tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79588790721613295552024-03-13T08:50:28.148-07:00BIRDING THE CENTRAL COASTjoyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-7081153536601293992023-09-20T21:18:00.002-07:002023-09-20T22:00:36.753-07:00Back to Birding Turri Road<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf2UChKHN-XaOU6AMD_bZPC-NcYvcNYD3vXcE4Bn7J7GWghcx4uOcluy6Nb4VdqoW0hKa1gOS5rQikmLvcDcDzW6bDj2ccQuBHH0sh1thwce2QUl5LN-Au25IlbM5OY2CM8LLDSME_XgFdtentO18zhxP3BW6smwdHoMFs1897vWXMaTn6o0SXyHY1L0/s3902/Turri%20Road%202023.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2165" data-original-width="3902" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf2UChKHN-XaOU6AMD_bZPC-NcYvcNYD3vXcE4Bn7J7GWghcx4uOcluy6Nb4VdqoW0hKa1gOS5rQikmLvcDcDzW6bDj2ccQuBHH0sh1thwce2QUl5LN-Au25IlbM5OY2CM8LLDSME_XgFdtentO18zhxP3BW6smwdHoMFs1897vWXMaTn6o0SXyHY1L0/s320/Turri%20Road%202023.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Turri Road - This Morning I was birding with Linda who was on her very first birding adventure. In mid September migratory birds are just beginning to arrive on the Central Coast. Some stop for fuel and rest before continuing their journey, others stay through the end of the winter season.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3im92gIULnCAmM4HBcxTWYvK_xWmIEhUjUmObP34OPSp-F0tcBr9ABwlm7dV_I_ZARoXP4saoXLqBGRWlTeCzs7k7LxEJAs-LqWr2vZDuuM1CU3T9SRJqNoYXRdNckf1kC3dTE6PGJL7dQNhk7G6i_s0wju9O0ODqbt1zUC_tsCWGtC6-Vre-1lnimkQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="1015" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3im92gIULnCAmM4HBcxTWYvK_xWmIEhUjUmObP34OPSp-F0tcBr9ABwlm7dV_I_ZARoXP4saoXLqBGRWlTeCzs7k7LxEJAs-LqWr2vZDuuM1CU3T9SRJqNoYXRdNckf1kC3dTE6PGJL7dQNhk7G6i_s0wju9O0ODqbt1zUC_tsCWGtC6-Vre-1lnimkQ" width="320" /></a></div>Migrating Brant Geese by local birding photographer Mike Baird. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were slowly making our way up Turri Road when I noticed a white car parked in the road and a woman with a camera. I was hoping she would be a friendly birding photographer. Luck was with us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnPVav3DkmdX1IwJg8WDGv7fnusQTB0j05_XJxTRGmz1rqVlLVfuje8ZpRR0b4g_qiA6xaS6uSYyBRHvVATpwRp63dY7k0EZiyDiCp1gcg_5YJYTTWdEPiq0OH11ZN-vAcOR6IOKsq_9rNCqP3ZA0D7vhldfXHEbW6o8t_fiegp_K9wIwHpv-hxuwYJQ/s4032/bald%20eagle%20hill.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnPVav3DkmdX1IwJg8WDGv7fnusQTB0j05_XJxTRGmz1rqVlLVfuje8ZpRR0b4g_qiA6xaS6uSYyBRHvVATpwRp63dY7k0EZiyDiCp1gcg_5YJYTTWdEPiq0OH11ZN-vAcOR6IOKsq_9rNCqP3ZA0D7vhldfXHEbW6o8t_fiegp_K9wIwHpv-hxuwYJQ/s320/bald%20eagle%20hill.heic" width="320" /></a></div>I stopped beside her, "Might I ask what you are looking at?" She replied, "Bald Eagles." I said excitedly, "Bald Eagles," stressing the "s." When she arrived two Bald Eagles were perched on a low hill. Coincidentally, the hill happened to be the same one I had taken a photo of a few days earlier. (By clicking on the photo you can see a Bald Eagle, though it does resemble a black and white blob, it is a Bald Eagle.) Now the hill was bereft of Eagles. The women pointed to the Sky - The Eagles were soaring over the landscape. Linda's first sighting was a soaring Bald Eagle.