Tag Archives: travel

Postcards from California’s Central Coast

Posted on May 27, 2014 by joanienaz

On Mother’s Day weekend earlier this month, I drove across the state from the northern Sierra foothills near Auburn to the San Francisco Bay Area, and then down the coast to San Luis Obispo County. On the central coast leg … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography, travel | Tagged California, central coast, family, Morro Bay, nature, Nipomo, Oso Flaco Lake, photography, San Luis Obispo, travel | Leave a comment

Birding on the Bay, or What’s Black and White with Long, Pink Legs?

Posted on May 16, 2014 by joanienaz

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography, travel | Tagged Bedwell Bayfront Park, bird watching, Black-necked Stilt, Dumbarton Bridge, nature, photography, San Francisco Bay, San Francisco Peninsula, Snowy Egret, travel | 4 Comments

Moonstone Beach, a Humboldt County Gem

Posted on April 20, 2014 by joanienaz

Growing up in California, I was always equally drawn to the mountains and the ocean. A trip to the beach from our house in the San Francisco Bay Area had me anxiously peering out the window of our Buick station … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography, travel | Tagged Humboldt County, Moonstone Beach, nature, photography, taking a walk, travel, Trinidad California | Leave a comment

Birdwatching at the Arcata Marsh

Posted on January 8, 2014 by joanienaz

I stretched the limits of my 55-200 lens on this female Northern Harrier, hunting at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in Humboldt County, California last month. It was a memorable trip. I was trying to get closer to some … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography, travel | Tagged Arcata Marsh, bird watching, Black-crowned Night Heron, California, nature, Northern Harrier, photography, taking a walk, travel | 4 Comments

Wednesday is the First Day of the Week

Posted on January 1, 2014 by joanienaz

Wouldn’t it be great if Wednesday was the first day of the week? All of our anxiety over how to get through yet another five-day work week (for those of us who follow a traditional schedule) would dissolve. Sure everything … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography, travel | Tagged bird watching, Bufflehead, California, Grebe, Mad River, nature, new year, photography, Sandpiper, travel | Leave a comment

Skipping Gull

Posted on July 21, 2013 by joanienaz

A trip to the Northern California coast this weekend to escape from the inland heat included plentiful wildlife enjoying a cool, gray day. I found this gull skipping along the edge of the surf at Mad River Beach near Arcata … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography | Tagged beach, bird watching, California, gull, nature, North Coast, photography, travel | 2 Comments

Kings Among Us

Posted on May 25, 2013 by joanienaz

It has been many years since I have participated in an official birding excursion. Although my undergraduate degree is in Forestry with an emphasis in wildlife management, I entered the teaching profession and birding is now a hobby. I have … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography, travel | Tagged Belted Kingfisher, bird watching, California, nature, photography, travel, Western Kingbird, Western Meadowlark | 4 Comments

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

Posted on May 19, 2013 by joanienaz

A full week before Memorial Day was the perfect time to venture into the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California for an afternoon of exploring. The sky was cloudless with a slight breeze, and the temperature was in the seventies. … Continue reading →

Posted in history, nature, photography, travel | Tagged California, history, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, mining, nature, photography, travel | Leave a comment

A Poppy Paradise

Posted on March 30, 2013 by joanienaz

The poppy is the state flower of California, and a symbol of the good life. We have an ideal climate here. There is a lot to be thankful for in the way of natural resources and mild weather, not to mention beautiful scenery. … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, nature, photography, travel | Tagged California Poppy, nature, photography, travel, wildflowers | 5 Comments

Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park

Posted on February 24, 2013 by joanienaz

My first love was the Pacific Ocean. Then I discovered the Sierra Nevada. So although I enjoy living in the foothills, I was thrilled to spend an afternoon along the coast last Sunday. I spotted this Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park … Continue reading →