Sightings from Brad Barnwell

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Look closely to see the juveniles in front of the adult. Photo taken 5/25/15.
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Photo taken 6/21/15.
Some basic information on the Osprey:*
  • The first year birds will migrate south and will not return until their 2nd or 3rd year and will probably not successfully breed until they are 3 year olds.*
  • Records on certain tagged birds reveal they can live as long (in extreme cases) as 32 years of age, but it seems 18 y.o.a. is a more probable life span than 32 years.*
  • Length 21-24”
  • Wingspread 54-72” The female is larger than the male
  • Weight: Males 2 lbs 10 oz. to 3 lbs 8.5 oz.; Female 2 lbs 12 oz. to 4 lbs 3.75 oz.
  • Incubation: 34-40 days
  • Juveniles fly at : 49-56 days
*Sources: “Stokes Field Guide to Birds, western region” 1996 and “The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds” 1991 by John K. Terres
Great Blue Heron and the Bull Frog

One morning in July of 2014 after having breakfast in Kelseyville my wife and I decided to take a drive through the state park and see what we could see.  As we approached the footbridge crossing Kelsey Slough near the swim beach we spotted this adult Great Blue Heron hunting the Water Primrose in the channel.  I photographd the heron as he made his initial and successful strike at this large bullfrog.  For the next 13 minutes we watched while the heron tenderized the frog and maneuvered the frog for his headfirst trip down the heron’s throat.  I took over 300 photos of the event and followed the heron as he flew up and down the channel with the frog dangling from his beak.  During the entire ordeal the Bull Frog never struggled.  Neither my wife nor I had ever watched a Great Bull Heron take a Bull Frog of this size.