rabbit

I have lived in the Sacramento/San Joaquin delta area all of my life. I grew up smelling peaches ripening on trees, the sickly sweet smell of the old cannery processing away, and watching the abundant wildlife. Rattlesnakes in the Sutter Buttes, Salmon migrating, and huge birds flying overhead or hanging around the fields.

I never really thought about it much as it was just here. Driving, hiking, bicycling around the Delta the smells were always there. Nothing brings awe inspiring moments like an bird with a wingspan over fifty inches flying across you windshield or listening to the honking of the geese flying overhead.  Salmon over 40 pounds jumping while they swim up to spawn.

The Central California Valley sees and provides for 60% of water fowl of the Pacific flyway. One fifth (1/5) of all North American birds pay us a visit.  So I am thinking ecologically this is one important place. An estuary of estuaries. A wildlife haven.

The Consumnes River Wildlife Preserve is where I go to take photos and relax. There are so many different things to look at. I can  watch a tiny little bug making it’s way wherever, find bright colored mushrooms hiding in the mix of vegetation, hear river otters splashing into the water as I make my way by and patience is always rewarded.

This trip a rustle was heard in a growth of what right now to me is fairly ugly stage vegetation.

I hit the area with my lens (I use it like binoculars a lot), sat down on the walk, and slowly looked around. Ah hah – I see you!

After a few minuets I think he/she figured they were hidden well and started moving around in their little haven more.

Eventually a full view was granted.

End of the tale