Aurora Borealis put on a spectacular show

The Northern Lights put on a spectacular show last night. This is my first opportunity to get to see them and my first chance to try capturing the event on camera. I so very much wanted to see them last year while in Iceland, but at least I finally had better luck closer to home!

 

Bodega Bay and the setting of one of my all-time favorite movies

Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic film "The Birds" was set in Bodega Bay. There are still notable movie landmarks remaining around the area, including the former Potter Schoolhouse (built in 1873), St. Teresa of Avila Church (built in 1860), and the wharf around the Tides Restaurant. Having now walked the town and the movie setting (while always keeping an eye on the birds), I need to watch the movie again. Fun facts: About 3,200 real birds were trained for use in the film. Hitchcock said the ravens were the cleverest and the seagulls were the most vicious. As crazy as it sounds, the film was inspired by the events of a mass bird attach on the seaside town of Capitola, CA in 1961.

 

Pinnacles National Park - home to the California Condor

Although Pinnacles had been protected since 1908 as a National Monument, it finally received National Park status in 2013. Hiking the high peaks trail, we were fortunate to spot a handful of California Condors soaring around the high cliffs. The Condor is the largest North American land bird with a wingspan reaching nearly 10 feet and can live up to 60 years. In 1987, all remaining 27 California Condors were placed in captivity for protection. They were again reintroduced to the wild in 1991 and their population is now estimated at around 550 birds. A great recovery story.