Chula Vista Bayfront Park occupies the southern shore of San Diego Bay. To its south is a large shallow marsh where low tides expose a mudflat that can host large numbers of terns, shorebirds, gulls, waterfowl and waders. I enjoy my visits there most in the early morning before the sun climbs high enough to reflect on the water and mudflats, limiting the quality of the images I may attempt.
When the sun climbs to mid-morning height, a profitable strategy can be to move to the bay-shore with a view to the west, where one might find scoters, grebes, scaup and brant. If conditions are calm and the birds are feeding near-shore, these encounters can be very satisfying.
Great Blue Herons nest in pines in the middle of the grassy park north of the boat launch ramp at the marina, and in season these can be interesting subjects.
Western Grebe(Aechmophorus occidentalis) |
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Description: Reflecting well at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 8:34 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X0355-WesternGrebe |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Horned Grebe(Podiceps auritus) |
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Description: First light at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 7:50 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X0420-HornedGrebe |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Brant(Branta bernicla) |
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Description: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 8:19 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X0486-Brant |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Surf Scoter(Melanitta perspicillata) |
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Description: Female at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 8:24 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X0521-SurfScoter |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Surf Scoter(Melanitta perspicillata) |
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Description: Male at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 8:28 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X0526-SurfScoter-Male |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Forster's Tern(Sterna forsteri) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 13:12 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X0536-ForstersTern-FirstWinter |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Forster's Tern(Sterna forsteri) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 13:13 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200 |
File Name: D3X0556-ForstersTern-FirstWinter |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Northern Harrier(Circus cyaneus) |
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Description: Foraging over the marsh at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:01:22 13:18 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X0622-NorthernHarrier-Female |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Short-Billed Dowitcher(Limnodromus griseus) |
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Description: Morning gathering at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 8:19 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/640 |
File Name: D3X0821-ShortBilledDowitcher |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Marbled Godwit(Limosa fedoa) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 8:32 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X0855-MarbledGodwit |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Red-Breasted Merganser(Mergus serrator) |
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Description: Fishing for breakfast at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 8:34 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X0875-RedBreastedMerganser |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Eared Grebe(Podiceps nigricollis) |
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Description: Pair sharing space with a Red-Breasted Merganser at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 8:34 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/640 |
File Name: D3X0886-EaredGrebe |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Red-Breasted Merganser(Mergus serrator) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 8:42 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X0934-RedBreastedMerganser |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Marbled Godwit(Limosa fedoa) |
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Description: Morning gathering at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 14:30 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X1035-MarbledGodwit |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Red Knot(Calidris canutus) |
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Description: Foraging for the long road ahead on spring migration at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 14:45 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X1093-RedKnot |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Red Knot(Calidris canutus) |
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Description: Foraging for the long road ahead on spring migration at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 14:47 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X1127-RedKnot |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Blue-Winged Teal(Spatula discors) |
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Description: Female at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:05 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X1195-BlueWingedTeal-Female |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Blue-Winged Teal(Spatula discors) |
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Description: Male at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:05 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X1204-BlueWingedTeal |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Cinnamon Teal(Spatula cyanoptera) |
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Description: Pair at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:06 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 |
File Name: D3X1218-CinnamonTeal |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
American Avocet(Recurvirostra americana) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:24 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X1284-AmericanAvocet |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Short-Billed Dowitcher(Limnodromus griseus) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:28 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X1303-ShortBilledDowitcher |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Short-Billed Dowitcher(Limnodromus griseus) |
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Description: Wing stretching at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:30 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X1314-ShortBilledDowitcher |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Short-Billed Dowitcher(Limnodromus griseus) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:31 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X1331-ShortBilledDowitcher |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Marbled Godwit(Limosa fedoa) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:04:24 15:44 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X1346-MarbledGodwit |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Ridgway’s Rail (Clapper Rail)(Rallus obsoletus) |
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Description: Skulking at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:03:15 7:43 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/200 |
File Name: D3X1531-ClapperRail |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Ridgway’s Rail (Clapper Rail)(Rallus obsoletus) |
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Description: Skulking at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County USA 2013-03-15. |
Date Taken: 2013:03:15 7:51 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 |
File Name: D3X1555-ClapperRail |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Ridgway’s Rail (Clapper Rail)(Rallus obsoletus) |
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Description: Crowing at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:03:15 7:54 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 |
File Name: D3X1565-ClapperRail |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Red-Breasted Merganser(Mergus serrator) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:03:15 7:59 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X1610-RedBreastedMerganser |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Red-Breasted Merganser(Mergus serrator) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2013:03:15 7:59 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 |
File Name: D3X1621-RedBreastedMerganser |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Ridgway’s Rail (Clapper Rail)(Rallus obsoletus) |
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Description: Foraging at the edges of the mud flats at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County USA 2013-03-15. |
Date Taken: 2013:03:15 8:03 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/640 |
File Name: D3X1625-ClapperRail |
| © 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola) |
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Description: Male launching into dive-mode at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:02:14 9:08 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/3200 |
File Name: D3X2722-BuffleHead |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola) |
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Description: Female at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:02:14 9:12 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X2761-BuffleHead |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola) |
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Description: Male at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:02:14 9:14 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/3200 |
File Name: D3X2777-BuffleHead |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Greater Scaup(Aythya marila) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 8:56 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X6665-GreaterScaup-Male |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Brant(Branta bernicla) |
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Description: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:01 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X6687-Brant |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Brant(Branta bernicla) |
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Description: Water take-off at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:02 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X6698-Brant |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Brant(Branta bernicla) |
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Description: Launcing into the air from Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:02 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X6703-Brant |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Greater Scaup(Aythya marila) |
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Description: Females at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:16 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X6731-GreaterScaup-Female |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Greater Scaup(Aythya marila) |
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Description: Female at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:18 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X6733-GreaterScaup-Female |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Horned Grebe(Podiceps auritus) |
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Description: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:26 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X6748-HornedGrebe |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Horned Grebe(Podiceps auritus) |
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Description: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:27 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X6754-HornedGrebe |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Surf Scoter(Melanitta perspicillata) |
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Description: Pair at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:40 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X6804-SurfScoter |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Surf Scoter(Melanitta perspicillata) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:46 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X6823-SurfScoter |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Surf Scoter(Melanitta perspicillata) |
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Description: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 9:51 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X6850-SurfScoter |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Brant(Branta bernicla) |
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Description: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 10:05 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X6916-Brant |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Northern Pintail(Anas acuta) |
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Description: Female at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 10:12 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X6970-NorthernPintail-Female |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Brant(Branta bernicla) |
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Description: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 10:17 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X6998-Brant |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Horned Grebe(Podiceps auritus) |
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Description: Surfacing from a dive at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 10:26 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X7020-HornedGrebe |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Horned Grebe(Podiceps auritus) |
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Description: Foraging at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 10:26 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X7021-HornedGrebe |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Surf Scoter(Melanitta perspicillata) |
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Description: Female stretching her wings at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Chula Vista, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2012:02:16 10:41 |
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Location:
Bayfront Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X7057-SurfScoter |
| © 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Mixed Tern Flock(Multiple sp.) |
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Description: Mostly Forster's Terns with a few Elegant and Royal Tern mixed in at high tide on South San Diego Bay at 7th Street and Chula Vista Bayfront Park. |
Date Taken: 2019:09:06 7:16 |
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Location:
Bay Front Park |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: TernFlock_D5X7495-BayFrontPark |
| © 2019 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
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