Ocean Beach kite surfer

Exciting afternoon yesterday  at the OB Pier with my two grandsons.  We went there to see the waves and were lucky enough to see this kite surfer.  He must have been out for over an hour, finally quit as it got too dark.   My grandsons were my two enthusiastic spotters:  as in "WOW, look at that", and "don't miss this shot"!   "Oh, grandma, did you get that jump"??    So much fun with them along as my photo buddies.

Here they are, Cole and Shane.

Kite surfer mid-jump. 

OB Pier

From the OB Pier

Regatta photos

The start of the race.  Countdown to the start, if a boat is over before
the final bell, that boat must do a 360 turn and go on from there.  

I'd like to share a few of my favorites from the recent Carolyn Nute Memorial Snipe Regatta (held at Mission Bay Yacht Club).

My son & daughter-in-law sail this class boat -- a  Snipe  (for more info click on the link).   I've been lucky enough to get on a committee boat and photograph several of their regattas.  This is always a fun one because some sailors wear costumes.   Elvis sailed with us this year!  

Rounding the mark, always looks chaotic but there are rules! 

Successful rounding!

Elvis sails.  

Shelter Island sunset

San Diego city front from Shelter Island.  I enjoyed a brief sunset tonight from Shelter Island.  I'll need to check this location out another day, the clouds were beautiful tonight!    Hope you all have a great week.

Ocean Beach Sunset

After being in the house all day and alternating between paperwork, more paperwork and unpacking (yes, still unpacking), I was restless and had to get outside.    Decided to head over to Ocean Beach for the sunset ...

Twp birds from Santee Lakes

It's fun to go back through photos taken last week at Santee Lakes, I found a few more to post (and could use some help on an  ID on these too)

Great-tailed Grackle ?

More photos from Santee Lakes

We were entertained by the coots, but weren't sure if it was courtship behavior or territorial.  I researched this and  have learned that it is territorial --  two males fighting, each defending his territory.  They kept at it for quite some time, and we noticed that every so often another coot would fly in and watch.  

 

















I'm wondering about an ID on this duck.  After looking at many different ID photos, I'm guessing it might be a young pied-billed grebe.  They breed at Santee Lakes I learned.

Santee Lakes

I met up with my photo buddies (Terry Myers, CJ Middendorf & Rich Baker)  at Santee Lakes on Wednesday.  After a morning of photography, we then enjoyed a great lunch at Janet's Cafe.   I went back to the lakes after lunch & found the male & female wood duck.

They are my favorites!  Love the colors.