Sunday, July 23, 2017

Manzanita Lake - Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding

There's usually at least one Bald Eagle watching over Manzanita Lake at Lassen Volcanic National Park at any given time.


Here, let me zoom in a little, so you can see what I'm talking about...


I think this is a perfectly nice place for a majestic bird of prey to perch.

Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding

bald eagle


Not only is the air crisp and fresh up here in the mountains, but the view of the lake is incredible.

manzanita lake




All of these beautiful views can be seen from the lovely trail that winds around the lake...


Better get a move on! The sun's comin' up quick!


For more pics of the birds and wildlife found at Lassen,
be sure to visit my birding blog Wings and Daydreams!


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vaughn the road again northern california travel adventures guide


Let's go on an adventure!



Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Lassen's Manzantia Lake


Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding hotspot
Manzanita Lake

Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding hotspot
Canada Goose



For more photos of the birds and wildlife found at Lassen,
be sure to check out my birding blog Wings and Daydreams!


Friday, July 14, 2017

Lassen National Park - Manzanita Lake

Wanna know what this Tree Swallow is looking out at?

Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding hotspot

A fantastic view of Manzanita Lake!

Manzanita Lake

tree swallow



 Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding hotspot

tree swallow

For more pics of Lassen, visit my birding blog Wings and Daydreams...


Thursday, July 13, 2017

Birdwatching at Lassen Volcanic National Park

The scenery at Lassen Volcanic National Park is absolutely gorgeous!


I highly recommend walking the trail around Manzanita Lake because the views will have you snapping photos every five feet!



During our visit there were a few Canada Geese on the lake, along with some Mallards, Coots and Buffleheads.

Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding hotspot



And there was a robin in every tree, or it just seemed that way anyway!

Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding hotspot

American Robin

American Robin

Their orange coloring contrasts nicely against the pine trees...

Lassen Volcanic National Park California birding hotspot


Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Lassen National Park Hiking


The best way to beat the heat here in the valley is to get the heck outta town! Luckily, Lassen Volcanic National Park is only about an hour away and the temps there are much lower than the triple digits (112!) we're experiencing here at home.

An early morning walk around Manzanita Lake is so peaceful and relaxing. We were there early enough to hear the birds awakening and to watch the sun rise over the water.


A trail goes all around the lake and you can take your time looking for birds to add to your lifelist.


And the best part is, we saw a pair of bald eagles right off the bat! There they are at the top of that dead tree...


Let's get a little bit closer... There they are!


The only downside to birding while the sun is coming up is that you don't always get the best light for your photos.


And then two seconds later, the light changes, and your photos turn out even better!


These eagles had a great view of the lake. It's exactly where I'd be if I had wings!

 



~For more photos of the birds found at Lassen, visit my birding blog Wings and Daydreams~


Friday, July 7, 2017

Birdwatching at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area


It might be the dead of summer here in Northern California, but lucky for us the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area still has some beautiful greenery for wildlife to find refuge from the heat!


ring-necked duck



This Western Meadowlark was doing his part to keep order on the auto tour...

western meadowlark

They are just as pretty from the back as they are from the front. Love their musical songs, too!

western meadowlark



double-crested cormorant

This juvenile Double-crested Cormorant looks a little like the Loch Ness Monster, don't ya think?

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area California birding hotspot

He heartily disagrees...

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area California birding hotspot

double-crested cormorant

  Looks like a nice place to spend the summer!


For more photos of the birds found at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area,
check out my birding blog Wings and Daydreams...