Arryo Hondo Bird walk 3-7-15

Went on a Bird walk yesterday with 20 people and leader Ted Mullins, docent and Birder extraordinaire.  It always amazes me how some people can ID bird just by their call.

 I learned a few things and enjoyed the nature walk in this beautiful place, owned by the Land trust of Santa Barbara. Arroyo Hondo preserve is  open weekends by appointment.  I support the Land Trust, they are saving hundreds of acres to keep unspoiled and undeveloped in Central CA.

A wild Orchid on the trail, near the creek:

Ceanothus, "California Lilac" :

Ted leading our group:

                                                                                

Santa Barbara views up on the "Rivera"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lighting was unusual with storm clouds over the mountains and sunshine where I was standing.

Beautiful blue Lupines in bloom and red Boganvillas in the background.

 

I had been to a fun gathering, luncheon and book exchange, at a friends house. Great food (salmon, fruit salad, pilaf, cookies and more).  We talked about out books we brought to exchange then a lottery to select our books. I came home with a vintage Allen Ginsburg book, "Howl" from the 1960's.  Looking forward to reading that classic from the "Beat Generation".

 

Driving by the SB Mission I had to pull over and take some pics. Unusual lighting:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sedgewick, "Green" after the rain

Went to Sedgwick Preserve for a guided nature hike Saturday. I was there a few months ago before the rain and it was dry and brown. This time the colors were beautiful bright green.

I turned back to get this shot of another hiker. the views behind her lovely.

 

 

The resident donkeys at Sedgewick.  I had fun feeding them pieces of my apple I had brought from my backpack.

 

 

 

 

 

Western shooting star wild flower top of the mountain

 

 

 

Birds and flowers at Valle Verde in SB

Came across flocks of Cedar Waxwings feeding on the berries in several trees at Valle Verde retirement community last Friday.  I only had my small point and shoot camera with me, but managed to get a few shots.  They are a most strikingly lovely bird with their black "mask".

 

 

 

I went back a couple days later with my good camera. (Nikon D7100) but the Waxwings not there.
I took pics of some of the beautiful flowers on the grounds instead:

Douglas Preserve Sunset

Amazing sunset covered the whole sky. View from the cliff overlooking Hendry's beach.

Happy New Year! up at the Douglas Preserve

Went for a walk with a couple of girlfriends on the Douglas preserve yesterday.  It's such a beautiful spot of land overlooking  Hendry's Beach.  After they left I stayed and took in the sunset, sitting on a log at the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean and the waves breaking below.
Thankful for my life in this beautiful place and feeling the bounty of the Universe.

 

 

(Tis was my last sunset for 2014!) 

 

 

 

 

 

Large cactus plant next to me on the cliff:

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Girlfriends on our walk:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays from Santa Barbara!

I went out before sunrise to shoot the Xmas tree on Stern's Wharf this morning. As I was driving the most beautiful blues and pinks in the sky! But the sky was still interesting, after I missed the vivid colors.

Second lower layer of clouds rolling into the Harbour:

 

 

My sentiments exactly:

 

 

 

 

Pelicans preening on the roof:

 

 

 

 

 

Pansies in December! Love it!