October 22, 2003 - a walk around the South Marsh Loop

This curlew seems out of place foraging in the dry meadow by the overlook.


You don't often see a curlew in the company of Brewer's Blackbirds. There is also a couple of killdeer in this group.


Someday I should collect all the photos I have of animals I've seen right on Elkhorn Slough trails – it's as if they're making it as easy as possible to observe them.


Once again the Black-crowned Night Herons are hanging out at Cattail Swale – as usual on their favorite perch, the eucalyptus snag. And once again you have to approach very quietly...

...or this is all you'll see of them.

An Acorn Woodpecker plies its trade near the granery trees. I've gotten closer looks, but never before a good shot of one in its natural setting.


This otter was resting in the Rookery Lagoon. Learn more about this animal in the Photo of the Week.


As we complete the loop, a Black Phoebe uses one of the outlook scopes as a perch.