Preview of Getty’s Museum Garden
Taken with E-500 and Zuiko ED f2.0 50mm macro lens. shot with low ev and normalized in post.
For anyone who may have not checked out the J. Paul Getty Museum: http://www.getty.edu/museum/
Western Snowy Plover
As mentioned in my previous post, one of the endangered species that inhabits the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes is the Western Snowy Plover, or “Frailecito” (Little Friar). In Venezuela, these birds have earned the name Frailecito due to their dark beady eyes, tucked under a sandy brown hood. These quiet, easy-going birds spend their time observing others go by while tucking away in sand dimples, driftwood, and speckled rocks.
Click image to enlarge.
The Western Snowy Plover is truly a joy to watch, especially as they feed. I can only hope to find the time to come back during their breeding season which is around the late spring to early summer. More information can be found on the Western Snowy Plover at http://www.westernsnowyplover.org/
Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
Taking a drive through Route 166 from the 5 North, we decided to take a detour through the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve. This preserve is a beautiful stretch of beach which is home to many type of animals, including some endangered species.
Walking just a few steps from the parking lot gives one the feeling that they’ve arrived on another planet.
This vantage point provides a clear view of the Santa Maria River and Valley from the Dunes.
Seagulls flying over the Santa Maria River
This part of the Santa Maria River’s terrain is like a marsh. If you look on the horizon of the image, you can actually see where the river meets the ocean.
Route 166
While driving to Rancho Guadalupe Dunes via 5 North to Route 166, we were fortunate enough to enjoy an amazingly clear day through Los Padres National Forest.
New Beginnings
Aloha no,
My name is Daryl, and I’ve been doing photography off and on now for about 8 years. Ironically, this is the title of my first post on my original photoblog which I no longer have access too. Going forward, I will continue to share my travels, experiences, and life through my eyes as before.
Thanks all for your continued support and comments!


































