Naraki Yusuke Photography

Nature photography and daily life records

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Barn Owl (Coyote Hills)

2025年11月2日 Birds

Autumn is the season of events. Work keeps me busy too, flying from place to place for conferences and other gatherings while battling jet lag.

Time to blow off steam in the field.

Two Tree Swallows perched on a branch, facing each other with open beaks and calling in autumn at Coyote Hills — A flock of Tree Swallows gathered on the trees. It looked like many of them were this year’s fledglings.

Tree Swallow attacking another bird in midair with legs spread in autumn at Coyote Hills — Occasionally, they playfully chase each other.

Adult Cooper’s Hawk perched on a branch against a blue sky in autumn at Coyote Hills — A Cooper’s Hawk by the campground.

Close-up of an adult Cooper’s Hawk gliding with wings fully spread in autumn at Coyote Hills — I often see juveniles, but this one was a fine adult bird.

Close-up of a Golden-crowned Sparrow perched on a branch in morning sunlight in autumn at Coyote Hills — A Golden-crowned Sparrow.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit making a large leap through dry grass in autumn at Coyote Hills — A Black-tailed Jackrabbit dashing away.

Cooper’s Hawk perched on a leafless tree and looking toward the camera in autumn at Coyote Hills — Here’s a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk. Unlike the previous one, it has distinct vertical streaks and different-colored irises.

White-tailed Kite hovering against a blue sky in autumn at Coyote Hills — A White-tailed Kite hovering head-on. I’ve still never seen one actually catch anything.

Close-up of a Golden-crowned Sparrow foraging in grass in autumn at Coyote Hills — Again, a Golden-crowned Sparrow.

Lesser Goldfinch perched on a thin branch eating seeds in autumn at Coyote Hills — A Lesser Goldfinch pecking at seeds.

California Ground Squirrel scanning its surroundings in autumn at Coyote Hills — The usual California Ground Squirrel, with a large scar on its belly.

California Towhee foraging in the shade in autumn at Coyote Hills — A California Towhee feeding by the roadside.

Close-up of a Northern Shoveler in autumn at Coyote Hills — A Northern Shoveler. Perhaps a male in molt?

Group of American White Pelicans swimming on the water in autumn at Coyote Hills — A group of American White Pelicans. It’s curious how, when one dips its head into the water, the others all follow suit.

Red-tailed Hawk eating prey while perched on a steel beam in autumn at Coyote Hills — A Red-tailed Hawk with its prey. Perhaps a squirrel. Given how many squirrels are around, it makes sense that raptors are so abundant here.

Barn Owl flying beyond dense shrubs in autumn at Coyote Hills — Just as I started to head back after a satisfying walk, I spotted a large raptor through a gap in the brush…

Barn Owl with wings fully spread against a blue sky in autumn at Coyote Hills — To my surprise, a Barn Owl flying in broad daylight! It didn’t seem to be chased by crows, so perhaps it was just moving to another roost. Still, those feet were enormous. What a sight to see.

Red-tailed Hawk flying against a blue sky in autumn at Coyote Hills — A Red-tailed Hawk flying overhead. There truly were many raptors that day.

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