Ducklings!

While on a recent outing to Lake Los Carneros, I was lucky to come across some cute and very cooperative Mallard ducklings.

Kites At Lake Los Carneros

After having such a good time watching a White-Tailed Kite eat its lunch here last week, I decided to return for a repeat performance.  It was even better this time, although the light was not quite as good so it was tougher to get crisp photos.  The youngters were out of the nest and about, at least 3 or 4 of them.  They can be told from the  adults as they have brown around their necks, where the adults have white.  They are about the size of the adults, but not yet hunting.  An adult will return with a rodent typically a vole) in its talons.  A youngster will fly up to meet the parent, who then makes a midair rodent transfer - very cool.  After one such transfer, the juvenile with the rodent joined two siblings in a tree and had breakfast.  A good outing!

Lake Los Carneros

Went on an outing to one of the interesting birding sites in our area, Lake Los Carneros in Goleta.  It did not disappoint, there was plenty of things to watch.  So much so that I only made it halfway around the lake before it was time to go.

This American Kestrel was nice and cooperative, sitting still and posing nicely for me.

Out on the lake the Ruddy Ducks were showing their breeding colors to nice effect.

 There are usually a few California Thrashers to be seen and heard, today was no exception.

The real highlight of the day was the White-tailed Kite.  Although generally scarce, these birds live and breed here so they are usually present.  I was lucky enough to see this one arriving with a rodent (vole, probably) held firmly in talons.  It landed nearby and proceeded to have a feast!