Wildlife Photographer, Tim Seay on The Pickleweed Trail
Birds and bees, flowers and trees and a hawk with a pretty red tail
This mile and a half walk along the shoreline of the Carquinez Strait is part of the trail system at Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park. Named after the shrubby, succulent plant that is a common sight in the salt marshes of the area, it is a great place to take a nice peaceful stroll, or a brisk jog in the park. Small birds, such as Song Sparrows, Marsh Wrens and Western Bluebirds are a common sight along the trail, especially in the spring. You can also see Osprey, Turkey Vultures, Pelicans, Seagulls, Cormorants and Red-tailed Hawks. Wild Turkeys are also known to pop up on the trail in the morning hours, as well as Mule Deer and Coyotes.
Picture of the Day
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Song Sparrow perched on a tall reed at Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park. The orange color in the back ground is actually a railroad car, just off the Pickleweed Trail. Kinda cool :)
The Pickleweed Trail: A great place to get in touch with nature
Osprey perched on the old pier pylons
Marsh Wren protecting his nest in the tall thickets.
Red-shouldered Hawk looking for field mice and small birds
American bushtit in the tall marsh grass
Osprey on the hunt at the Martinez Marina
White-tailed Kite searching for small prey on the Pickleweed Trail
Osprey Catching a Striped Bass on the Carquinez
On the Pickleweed Trail: Mule Deer in the Morning sun
Oh, deer...sometimes, when you're looking for an Anna's Hummingbird, you find a Mule Deer instead. A nice surprise on the Pickleweed Trail in Martinez. There were actually two of them, but the other one ran down the trail, while this one stayed around for a couple of quick pics :)