We did see the migrating raptors - but only the outlines. Raptors tend to fly rather high, and only the strongest optics could get a good close-up of them flying overhead. There were volunteers calling out the types of birds and keeping count, and lots of people getting very excited about each one. But, of course, I have no photos to show for it - my lens are not that strong.
Besides raptors, there was other wildlife in the sanctuary, though - at a much closer distance. We saw some birds at the feeder by the Nature Center, chipmunks and squirrels gathering acorns for the winter, heard and saw Blue jays and grackles... Not to mention the beautiful view, fall colors and great crisp weather.
This American goldfinch united forces with a pine siskin (?) to repel an invader.
White-breasted nuthatch. You can tell these guys from a mile away by the way they run around the tree trunks.
White-breasted sparrow. Looks a lot like the white-crowned ones in CA.
Still undecided, if this was a female downy or hairy woodpecker. Most likely downy, since it was not too large.
Black-capped chikadee.
Barely captured this titmouse - it wouldn't stand still for a second.
This winter wren was exploring a small cave. Do they nest in caves, I wonder?
A Northern Cardinal in all his glory...
...and his fair lady.
Dark-eyed (or Slate-colored) junco.
Non-avian wildlife :))
This American Kestrel was part of a very educational lecture at Nature Center amphitheater.
A view of the River of Rocks from Hawk Mountain.
