Pattee Pond, Corral de Tierra

Sunday was a perfect day at Corral De Tierra; the recent rains had filled Pattee Pond to more normal levels. The walk around the pond always brings new observations and today, a new bird on the California Bird List.

After visiting the Boekenoogen Tasting Room in Carmel valley, a leisurely drive over Laureles Grade brought us to Corral De Tierra. A walk around the Pond was a pleasant outing. There were lots of clouds with patches of sun. This view greeted us as we began the walk around the pond.

This Red-tailed Hawk was patrolling over the pond and made a serious attack on the Great Egret which took off at the last moment and headed across the pond. The Hawk swooped low, missed and climbed back to the hunting altitude. The Egret continued his feeding routine with an ever watchful eye on the hawk-filled sky above.

We see one American Wigeon at the left of the shot above. A closer shot of a pair of American Wigeons follows below. Although new to us, they are reported to be almost as common as Mallards on inland ponds. The Wigeon is a new bird on our California bird list.

We did see the usual Mallards and caught one of the many swallows passing by.

This rabbit was sunning himself but well out of sight under thick brush, protecting him from the hawks circling above.

 Always in view from the pond - Castle Rock in The Pastures of Heaven.