And now for something completely different...

I think these guys are playing bones, but I honestly don't remember.  Dominoes are very popular in Puerto Rico.

Lucky Shot

I saved this shot to post last so that it could be at the top.  This was honestly just very lucky timing as my crane got spooked and wanted to fly farther away from me.  The picture is a bit overexposed due to the time of day (bad, bright, mid-day lighting), but I love the water rolling off the bird's feet and the arc of the wings just beginning flight.

At water's edge

A white crane... well, cranes it's head to see what goodies there are at the water's edge.  Around 2 in the afternoon.

Bath Time

In the hot mid-day sun, a few of the sandpipers start bathing themselves in, what I have to admit, is pretty unappealing water.

The Swamp

There are quite a few benefits to living in a place as beautiful as Mill Valley.  And living close to the bay, where the bird sanctuary is, also has it's advantages.  One major disadvantage: it stinks like a swamp when the water is this low!  This picture was taken around 10:30 in the morning, with very bright clear skies.

The Cold Shoulder

No matter how hard I tried, I could not get this cormorant to look at me!  What do you think of the patterns on the water though, isn't it kind of cool?

Spring means babies

These aren't sparrows; they're just tiny little sandpipers who have yet to grow their trademark beaks.  The adults don't seem to be too afraid for the babies, who blend right in with the mud and apparently don't have too much trouble with the turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks circling above.