Variety of birds at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

I actually went to two different areas about 20 miles apart, but the migration has begun, and millions of birds are coming in from the north. It was a beautiful sunny day.

1. First shoveler of the year I have seen

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​177743618/
20121110-AQ4E4621 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

2. Geese coming in for a landing
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​177743108/
20121110-AQ4E4661 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

3. This harrier apparently stopped for directions
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​177711269/
20121110-AQ4E4735 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

4. This guy prefers quiet I think
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​177741160/
20121110-AQ4E4766 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

5.These guys live here all year long, I have seen them every time I have been up this way
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​187432258/
20121110-AQ4E4949 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

6. I'm pretty sure this is an RTH, who gave me the eye as I drove slowly by with my 300 2.8 sticking out the window at him.
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​184138965/
20121110-AQ4E5012 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

7. A little blurry, but I was impressed when he swallowed the mouse in about three gulps.
[IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​186388957/
20121110-AQ4E5105 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

8. The snow geese were the first to arrive in large numbers
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/35175693@N07/8​187431488/
20121110-AQ4E5183 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

If anyone is driving along I-5 in Northern California in the next few months, it is well worth the time to hop off the freeway for an hour or so to check these area out. The Sac NWRs are minutes off the freeway and are teeming with action. Bring a BIG lens!