Point Reyes National Seashore, this beach is 11 miles of Pacific shoreline.
As seen from the Lighthouse point at 1,282 feet.
The Lighthouse was built in 1870 and is 300 steps down from the veiwing platform
where we observed spouting Humpback Whales.
Schooner Bay
The dunes are covered with colorful Hot-n-Tot Figs.
Tule Elk which were almost extinct in the 1800's were reintroduced to
this designated 32,000 acre wilderness in 1978.
A third of the area is preserved as dairy and beef historical ranches
operating since the 1850's.
Tule Elk are the largest of North American elk.
Strong, moist winds off the ocean flag the moss covered cedar trees
and color the rocks with brillant orange lichens.
Lichen covered rocks
Rock Wren landing
Black-tailed Buck, sure-footed on narrow ledge on the high cliffs
Coyote consentrates on rodent hunt.
Drake's Beach sheltered beneath tall Sandstone cliffs
We stayed at Olema Campground where the Botta's Pocket Gophers
were the main wildlife, digging everywhere.
We spent one day and night at Seacliff State Park
This concrete WWII Troop Transport Ship, which never saw service, now storm damaged provides an excellant seabird oasis.
From the cliff, this view shows the attached pier that was built
to provide a restaurant and dancehall until nature claimed the ship.
Hundreds of Cormorants have taken up residence including, Pelagic, Double-crested and these
Brandt with their beautiful blue nuptial throat sack.
Tiny Bushtit hunts for spiders and insects caught in the web.
We then moved to San Benito RV Park south of Hollister. Our neighbor had a wonderful
array of feeders and water feature for the birds and wildlife.
Allen's Hummingbird
Anna's Hummingbirds were in big numbers
Non-stop hummer interaction
Western Cottontail Rabbit, large ears for heat disapation
California Ground Squirrel back scratches against plant stem
California Towhee
Spotted Towhee
Nuttall's Woodpecker
California Quail seen in large coveys of 30-50 birds
This cock is ready for his close-up
Feral Hog sow and all too often common "wildlife"
This feral piglet, one of many wander through the campground.
Acorn Woodpecker drilling holes
And filling with Live Oak and White Oak acorns
Yellow-billed Magpies were a pleasant surprise.
This small part of California is the only place in the world that the Yellow-billed Magpies can be found.
Black-tailed Buck framed by early Autumn colors, enhanced by drought conditions
Our first time visit to this beautiful 26,000 acre Pinnacles National Park put us in the clouds.
The Pinnacle Rock formations are over 3,000 feet above our campsite.
Ty hiked the steep trails while Ida watched for birds and wildlife from Bear Gulch.
One of the Red-shouldered Hawks in our campground that we heard and saw daily.
Yellow Warbler below the large Sacred Thornapple blossom.
This 6" Tarantula was on the road, we gave it the righaway.
California Scrub-Jay, bright and noisy
Dark-eyed "Oregon" Junco eating grass seeds at our feet.
California Thrasher
Black-tailed Buck startled, was not expecting a photographer waiting behind old homestead house.
Bewick's Wren
Oak Titmouse underfoot
The main reason for visiting Pinnacles was to hopefully see the California Condors.
Not to worry, actually had 41 sightings of this rare bird in 4 days.
The majority viewed and shared with other campers while sitting in our campsite where we saw 12 at one time.
Ty got photos of two identifiable Condors, this was #889 a female, 5 years 3 months old and hatched in Idaho. Only three chicks have hatched in the wild, the remainder from national zoos.
This is #602, an 11 years 5 months old male hatched at LA Zoo.
California Condors can live 50+ years.
Federally listed endangered, thses birds were captured and bred to build up the population.
From the Pinnacles you can see for miles the surrounding hills and valleys of this wilderness area.
The night skies were amazing and trully show that the heavens declare the Glory of God!
Love & Prayers,
Ty & Ida Baumann
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