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha-4Zi4lyOLFYnf3xFy9R6OghxGtneHA8OF3a-JydXdFy4DBCNShC_MgGt3P_5tZOkdyerjV70y6aYiWPpYzfsXR7DjqTBov7gpKo4z3SZY9VTY93Ap4TMDVGGykdiPjti-LffURk0zM-qZvlhBLMVJW4nsc1lbL_PzKAlajrhezF1UySGxuD8a3h9rFA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="2400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha-4Zi4lyOLFYnf3xFy9R6OghxGtneHA8OF3a-JydXdFy4DBCNShC_MgGt3P_5tZOkdyerjV70y6aYiWPpYzfsXR7DjqTBov7gpKo4z3SZY9VTY93Ap4TMDVGGykdiPjti-LffURk0zM-qZvlhBLMVJW4nsc1lbL_PzKAlajrhezF1UySGxuD8a3h9rFA" width="180" /></a></div>When we arrived at Hinds Summit a Meadowlark was singing. Notice the sign, the elevation is in chains. In the 17th century an English clergyman and mathematician Edmund Gunter invented a distance measuring devise, a chain that was 66 feet long and had 100 links. It was known as Gunter's Chain and was used in land surveying. It is still in use today in Great Briton and Canada for surveying land in rural areas.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhytd_h1O_hipkwdHhZ9ODi1COybrRQRrZxALaNF3Rh5NPkoiYm-fIVjraJWidqW6VtsTZ0kkbq4wcUE1ICKIsONkpclpsXyMh7xCRKU-cSn9DCaDWuxrrlO8WxSFb-sh1Py6WIS14RDz2_jRx5Z_jMxx1zu-KVQvRa3YYWfjjwfE1KCaVUySFrYzFJ8hg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhytd_h1O_hipkwdHhZ9ODi1COybrRQRrZxALaNF3Rh5NPkoiYm-fIVjraJWidqW6VtsTZ0kkbq4wcUE1ICKIsONkpclpsXyMh7xCRKU-cSn9DCaDWuxrrlO8WxSFb-sh1Py6WIS14RDz2_jRx5Z_jMxx1zu-KVQvRa3YYWfjjwfE1KCaVUySFrYzFJ8hg" width="199" /></a></div>From our comfortable perch on the hand hewn bench we watched a flock of Brewer's Blackbirds. An American Kestrel was perched on a nearby fencepost. Although the Blackbirds were fluttering all around him, the Kestrel was not dislodged from its post. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6rR7lq-RKfBhOxp0PGZvV6B8JlCiacFbgCFGd9ln5XZaHz3dAurVwLKcli3bfpIO1VwzhZ52aSQPtAeIFonDosYenz8dsUhpleLvcy0B03kaVE60sz4lN_ZW7lu9MJdRCoxtNOMhQOIeNjynglo2NETiBmGdnIzfzF2AxFs1pIarhy3B1hqIK745KdNk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1931" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6rR7lq-RKfBhOxp0PGZvV6B8JlCiacFbgCFGd9ln5XZaHz3dAurVwLKcli3bfpIO1VwzhZ52aSQPtAeIFonDosYenz8dsUhpleLvcy0B03kaVE60sz4lN_ZW7lu9MJdRCoxtNOMhQOIeNjynglo2NETiBmGdnIzfzF2AxFs1pIarhy3B1hqIK745KdNk" width="320" /></a></div>As we meandered downhill to the ponds we saw Cassin's Kingbird, Western Bluebird, and Lark Sparrow.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUZ2BGMKwuQvFnK8TK2vs8MhkHGxXc-CbhwvdvR6Nw4pBF6TTv6537IzC068YuOHVBnr0cLr-hkIReTKAk474lg547OzwJ_evTEuKFw8sPZhG9F0xNgHsz6MwfYfrIsxQUzujvnEwY3kj8FKPclqLwa0SfDWEsn1RfxvQ3IDUPyJ74sSsZVeEZHTOdICQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2506" data-original-width="4032" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUZ2BGMKwuQvFnK8TK2vs8MhkHGxXc-CbhwvdvR6Nw4pBF6TTv6537IzC068YuOHVBnr0cLr-hkIReTKAk474lg547OzwJ_evTEuKFw8sPZhG9F0xNgHsz6MwfYfrIsxQUzujvnEwY3kj8FKPclqLwa0SfDWEsn1RfxvQ3IDUPyJ74sSsZVeEZHTOdICQ" width="320" /></a></div>Our good luck continued. Several Red-necked Phalarope were feeding in the pond. I find Phalarope amusing as they have a unique method of feeding. