A pair of Hooded Mergansers paddling through the marshlands
Pacheco Marsh: Part of the John Muir Land Trust
Pacheco Marsh is the latest restoration and public access project from the John Muir Land Trust. It is a great place for a nice, peaceful walk along the marshlands of the Carquinez Strait. As a wildlife photographer, I love the backdrop of the hills, the tall grasses, the ships along the strait and the brand new walking bridges along the trails. There are a variety of birds, including egrets, hawks, ducks, marsh wrens, finches and sparrows to enjoy along the way. There are some very cool critters as well. Take a stroll and take in all the beauty of the Carquinez marshlands.
Fun Fact:
Salt marshes provide essential food, nutrients, refuge, and nursery habitat for an estimated 75 percent of fisheries species. Human activity has resulted in the loss of more than 90% of historic tidal wetlands. Source: https://jmlt.org/our-places/pacheco-marsh/
On the Carquinez Strait
White-tailed Kite
A White-tailed Kite soars over the tall grasses at Pacheco Marsh hunting for field mice. The oil tanker docked on the Carquinez Strait gives this photo a unique, colorful backdrop which is one of the things I love about this place.
Birds and Critters at Pacheco Marsh... cool stuff :)
My favorite Northern Harrier following me around as I walk the main trail at Pacheco Marsh :)
Golden-crowned Sparrow warming up in the morning sun on the main trail
Say's Phoebe on the hunt for insects in flight. They are amazing at it!
American Kestrel showing off it's beautiful colors
One of three coyotes roaming the marshland in search of prey
Northern Harrier Hawk ready for the morning hunt at Pacheco Marsh
Snowshoe hare at a full gallop down a side trail... so cool :)
Marsh Wren foraging for food
Snowy Egret taking flight from one of the new walking bridges
A Western Toad, no bigger than a thumbnail
Northern Harrier Hawk in flight over the grassy marshland
Turkey Vulture doing a fly by over one of the new walking bridges
A California Ground Squirrel munches on a wild radish plant
Northern Harrier Hawk perched on a post. She's letting me get closer every day... very cool :)
A Song Sparrow singing in the morning sun
Barn Swallow perched on a bouncing reed. looked like fun :)
House Finches darting from one shrub to another. They love the open fields and spaces.
A Western Fence Lizard warms up in the morning sun along the main trail
White-tailed Kite with a field mouse in it's talons
Northern Harrier Hawk darting in and out of the tall grasses in search of small prey
Cinnamon Teal Duck hanging out with a couple of mallards
A Gopher snake warms up in the morning sun on the paved main trail
White-tailed Kite perched on a post
White-tailed Kite hovering over fields of mustard
Mt. Wanda in Martinez
A beautiful place to hike and enjoy nature