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.

A Visit to the Doctor

It's funny how hard it can be to get into a specialist when you have a medical problem. They are also usually in a bigger city than where I live in Mendocino County. My knees have been giving me a problem so they decided to send me to a specialist. I could either see one in San Francisco or Eureka. Hmmnn... San Franscisco, two and a half hours just to get to the Golden Gate, heavy traffic, long waits or Eureka, two hour and fifteen minute drive along the Eel River and Redwood Forests, little traffic, short waits.

I left early this morning for Eureka to do some photography. I went up to Arcata and also did little bit of photography along Humboldt Bay. Not the greatest lighting as I wasn't there really early but I did have fun. I photographed grebes,egrets, fungi, ravens, gulls and a Brown Pelican. My doctor visit went really well and I had a great time.

God's love and blessings to all,

chris