There are several lakes surrounding The Holler that provide wonderful places to hike, picnic and birdwatch.
This osprey was vigilant,
intently watching the lake for her next meal (despite the feather stuck on her beak.)
Bald eagles are congregating in greater numbers around Holler lakes,
which thrills me to no end, because they were almost wiped out locally, and I went decades without seeing them here.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are common at The Holler. They are very friendly birds and often eat out of my son’s hands.
Ring necked ducks were on the lake in force,
resting from migration.
The area around The Holler burned extensively in 2007, destroying 1000’s of homes and extensive habitat. You can see the progress of regrowth and the burned trees on the horizon.
Cheers to you from beautiful, burning, California, my native state~
cindyknoke.com 
So wonderful to see these exquisite photos, Cindy. There’s a theme of healing here with the fire recovery as well as the eagle recovery. I am happy to know your bald eagle population are increasing. Love the ring-necked ducks in the dazzling water photos. And wow–that close-up of the bald eagle is stunning.
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Gorgeous images, Cindy. I hope the fires are out and your beautiful state can begin recovering. What a tragedy…all that destruction.
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Lovely pictures, Cindy. Thanks for sharing the story of regrowth – a theme that is encouraging after the loss of so much in the wildfires.
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It is indeed. The destruction of fire creates rich soil that nurtures new seedlings.
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Nature’s recovery is amazing isn’t it, how much man intervention was there in the regrowth, was there a lot of planting?
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There was no replanting in the extensive burned areas around where we live. Mother Nature is doing it all herself. Pine cones split and are often activated by fire. Even acorns, if they don’t get too charred, will sprout and root. The ash makes the soil nutrient rich. All the seedlings need is rain, which is in the forecast for Thursday! Hooray!
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These images are stunning. This was a pleasure to read and admire
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Ahhhh, your lovely comment was a honor to read!
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Just been writing about bald eagles, Cindy. If I lived where they live, I wouldn’t be able to get enough of them. We get a single vagrant every 3 or 4 years (not the same one!).
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Bonjour BELLE JEUNE FILLE
Ce jour
je regarde le ciel et je pense
je m’évade et m’envole dans le plus grand silence
voir un monde meilleur
Je rêve, je m’imagine que le bonheur est
sans challenge,ni concurrence,ni vainqueur,ni vaincu
Voir tout le monde avec le sourire
Regarder les enfants , courir , sauter , s’amuser ,
en cette période de Noel tout est beau
Aimer toujours aimer quoi de plus beau
sans le dire on peut le montrer , quel joli cadeau
Je passe te souhaiter une bonne de journée ou soirée
Gros bisous . Bernard
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All gorgeous and full of life! We watched in horror for weeks about the fires consuming California. My heart aches for those in the path of the beast. It’s awesome that you have some lakes and ponds in the Holler where wide life can find refuge. We must do better to help this poor planet survive. xk
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We must do better indeed. It is a horrible to watch our planet and her creatures be abused and neglected. I share your concerns and appreciate your caring. Be well my friend ❤
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Bonjour ou bonsoir mon Amie CINDY
Un petit mot de tous les jours
Ça va, merci!!
C’est une marque de confiance , que je t’adresse
Avec du soleil en abondance ou une nuit remplit de sommeil
Pour moi
Ces petits gestes viennent du cœur
Je te fais aussi un clin d’œil que je puisse te faire sourire
C’est une bonne recette du bonheur
Gros bisous Bernard
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Merci beaucoup mon ami Bernard & Joyeux Noël!
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What a tragedy. All those homes and habitats. You have an amazing variety of birds and wildlife. How wonderful for you and for those of us who get to see your pictures.
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Awwww, sweet friend! Happiest New Year! ❤ 🕛
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Love from India!! Adorable glimpse of california’s fauna. Keep posting more 🙂
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Love back to you & thank you ❤
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Thank you for your support of our feathered friends & cheers to you!
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