A blacktail jackrabbit sits in the grass, softly backlit by the setting sun
When walking out by the San Francisco Bay in the morning or evening hours, it does not take long to spot a black tail jackrabbit. This is one of a few rabbit species native to the area, not to be confused with the many domesticated feral rabbits. It also likely doesn’t take long to see one of these animals in action, most likely if they sense the threat of a predator. Running at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, they can take single leaps up to 20 feet.
Because they tend to be very wary creatures, it can be difficult to sneak up on one to photograph. Most of my photos are of their backside, as they race away from me across a mud flat or through fields of pickle weed. I got lucky with the rabbit in this week’s photo, as I was able to get off a couple of quick shots before he noticed my presence.
An adolescent canada goose takes a break from eating grass
This adolescent canada goose was photographed a few weeks after a similar gosling in my spring babies post. While I obviously can’t guarantee it was the same chick, it was in the same location, and all of the juveniles were about the same age.
This picture shows the juvenile feather development, the development of wings, and a longer body than the chick. Each time I see canada geese in the spring and summer, I am amazed at how fast they grow. Then I see all the grass they are scarfing down, and it makes a little more sense!
Wind and water sculpted sandstone creates an alien landscape along the headlands of Salt Point State Park, California
Last week I spent a few days at Salt Point State Park, along the California coast just north of Jenner. The state park encompasses over six miles of shoreline, as well as miles of interior trails through coastal forest. This portion of the coast is one of the most dynamic in the state, made so by acres of sandstone, shaped over time by the strong waves and stronger wind, creating an alien landscape of stone and water.
Although the sky was clear and the sun was out, the temperature never topped 60 degrees. Windy conditions persuaded most people to stay away, entrusting the entire length of coastline to me alone. By early evening, the wind really picked up with gusts between 30 – 40 mph. I had a hard enough time just staying on my feet much less keeping my tripod steady. The wind was only outdone by the strength of the massive waves breaking against the rocky shore.
Waves crash against sandstone headlands, Salt Point State Park, CaliforniaA wave blasts a sandstone point as the ocean's energy turns water into a milky froth, Salt Point State Park, California
In the mornings, the wind from the night before had subsided, but the ten to fifteen foot waves were no less fierce.
Huge waves crash over offshore sea stacks, Salt Point State Park, California
The variety of the landscape was impressive. I found myself walking through fields of recently bloomed wildflowers, back-dropped by sheer cliffs plunging to an azure ocean. At low tide, pools appeared among newly uncovered rock, offering a glimpse into the lives of the sea dwellers who live there.
Wildflowers adorn the coastline of Salt Point State ParkTidepools adorn sculpted sandstone headlands, Salt Point State Park, California
The park was home to a variety of wildlife, from song and shore birds to seals, lizards, and an abundance of healthy looking deer. Ultimately it was a brief few days, but a welcome respite from the bustle of the Bay Area. There was much more to see at Salt Point than time allowed, and I know I’ll be going back there in the future.
A harbor seal clings to an offshore rock as waves splash around it, Salt Point State Park, CaliforniaA white-crowned sparrow perches in morning light, Salt Point State Park, CaliforniaA white-crowned sparrow forages through fields of wildflowers, Salt Point State Park, California
The sun sets over the water from a view point in Deception Pass State Park, Whidbey Island, Washington
At the northern tip of Whidbey Island sits Deception Pass. Whidbey Island sits just off the coast of Washington State, one of several islands comprising Island County. In the late 1800’s the Deception Pass area was used for smuggling Chinese immigrants into Washington.
I had hoped to catch a nice sunset over the open water to the east of Deception Pass, however, I was met with dense cloud cover about 30 minutes before sunset. Just as the sun hit the horizon, the clouds started to break up, allowing a little of the sunset’s dramatic light to escape. Silhouetted fir trees and the shoreline help to frame the scene.
