A rare sight...Violet-green Swallow not moving...

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Yellowboard

Yellowboard

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Currently on a road trip that is taking us through the Eastern Sierra, which, in and of itself, is an amazing place! On the way to Lake Tahoe took a short detour to the Southern Tufa area of Mono Lake. And, much to my surprise there were quite a few birds in residence including a large colony of Violet-green Swallow. The light was harsh but I was amazed at how close these birds would tolerate someone's presence. Having tried at least a bazillion times to capture one in flight with no success whatsoever, I thought heck with the light, this is too good to pass up. Beautiful animals.
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Gorgeous and nicely photographed!!! I've never seen one like this! So glad you shared your experience! How is the water level these days at Mono Lake?
 
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Butlerkid said:
Gorgeous and nicely photographed!!! I've never seen one like this! So glad you shared your experience! How is the water level these days at Mono Lake?
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Thank you! Water level is holding fairly constant. Not as full as 10 years ago, but still at a decent level. This entire eastern side of the Sierra's is mind blowing with it's photographic opportunities.
 
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Butlerkid said:
Hope you made it to Bodie......a fascinating place!
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Bodie is a fascinating place. 20 years ago it was a special place with almost no one around, a real ghost town with an interesting history. Fast forward to present day and there is an hour long line of cars to get in plus an entrance fee. Has lost some of it's luster for me. But I'm glad I was able to experience it all by myself a long long time ago.
 
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Yellowboard said:
Bodie is a fascinating place. 20 years ago it was a special place with almost no one around, a real ghost town with an interesting history. Fast forward to present day and there is an hour long line of cars to get in plus an entrance fee. Has lost some of it's luster for me. But I'm glad I was able to experience it all by myself a long long time ago.
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Ditto. I was there in the 90's................
 
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Yellowboard said:
Currently on a road trip that is taking us through the Eastern Sierra, which, in and of itself, is an amazing place! On the way to Lake Tahoe took a short detour to the Southern Tufa area of Mono Lake. And, much to my surprise there were quite a few birds in residence including a large colony of Violet-green Swallow. The light was harsh but I was amazed at how close these birds would tolerate someone's presence. Having tried at least a bazillion times to capture one in flight with no success whatsoever, I thought heck with the light, this is too good to pass up. Beautiful animals.
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Love these guys. They sat quite often when I was there. We stumbled on them at Mono last summer when we went to see the osprey nests and these guys were flitting around, first time I ever noticed them, pretty little guys. Yes sun is harsh there. The flies are cool too. Were there any nesting ospreys? Usually around 5-7 on Tufas in water. If didn't gp toTahoe this way, consider coming home thru Hope Valley, Markleeville and Monitor pass. Nice vistas, Heenan Lake can have wildlife near Monitor Pass and going down 395 at 108 Sonora Pass, check out Junction Creek Pond, short drive off 395 less than 1 mi on right pond with assorted wildlife, afternoon sun at back best. And never forget the cheesey jalapeno loaf at Schott's bakery in Bishop. So much for tarvel guide.
 
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KurtT said:
Love these guys. They sat quite often when I was there. We stumbled on them at Mono last summer when we went to see the osprey nests and these guys were flitting around, first time I ever noticed them, pretty little guys. Yes sun is harsh there. The flies are cool too. Were there any nesting ospreys? Usually around 5-7 on Tufas in water. If didn't gp toTahoe this way, consider coming home thru Hope Valley, Markleeville and Monitor pass. Nice vistas, Heenan Lake can have wildlife near Monitor Pass and going down 395 at 108 Sonora Pass, check out Junction Creek Pond, short drive off 395 less than 1 mi on right pond with assorted wildlife, afternoon sun at back best. And never forget the cheesey jalapeno loaf at Schott's bakery in Bishop. So much for tarvel guide.
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Kurt, there were some ospreys building nests on top of the offshore tufas but there were a lot more swallows than anything. Thanks for the travel tips. If I was going home the same way I came I would definitely take some of the routes you recommend; they sound great! I'm going to make note of them for future travels in that area.
 
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Yellowboard said:
Kurt, there were some ospreys building nests on top of the offshore tufas but there were a lot more swallows than anything. Thanks for the travel tips. If I was going home the same way I came I would definitely take some of the routes you recommend; they sound great! I'm going to make note of them for future travels in that area.
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No problem. I had planned on going over but haven't made it yet. Enjoy outing to Tahoe. weather should be nice this weekend, thunderstorms tomorrow possible I guess?
 
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