iKtLe871HogSSww55fG_N26rmKoFeBEdqjba8PARd0fwn_4trtWPPRkBWsVrEftpLT5JxU/s320/Isabelle+and+Phillipe.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430006006309037954" /></a>
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<br />We met some nice folks each evening while dining and our favorite were a young couple on their honeymoon from Canada Isabelle and Phillipe.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz7NGkTvdlQ0w4Z0fCTllwD9T288G93WDpC0ySk4vVzwYOkF8paW5m8_uNuoLipxMhbhC4GFRzo0Fnrwy6rdweyDtSTRfhco5xdDZiWGjB4uTAesQXGSKWvuFMbgyqKnIWZpK17SLAEGw/s1600-h/Fiji+Sunset.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz7NGkTvdlQ0w4Z0fCTllwD9T288G93WDpC0ySk4vVzwYOkF8paW5m8_uNuoLipxMhbhC4GFRzo0Fnrwy6rdweyDtSTRfhco5xdDZiWGjB4uTAesQXGSKWvuFMbgyqKnIWZpK17SLAEGw/s320/Fiji+Sunset.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430012661867781746" /></a>
<br />Each evening we walked out to the beach and enjoyed the sunsets and realized that we were very fortunate to be there at that moment in<a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fiji+islands&FORM=IGRE#"> PARADISE</a>.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-88546418861419887952010-01-10T10:14:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:48:00.948-08:00Earthquakes and Cats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-iz5uH6pBknHgKKk5zucGm194pR79BnwZCW5Y_bluFif69Sw0qD3hOOkPC9UqSrEbQ6ctRBiJb_P0j1NNsWkDKqWnulssbQoN33EXdwi1fqnhwB-xSXWWLSGZbZUKZYJH3Wy2c0IZvT4/s1600-h/DSC00173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-iz5uH6pBknHgKKk5zucGm194pR79BnwZCW5Y_bluFif69Sw0qD3hOOkPC9UqSrEbQ6ctRBiJb_P0j1NNsWkDKqWnulssbQoN33EXdwi1fqnhwB-xSXWWLSGZbZUKZYJH3Wy2c0IZvT4/s320/DSC00173.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425182569047102338" /></a><br />We decided to go see the movie Avatar in 3-D in Eureka on Saturday Jan.9,2010 but when we arrived it had been sold out. So we decided to go home and see the movie on another day.<br /><br />Fortunately we were home when the Earthquake hit. The cats were on our laps as we relaxed and sipped wine while reading or watching football. The day before my neighbor cut some redwoods down that were very close to his home.<br /><br /> When the earthquake hit it sounded much like the trees did when they hit the ground. This time it felt like he had cut one down and it landed on our house.<br /><br />The cats flew in different directions and My wife said calmly it's an earthquake get over here under the door jam. <br /><br />The quake went BAM,CRACK then rock and rolled the house for a few seconds during which we heard glass breaking in our bedroom. It was a framed photo of our cats and a couple of owl artifacts that fell from the bookshelves.<br /><br />At this point the adrenalin rush was at peak levels and I was in high gear thinking about what to do next.<br /><br />I immediately went out and turned off the main gas line from the propane tank then went over to check on our neighbors to see if everything was o.k. at their house.<br /><br />We looked all over for the cats and found one of them crouching under the Futon and the other trying to break through the window in the Sun room. <br /><br /> They were "freaked" out and it would take a while for them to recover.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14l_mvT1-89LTCqSGfJpJrTwyYSRsxLi4lNyKbmV5p0AHYZaeDSWaNqWx2Z4y9KW-SJIq3nN1mupTI0pZrhVxkIeBNI_MhVI_7QPrz01p0i6rd3v7H3Pil0qCma8IHWUOdWvU0c_CvBnG/s1600-h/IMG_0882.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14l_mvT1-89LTCqSGfJpJrTwyYSRsxLi4lNyKbmV5p0AHYZaeDSWaNqWx2Z4y9KW-SJIq3nN1mupTI0pZrhVxkIeBNI_MhVI_7QPrz01p0i6rd3v7H3Pil0qCma8IHWUOdWvU0c_CvBnG/s320/IMG_0882.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425184239383651010" /></a><br /><br /><br />My wife told me later that she noticed our female cat which had been resting and purring on her lap to sitting up abruptly and acting very alert and frightened.<br />The cat had sensed it coming before it hit!<br /><br />That night the cats stayed close to us but didn't sleep well and were very alert.<br />Another aftershock sent them under the bed at least once early in the morning.<br />They continue to act wary this morning perhaps they feel the small aftershocks that we don't.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQvNEuy_sUwGd_MCQ8W2zkXbfKValxPhPW8skfEzNZ70mrJnBJUID_d9BR7TkVvOzO9kug1s0Lgbib4CwAgHjHPuj6uvOPKMQ_lyILnuCv-ibqM3HOZ8Yd5wWRyI9Sq7se_hn3KgGtPJQ/s1600-h/Canon+photos+summer+-08+203.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQvNEuy_sUwGd_MCQ8W2zkXbfKValxPhPW8skfEzNZ70mrJnBJUID_d9BR7TkVvOzO9kug1s0Lgbib4CwAgHjHPuj6uvOPKMQ_lyILnuCv-ibqM3HOZ8Yd5wWRyI9Sq7se_hn3KgGtPJQ/s320/Canon+photos+summer+-08+203.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425183262442567026" /></a><br />Just before I woke up the male cat was walking nervously on my chest and legs but finally settled down between us. I stroked his head and noticed that he seemed tense and wary of what might come next.<br />Cats <a href="http://www.mindpowernews.com/DogsPredictEarthquakes,htm">know more </a>about some things than we do.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-87333610070856010752010-01-07T10:25:00.000-08:002010-01-07T15:19:28.612-08:00Arcata Marsh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRFX9DROiRAhtsUgmtjWIkUp8fzx0NW52aYf5zcXV2syrC0g-7FTQCOogBPz-g-nFmiR4nUMyBbkNzqhZieTvaKj4qaqRzFJ7YcuclSzrviYvsd-2ygXiP_AyapLL_VXBaWi4IU2Ttlux/s1600-h/IMG_1926.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRFX9DROiRAhtsUgmtjWIkUp8fzx0NW52aYf5zcXV2syrC0g-7FTQCOogBPz-g-nFmiR4nUMyBbkNzqhZieTvaKj4qaqRzFJ7YcuclSzrviYvsd-2ygXiP_AyapLL_VXBaWi4IU2Ttlux/s320/IMG_1926.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423375015078284978" /></a>
<br /> Great Egret (Ardea alba)
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<br />On any day there are many birds and sometimes wild mammals that can be spotted at the <a href="http://www.arcatamarshfriends.org/">Arcata Marsh </a>in Arcata California.
