Located on the beautiful San Francisco Bay, Baylands Park provides over seventy acres of developed parkland offering active recreation, pathways and picnic areas for families and large groups. Baylands Park has a Naturalist theme which is enhanced by the many acres of native grasses, open meadows and wonderful vistas. An additional 105 acres of seasonal wetlands is protected as a Wetlands Preserve providing habitat for plants and wildlife. See a map of the 500 miles of trails around the Bay: http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/

Here, there are four or five trail to choose from. One goes almost to the far shore and circles back to my starting point. A six mile walk.

True, I don't have the skills, but these female mallards are so beautiful when the sun hits their wings.

Thanks to David Hobbs for suggesting a wider view. You can see his fabulous Waterscape Wide gallery here: http://www.pbase.com/davidhobbs/waterscapeswide

There were large, dark, low clouds yesterday which gave beautiful light, patches of sun and shadow. it was breathtaking. I met two fine photographers who posed for me.

Conrad Tan, local pro. See his beautiful work here: http://www.conradtanphotography.com/

Here is one of the egrets who is always in the heart shaped ditch. I hear the fish abound here. The pumping station has just released recycled water which churns and ripples as he waits.

The colors fade from sight, a few birds still fly, the sounds of night begin in the rushes...

As night darkness fell yesterday, I was shocked by the sound of shotguns and the actual smell of gunpowder. In the sleepy marshes where the birds take refuge at night, there are now hunters. The season goes on for over 100 days. At that rate, one hunter would be allowed to slaughter 700 ducks, not to mention a couple hundred geese and some other waterfowl. The hikers, cyclists, and photographers who frequent these trails sometimes are here at sunset. We can now imagine what is happening to the little ones and their parents. I cannot express myself further. 100 days...............................................................................................................................................................................

...no wind tonight and this lone blackbird surveys the calm before the storm...

Only around 7% of Americans hunt, and yet.....

My sincere thanks to all of my friends for your compassion and empathy. All of my life, I have tried to avoid violence and barbarism of all sorts. I am researching the issue of sports hunting a little each day. It has certainly been agonizing and time consuming. I have the impression that Americans know little of the situation. I feel compelled to do my part even if I am only tilting windmills. Please forgive my unpleasant captions and do not read them if they disturb you.

XOXOX

SHARON

This shot was taken in mid summer. I see almost no ducks in this area. The coots are also UNFAIR game.

Every plant and rock appeared as a surprise.