My last post highlighted the bobcats encountered in San Benito County and they, with good reason, were the focus of the trip.  But the area offers much more in terms of both landscape and wildlife.

For landscapes, the undulating shapes of the hills, scattered oak trees, barns, and interesting cloud formations offer endless possibilities.  On this trip I only stopped briefly to snap a few shots, but the area definitely merits a return trip for further landscape exploration.

Rolling hills, ranchland, and oak, San Benito County, CaliforniaWispy clouds over ranchland, San Benito County, California

Encountering a badger hanging out at the entrance to a large burrow was an unexpected treat.  Badgers are often nocturnal and nowhere near as plentiful as bobcats.  The same ground squirrels that provide food for the bobcats are also popular with badgers.  Their front legs and claws are designed for digging so, unlike the bobcat which must wait for the squirrels to emerge, the badger can excavate burrows to find a meal. In fact they are not very popular with the local ranchers because the large holes they dig are a danger to grazing cattle.

American Badger (Taxidea taxus), San Benito County, CaliforniaAmerican Badger soaks up some sun atop recently excavated hole, San Benito County, CA

The Pinnacles area also provides excellent bird photography.  On this trip we photographed quail, Varied thrush, and Wild Turkey.

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Pinnacles National Park, CaliMale Wild Turkey running, Pinnacles National Park, California

With good reason, San Benito County and the Pinnacles is now on my favorites list.  Click here to see more wildlife from the area.