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBEj4-ebq7wfhWooxdFGSl1uJnS5j87oTSA8kkSm4QoGdgMdIJ5fISE_1yEhBXZRu9gpTo7SVjD6oln32UJHsciXU3K3Vo0_a9vfcY0M8d-zBNdVAqrBcmpkvolkpx2OQj8rEEm8vj2bIMkb2QEHVzXdr4RWVZjRhxLcIUvyyEdswmmMdL6oG4JSSqNag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="916" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBEj4-ebq7wfhWooxdFGSl1uJnS5j87oTSA8kkSm4QoGdgMdIJ5fISE_1yEhBXZRu9gpTo7SVjD6oln32UJHsciXU3K3Vo0_a9vfcY0M8d-zBNdVAqrBcmpkvolkpx2OQj8rEEm8vj2bIMkb2QEHVzXdr4RWVZjRhxLcIUvyyEdswmmMdL6oG4JSSqNag" width="320" /></a></div>They swim very fast, in tight circles, creating little whirlpools, which brings plankton to the surface where they can grab them with their bills. This unique feeding method is known as "whirling." Feeding on the edge of the pond were the less exciting, but marvelous, Western Sandpiper and Semipalmated Plover.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPs9QMuBZeJRk168GCRJ52s6y6-IjUAGTI4w30g9uuquZ_dKgksuN47paNWN0gbak0nwnBwo8UaqeNarp_9nXXwiuBB0HmJMptuSMGgVB1Bg6diQfuELHXe69TP1gmVeJAF7VyrtIzzU3Yp7pnZHFI4BaTT_uxF9A8mi7zMXn-xnaL-wGAMk1JzKT7wDU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="2422" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPs9QMuBZeJRk168GCRJ52s6y6-IjUAGTI4w30g9uuquZ_dKgksuN47paNWN0gbak0nwnBwo8UaqeNarp_9nXXwiuBB0HmJMptuSMGgVB1Bg6diQfuELHXe69TP1gmVeJAF7VyrtIzzU3Yp7pnZHFI4BaTT_uxF9A8mi7zMXn-xnaL-wGAMk1JzKT7wDU" width="320" /></a></div>Our final stop was the Morro Bay Marina. We heard California Quail and the coarse ra-tat-tat of a Kingfisher; saw Great Blue Heron, two Pied-billed Grebe, and a marvelous view of an Osprey. In the estuary were scads of Snowy and Great Egret, Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, and a variety of shorebirds. In less than an hour and a half we identified 20 species. Wow! Linda definitely has great birding Karma. Can hardly wait for our next birding adventure.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p> </p></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-37495761895589023582023-08-11T14:48:00.002-07:002023-08-11T15:04:15.715-07:00BIRDING THE BOB JONES TRAIL<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sgiX9swnhQzNVGmNjJqWmf8MN4D6q5iLD92_XSSiE1bpm2Yrl9aAiotJEDcS4YTgHtoahiFsaWgDTGv8MhqLs8VSRa9CQAWMOI8jnOKum4UdKEbf7TkjChpHzBWhmy-_BrkBcQ5lsN2rUThBlFZdWSa_J4SDi04rn7w1dMJfU5xrFdSNWkap0D88ZI8/s4032/BobJonesTrail.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2895" data-original-width="4032" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sgiX9swnhQzNVGmNjJqWmf8MN4D6q5iLD92_XSSiE1bpm2Yrl9aAiotJEDcS4YTgHtoahiFsaWgDTGv8MhqLs8VSRa9CQAWMOI8jnOKum4UdKEbf7TkjChpHzBWhmy-_BrkBcQ5lsN2rUThBlFZdWSa_J4SDi04rn7w1dMJfU5xrFdSNWkap0D88ZI8/s320/BobJonesTrail.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The Bob Jones Trail - Warm sun filters through the Sycamore and the Coast Live Oak. Heavy with leaves, the trees provide a variety of birds with endless opportunities to feed, nest and perch. ( Scroll down for a Bob Jones Trail map.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyXRfh9Y2QZ2xPFv6niYswjjrWDlJyDcOFtq5C1O57o7Nxd81XeriJum4kXI8i0qEpIQPY_PQI922581GZ9CkDyAZDQQ80ADfxxH_Pq44ns13Lf6nlNlGhPmvZ1wYIYSKSovEcB1Ohh5T0dSgeROWBLfn4cIKi3OsKQjk_vdFTwgRc_ZpF6vZ1GvkYCA/s1874/flooded%20Bob%20Jones%20jan23.