Cranes Fly Through Hazy Summer Sunset Over RSM: Photo Of The Week

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA —When it comes to taking pictures of sunsets, it's all about timing.

Orange County resident photographer Scott Plummer captured these vibrant photographs of the sun setting behind the Rancho Palos Verdes Peninsula, looking west from Orange County.

In both photos, you can easily see a flock of cranes flying over the Upper Oso Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita. According to Scott, who frequents the reservoir, migratory birds such as cranes often use the Upper Oso Reservoir for rest stops on their summer and winter migrations.

"The extra red color of the sunset was due to smoke in the atmosphere," Scott told Patch. "[Smoke from] wildfires burning in the San Diego and Lake Castaic area."

Thank you for sharing your photo, Scott!

If you have an awesome photo of nature, breath-taking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny, or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we'd love to feature it on Patch.

We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty and fun that is Southern California, and that show off your unique talents.

Email photo submission to miranda.ceja@patch.com.