California Dreams

I always wanted to see wild elks. I spent hours looking for them at Yosemite National Park, but I never saw one. Finally, a few years ago I found out that there is a small herd of elks about an hour drive from San Francisco in a place called Point Reyes National Seashore. That same weekend I drove to Point Reyes and I was not disappointed, with all the wildlife I saw there it was almost like going to the Safari in Africa.

Last weekend I visited Point Reyes again and this time I found the famous cypress tree tunnel. I'm not sure how I managed to miss it during the previous two times I have been there. To a photographer the tree tunnel is a must! It is located on the main road, near Point Reyes beach north, just look for a sign that says: "North Historic Operation Center". As it was almost the middle of the day the sun was not in the best position but, I did my best. My first priority was to photograph the elks during sunset so I knew this was my only chance to capture the tunnel. After enjoying the tunnel for about half an hour, I drove directly to the lighthouse and elephant seal overlook.

The elephant seals were laying far away on the beach but I was delighted to see a group of dolphins approaching. The first sign for dolphins was a flock of birds (pelicans, seagulls and cormorants) aggregated in the water before me. A quick look around and I spotted a group of dolphins swimming in circles, some of them were mothers with calves. After looking at the photos, and with the help of Point Reyes staff, we identified them as Harbor Porpoises.

Not to far from them, while walking towards the Historic Lifeboat Station, I saw some colorful birds. At first I mistook them for puffins, but a closer look reveled they were Surf Scoters. These large ducks were the perfect ending for this part of the park.

Driving away from the elephant seal overlook I looked for the Black-tailed deer. They are very easy to spot at Point Reyes and always a delight to look at. After spotting the first deer it is very easy to spot the rest of them and it is also a good practice for finding other animals in the bush,

Birds of prey are also very easy to spot at the side of the road. They will usually stand on poles and road signs. Mostly I saw turkey vultures and red tailed hawks but a few times I was fortunate enough to see the peregrine falcon and burrowing owl. After practicing on spotting deer and birds of prey while driving I caught in the corner of my eye a Black-tailed jackrabbit.

The jackrabbit was sitting in the grass, near a farm house. By the time I processed my thoughts I already passed it with my car. I pulled back and took a quick photo, I was worried that a bird of prey will spot it because of me so I quickly drove away and continued my way to the Tule elk reserve.

I didn't have to look too far to see the elks, a big herd was standing on the side of the road. There was one bull, about 20 females, 4 calves and a few adolescents males. The sun was beginning to set and the light was perfect for taking photos. Howling coyotes added a soundtrack to the wild atmosphere.

After spending two or three hours with the elks I decided to take advantage on the remaining light and look for animals on my way back home. Driving back, every few minutes, I saw a brush rabbit grazing. Later, I was greeted by the California quail, standing on a pole a few miles after the elk's exit gate.

Last but not least, after practicing on spotting wildlife the whole day, I saw the Great horned owl standing at the top of a tree. This owl, unlike the frightened rabbits, was not impressed by the car. He flew directly above my head, from the tree to the field across.

As I drove out of the park I saw a small but colorful rainbow hiding in the blue-purple skies, it was a beautiful sunset and a perfect day, I can't wait for my next visit at Point Reyes.