Mile 12 to Mile 20

 

 

First three pics from Yesterday's roll--Mile 6 to Mile 4....last two pics are from the Donut Shop Pond (Kid's Haven)...thereabout sighted Hawk while inside--outside tables were occupied by the older guys...Donut Shop routine has been to sit outside, watch traffic, and contemplate over pastry and coffee..."A few plants, a little water, that's all they need..." donut shop owner's observation of the nearby Pond wildlife...I had thought to roll out Santiago Creek, but crossing the River on Chapman the view was that 'the mountains look so close!' view that so cal is famous for, and there is place to park on Chapman by whopper, so diverted...Santiago Creek for neartime...I thought this section, from 10 to 20, would be quiet quiet, but on the contrary...a little water, a few plants...the River bottom hereabout isn't cement, but gravel sandy, and in wide staircase steps, and from what I can tell, some Water is here yearlong, and maybe the recent bit of rain added, but there was plenty...and lots of Birds!...and the neat thing is, I can scramble down the Levies, and get very close, unlike being cooped up in car at the Preserves...and this section is close by home, so instead of being a one time looksee like I thought, it will become a routine rollabout....first Osprey pics were near Mile 18...and I just missed getting clip of Osprey diving and catching Fish...had been wondering if there were Fish....and on return, sighted second Osprey feeding, not sure on what...on return too, Warbler was on the Path, just sitting, not feeling well I think...need to carry some kinda critter rescue gear, as backyard at home has plenty room for to make a recovery place...sunny novembersummer light breeze...I reached Imperial Hwy, and was a bit weary!...the pic with Hawk perched on the Grid Support was the pic I missed when Hawk dropped to catch something on previous roll, and Second Redtail in flight drew me to the pic...watercolor painting class instructors, yes, plural!!, used to add little birds in flight to their Half Dome paintings as a highlight...hmmph..but there's something to it I guess, as a very small highlight lends scale, and drama of a sort...Ducks in the Pond were circling, likely over a bottom inlet making an upwelling...Seagulls do this on Mono Lake...and Ducks in a Row pic a new favorite!