<br />There are trails that traverse the entire area and if one is handicaped Klopp Lake may be accessed by car. We chose to walk around the north west trails and ponds on January 2 on a overcast day. <a href="http://www3.humb<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhXXhKWlgVCc5pTVCtJRHOE1JG-CW7VuOuOcTWna_-7hglZeDC_HiB8beCo5BMPXtxKHM6n-D0zrZ5ONH_k6kBjsz0o_X1vVa5vhVMP1I92xkx5Nk3U0XVnShyphenhyphen0AWzVBRn5o8LrC0DOCJ/s1600-h/IMG_1913.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhXXhKWlgVCc5pTVCtJRHOE1JG-CW7VuOuOcTWna_-7hglZeDC_HiB8beCo5BMPXtxKHM6n-D0zrZ5ONH_k6kBjsz0o_X1vVa5vhVMP1I92xkx5Nk3U0XVnShyphenhyphen0AWzVBRn5o8LrC0DOCJ/s320/IMG_1913.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423375900940993634" /></a>
<br /> Double-crested Cormorant(Phalacrocorax auritus)
<br />This trail offered good veiws of many species of birds and we were also fortunate to see 3 River Otters foraging in the Northwest pond.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wcd4bBPSzEbILEn9q3lNrpMS3p7a4Sy6U-owBadyOBDdU9JlVUIepExn7I2WLfy4Uhj8te_WpZEn-nfLRENLqm2heTw_L464f3aXCxuVgxl6mwedt5_Cft0GsAj5WHiwsdlzcJq7TKE3/s1600-h/River+Otters.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wcd4bBPSzEbILEn9q3lNrpMS3p7a4Sy6U-owBadyOBDdU9JlVUIepExn7I2WLfy4Uhj8te_WpZEn-nfLRENLqm2heTw_L464f3aXCxuVgxl6mwedt5_Cft0GsAj5WHiwsdlzcJq7TKE3/s320/River+Otters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423384069135768242" /></a>
<br /> River Otter (Lutra canadensis)
<br />The River Otters were seen from a distance of approximately 80 meters with 10x30 binoculars and then photographed with a 400 mm telephoto lens. They were actively foraging and stayed on the surface for only seconds at a time.
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<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsngaRGKkIrFvKhcK4bWAkCseCnCFyVytUryol8fsGOMeVW3RPwanwajjX-L2h9dnFvCSkRc5Nx_xbK_HjRj8iyi8RpFuwyjQJL4BLnnEnbsqbiFqoDZlvxTKKbf0nFZvehmyLY4LqIRP/s320/Snowy+Egret+with+fish.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423391349488575618" /></a
<br /> Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
<br />This egret is much smaller than the Great Egret and has a black bill and yellow feet. It is usually observed in shallow water while foraging for it's prey. I was lucky to get this photo as it caught a small Stickleback.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLaqMOw42d4lSqEpyD7tHsZWRxdhlMDH6b-vueOH1-oTnjQeVELIBxkxg_PQAC-MvFpQiAKnB9xAyrs3pael6sewcVaO1Aj3GnThPM-L8o4VkRrXwLdIJk7veiK5PZPjnXKoKBfk8yHBP/s1600-h/Long+billed+Curlew.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLaqMOw42d4lSqEpyD7tHsZWRxdhlMDH6b-vueOH1-oTnjQeVELIBxkxg_PQAC-MvFpQiAKnB9xAyrs3pael6sewcVaO1Aj3GnThPM-L8o4VkRrXwLdIJk7veiK5PZPjnXKoKBfk8yHBP/s320/Long+billed+Curlew.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423397668056447986" /></a>
<br /> Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus))
<br />This long-billed Curlew stands alone amongst Marbled Godwits,Northern Shovelers,Green-winged Teal and Dunlins.
<br />We walked across the road to a trail that leads to the visitor center and were treated to great veiws of Black-crowned Night-Herons with their ruby red eyes. Dozens of them were roosting in trees a short distance from the center. They are active at night when they fly off their roost to forage.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYzNtHmxOR3CKe2kFUeCuKqexL59sA-h597eIXwr5-DH81aZ9067lPr6eaHn58-kXbC5TrsjFbb7_-2cE_V7Cu7pAnwgpxVO3p305Xj0WaAU3zabAagZIm-mylzvccNDqVqU1IP9aPrPm/s1600-h/IMG_1970.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYzNtHmxOR3CKe2kFUeCuKqexL59sA-h597eIXwr5-DH81aZ9067lPr6eaHn58-kXbC5TrsjFbb7_-2cE_V7Cu7pAnwgpxVO3p305Xj0WaAU3zabAagZIm-mylzvccNDqVqU1IP9aPrPm/s320/IMG_1970.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423400186642568866" /></a>
<br /> Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
<br />If you happen to be here at twilight you may hear their short hoarse calls as they fly overhead on their way to the mudflats nearby.
