
Wading Birds like this oystercatcher are fascinating to watch. I photographed this American Oystercatcher in South America.

This Black Oystercatcher, near The Holler, was a rare sighting.

California has about 668 species of birds. The Holler, and nearby environs alone, account for approximately 500 of them, including a variety of waders. Little Blue Herons can be found near the coast, and are seen less often, closer to The Holler.

Majestic Great Blue Herons are common.

They sometimes show up at our front door!

Sandhill Cranes stand over four feet tall and are further afield.

They winter at The Salton Sea.

Snowy Egrets are everywhere. This guy was near the coast.

His green crab lunch was a bit crabby and hard to swallow!

Cheers to you from The Holler’s wonderful waders~
We have the Sandhills here in the Midwest too! You really do have a gift for photography☺️
Ahhhh, thank you so much. The Sandhills are tricky to photograph. They are so timid, and hard for me to get close too. I wonder why. It could be predators, or maybe some people treat them badly.
Such lovely colours among the birds, Cindy.
Leslie
Mother Nature rocks the rainbow with her birdies!
She sure does, Cindy.
<3
Some fabulous photos once again. We have snowy egrets living in the lemon grove across from us. I love to watch them. Have a great Christmas!!
How wonderful! They nest in mass with white down flying everywhere.
utterly delightful; the Holler looks pretty splendid. Is that now or were those pictures from earlier in the year?
Very pleased you enjoyed and thank you! There is a mixture of photos, most within the last two weeks.
Gorgeous birds, and brilliant photos! 500 species in your area – that’s amazing!
It is just about enough birds for me!!! 😉
⬅️🧡👨🏻🦳
<3 <3
Lotsa birds! 🙂
Maybe I do live in the right place, but Australia and all the parrot species, hmmmmm
Fabulous! The Holler is hollering “I’m so gorgeous, and I have birds in my hair!”
Laughing…..I can easily envision you making a gown of this! <3
Wonderful pictures of birds I love!
Thank you & I am so happy you love birds <3
I do. I’m very much a birdwatcher.
I love birdwatchers! <3
Me too.
As we walked out across the salt marshes we were mesmerised by the volume of birds heading south. I guess it’s winter 😃😃. Lovely photos!
It is a spectacular sight isn’t it!
Yes 😃💕
<3 <3
Beautiful photos, Cindy.
Most appreciated & cheers to you!
Oh, I’d love to see a little blue heron. That one was a beauty! Great series, and sights there in your Holler.
I see them so rarely, it was a thrill for me too. I hope you do see one, soon! <3
Fingers crossed I will one day! xx
<3 <3
Wow…breathtaking…♡
Grazie mille!
Gorgeous pics and subjects. We have mNy sand hill cranes here, it’s so sweet that they form a family. You’ll always see them in threes. The Mom , Dad, and “child”. Egrets. Are plentiful here too.ovecyour series of photos.
I have never seen a sand hill crane family because they only winter here. I would love to see the entire family <3
They are so seeet and totally devoted to each other. I once watched a couple searching for their baby for two dayd calling out for it. We are warned of Sandhill Crane crossings but accidents still happen. It’s heartbreaking when it does. ♥️
Great photos. We have GBherons here too. Beautiful birds.
They are beautiful, graceful, and they almost appear prehistoric!
Stunning shots, Cindy. Makes me yearn to visit The Holler <3
I hope you do! And give me a holler when you do 😉
We live in a world of beauty and enjoy the fellowship of birds and animals. Your photography catches the spirit of their freedom and individual personalities. Marvelous.
I love friends like you Rebecca <3 <3
Excellent!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
Beautiful photos, Cindy. It is amazing (and wonderful for you) that there are so many different birds in your area. Lots of material to work with! 🙂
Exactly, and always finding and seeing new species keeps me on my toes!
I love birds. Thanks for these great photos. 🙂
I love people who love birds <3
Great pictures, as always. I would love to see a sandhill crane!
I only wish they would let me get a bit closer. But they definitely do not! They are gorgeous creatures and I hope you do see them someday soon.
Absolutely fantastic pictures! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you much more for your very kind appreciation!
Simply adorable … what a wonderful way to learn from you Cindy 💝
Awww, I love my amazing blogging friends <3
Love the Little Blue Heron especially! I have to win the lottery and get myself a lake! Having around 500 species of birds is phenomenal! I have watched 25 different species out my window and thought I was doing well!!
25 all at once is doing VERY well! I see so few little blues that it was a thrill for me too.
Such a beautiful spot — no wonder the waders have taken up residence there! Thank you, Cindy, for capturing them in their environ. I was wondering what that snowy egret was trying to gobble, ha!
I took about 20 photos of this. That poor crab was clearly not a cooperative lunch!
So enjoyable seeing these photos!
Makes me happy I posted and so pleased you enjoyed yourself <3
Stunning shots, Cindy. 😍
