Laguna Lake was full to the brim. Unfortunately, the lake was experiencing a Blue Green Algae bloom. Around the lake were caution signs, notifying people to avoid contact with the water. If Blue Green Algae is ingested, it can cause unpleasant to serious health problems. I was glad there were
no birds on the lake.
Depending on conditions the bloom can last weeks or months. I hope it is short lived and does not become seriously toxic. I finally wrestled my thoughts away from the green water and returned to birding. In a cozy picnic area Western Bluebirds were active.
A small flock of Bluebirds, including two juveniles were dashing about, feeding on tiny insects. The adult Bluebirds, along with a Black Phoebe were using the border around the picnic area as a perch.
The juveniles (below) were perched on a scraggly Cypress. I assumed they were waiting to be fed. I was rather surprised when one of them sallied forth to snatch an insect midair. Juveniles often appear larger than adults due to down feathers that are shed as they mature.
Other birds - Bewick's Wren, Calif towhee, Song Sparrow, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Scrub Jay, Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, and a flock of Lark Sparrow feeding in the grass along busy Madonna Road. They were finding much to eat in the freshly mowed grass.
My usual sighting of Lark Sparrow happens when I am driving on a rural road and the little darling is perched on barbed wire, and there is nowhere to park; and if I did park the bird would fly off. The Lark Sparrow photo was taken when I was walking on an unused rural road. I only had about a second before it flew off.
In regards to the Algae Bloom, I called San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation. They are regularly checking on the toxicity level of the lake. Cyanobacteria is not present.
