YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE - Pica nuttalli by NatureAli at a rest stop on Hwy 101 in San Luis Obispo, California

This bird has been seen in Kern County along Annette Road. This is the only known location this bird has been seen within Kern County. If you know of other  locations please let NatureAli know. It is strange that this bird is so common in the northern central valley, yet absent from the south valley.

WOOD DUCK drake - Aix sponsa at Stockdale Country Club in Bakersfield, CA April 1999 by NatureAli.

Wood ducks can be found along the Kern River. They are an uncommon nester. I have seen up to 11 at one time in Hart Park. Twenty at the Kern River Preserve and two at Bright Lake in Tehachapi.

Coyote - Canis latrans

CALM, Bakersfield, CA by NatureAli

The ubiquitous coyote fits the wily description quite well. Found throughout the county the coyote is more often heard than seen. Listen for the pack's haunting howl late at night.

American Bittern - Botaurus lentiginosus is a resident breeder in Kern County marshes. This bird was photographed on Feb. 13, 2000 at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. Photographed with a Ricoh KR-5 with a 300 mm f/4 at an shutter speed of 1/60 by NatureAli.