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1874" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyXRfh9Y2QZ2xPFv6niYswjjrWDlJyDcOFtq5C1O57o7Nxd81XeriJum4kXI8i0qEpIQPY_PQI922581GZ9CkDyAZDQQ80ADfxxH_Pq44ns13Lf6nlNlGhPmvZ1wYIYSKSovEcB1Ohh5T0dSgeROWBLfn4cIKi3OsKQjk_vdFTwgRc_ZpF6vZ1GvkYCA/s320/flooded%20Bob%20Jones%20jan23.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The unusually heavy January rain flooded the trail. Trees, and all the flora along the creek that had suffered from years of drought were now dense with healthy green foliage. Finding a bird in dense vegetation can be difficult, if not impossible, but this morning I was birding by ear - no binoculars and I was using an App.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMe9kaQC_pKUlOlwGAJHPA4oMQz64spg693nA9aq-dpz7G2QHPE6Bpne5u6oat0_xq2H3OqO21PxflgShR6n1prYvkbwpqTSquwBdMTR_nqSeCx5pUAMhuWbTxgcdwhmP6CeEVSSWoWguGA2t9MA6JZ84Yzjz0JezYryX3aIwK3ul05G5YalUNU2XFIr0/s1888/kingfisher.m.b.marina.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1888" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMe9kaQC_pKUlOlwGAJHPA4oMQz64spg693nA9aq-dpz7G2QHPE6Bpne5u6oat0_xq2H3OqO21PxflgShR6n1prYvkbwpqTSquwBdMTR_nqSeCx5pUAMhuWbTxgcdwhmP6CeEVSSWoWguGA2t9MA6JZ84Yzjz0JezYryX3aIwK3ul05G5YalUNU2XFIr0/s320/kingfisher.m.b.marina.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I had added to my phone the Free Merlin Bird ID App created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. To say the App is fabulous and fun to use is an understatement. I was near the creek when I though I heard a Kingfisher, (above) opened the Merlin ID App, clicked on "Sound ID;" Merlin, nearly instantly, identified Kingfisher plus House Finch, Spotted Towhee and Bewick's Wren. Each recording comes with a list of the bird's various songs and calls. The Merlin App is very helpful, especially when vegetation is dense or you would love to know the identity of a tiny bird singing from atop a tall tree. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_qaK_GcHVJ-vm9Cro6sghYevVLKNf2pAQUr4DLw55jrNl3XaCIUsllTE8LmZludwQICjWFqRrpaArykid765Ezp-yOCJoNQQJZCBQumM5N6JB6niKN4235UVRf6ZfCoxLiTZ8muIpTss7ZgoA4uyG8kNAiEytu4FbikWsMQ-3-zcP1NWV0nLahv6vFw/s1182/steller's%20Jay.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1182" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_qaK_GcHVJ-vm9Cro6sghYevVLKNf2pAQUr4DLw55jrNl3XaCIUsllTE8LmZludwQICjWFqRrpaArykid765Ezp-yOCJoNQQJZCBQumM5N6JB6niKN4235UVRf6ZfCoxLiTZ8muIpTss7ZgoA4uyG8kNAiEytu4FbikWsMQ-3-zcP1NWV0nLahv6vFw/s320/steller's%20Jay.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The highlight of the morning was a magnificent view of a Steller's Jay. It was about 20 feet from me digging through leaves when it hopped onto the trail, pecked for a few moments at what looked like a cracker crumb and then flew into a nearby Oak. I was delighted to see, up close, a Steller's Jay, as I had not seen one for several years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXmVubDLjJ-KGZYeHF65X_itgOTVyqfaZqviBTuVKaCna6sm9L_Mekbq9r6wiN5keKCu627mixu9sSJLBEEmh64VF5haYRVY17MuRD4qhaJVfG8I3T8eXRxZJMRcqVra4TwK1H03KSeDnOJG2BG4ie4f0gDY3tmVRI9Yj6cBNYugktkbdNERC7T7h_xE/s1188/green%20heron.