<br />The local Audubon chapter leads bird outings here every Saturday morning 0800 at the end of I street in the parking lot at Klopp Lake.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-45040354890862752122009-12-29T09:35:00.000-08:002009-12-30T09:48:25.441-08:00Exploring the South Spit Humboldt Bay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0olocGDDcmKTxahcnAUmX82BcX_5lQYz-qHBpNUB8nWpw6tiDl7oe_WlQePcXqoyZf8-4IkSDvHLcPo_MLTMK0zK8cO7gZKG72R3XlsvXkBHKa2xqzLrIl5mPXaYbyHd-833aekisnV_M/s1600-h/IMG_1843.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0olocGDDcmKTxahcnAUmX82BcX_5lQYz-qHBpNUB8nWpw6tiDl7oe_WlQePcXqoyZf8-4IkSDvHLcPo_MLTMK0zK8cO7gZKG72R3XlsvXkBHKa2xqzLrIl5mPXaYbyHd-833aekisnV_M/s320/IMG_1843.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420714888374432754" /></a><br />Yesterday we drove to a new area for us and it turned out to be a great day for wildlife veiwing on the South Spit including Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Humboldt County Park. The South spit is approximately 4 1/2 miles long with sand dunes on the ocean side and marsh and mudflats on the bayside.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7bqD13ZGkhdG1Mqv1kLjG37jrgSPNhJwHT5EwoIIauFgqnSGZuoEJmX2Pw0-Q9Bjmg_3BYFl_yIMK-jYb89XvNkw13V3MeqaP7_mR66hxBv6InIJQV3pa-RME2YEszOUzi-G-kWU_nB-/s1600-h/IMG_1854.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7bqD13ZGkhdG1Mqv1kLjG37jrgSPNhJwHT5EwoIIauFgqnSGZuoEJmX2Pw0-Q9Bjmg_3BYFl_yIMK-jYb89XvNkw13V3MeqaP7_mR66hxBv6InIJQV3pa-RME2YEszOUzi-G-kWU_nB-/s320/IMG_1854.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420715698911151474" /></a><br /> Brant (Branta bernicla) are common in the winter months at Humboldt Bay.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9p9IXbGaTIRo93q4XWtyWbX1EZnAxtAqHuZ88XbtWLWY5esTCO-dVPNcaetRJZ-SPZi99x1X_DFd_n3br4cA9TpPFxgYL2wkgMleiJ945-WSfAxh-5kFfFNTu_2op8vimKpxIDakHUtn/s1600-h/IMG_1847.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9p9IXbGaTIRo93q4XWtyWbX1EZnAxtAqHuZ88XbtWLWY5esTCO-dVPNcaetRJZ-SPZi99x1X_DFd_n3br4cA9TpPFxgYL2wkgMleiJ945-WSfAxh-5kFfFNTu_2op8vimKpxIDakHUtn/s320/IMG_1847.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420720188010532402" /></a><br />The long wave and wind swept beach is scattered with driftwood and an ocassional birder.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxhkdzFLuBzg6I5iMcPWX3K5qJTTtXEMOmubtEP-3UuKucCYMDTU5FEkxHkqQnBzvfV4Sm9dE7ZAJbMMqMSvVBimC2PM-oOGx-TzSJqmYscYjIBSB6bRQ9X25m2_f9f6XEo49EDrSZVu2/s1600-h/IMG_1866.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxhkdzFLuBzg6I5iMcPWX3K5qJTTtXEMOmubtEP-3UuKucCYMDTU5FEkxHkqQnBzvfV4Sm9dE7ZAJbMMqMSvVBimC2PM-oOGx-TzSJqmYscYjIBSB6bRQ9X25m2_f9f6XEo49EDrSZVu2/s320/IMG_1866.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727465804277746" /></a><br /> Coastal Black-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)Observed here on the lee side of the dunes. The succulent red colored plant in the foreground is non native ice plant (Mesembryanthemum sp.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc55emy_C72woNToYlbwoY-HfOl9iXItK7Ndknw7yNjez-mHrBQxNX8KOF8KZnBplEO7Bt6DKoJmUgItqe-L2_wdWCuDzYavNxKEmsc984rrbkBcpmUA_vn8zxDpmmv-LKjvT9PikwVduj/s1600-h/IMG_1878.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc55emy_C72woNToYlbwoY-HfOl9iXItK7Ndknw7yNjez-mHrBQxNX8KOF8KZnBplEO7Bt6DKoJmUgItqe-L2_wdWCuDzYavNxKEmsc984rrbkBcpmUA_vn8zxDpmmv-LKjvT9PikwVduj/s320/IMG_1878.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420731679747357538" /></a><br /> The South Jetty with it's manmade cement monoliths can be reached by foot on slippery footing and sometimes dangerous waves crashing over it. It allows boats like the "Molly Ann" to enter the sea safely.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QOJ7YW1nyxw5h0E2FNsFGppQ_mhMaCt_BxWvEBegsqUgeTufrqpSwCOlHbE6CdHEqjofwVuOWN9ZQkm5ft-3KZ8yPbLZMbnzxjHv6Y6eXuhIll9geY37dOdRKZhWCwsS8Gl8LWouSedD/s1600-h/IMG_1887.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QOJ7YW1nyxw5h0E2FNsFGppQ_mhMaCt_BxWvEBegsqUgeTufrqpSwCOlHbE6CdHEqjofwVuOWN9ZQkm5ft-3KZ8yPbLZMbnzxjHv6Y6eXuhIll9geY37dOdRKZhWCwsS8Gl8LWouSedD/s320/IMG_1887.