Fisherman's Village, Marina Del Rey, California

I know I spend a great deal of time sharing my travel adventures on this blog. Today, believe it or not, I was actually cold in my house. After a lengthy summer of sweltering heat for us in Los Angeles, it was beginning to feel like fall. The time changes and suddenly the weather did as well.

Or so I thought. As it turns out, it may have been cool in the house but once I was outside, I was reminded that one of the benefits of living near the ocean and marina is the incredible photo opportunities on a warm fall day.

Today was extraordinary. I felt the need to be inspired with my own community. Off I went with my camera just a few short miles from my house!

I knew the boat ramp usually had pelicans hanging around but they weren’t there this time. There was however a lonely stately cormorant.

While this is a handsome bird and is fun to watch as he dives for his food, I knew there was more to see. I just didn’t expect to be as lucky as you will see.

I went to Fisherman’s Village just another mile down the road. The sun was shining, there were just a couple of young fishermen and my new friend Mike was working at Marina Del Rey Sport Fishing. He turned out to be a wealth of information.

Some 80 pictures later, I was still smiling and wondering why I don’t go down there more often. I will choose some of my favorites. This is going to be a blog Part 2 & 3 I think!

Let’s start with the Pelicans. These are examples of adult Pacific Brown Pelicans both breeding and non breeding varieties. I leave the specifics to the birders out there!

I guess he thinks that’s pretty funny. Too bad I wasn’t fast enough to get his whole beak! I believe that is a double-crested cormorant joining in on the fun. I know some of the pelicans are also juveniles.

Grooming seems to be almost as important as sitting. Their long beaks reminded me of Edward Scissorhands, they were constantly in motion.