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="950" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXmVubDLjJ-KGZYeHF65X_itgOTVyqfaZqviBTuVKaCna6sm9L_Mekbq9r6wiN5keKCu627mixu9sSJLBEEmh64VF5haYRVY17MuRD4qhaJVfG8I3T8eXRxZJMRcqVra4TwK1H03KSeDnOJG2BG4ie4f0gDY3tmVRI9Yj6cBNYugktkbdNERC7T7h_xE/s320/green%20heron.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>Eventually the topography along the trail changes; vegetation is less and the creek can be seen. I was fortunate to see two Green Heron; one patiently perched on a sandbar, the other on a twig hanging over the creek. Their song is a sharp croak and when disturbed a piercing shriek. <div><br /></div><div>Within an hour of birding I had observed or heard 15 species - The memorable birds were Nuttall's Woodpecker and Acorn Woodpecker, Hooded Oriole, Pacific Flycatcher (nest's in the creek), Bewick's Wren (singing), and a flock of Chestnut Chickadee (no Chestnuts but bushels of Acorns).</div><div><br /></div><div>I really like the Bob Jones Trail as it is shaded, has a variety of birds, and midway along the trail is the Woodstone Marketplace with a charming trailside patio and excellent coffee. Guess where I go after birding the Bob Jones?</div><div><br /></div><div>Trail Map. The (1) is the location of the Woodstone Marketplace. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISct_h6Uprdj_D3QYm1RDsIBAH1L7J5uOPw8KAMg4PwOg7dJLuyrj0yVsaD99sn8J4ss9GDyLzLsKqnwfsjwvQ5nDdqOs3H4R5gBhj3ZfYFJ-CctUR2q3_375gEC8Gjog70jrPrxe8-ycAf7l0kMr5FWwVVnG8RNASNqEuF99ncpnvh2iXTz-BCI7KmQ/s1093/bobjones%20trail%20map.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1093" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISct_h6Uprdj_D3QYm1RDsIBAH1L7J5uOPw8KAMg4PwOg7dJLuyrj0yVsaD99sn8J4ss9GDyLzLsKqnwfsjwvQ5nDdqOs3H4R5gBhj3ZfYFJ-CctUR2q3_375gEC8Gjog70jrPrxe8-ycAf7l0kMr5FWwVVnG8RNASNqEuF99ncpnvh2iXTz-BCI7KmQ/s320/bobjones%20trail%20map.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-84461779536953804872023-07-02T20:27:00.001-07:002023-07-03T09:06:16.061-07:00BIRDING THE BLUFF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wj7RPL-PfGKZ5cFB2wTZ0KOVQfiX7sATTLANp6hDmFqA8sD13knjOUr8wenPmQBadZ_566LlwVcBhZMhlragr2a6Q6uLlQH_lx1lYB5OSMXg9HWJSwH4gMiE6DZGxvGVPnaPerNEPpD_rS82EgSJxzWbcC8StoJgootklu7dzpUwJvUnj8v45kLoxQw/s1820/Screenshot%202023-07-02%20at%201.22.31%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1820" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wj7RPL-PfGKZ5cFB2wTZ0KOVQfiX7sATTLANp6hDmFqA8sD13knjOUr8wenPmQBadZ_566LlwVcBhZMhlragr2a6Q6uLlQH_lx1lYB5OSMXg9HWJSwH4gMiE6DZGxvGVPnaPerNEPpD_rS82EgSJxzWbcC8StoJgootklu7dzpUwJvUnj8v45kLoxQw/s320/Screenshot%202023-07-02%20at%201.22.31%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>Montaña de Oro State Park - Bluff Trail - The day was perfect, wind silent, sky semi-cloudy. At the small cove, often referred to as Smuggler's Cove, I was delighted to to see a pair of Black Oystercatcher (Bloy) nesting half way down from the top and a tad to the left of the cleft in the shale rock. (the happy couple in below photo) A parent to be was sitting on the nest. At the present time there are three nesting pair at Montaña de Oro (MdO). Both adults incubate eggs and tend to the chicks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MvkeJCxxP3rMShPiArzGy9wVEK1pKPiydIkxfVubRKBVtHrz7YvaAfnM7SIgqYRgs5uRGETGNTK-o2nnbU5CT7oGKdo3nUNQYCwfWZs4v7FeA-KJ13A5yqT_R_RrIugydKSUOf4GtwIk5ozQDsKL7xkECz3mePrhLiHoQakKpN1kIJgS5epkjW65j18/s2048/384300327_273c62474d_k%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MvkeJCxxP3rMShPiArzGy9wVEK1pKPiydIkxfVubRKBVtHrz7YvaAfnM7SIgqYRgs5uRGETGNTK-o2nnbU5CT7oGKdo3nUNQYCwfWZs4v7FeA-KJ13A5yqT_R_RrIugydKSUOf4GtwIk5ozQDsKL7xkECz3mePrhLiHoQakKpN1kIJgS5epkjW65j18/s320/384300327_273c62474d_k%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fortunately I saw only five Pelagic Cormorant (below), as they are known to prey on Bloy eggs.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo7cDk8N0Ddl1epq4H4-XLERw0oeuoadEWsNlDOiA7o9wj4KCBHxxnvkpn3cIZRKG8BLRIVZohlb8CbB2wgK_g78q4XtXS6o-uSwlS-XVsF3RN8rodWwRsKR8iRjLdMAY6kK3JppVcmNAb9WWzF6s5PGV3Y0hxcHehJv2RpyMPZm0LMCRUyULmFDWD5U/s2048/Image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="2048" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo7cDk8N0Ddl1epq4H4-XLERw0oeuoadEWsNlDOiA7o9wj4KCBHxxnvkpn3cIZRKG8BLRIVZohlb8CbB2wgK_g78q4XtXS6o-uSwlS-XVsF3RN8rodWwRsKR8iRjLdMAY6kK3JppVcmNAb9WWzF6s5PGV3Y0hxcHehJv2RpyMPZm0LMCRUyULmFDWD5U/s320/Image.png" width="320" /></a></div>I have a special fondness for Pigeon Guillemots. They arrive every spring to nest in holes in the eroding cliffs. In August they will return from whence they came. The Guillemots high pitched chatting was magic to my ears. They feed tiny fish to their nestlings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTONHkV61p_yUVjodJRJRW_Bmha6wJODTPdTyjib8qCZIwZkiNDBCOITotAbw29WPtcNdi9OMWzUWU4Ww5wMwS_OPn-EXQXvHTQFupX8J9K6ie4HYOaSx4De8_sJ8IewbXNU_jeL1bjtZSKNdI4koV8rt1lUrs2jzZt2Z9QbVBzBwoWJght_I9Kmaovg/s2048/IMG_2052.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTONHkV61p_yUVjodJRJRW_Bmha6wJODTPdTyjib8qCZIwZkiNDBCOITotAbw29WPtcNdi9OMWzUWU4Ww5wMwS_OPn-EXQXvHTQFupX8J9K6ie4HYOaSx4De8_sJ8IewbXNU_jeL1bjtZSKNdI4koV8rt1lUrs2jzZt2Z9QbVBzBwoWJght_I9Kmaovg/s320/IMG_2052.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>In the cove Turkey Vultures were having a bit of a tiff over a well seasoned carcass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKiuniCCZ9-u-7U5n5kHrrFfjyErI5-m09IVAy2grIhUu0RlIqCpbwQwu5mnc9c1e7HG6gxzYKHCZkFO0mmZ6EJrbe6yXDl3ilN7MpScorZMx5qMy9WKxWWYlTpI457emEhZC-cmuRzVVGMQSvvZEzC2K2KU8kfhB_mEUwJ-_IsHngxqKXLFK8JVKASA/s2734/Copy%20of%20birding%20cloisters-strand%20052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="2734" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKiuniCCZ9-u-7U5n5kHrrFfjyErI5-m09IVAy2grIhUu0RlIqCpbwQwu5mnc9c1e7HG6gxzYKHCZkFO0mmZ6EJrbe6yXDl3ilN7MpScorZMx5qMy9WKxWWYlTpI457emEhZC-cmuRzVVGMQSvvZEzC2K2KU8kfhB_mEUwJ-_IsHngxqKXLFK8JVKASA/s320/Copy%20of%20birding%20cloisters-strand%20052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The flowers were astounding! In my many years at MdO I have never seen such a dense and brilliant display of Eriophyllum staechadifolium, commonly called Lizard Tail or Seaside Woolly Daisy.