On a recent trip to the San Francisco Peninsula from the Sierra foothills across the state, I avoided the congestion of the interstate and took the less traveled route. Winding my way through the Sacramento Valley and Delta, I found my way on Highway 84 through Niles Canyon and across the Dumbarton Bridge. Then I paused to join a friend and walk the trails at Bedwell Bayfront Park. Although it was quite windy, we enjoyed the exercise and a variety of birds. This Snowy Egret was showing off in front of my parked car in the mid-afternoon light. What a beauty! Nearby, Black-necked Stilts hid their long, pink legs in the blue water while they foraged. The distinctive birds emerged to dry themselves along the shore. The rewards of venturing out into the wind after hours of driving were worth the effort. What a treasure to find such interesting and beautiful creatures in a semi-wild spot amid the pavement and structures of human civilization.