Another Day at the Napa/Sonoma Marsh

It has been a few weeks since I was last able to check out the marshland. It is in its spring glory with green grass and mustard. It is so peaceful and unpopulated out there, I am appreciating this area more and more. This is known as the Carneros Region to you wine lovers.

I had to stop and say hi to this Red-tailed hawk who thought he was "hot stuff".

I decided to check out the inside of this hay barn and was not disappointed.

There were two Great Horned Owls up in the rafters huddling together.

Then another flew into the barn near the others. They sometimes hunt during the day.

Out on the ponds were groups of Bufflehead Ducks. Here is a male and two females.

Here are a pair of Mallards. Wild waterfowl are very tough to get close to. I think I am going to have to work on a portable blind or camo.

I saw several American Kestrels, hovering and diving.

This Raven was part of a group engaged in aerobatics.

A pair of Canada Geese. The one in front may actually be a Cackling Goose which looks just like the Canada Goose, but is a dwarf replica.

There were numerous Great Egrets today.

We love the green hills and mustard in March, knowing full well everything will be brown by May.

A pair of American Wigeons and a Bufflehead in back.

Two pairs of Cinnamon Teals.

Another Great Egret rounds out the day. It is a thrill to see such a variety of waterfowl and raptors in one place. Hasta la vista, Baby!