Kdog hits Sepulveda

[kdog]

I had the good fortune to meet and hook up with fellow Dgrinners Jeff, Dallas and Russ on Sunday. Jeff met me at 7:00 AM, and Dallas showed up shortly after and they gave me the tour. The Sepulveda basin is a wildlife refuge paradise, paradoxically located in the heart of the Los Angeles megalopolis. It's really a treasure. Jeff and Russ' shots are a tough act to follow, and I'm sure Dallas will post some corkers. Since I can't compare in quality, I'll make up for it with quantity instead. :wink

Early morning Osprey.
http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/birds/IMG_0489.jpg

Later in the day osprey...
http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/birds/IMG_0564.jpg

See Jeff, I did get the Kestral...
http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/birds/IMG_0510.jpg
I love these little guys
http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/birds/IMG_0515.jpg

Egret on rails...
http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/birds/IMG_0471.jpg

Great Blue Heron takes in the action at the pond.
http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/birds/IMG_0546.jpg

Dallas and I watched this klutz fumble lunch while his buddy looks on in horror. Yeah, the fish got away.
http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/birds/IMG_0552.jpg

I left the boys around 11:00 AM after shooting for 4 hours or so. I felt like I'd had a good day, but evidently they were just getting warmed up and shot for the rest of the day. These guys are serious nature photographers. :bow

I took a scenic route on the way back to Kingman, and passed through Joshua Tree National Monument. What a spectacular place. I need to go back when I have a lot more time.

http://www.jacara.com/cpg144/albums/az_landscape/IMG_0600.jpg

A very big thanks to Jeff and Dallas for showing me around Sepulveda. Sorry I couldn't stay longer, but it was a most enjoyable morning. :thumb

-joel

[dallas]

In spite of the high winds; you came up with some great shots Joel. Even in the few hours you were here you managed to get some very nice images, I on the other hand do not have any corkers to post. After a long day I was able to get a couple of shots, but my keeper ratio was way down. The highlight of course was the pleasure of meeting you, and enjoying shooting in the Los Angeles wilderness with Jeff and Russ. I hope next time your schedule will allow you just a bit more time to explore our little urban hide-away.

[kdog]

Thanks, William. Let's do it again some time. Maybe Bosque if you get out that way again, or Bolsa. Or maybe Salton Sea like Russ was saying? Maybe we could do a meet-up there. That would be cool.

Best regards,
-joel

[Froggy]

Thanks, William. Let's do it again some time. Maybe Bosque if you get out that way again, or Bolsa. Or maybe Salton Sea like Russ was saying? Maybe we could do a meet-up there. That would be cool.

Best regards,
-joel

Thanks for the invite Guys, just kidding, nice shots.

Steve

[kdog]

Thanks for the invite Guys, just kidding, nice shots.

Steve
Thanks, Steve. I would have loved to have met you. I guess in retrospect I should have posted something in the regional forum. Sorry about that. Next time for sure.

Cheers,
-joel

[raptorcaptor]

A fine set of raptor photos Joel!:clap ...and those other ones too!

[Thwack]

Very nice shots! Thanks for sharing. :thumb

[dbaker1221]

awesome captures. I really like the kestral:clap

[riddim_maker]

Quantity + Quality = :thumb
Great meeting you yesterday Joel. Seems like you guys did very well before I finally made it on the scene. The osprey in particular is beautifully illuminated by the morning sun.
Next time I'll be sure to get out there earlier so we can hangout a little longer.

[jwear]

You made it home safe :thumb the kestrel #1 very good shows the early morning chill very well.The first osprey I think yours is better than mine [will post later ] the peli capture is a great one :clap good meeting you and thanks for the Jtree post --next time salton sea may be something to plan for a big group :scratch

[Osprey Whisperer]

Nice series KD. The first two are my favorites....if you can believe that. :D

[kdog]

A fine set of raptor photos Joel!:clap ...and those other ones too!
Thank you, sir. :D

I know now that your avatar photo is a kite. And after seeing how camera-shy those little buggers are, I'm amazed all the more at that shot.

Cheers,
-joel

[kdog]

Thanks Thwack and Dave. I really appreciate the nice comments.

Regards,
-joel

[kdog]

Thanks, Russ and Jeff. Again, it was great to meet you guys and William and see how the big boys shoot. You guys rock. :drums

I really like the idea of doing a Salton Sea get-together. According to govmt statistics, winter is the best time of year to see raptors there. Check out the habitat calendar here: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/chekbird/r1/salton.htm

Maybe February some time? This would be an easy day drive for you guys.

Cheers,
-joel

[jwear]

Thanks, Russ and Jeff. Again, it was great to meet you guys and William and see how the big boys shoot. You guys rock. :drums

I really like the idea of doing a Salton Sea get-together. According to govmt statistics, winter is the best time of year to see raptors there. Check out the habitat calendar here: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/chekbird/r1/salton.htm

Maybe February some time? This would be an easy day drive for you guys.

Cheers,
-joelpm me and lets talk with Russ he has been there and see what is up .then one of us can ck it out before -if looking good we can post a group so anyone wants to show up we will have a good idea of were to shoot ect and what's about

[Harryb]

Excelelnt set Joel. :thumb

[BPCooper]

Great shots, I like the third.