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420746504896924578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyDtevBkvG1b1XFkOQxE5H-NGd9HXHv9xsFEOeObJsUFRqEuOZFfSWVu35kGghICnGuATeV8Xiyosn1l39I7Ukzi0C7gm630Oeh7pGTCObu6wZnWeXeSXLZcYlNUS42_pDkUHvsW091dk/s1600-h/IMG_1869.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyDtevBkvG1b1XFkOQxE5H-NGd9HXHv9xsFEOeObJsUFRqEuOZFfSWVu35kGghICnGuATeV8Xiyosn1l39I7Ukzi0C7gm630Oeh7pGTCObu6wZnWeXeSXLZcYlNUS42_pDkUHvsW091dk/s320/IMG_1869.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420735661357027570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS6KyYeAT6gZtukfvghin934DG0LB3fM2Co3pdRLAMuhOOFko-SXR6HTBFX4_wIrZRVzLHaDX4uGAX-oUZ0U5UAjz_5ytMmJhbCWuxvxSsnWSQA7GORAt_Zb4Xr7jGqGayJlSz4i7_WD-/s1600-h/IMG_1893.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS6KyYeAT6gZtukfvghin934DG0LB3fM2Co3pdRLAMuhOOFko-SXR6HTBFX4_wIrZRVzLHaDX4uGAX-oUZ0U5UAjz_5ytMmJhbCWuxvxSsnWSQA7GORAt_Zb4Xr7jGqGayJlSz4i7_WD-/s320/IMG_1893.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420736913706074802" /></a><br /> Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9IkA-tH5MCtJ3I2xl66_XtfWNz_4vFqcFa7xdx3tEy7nGfu-byUQaArJSlHIcXlE0pfRQJH037h_vDaEQbEvgiAuJj1yi-BOmNwc6UdMte4U6shddJjyggWQOxCXhSHxyBK_fw7s835j/s1600-h/IMG_1881.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9IkA-tH5MCtJ3I2xl66_XtfWNz_4vFqcFa7xdx3tEy7nGfu-byUQaArJSlHIcXlE0pfRQJH037h_vDaEQbEvgiAuJj1yi-BOmNwc6UdMte4U6shddJjyggWQOxCXhSHxyBK_fw7s835j/s320/IMG_1881.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420737490381111554" /></a><br /> Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvps1lh8xI419Fi7jTT5bGIKJV3lJpB7PZa5fd6fNzuOdvsHSAp-AR38_LZZuj-a8YzuYMPO4gqSbfRgf9vN-b5kcj-jzvfzivtGDHXHtp2ZMiLoaM8F3ABkwAAApvXtb2jFIiQPVk9-wn/s1600-h/IMG_1884.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvps1lh8xI419Fi7jTT5bGIKJV3lJpB7PZa5fd6fNzuOdvsHSAp-AR38_LZZuj-a8YzuYMPO4gqSbfRgf9vN-b5kcj-jzvfzivtGDHXHtp2ZMiLoaM8F3ABkwAAApvXtb2jFIiQPVk9-wn/s320/IMG_1884.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420738521231019554" /></a><br /> Common Loon (Gavia immer)<br /><br />Brandt's Cormorants, Black Turnstones and a Common Loon were some of the birds seen on this trip.<br />We also saw Northern Harriers floating low over the grassy areas between the dunes and the bay and a White-tailed Kite perched high on a conifer in the distance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxes6oBwxbjETZ71IMoKaOoM3ASxZoqu9G9UBge3TtHn4UNn8Khbo2ufbzg_iMB1-lPfW0MFtN6xifCSmgxQINAI7R2jEpM1luJTlodVyoEB1rxQNSdDMhKIDiesERR3Gza9c9VYZYBka/s1600-h/IMG_1896.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxes6oBwxbjETZ71IMoKaOoM3ASxZoqu9G9UBge3TtHn4UNn8Khbo2ufbzg_iMB1-lPfW0MFtN6xifCSmgxQINAI7R2jEpM1luJTlodVyoEB1rxQNSdDMhKIDiesERR3Gza9c9VYZYBka/s320/IMG_1896.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420740187529779314" /></a><br /> White-tailed Kite (Elanus caeruleus)<br />For those who enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer this area should not be missed.<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&q=40.7251448,-124,2533112&11=40.725145,-124.253311&spn=0.087683,0.170116&z=13"></a>Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-33115726158075252692009-12-22T11:10:00.000-08:002009-12-22T12:25:06.910-08:00Life in Humboldt CountyWe absolutely love this area because of the climate,redwoods,proximity to the ocean,mountains and 6 great rivers. In addition the area is blessed with multitudes of music venues,culture, Farmers markets, art shows and great people.<br /><br /> My best friend,companion,wife and I took part in the coast cleanup day this summer<br />and in 2 hours we carried out approximately 25 lbs. of litter of all description at Clam Beach County park. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfLAqnN9KJbrWP-7j_R9fNG_4OCvbp3P_F306H1dUcUztB8pFQvxgjJMLjUhpaRpD6kPY0oCQZAJ7jmZk8HxvwnLhjTlVth37WNpmPOyPKud_jqieTtR8GtMk5DTcwiA3o3n8K_N4oN44/s1600-h/IMG_1390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfLAqnN9KJbrWP-7j_R9fNG_4OCvbp3P_F306H1dUcUztB8pFQvxgjJMLjUhpaRpD6kPY0oCQZAJ7jmZk8HxvwnLhjTlVth37WNpmPOyPKud_jqieTtR8GtMk5DTcwiA3o3n8K_N4oN44/s320/IMG_1390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417399186385847890" /></a><br />Kimberley with bags full of litter found on Clam Beach.