The Birds Of Bodega Bay in Autumn

 

Semipalmated Plover

"If I were a bird, I would fly the earth

 seeking successive autumns."

 

~Hal Borland

 

Bodega Bay was, as usual, a feast for the senses! The smell BBQ Oysters at any one of several bay side restaurants. The sun displaying it's honey golden self, and the sound and sight of the migrating birds visiting along the shoreline, and out in the water. 

 

Marbled Godwit

 

Western Sandpiper
 

Least Sandpiper

 

White Pelican
 

Double-crested Cormorant
  

We added new birds to our list for this year, bringing our number 101! I am hoping to see some brand new birds to add to our life lists, when we visit Yosemite soon. How soon? Who knows, maybe today! Or maybe I went yesterday, I forget! I am tipsy with autumn, so I am a bit busy with all the plans I hope to get to in October!

 

 

 

 

Turning Down The Volume Of Life

 

“Quiet is peace.

 Tranquility.

 Quiet is turning down the volume knob on life. 

Silence is pushing the off button.

 Shutting it down.

 All of it.” 

~Khaled Hosseini,

  The Kite Runner 

 

The little bird you see in the photo is a Least Sandpiper. It is a mighty little bird, in fact they are the smallest of the sandpipers. They are about the size of a sparrow, and I have misidentified them more than once, but I have come to know them now, and I look forward to them every year. I love their sound. While I can't wait to photograph them, they are quite a challenge as they move about in a manic pace. I also enjoy just putting the camera down and observing them. I know I say this about all the birds I photograph, but I love them. I truly do. Each bird is so unique, and for these birds it's how small and mighty they are. They inspire me to keep trying. They migrate thousands of miles in a year, and are only around for a little while before they are on their way, so it is a true honor to just turn off all the noise and be thankful for their visit to my corner of the world.

 

Learn More About The Least Sandpiper Here.

 

 

“My imagination functions much better

 when I don't have to speak to people.” 

~Patricia Highsmith

Least Sandpiper And Autumn Leaf Of The Day #31

 

"It was one of those days you sometimes get latish in autumn when the sun beams, the birds toot, and there is a bracing tang in the air that sends the blood beetling briskly through the veins."

 

P.G. Wodenhouse Jeeves And The Old School Chum

 

More from my visit to San Francisco, and Marin County. The tiny, yet fierce, Least Sandpiper, which is also the smallest of all sandpipers. So beautiful in flight, but then what bird don't I enjoy seeing flying? Especially in autumn? But there is something about these little birds. I am not sure why I feel so much affection for them, but I do know why I respect them so much. The oldest lived to be 15 years old, which is kinda stunning for something so fragile. This little 5 inch bird has survival power! Strength like that gets my love.

 

~Me