The Estero Bluffs State Park (photo) is along Hwy One north of Cayucos. (Weather: Coolish, cloudy, no wind) The shoreline is dotted with rugged rock formations and quite coves. Today we were the only people walking the trail (this park has yet to be discovered). Almost every rock had a harbor seal resting upon it. The sea was so quiet that the seals could rest on partly submerged rocks without floating off. They were all on their backs with their flippers pointing up, which was quite a humorous position. In the water around the rocks were, at least, 14 Red-breasted Merganser and several male Surf Scoter in their black and white finery. We saw one Spotted Sandpiper and a Black Oystercatcher.Checked out Cloisters Park on the way home. At first it seemed very quiet, and as I hung around for awhile, the birds began to appear. Great view of a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Spotted Towhee, Golden-crowned Sp. Around the inside of the pond were numerous Black-crowned Night Herons. Conspicuous by their absence were Red-winged Black Bird, Grackle, Sora, Virginia Rail and Meadowlark. I am hoping that the missing birds will show up for the "Easy Birding Walks" on Jan. 15 and 16. (birding hint - bird calls found on iBird Explorer can be very useful)
For the trails accessible to me Anne Anne and I find lots to see along Estero Bluffs. For obvious reasons we don't go down to waters edge, but one doesn't need to for enjoying the wildlife. And the gorgeous sunsets are a kept secret known only to those few. Nice bird count also Joyce.
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