<br /><br />On the same day we attended the "North Coast Fair" at the Plaza in downtown Arcata.<br />We were glad we did because there were rows of tents with local artists selling their<br />creations.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL4kcYGBKg7IRl0zL_25kc3Qb5jbuogBFVd3bXi_-pyzZLP0hiNR13AYjoZCdaevBckZwLjvQh0drvbMT_FjtJl0vJSfC4D830v1ZuI5y-LNAFAg_MNSrUaYt11A-iuKYZNTpD5h1BvBV/s1600-h/IMG_1397-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL4kcYGBKg7IRl0zL_25kc3Qb5jbuogBFVd3bXi_-pyzZLP0hiNR13AYjoZCdaevBckZwLjvQh0drvbMT_FjtJl0vJSfC4D830v1ZuI5y-LNAFAg_MNSrUaYt11A-iuKYZNTpD5h1BvBV/s320/IMG_1397-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418120505485148722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5Am-7B55Ejl2-dQxwiA7iQNF-ztmsq6pQQTDK6Kkfccu9kP0S2-51W61ed6OPeQjsAVk0PtKaxXytvIWqCHgtVvOGT9jt41wBoCpBVqF2vz3DF8QAYhyRrlM4IgdvQoV_XpsFoan5uO8/s1600-h/IMG_1395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5Am-7B55Ejl2-dQxwiA7iQNF-ztmsq6pQQTDK6Kkfccu9kP0S2-51W61ed6OPeQjsAVk0PtKaxXytvIWqCHgtVvOGT9jt41wBoCpBVqF2vz3DF8QAYhyRrlM4IgdvQoV_XpsFoan5uO8/s320/IMG_1395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418119443462256098" /></a><br />Local artists playing for the people of Arcata.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZNMYe322d5p74sKkKExuM7FFvqBIotY88a5K00xYAop6v_2kZWLh2ZsFPhlvqLlb5ppLFJPjGwRq2tPoz8208_k3xx3WFKshj8xEbg98k1dLkHJkVqLXG8HbrAFG96FKcJiYcvqKQQB5/s1600-h/IMG_1428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZNMYe322d5p74sKkKExuM7FFvqBIotY88a5K00xYAop6v_2kZWLh2ZsFPhlvqLlb5ppLFJPjGwRq2tPoz8208_k3xx3WFKshj8xEbg98k1dLkHJkVqLXG8HbrAFG96FKcJiYcvqKQQB5/s320/IMG_1428.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418124291018085266" /></a><br />We were entertained by the local "African dance team" on the Plaza.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Pf8VVRyAhWd1I-OtvgNjhOnm49Hjy0FpLuAF5V6E84Ha6KkecxkcH_KiDSEXspgP6ELyN8ldLzJQQrOrx_gNj696R0uFAL8S5GU_5Gz42pPCLWuae-Chz44TYey35OvhRaRNtqlMGkC6/s1600-h/IMG_1433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Pf8VVRyAhWd1I-OtvgNjhOnm49Hjy0FpLuAF5V6E84Ha6KkecxkcH_KiDSEXspgP6ELyN8ldLzJQQrOrx_gNj696R0uFAL8S5GU_5Gz42pPCLWuae-Chz44TYey35OvhRaRNtqlMGkC6/s320/IMG_1433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418127033762892434" /></a><br />This dude was strange but willing to pose for a photo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg66HzTblzWIhc8MltBLnSTjC3TnnDkmab2_DxHxA8EzDzHSRt_cQeDP7MFZN2DevbIq0pjOUajug224vQNFi8QjPRhjJDMf4egYMvlUHRM6heYrFi_iamjdVaOiYKXXnJ9d_mEVJWLeZ/s1600-h/IMG_1432-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg66HzTblzWIhc8MltBLnSTjC3TnnDkmab2_DxHxA8EzDzHSRt_cQeDP7MFZN2DevbIq0pjOUajug224vQNFi8QjPRhjJDMf4egYMvlUHRM6heYrFi_iamjdVaOiYKXXnJ9d_mEVJWLeZ/s320/IMG_1432-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418133094808615106" /></a><br />A beautiful example if some of the local artwork. I would love to have this<br />wood inlay of Yosemite and wildlife hanging on my wall but it was very expensive.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxVWlbM80d_CfRnU6uI4jtKgQrOVr68Zh33kPXYcgikTBqKl1ER_xiofG-Pa7UKfcXE5sF5HFd3QaCQ05OrtjckZg7PZ4EiFSFVDBtnjXZ4LQQPr0fguqdXyeZ1t3FzYpMqtNzVSAKcC8/s1600-h/IMG_1410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxVWlbM80d_CfRnU6uI4jtKgQrOVr68Zh33kPXYcgikTBqKl1ER_xiofG-Pa7UKfcXE5sF5HFd3QaCQ05OrtjckZg7PZ4EiFSFVDBtnjXZ4LQQPr0fguqdXyeZ1t3FzYpMqtNzVSAKcC8/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418137896119358274" /></a><br /> The Cactus man with his hat of many feathers at the Farmers market.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxEfoNsxqGSV8_kqyabviyUtA1H3wzii-sihv1oPaDXEAlMHsOv5r4LPxm2SugcJoLnuQLn8nQ4Q51DH8xjmm0rbEmPbjfoao8rk2ITVSZi4NsFGG4eyN9oMeFuyCWu8nepIgWSwPT32y/s1600-h/IMG_1401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxEfoNsxqGSV8_kqyabviyUtA1H3wzii-sihv1oPaDXEAlMHsOv5r4LPxm2SugcJoLnuQLn8nQ4Q51DH8xjmm0rbEmPbjfoao8rk2ITVSZi4NsFGG4eyN9oMeFuyCWu8nepIgWSwPT32y/s320/IMG_1401.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418140015804766930" /></a><br />A young man playing the Didgeridoo for entertainment and extra change<br />It was another great day in Humboldt county. I invite you to come up and visit next summer when the Plaza is full of sun and action.