Redwood National Park

The tall, majestic trees found in Redwood National Park can't be captured by a simple photograph.  They have to be witnessed in person as you trek along the many trails that weave throughout the park.  These are the tallest trees in the world.  

 

Below are a few of my favorite images I captured when I spent a few days in the Redwoods, which includes the beautiful beaches along its border. 

Redwood National Park

Tree Fungi

Tree Fungi

 

Trillum Falls - This hike is about a 3 mile loop trail.

  

Roosevelt elk

Interesting tree burl

 

Beautiful creeks and rivers

Great Blue Heron

The redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world.

 

You might even see some art along the river!

Gorgeous beaches

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls, the largest State park in Oregon, is spectacular!  I went in early September, and even though several of the falls were nothing more than a trickle, the rest were jaw dropping.

There are a total of ten waterfalls which can be seen from the "Trail of Ten Falls", an 8.7 Mile loop that includes the Canyon Trail, Rim Trail, Winter Trail and Maple Ridge Trail. 

South Falls - 177 Feet

Lower South Falls - 93 Feet

North Falls - 136 Feet

Upper North Falls - 65 Feet

Lower North Falls - 30 Feet

Middle North Falls - 106 feet

 

I love this picture my husband captured, walking behind the falls!

 

Another look at the beautiful Middle North Falls

I've pictured six of the ten falls.  Double, Drake, Winter and Twin just didn't have enough water to warrant an image this time, but I'm hoping to return in the Spring,when the water is rushing, and the Spring flowers are in bloom.

The Peregrine Falcon and Harris Hawk

The Peregrine Falcon and Harris Hawk are two beautiful raptors (birds of prey) that I photographed recently. 

Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco Peregrinus) is the fastest animal on earth, reaching speeds of over 200 miles per hour when they are diving for their prey.  They mainly eat other smaller birds.

Peregrine Falcon is often referred to as the "Duck Hawk" of North America

The female Peregrine is larger than the male.

Peregrine Falcon is a medium-sized raptor

It is also one of the most widespread birds in the world, living in a variety of habitats.  The only continent they have not been found on is Antarctica.   Their average life span is 15 years.   

Harris Hawk

The Harris Hawk (Parabuteo Unicinctus) is found in the southwestern portion of the United States, Mexico, Central and South America.  The females are larger than the males.

Harris Hawk is often called the "Wolf in the sky"

Their diet consists of rodents, birds, rabbits, and lizards.   These social birds prefer not to hunt alone, but in groups with other Harris Hawks, which often helps in capturing larger animals. 

Interestingly, they have a life span of only 10-12 years in the wild, but that doubles when they live in captivity.  

Harris Hawk