You are a lovely friend <3
Thank you . 😘👩❤️👩
<3 <3
Fantastic photos! The ones of the Snowy Egret and the crab, wow!
Honored and very pleased you enjoyed! Thank you.
Cindy, you must live in the most fabulous place and how perfectly fitting that a person who loves nature lives among its other inhabitants. Bless you and your friends.
Critter friends are the bestest friends, next to blogging friends, of course <3 <3
Holler has approx. 500 of them, wow! Holler is so beautiful, birds know it! 🙂 🙂
Ahhh, thank you! There aren’t many people here and the birds know that too!
Wonderful!
Muchas gracias mi amiga <3
The Holler is truly a paradise for birds, which you superbly captured with your camera. Great job, Cindy!
Ahhh, very kind of you Peter & most appreciated too! Thank you.
Beautiful collection around a common theme. To me, I think them as stalkers.
Good descriptor. Stalkers and freezers, since they so often freeze in place while hunting.
Yep.
What a wonderful variety of birds at your doorstep! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. 🙂
Thank you more for appreciating the birdies & cheers to you!
Nature is so amazing, thank you for capturing this beauty in your article 🙂
Thank you for appreciating nature & cheers to you~
Thank you so much Cindy!
<3 <3
Amazing shots Cindy.🎈
Thank you, but the credit goes to the birds who are really hard to photograph, badly.
🙂
I have never seen birds photographed so beautifully, truly awe-inspiring.
Humbled by your kindness <3
As eye-catching as ever
You are a thoughtful friend Derrick. Thank you!
🙂
Great Pics Cindy. You have a way to capture the moment. Thanks
You are most welcome, and hope you have a very speedy recovery! <3
Wonderful shots and such great wildlife around you! You do live right in a nature reserve! 🙂
I think so. I love wild critters for neighbors. Happy Holidays to you my friend <3
What amazingly elegant and well-dressed neighbors you have. Did you invite the Heron in when it came up to your door? I am sure it would have impeccable manners. 😀
The first time it happened, we had newly moved here, and I was scared of him. I saw him through the glass panel of the door, and my instant thought was, “There is a dinosaur at my door!”
I looked again, and saw it was a 4 1/2 foot tall bird! I used another door!
The second time I used another door, but took photos. The third time, I opened the door with my camera and clicked! 😉
🙂 🙂 🙂
Your photo of the oyster catcher is stunning. We have them here sometimes in South Wales but I can never seen them as close up as you have caught them here. I love their orange/red eyeliner!
Thank you Emma. There are a rarity for me, so it was a thrill to get this close. I had no idea they were in Wales! <3
Yes, I’ve seen them on Blackpill Beach (part of Swansea Bay) and along the Gower coast.
I want to visit!
It’s not as sunny as California!
Your paintings showcase the beauty, and unfortunately southern California is far too sunny these days. I still want to visit and I hope I do, soon. It is the only region of the UK I haven’t visited.
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A colorful sample of the wading birds in The Holler. from Cindy Knoke.
Happiest Holiday Season to you sweet lady <3
MORE FANTASTIC PHOTOGRAPHS CINDY, YOU SPOIL US, CHINA
china.alexandria@livingthedream.blog
Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness & cheers to you! <3
Hey, ‘wade’ up! I’m coming with you. ♡ヽ(▽ ̄ )ノ/(_△_)ヽ(  ̄▽)ノ♡
I will wait, and wade, with you anyday my friend <3 <3
(ღˇ◡ˇ)♥ℒᵒᵛᵉ ♥
Lovely pics! Mesmerizing beauty of nature captured in the best possible way !!!
Thank you very much. Nature’s abundance is a gift for us everyday. Cheers to you~
echt toll, liebe Cindy, alles Gute für dich, hab einen guten Tag
Genießt die Weihnachtszeit mein wunderbarer Freund! <3
heute wünsche ich dir einfach beste Gesundheit
<3 <3
danke gleichfalls
Cindy, as always, I’m just plain awed. You get such color, clarity, composition, and perfectly timed shots. The blue heron is particularly gorgeous, but the birds in flight had such surprising color contrast. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Hugs on the wing.
I am grateful you enjoyed, especially since I so enjoy your incredible creativity Teagan <3
I see the fine dining at the Holler attracts a motley crew! It must be wonderful to have so many bird friends. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your lovely photos and commentary Cindy.
Thank you more Brad for your continuing kindness.
You’re most welcome and deserving. 🙂
Visa versa 2UX2!
🙂
All of your photos are excellent, such colorful detail, but those sandhill cranes in flight? Oh my!
Ahhhh, thank you! They are truly graceful birds, the ballerinas of the bird kingdom.
Love those AMOYs! It took me a long time to realise the essential difference from the Eurasians… (no, not accent)… orange eyes v red eyes!
Wow! Some differences are so subtle.
Oystercatchers are such beauties and fun to watch.
Lucky you! I see them so rarely, it is an event when I do.
Some amazing photography! Catching the Egret eating a tiny crab – Wow and the Blue Heron stretching out is next is an incredible shot too. Lovely photography as usual.