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-82978079926856263262009-11-30T15:26:00.000-08:002009-12-16T14:48:39.898-08:00Wanderings at the Mouth of Mad River<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qSBQSyUBEDs5eFNvewQD3JjC1eThTaGzXjT1caKz5yo-83FFV53WEKwq0VPR7nkfzVaDVeCSoxpynjhk7seA0xKX0xDfTgDYssp_fuwQc7R0kK1Tivwwj5IMtjiKiyAXq_LWM2KOj8_S/s1600-h/IMG_1794.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qSBQSyUBEDs5eFNvewQD3JjC1eThTaGzXjT1caKz5yo-83FFV53WEKwq0VPR7nkfzVaDVeCSoxpynjhk7seA0xKX0xDfTgDYssp_fuwQc7R0kK1Tivwwj5IMtjiKiyAXq_LWM2KOj8_S/s320/IMG_1794.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415959081116284034" /></a><br />Giant Driftwood left by the last high seas waiting for next one as they glow in the setting sun near the mouth of Widow White Creek.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebQntbU-vwy31aXElAFrRLHL25LiyZFgtrY2-tOBgqVYSYvCgZVITJTzZjiybpxWfQisRmMUlxBQpadDjnluK9ukHrrkejUGyw23ZQ9mAauEsZ_e7YWWH8NdmEix_XZsqOMLN5Yi4lBhd/s1600-h/IMG_1779.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415943388106477538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebQntbU-vwy31aXElAFrRLHL25LiyZFgtrY2-tOBgqVYSYvCgZVITJTzZjiybpxWfQisRmMUlxBQpadDjnluK9ukHrrkejUGyw23ZQ9mAauEsZ_e7YWWH8NdmEix_XZsqOMLN5Yi4lBhd/s320/IMG_1779.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>A 10 minute drive from my house gets me to the Hammond trail near the mouth of the Mad River.</div><br /><br /><div>It is a place to unwind and enjoy the sea and the ever changing saga of how it affects the landscape.</div><br /><br /><div>I continue to look for anything unusual such as the Burrowing owl that I reported in November.</div><br /><br /><div>On this trip the tide was very low.</div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx6iFmye3gkszw-fPYVcIOwy7xxgpi5elgoRZcpzvAAw1I8U-gepZsKOaneXGcYByVZOrufgqv3lYoDC1h6fxwu0OdSwcXtza8vOJgvT4MxIa8c4E7uVbg_2Z5TDW6tegnYM7u22tuw90/s1600-h/Herring+Gull+with+crab.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx6iFmye3gkszw-fPYVcIOwy7xxgpi5elgoRZcpzvAAw1I8U-gepZsKOaneXGcYByVZOrufgqv3lYoDC1h6fxwu0OdSwcXtza8vOJgvT4MxIa8c4E7uVbg_2Z5TDW6tegnYM7u22tuw90/s320/Herring+Gull+with+crab.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415946127471466322" /></a><br />A Herring Gull with a crab walks away from other gulls that would snatch its prey<br />if given the opportunity.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizORaMCS_tVUQwpfoedwqKgH9nTpBlLAfRO2_3VA3_ee-xT7mOA0cNK7F5HOe2szZKmV2M7akJ8FeRMVLjAIV4fa40RAWUIRQTm31Mo6XuaiLuS2wXJ5QTB2gzQoG4J2lx_3zv_KVRLmLR/s1600-h/IMG_1778.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizORaMCS_tVUQwpfoedwqKgH9nTpBlLAfRO2_3VA3_ee-xT7mOA0cNK7F5HOe2szZKmV2M7akJ8FeRMVLjAIV4fa40RAWUIRQTm31Mo6XuaiLuS2wXJ5QTB2gzQoG4J2lx_3zv_KVRLmLR/s320/IMG_1778.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415949007883605714" /></a><br />The river cuts through the layers of sand west of Widow White Creek on it's final<br />stretch toward the sea.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLzfkBb1UfJyj_6biwOZ5DVyuxhqfIkByxcinwUjzMa_xhBJQj9cywMRWnJOyFF7V1XReQ9eVIrYWIVg4uQx6pwV6OOgPefhuA8gEZj3qYe030UiP08IgHTB2Y2TLPFKrN7SQvt7-twDY/s1600-h/Mad+River+mouth+Couple+walking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLzfkBb1UfJyj_6biwOZ5DVyuxhqfIkByxcinwUjzMa_xhBJQj9cywMRWnJOyFF7V1XReQ9eVIrYWIVg4uQx6pwV6OOgPefhuA8gEZj3qYe030UiP08IgHTB2Y2TLPFKrN7SQvt7-twDY/s320/Mad+River+mouth+Couple+walking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415950624751389490" /></a><br />A couple walks at the far edge of low tide where the river meets the sea.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWiXJUIkA0yvNQ5hiRBCv_tlhMsrtRKpr0EEM-ztf1tGfGrsnB48r8b8YGoDPZUseWSkPMA1qe9k6wy7QbvM8b26Se-JSgzdewI1Fh_XRNDvVDOqb_Xe4qUNeVgcJFN-QL0VEkMTG8Mhn/s1600-h/IMG_1726.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWiXJUIkA0yvNQ5hiRBCv_tlhMsrtRKpr0EEM-ztf1tGfGrsnB48r8b8YGoDPZUseWSkPMA1qe9k6wy7QbvM8b26Se-JSgzdewI1Fh_XRNDvVDOqb_Xe4qUNeVgcJFN-QL0VEkMTG8Mhn/s320/IMG_1726.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415951665506358866" /></a><br />A lone Marbled Godwit trots along the edge of the surf.