Hanging On -- Bushtit at Oso Flaco Lake in Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, California Wood Print

An American bushtit clings to an Arroyo Willow at Oso Flaco Lake near Guadalupe, California

The American bushtit is a songbird that lives in western North America. They are almost always found in flocks that are often mixed with other types of songbird. They are one of a few bird species where birds other than the parents may aid in raising nestlings, usually adult males.

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is part of Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area. The lake gained its name when the Portola expedition came through the area in 1769 and made a meal of "un oso flaco" - a skinny bear. This part of the State Park is located away from the better known off-roading area of the sand dunes, with entry being over ten miles away near the small town of Guadalupe.

I have been photographing the things I see for over thirty years. A resident of San Luis Obispo County, I'm lucky to have many excellent photo destinations within a few minutes' or hours' drive. Beyond the local area, I have traveled throughout California and the western United States, visited far away American destinations such as Chicago, New York, Florida, and Alaska, and international destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. My photography varies from Architecture to Industrial Art to Nature to Wildlife and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your home or office. Visit my blog