Sharon and I met at the ponds today (August 9), more to exchange pictures than to walk and take photos. She was really tired from her long trip to see the whales and play bridge (in different locations). But, as long as we were there. . . Not even past the parking lot, I spotted the first coyote . . .she spotted the second one. Then the Pelicans arrived, but we have seen that so many times. Sharon was the one who caught sight of otters crossing the road. A mom and 2 babes. They performed for us, came right up onto the bank--really too close for good shots because of the dry brush. Then we trailed them down the edge of the pond and sure enough, they started to climb the bank to cross again, back into the first pond. Sharon literally dragged me backwards by my camera straps to put more space between us and the otters. She was afraid they wouldn't cross. They did, however, and again, the problem was too close, too much zoom. Lots of fun, however!

August 12, instead of the adult Green Heron, this young one (notice the spotted feathers) was in the usual spot!

Along a path . .

Even the Pelicans who had been resting comfortably suddenly stood and looked alert!

This is actually not Las Gallinas, but Rush Creek (right at the Atherton freeway exit in Novato). A huge gathering of Egrets and many Herons and Stilts.

Young Green Heron with parent approaching

This is why. And thus ends the Otter drama of the day.

Onward . . .

As they neared shore, they finally slowed . . .

Juvie Night Heron and Great Egret

This mom or dad is on the lookout on the picnic table near the bridge.

Up onto the shore. I have never seen them go here before--at the parking-lot end of Pond 1.

When suddenly they took off like a shot--the little ones racing across the top of the water! SOMETHING had frightened them . . .

Notice the juvie wing pattern

Into the reeds not far from the bridge. I lost them there and had to get to work. DARN.

Oops! Better get out of the way!

August 13 Penny and I were chatting at the start of Pond 1, and I caught sight of this little family toodling along happily from the first island toward shore.

Young Green Heron

Catch that shadow!

Baby trying to keep up. (please go to page 2)

Aha! OTTERS! There they were, swimming quickly to the shore--not even stopping for lunch.

Young one takes off.