I had been shooting sea otters near the Moss Landing visitor’s dock when this bird swam into the scene. I captured a single shot and paid no more attention to it. It was only later, as I reviewed the day’s images that I noticed the unusual orange-red colored eye.
Birds
6
Feb 12
Moss Landing Wildlife–Water Bird
2
Feb 12
Moss Landing Wildlife–Egret
A still November morning near the Moss landing Yacht Harbor. I liked the reflection. 2010.
16
Jan 12
Moss Landing Wildlife–Sea Gull
A simple and uncluttered shot made with an 80-400mm zoom lens, December, 2008.
12
Jan 12
Moss Landing Wildlife–Boat Dock
A February evening at the boat launch ramp in Moss Landing harbor. This is the first post in a short series featuring some of the abundant wildlife found in and around Moss Landing.
21
Mar 11
Favorite Images From 2010–Juvenile Herons
These two herons were among a large number feeding near the shore north of Morro Bay, California. They seemed to be in conversation and were oblivious to my presence. I used a tonal contrast filter to bring out the details in the feathers.
14
Aug 10
Pelican In Flight
Pelicans have a wingspan up to 7 feet. They usually fly in flocks and often glide close to the water’s surface. They seem almost prehistoric to me. This pelican reminds me of a Pterodactyl.
9
Aug 10
Pelican Swimming
Another view of the same pelican near the Highway 1 bridge. The single eye visible seems to give this bird a determined look.
5
Aug 10
Pelican Swimming In Moss Landing Harbor
The pelican’s bill can hold up to three gallons of water and fish. They feed on schooling fish such as herring, minnows, sardines, mackerel and anchovies. This photograph was taken under the Highway 1 bridge that crosses the entrance to the Elkhorn Slough.
19
Jul 10
Pelicans On The Dock
Pelicans perch on a refrigeration unit on a dock in Moss landing, California. A fishing boat is on its way out in the early morning fog.
13
Jul 10
Pelicans Grooming
Another photograph from the Moss Landing breakwater. Although pelicans are a frequent sight in Moss Landing, they are an endangered species. They were placed on the Endangered Species List in 1970 due to a drastic population decline caused by the pesticide DDT. There are between 4,000 and 5,000 breeding pairs in California.