Clearlake Part 1

This last Thursday I went over to Clearlake to do some kayak photography and meet some friends for lunch that were camping at Clearlake State Park. Photographing there is always a treat because there is an abundance of bird life. Having a great lunch with friends was an added bonus.(Thanks guys) I got there just a little past sunrise to catch some of the best light. Right after leaving the boat ramp I paddled across Kelsey Creek and photographed a Great Egret. The weather was beautiful with a mix of clouds and sun. Ducks and vultures were flying overhead. The lake was extremely low due to the drought. It is down about ten feet or so. As such many of the birds that are normally hidden way back in the tules are along the edges. I spotted several Virginia Rails and I was able to photograph one of them for some time. It is rare to catch one fully out in the open. My best find was watching a Great Blue Heron catch and eat a Hitch fish. I have it below from start to finish. I'll post some more from Clearlake on Monday. I have a shorter sequence of a great Egret eating a minnow.Such a wonderful place to appreciate God's creation. chris All images created with an EOS Canon 7D and a Canon 100-400 IS lens from a Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5 Kayak using a custom made camera support and a Bogen 3055 ballhead. The scenic images were created with a Canon 10-22 wide angle lens.