Awww, I love my thoughtful kind friends like you <3
My pleasure, Cindy, and thank you. Karen 🙂
<3
Cindy, Thank you for these beautiful photographs!
Thank you for being such a thoughtful friend Charles & cheers to you!
You are very welcome!
<3 <3
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another set of beautiful photographs from Cindy Knoke!
https://superduque777.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/whiroses.jpg
So lovely! Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
So many wonderful bird shots, Cindy. I especially like the cranes flying overhead and the Great Blue Heron (which looks so much like our White-faced Heron).
The Holler must be a haven for Bird Photographers and Nature Lovers.
Thankfully, most areas of The Holler are still off the charts of most people, so we luckily avoid intrusions. I hope it stays this way.
used to have a Great Blue that came to our door in Florida, Cuz. Had to love that bird. He (we later found out that he was a she) would be there almost every evening at about 6pm begging for bread…, or whatever we had to give her. Critters can be such fun !!! :}
You told me about her, and how she ate out of your hand, and how you missed her visits. I remember well!
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS! They are amazing! Thanks for sharing ♥️
Thank you much more for your kind appreciation!
☺️☺️
Your Holler sounds like a bit of an estuary. Many parts of our City have kept them protected so we get many of those birds here though I never identified most. The Blue Heron is quite common to see here but I never took a photo of any of them that looked close to what you have here. It never even occurred to me then. Thanks for bringing a bit of awareness.
I would love to see lots of blue herons! It sounds like you live in a wonderful area.
The Portland, Oregon area is loaded with animal, bird and plant sanctuary areas. I absolutely love it here. After traveling the world my entire life, this is where I chose to stop.
We almost moved to Oregon. We are still are talking about the area around Bend….. It is a beautiful, uncrowded and progressive state.
I haven’t been to Bend but they get a lot of snow. I hear it’s lovely though. I wanted to be closer to a major airport for family to fly in for visits. We get just a little snow here on occasion. It is a very progressive state which is why my sister moved here more than 30 years ago. She feels safe here.
A little blue heron showed up at the park I work at in northeast Ohio once, and all the birders went crazy.
Herons have this odd habit of showing up solo at places where they don’t belong. It always creates a stir!
That’s a fine habit to have! Maybe they do it on purpose?
Birds are smart like that!
Haha, yep! They must notice all the photographers crowding around them.
Wow! Great photos!
Very kind & most appreciated!
Gorgeous, Cindy!
Ahhhh, thanks so much & have a wonderful weekend!
You are welcome, Cindy. Happy weekend to you!
<3
<3 <3
Beautiful.
Very kind. Thank you!
My pleasure.
<3
Waders are my favourite type of bird – this post is heaven, Cindy, thank you! 🙂
Ahhhh, so happy you enjoyed & cheers to you Liz <3
Herzlichen Dank Cindy für die schönen Fotos, hab eine gute Zeit.
Danke Ernst und ein schönes Wochenende, mein Freund!
Magnificent birds and photos of them. You are lucky to find such beauty in nature. Enjoy the weekend.
You too my friend and thank you for your very thoughtful words <3
Thank you for your kind comment. Enjoy the weekend.
Each bird is so incredible! Showing off their beautiful colors! I love your bird photos!
You are a lovely friend. Happy Holidays <3
Fantastic photographs! I’ m so glad that you take the time and have the resources (cameras, etc., but more important, skill and a love for beauty) to put these out here for us. Gratefully, Albert
I echo Albert’s gratitude!
So kind of you and so appreciated too!
What thoughtful and very kind sentiments. People like you make it so worthwhile! Thank you Albert & cheers to you.
Lovely birds. I’ve got some herons that come when the weather is warmer. And a bunch of the little guys, some hawks and vultures too.
The color of the birds is always fun when something stands out; like that orange beak or the blue feathers. 🙂
It was fairly warm today that their was a guy fishing in the creek behind my house (on the easement side).
You live in a wonderful place! Being surrounded by wildlife and birds is a blessing, that is good for our psyches and souls <3 <3
Stunning!!!
Love shore birds my world is full of yours are beautiful captures as always Cindy. Enjoy the weekend of craziness leading up to Christmas and warm thoughts for you from me are also attached xo.
Awwww, you are the loveliest friend Eunice. Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year my friend <3 🎄
Isn’t is just amazing how many different birds there are? Such beautiful photos of these guys!
Thank you Lyn and yes the variety is mind boggling!
Wonderful photographs.
Merci beaucoup mon ami <3
Reblogged this on Echoes in the Mist.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness Sharon & Happy New Year!
Beautiful pictures Cindy!
Thank you Wendell & Happy New Year!