This month I spent birding and looking for insects in local parks, on local walks, in my yard, and a trip up to San Simeon to visit the elephant seal rookery. I also tried my hand at some artwork. Local shots of birds and bugs http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_jan_2014 Elephant Seals http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/san_simeon_2014

I went birding at El Dorado Park and Nature Center. One of the highlights was a view of a Great Horned Owl.

Great Horned Owl - Bubo virginianusEl Dorado Nature Center 01/24/2014

Although I have driven past Colorado Lagoon, I had not spent much time there. This month I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of birds including shorebirds such as the Black-bellied Plover.

Black-bellied Plover - Pluvialis squatarolaColorado Lagoon, Long Beach 01/26/2014

Bolsa China is always amazing for close up encounters with birds. This Brown Pelican put on quite a show diving for fish.

Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalisBolsa Chica 01/20/2014

I borrowed a macro lens from a friend and found some cooperative subjects. I hope we get a break from the terribly dry winter and that we get some rain soon so our insect friends thrive in Spring.  

Cabbage white - Pieris rapaeMy yard, 01/19/2014

But the highlight of the month for me was our annual trip to see the elephant seals in San Simeon.

Want to explore the full series?

Local shots of birds and bugs http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_jan_2014

Elephant Seals http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/san_simeon_2014