オグロジャックウサギなど / Black-tailed Jackrabbit and more

The usual Coyote Hills. This time, I entered from a different route. Although it takes about 15 minutes on foot from a small parking area with 4–5 spaces to the park, it’s not much of a problem since I’m observing along the way. The advantage is being able to enter without waiting for the main parking lot to open (and it’s free).

Distant view of a Northern Harrier flying low over grassland at Coyote Hills in summer
Northern Harrier
Mourning Dove walking on the ground at Coyote Hills in summer
Mourning Dove
Black-tailed Deer peeking out from the shadows of tall grass at Coyote Hills in summer
Black-tailed Deer. Mostly hidden in the thicket, but it seems to sense my presence and keeps staring at me.
Group of about ten Wild Turkeys walking along a trail at Coyote Hills in summer
Possibly because it’s a secluded part of the park with few visitors, flocks of Wild Turkeys are scattered everywhere. I found myself in a sort of standoff, blocked on a narrow trail by around ten of them. I didn’t want to startle them, but I also needed to pass, so I slowly edged forward and excused myself by walking around them.
Distant view of a Black-tailed Jackrabbit running across a trail at Coyote Hills in summer
Likewise, there were many rabbits. The Black-tailed Jackrabbit, which I included in the title this time.
Portrait of a Black-tailed Jackrabbit on a trail at Coyote Hills in summer
While I stood still, one of them came running toward me. It probably couldn’t see me very well.
Portrait of a Black-tailed Jackrabbit on a trail at Coyote Hills in summer
It reminded me of something. Its build is quite burly for a rabbit and maybe that’s why it seemed a bit kangaroo-like.
Close-up of a Black-tailed Jackrabbit running at Coyote Hills in summer
It also hopped using its large hind legs, much like a kangaroo. I wanted to observe it more closely as it grazed on the roadside grass, but a jogger came by and startled it away.
Brush Rabbit emerging from a trail surrounded by tall dry grass at Coyote Hills in summer
I also saw a smaller species of rabbit, the California Brush Rabbit.
Red-tailed Hawk perched on an old utility pole holding prey at Coyote Hills in summer
Compared to winter, there weren’t many raptors. A Red-tailed Hawk had caught a ground squirrel.
California Towhee foraging among fallen leaves at Coyote Hills in summer
A California Towhee digging through fallen leaves in search of food.
California Gull flying against a blue sky at Coyote Hills in summer
California Gull
Bewick’s Wren dust bathing at Coyote Hills in summer
A Bewick’s Wren taking a dust bath.
Bewick’s Wren dust bathing at Coyote Hills in summer

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