June 4, 2014. Just back from a 3-day birding trip to Yuba Pass and Sierra Valley. Patti and I went on our own, which provided new challenges and opportunities. We made 3 separate trips to Sierra Valley, each time driving down Marble Hot Springs road. It was windy at times, but the mild temperatures were a welcome change from the usual 90+ temps in the valley, and we didn't see a single vehicle on the road in the hours we spent there! On each trip we saw this adult Bald Eagle on a telephone pole quite near the iron bridge, and wondered a bit why he preferred this area.
On the final day, as we watched from a distance, we noted 4 Turkey Vultures feeding on something in the road ahead, just below the eagle. We drove very slowly, and the vultures reluctantly lifted off. We paused at the carcass, and were a bit surprised to see the remains of a large fish, perhaps a carp, abut 18" long. Other possible prey in the area included ducks (Mallard, Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal) and White-fronted Ibises. The area provides endless views of the comically noisy Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
