Here is a perky Steller's Jay to start off the new year. These birds are colorful, inquisitive and smart - and - yes, sometimes pesky too!

Tags:   California USA wild Steller's Jay © Alice Cahill San Luis Obispo county Bird SLO county Cerro Alto Animal

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Western Grebe bath time. Don and I took a trip out to Santa Margarita Lake a few days ago and we found some Grebes - mostly just sleeping. But a few of them were splashing about making lots of water droplets fly.

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I am starting to go through the numerous photos that I have taken this year and I realize that there are so many I have not posted. So, hopefully, I'll be putting more of them out there for you to enjoy. This is the only Barn Owl I saw this year.

Tags:   California USA wild Barn Owl San Luis Obispo county Bird SLO county raptor © Alice Cahill Animal

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The other day I went to Washburn rest area to see what I might find in the lagoon. There were two fishermen at the edge of the water - so no birds there. I then walked toward the mouth of the river and this Green Heron flew out and landed on a branch in the middle of the stream. I just had time to move to a location with a clear view and take a couple of shots before he took off heading upriver.

Tags:   Green Heron California USA wild © Alice Cahill San Luis Obispo county Bird SLO county Washburn area Animal

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The male Wood Duck seems to me to be almost impossibly colorful. I took WAY too many photos of this handsome duck. but I just couldn't stop myself!! I like how he stretched his neck and shook his head in this pose.

Tags:   California USA wild © Alice Cahill San Luis Obispo county Bird SLO county male Wood Duck Atascadero Lake Animal

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