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwCBYvFBhvX81sqUh-U9E0OkW0EP5EYLAH0TOK8K4y-Z8jYuFDBGBGZIFeOhqh3FwLbayqOP3Xx5457ilppoyvyhY4Qf9wqvU5Tw5mN7ubAZbcVqldYi2o6-CsMkNq-3PTb4W1hyphenhyphenQfvHS/s1600-h/IMG_1766.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwCBYvFBhvX81sqUh-U9E0OkW0EP5EYLAH0TOK8K4y-Z8jYuFDBGBGZIFeOhqh3FwLbayqOP3Xx5457ilppoyvyhY4Qf9wqvU5Tw5mN7ubAZbcVqldYi2o6-CsMkNq-3PTb4W1hyphenhyphenQfvHS/s320/IMG_1766.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415953803876516642" /></a><br />The silhouette of the temporarily closed Pulp Mill 15 miles south can be seen through<br />the seas mist.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7jxbh0lKJ0Zbjh2fgaaxI77JxTfx0vu-sxGhssBvrOTTjwgC8gAqLsdF8fxyu2wG888cP_PvptTePoNeTX-TLa1fJU4uDaAyis3X74oB_UTyWXw2HqHE4XW7o02JgknHOcgJVLj_tyLa/s1600-h/IMG_1797.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7jxbh0lKJ0Zbjh2fgaaxI77JxTfx0vu-sxGhssBvrOTTjwgC8gAqLsdF8fxyu2wG888cP_PvptTePoNeTX-TLa1fJU4uDaAyis3X74oB_UTyWXw2HqHE4XW7o02JgknHOcgJVLj_tyLa/s320/IMG_1797.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415955723584898834" /></a><br />The head of a Harbor seal appears at the waters surface as it glides quietly toward the sea then disappears abruptly.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe-l-OEvpE653VoZNryjZoANhDkQWgZVxKactV_-_pNQD5VFxNuvm7rBrQESWRDD9oC_C4XUjhJuCoSDv0eWfij5BhBpwPpsQBwCAp532JXQVK2lS2q_hXEH9mvLZBBLSzZjWOgmpED8W/s1600-h/Red+Necked+Grebe+imm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe-l-OEvpE653VoZNryjZoANhDkQWgZVxKactV_-_pNQD5VFxNuvm7rBrQESWRDD9oC_C4XUjhJuCoSDv0eWfij5BhBpwPpsQBwCAp532JXQVK2lS2q_hXEH9mvLZBBLSzZjWOgmpED8W/s320/Red+Necked+Grebe+imm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415957442321057490" /></a><br />A immature Red-Necked Grebe foraging in the river is an uncommon bird in the area.<br />I will return to this place many times or as long as my legs allow me and there is air in my lungs. <br />It is a local treasure that is mostly unappreciated by the majority judging by the few people I see on most days.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-81986480105768323112009-11-14T14:16:00.000-08:002009-11-14T15:51:39.184-08:00Mad River Estuary After the storm <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLwqofMcAAA_LywWwaUya2ZPCZ0eN7BtUu7gE1OjU5fRYmnIz03R4vV4V6uBc5N6u3EBmWJMv1j1TEEiNhVE7qX46nkgzenv8N2HBRvsKfHMQXV-MJQueun2usmSVm2TJ-E1L8TsTy0yu/s1600-h/IMG_1624.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLwqofMcAAA_LywWwaUya2ZPCZ0eN7BtUu7gE1OjU5fRYmnIz03R4vV4V6uBc5N6u3EBmWJMv1j1TEEiNhVE7qX46nkgzenv8N2HBRvsKfHMQXV-MJQueun2usmSVm2TJ-E1L8TsTy0yu/s320/IMG_1624.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404100436461588706" /></a>
<br /> Heavy deposits of Driftwood looking west toward Mad river Mouth
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzdh0aDy_rwdTuxcuDAfbBLDxhd9cJYIwdmTp4MJkBjryUCnVfbPSITEiN0TuLr2Stja30s00XyYbiWIFszPaStvClflhJe3kP9LUYCJoa7MfYjgMmDgvaurohSGyW3eQUX2vAjAQ0og3/s1600-h/IMG_1625.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzdh0aDy_rwdTuxcuDAfbBLDxhd9cJYIwdmTp4MJkBjryUCnVfbPSITEiN0TuLr2Stja30s00XyYbiWIFszPaStvClflhJe3kP9LUYCJoa7MfYjgMmDgvaurohSGyW3eQUX2vAjAQ0og3/s320/IMG_1625.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404106134531864210" /></a>
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<br /> Driftwood along the north shore of Mad River looking east.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqxvH2ShwARV4hlevzgSM7Btsl24m6sBGbIQqXBnzwxkIEi_eUc5TdtTmM6F0GV3Uu5CVHSSMAoBfagx1_lkDDuO9vE0G_TX049l57Mzn58tnqWNJsRfeXC0r9chHKrRC7v3nVm8Bh3EV/s1600-h/IMG_1623.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqxvH2ShwARV4hlevzgSM7Btsl24m6sBGbIQqXBnzwxkIEi_eUc5TdtTmM6F0GV3Uu5CVHSSMAoBfagx1_lkDDuO9vE0G_TX049l57Mzn58tnqWNJsRfeXC0r9chHKrRC7v3nVm8Bh3EV/s320/IMG_1623.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404088543590627474" /></a>
<br /> Looking east toward the mouth of Widow White Creek
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<br />Today my wife and I hiked out to the mouth of Widow White creek to see if the Burrowing owl continues to remain in the area. Lauren Lester saw one after the storm recently. I had been here a couple of times since and could not locate an owl.
