Ventura birding and Taft Gardens Ojai

Had a great time out shooting pics with Denise and Sue yesterday in Ojai and Ventura.  Taft Gardens very tropical. Several plants I had never seen before. (Australian). Denise took us to her secret birding spot in Ventura county. Saw birds I didn't know existed. Very exciting for me, loving birding. (I need a longer lens though to come in closer)

The gardner at the gardens doing a great job!:

Sue shooting birds:

Blue Grosbeak:

Male Oriole:

 

Male Phainopepla:

 

Ojai Raptor Center - open house 4-12-15

Visited the raptor center in Ojai Sunday. They have open house only once a year so I wanted to be sure to see it. My friend Elizabeth came with me on the hour drive to Ojai from Santa Barbara. It was pretty impressive place. They had about 10 birds on display with trainers ready to answer questions and educate.  My favorite was the little Screech Owl. He turned his head almost 360 and blinked his eyes slowly..like he was so bored.

The red tailed Hawk magnificent bird.  We see him the skies here pretty often. Nice to see him close up:

wary Falcon:

 

my girl friend Elizabeth went with me:

We stopped at a great place in Ojai for lunch on the way back, the Deer Lodge restaurant.  My Beet salad with feta cheese and arugula was very good! The place was built in the 1930's and the rustic cabin theme was carried throughout. We sat out on the patio, in the shade, and enjoyed mild temps in the 70's and bright sunny day. (sorry I don't have a pic..will have to go back)