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Turkey Vultures are quite spectacular birds.
They are also nature's cleanup crew, preventing nasty bacteria from
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Quails are common in the foothills of Mt. Diablo.
Their calls can be heard from afar |
Female quails |
Quail |
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Wild Turkey
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wild turkeys strutting their stuff |
a sight to behold |
Mourning dove |
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This couple like to sit on the fountain during the twilight |
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I photographed these
Ring-necked
pheasants on Staten Island road which leads right through very rich
farmland.
The pheasants are
quite illusive and I have only been able to photograph them twice.
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Cliff swallow nests |
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Turtles can be seen in
many ponds and creeks.
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Red-eared sliders |
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Red-eared sliders are non native |
Alligator Lizard |
Fence lizard |
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Rattlesnakes, gopher and king
snakes, and other snakes live in our hills though mostly well hidden. My
wife and I almost stepped on this rattler. Tarantulas may be
seen when crossing a trail, but Fall is the time when they are out and
about to look for mates. This is the best time to observe them.
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Western Rattlesnake
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Garter snake |
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Tarantula |
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Many different species of dragon flies
populate any area where there is a body of water. They rarely hold
still. |
Bluets caught in the act |
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Common Whitetail
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Cardinal Meadowhawk |
Tarantula hawk |
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Bees on flowers |
Bee on Watermilfoil |
Bee on Sunflower |
in apple blossoms |
Honey bee |
Preying mantis |
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