<br />The storm has left it's mark on the area by discarding tons of driftwood and changing the landscape.
<br />It was a crisp clear day with temperatures around 45 degrees farenheit and we scanned the general area with our binoculars but failed to locate owls.
<br />Then as we walked toward the ocean crossing the newly relocated mouth of Widow White Creek a Burrowing owl flew out of the debris toward the base of the vegetated cliff east of where we were. A few seconds later a second owl flew from a few feet away.
<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_mq17jHSlDC1SZi0j5_oVUejVCsB4g-cvJKNAjnXjswYGY4GvIr7WCdWBycxLv5DBAIS2fYcarQqh7JNiQskserLoi-TEsY185LbtBZ-Ter8bd58a86jGpqGZDW3HIHMeBU7CDOHC00_/;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_mq17jHSlDC1SZi0j5_oVUejVCsB4g-cvJKNAjnXjswYGY4GvIr7WCdWBycxLv5DBAIS2fYcarQqh7JNiQskserLoi-TEsY185LbtBZ-Ter8bd58a86jGpqGZDW3HIHMeBU7CDOHC00_/s320/BUOW.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404096736091981026" /></a>
<br />The Burrowing owl is known for it's site tenacity. These owls tolerated a storm that moved their logs and dozens of people with dogs who walk roughshod over their site on a daily basis.
<br />Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310589269689895923.post-14803193803735910072009-11-07T10:53:00.000-08:002009-11-07T11:36:29.043-08:00High tide and Big Surf<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCyFtkUaKzeZTSbDXKyqSJnv0FDQmY3rgIUzb130ATcEEASy5YHjb0_6no4vki5-lVBcn-v_WqgZOeGY0LwAVINGURtexgQoBGshQjv2ePXjPahnCEPQw10Qtp9lvE45KQQMyLWEsdpd4/s1600-h/Mad+river+high+water.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCyFtkUaKzeZTSbDXKyqSJnv0FDQmY3rgIUzb130ATcEEASy5YHjb0_6no4vki5-lVBcn-v_WqgZOeGY0LwAVINGURtexgQoBGshQjv2ePXjPahnCEPQw10Qtp9lvE45KQQMyLWEsdpd4/s320/Mad+river+high+water.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401438629843606658" /></a><br />Photo showing flooding at the mouth of Widow White Creek and Mad River.<br />Trinidad Head in the background.<br /><br />I drove down to the Ocean to check on the Burrowing owl (see last post) yesterday and was amazed to see the highest tide that I have personally seen since moving to the area. <br /><br />The waves were washing up against the sandy shores on the north side of the Mad river causing major erosion and flooding the driftwood area where the Burrowing had been a couple of days earlier.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCN16h-8sv9OtOHwOmpiytdz1pDN6F6YjYfM9cKVvIheSnVdjuh1_4qJgVQIK_a2tFYLj0zmHq8BGvqI1Hd7g_uFFoPb5fMxWVWu6PUrP8gsUnk1ci0f_TI97dn9ySyMfcuh0tVJ8hj3E/s1600-h/IMG_1534.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCN16h-8sv9OtOHwOmpiytdz1pDN6F6YjYfM9cKVvIheSnVdjuh1_4qJgVQIK_a2tFYLj0zmHq8BGvqI1Hd7g_uFFoPb5fMxWVWu6PUrP8gsUnk1ci0f_TI97dn9ySyMfcuh0tVJ8hj3E/s320/IMG_1534.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401444097239870658" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mad river beach on the south of the mouth was completely inundated and large driftwood debris and foam were being tossed around by the heavy surf.<br />Expect even higher tide this afternoon.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKdY-behwcmd4U3XYY5fJHSkXDpyHEtu7Xq-sXoPhgthDGHjAgk84rFRDvMG88j4Y5dvcb82pe0VMoI930Hd2E-XuwRj5VGzPtDho4weBXM5d2bNwxd-YeQ4dA6tFBxg4e764uBiQlG9c/s1600-h/Mad+river+beach+flooded.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKdY-behwcmd4U3XYY5fJHSkXDpyHEtu7Xq-sXoPhgthDGHjAgk84rFRDvMG88j4Y5dvcb82pe0VMoI930Hd2E-XuwRj5VGzPtDho4weBXM5d2bNwxd-YeQ4dA6tFBxg4e764uBiQlG9c/s320/Mad+river+beach+flooded.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401445282496664402" /></a><br /><br />It will be interesting to see the changes and objects that will be washed ashore after the high tides recede. <br />I will be pleasantly surprised if the Burrowing remains in the area.Owlmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10917509485863015259noreply@blogger.com1