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt69fEew2q3SBR6dooVPer-vB5Q0fiDVFdksI0c6z7VhLYYsscPgcrTwkOSRqG4eiCvPD--b04hws5BUbHgkdJuP0b1_qgl_oPlG4g-T9cqy-x01DTUeyubywROEy57ZCHGCkfMUZSJwiznWGaGzCYgI9tiYKWhD6GCoG_jXnv7xbxPCoQ2VTRGAXO0E/s3700/IMG_4206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="3700" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt69fEew2q3SBR6dooVPer-vB5Q0fiDVFdksI0c6z7VhLYYsscPgcrTwkOSRqG4eiCvPD--b04hws5BUbHgkdJuP0b1_qgl_oPlG4g-T9cqy-x01DTUeyubywROEy57ZCHGCkfMUZSJwiznWGaGzCYgI9tiYKWhD6GCoG_jXnv7xbxPCoQ2VTRGAXO0E/s320/IMG_4206.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Other Birds - Spotted Towhee (photo), always perched where it can be readily seen, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Common Yellow-throat singing, California Thrasher with an impressive repertoire, and hundreds of Brown Pelican flying north. They often can be seen flying in a line, following the contours of the coastline. Hint for the next time you are birding - Don't forget to look up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8yQMRqGG1oaKELl8P6BMMMMD8bnxjN5kau2Fq-1gevbKKxryrhaZreos0vSURD6E6jyFJo7VHT9XjUYcasyCTdtdQPPtR-gjlTkD-348fZVu0hVBYwzIR4tDzI_f6Jc-WBIa63K-M0rm1qKepu3WQvXSGgAI1G9q8G_4jV85CeJpFut6YgRd0ITYUa8/s2949/P1160155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1958" data-original-width="2949" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8yQMRqGG1oaKELl8P6BMMMMD8bnxjN5kau2Fq-1gevbKKxryrhaZreos0vSURD6E6jyFJo7VHT9XjUYcasyCTdtdQPPtR-gjlTkD-348fZVu0hVBYwzIR4tDzI_f6Jc-WBIa63K-M0rm1qKepu3WQvXSGgAI1G9q8G_4jV85CeJpFut6YgRd0ITYUa8/s320/P1160155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-49401116835183708812023-04-24T20:49:00.002-07:002023-04-26T22:10:14.184-07:00Birding The Central Coast<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWYCkOqim63AAs7lGGVTH8kPTVwY2e9s7f5pFPB9HaVQw0D8bJ8epbY54_TZAqKjqMSdnL9YQaRqjagiV0WPM9MWF0dmRbA0K6nh682Rxgch-LZX6FniNs_XvHfh1Xa_Dr465Z1rDw8vKkry61ed31DZGmz2CFpTUsEHvpPhEtUxpU9HsJ36kfJwj/s3902/on%20Turrri.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2165" data-original-width="3902" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWYCkOqim63AAs7lGGVTH8kPTVwY2e9s7f5pFPB9HaVQw0D8bJ8epbY54_TZAqKjqMSdnL9YQaRqjagiV0WPM9MWF0dmRbA0K6nh682Rxgch-LZX6FniNs_XvHfh1Xa_Dr465Z1rDw8vKkry61ed31DZGmz2CFpTUsEHvpPhEtUxpU9HsJ36kfJwj/s320/on%20Turrri.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Turri Road - A few minutes from San Luis Obispo, a few miles west on Los Osos Valley Road, a right turn onto a quiet rural road and you have arrived. Spring green is the color of the day. Brilliant patches of Buttercups, Lupine, and Poppies add color to the scene. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuNR4KF49NXHFhouD4YjirO7XIga-5h1Yf7n4CRO-4lDMHTddqSCbjU-ZzCESab7eUI_FNbmBGovDDMr6CDm1y5hMwKgs9F9VG_Ms4QwMM90MkZWA6YPVIyGQbm8Qq9kLkN24LIjQcvRMGoZ_TLP3yFgnwgDj80Y75fSuRY_NLOVlbfM0xC-s-Kk8/s3072/westbluebird%20box%20turri.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuNR4KF49NXHFhouD4YjirO7XIga-5h1Yf7n4CRO-4lDMHTddqSCbjU-ZzCESab7eUI_FNbmBGovDDMr6CDm1y5hMwKgs9F9VG_Ms4QwMM90MkZWA6YPVIyGQbm8Qq9kLkN24LIjQcvRMGoZ_TLP3yFgnwgDj80Y75fSuRY_NLOVlbfM0xC-s-Kk8/s320/westbluebird%20box%20turri.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuNR4KF49NXHFhouD4YjirO7XIga-5h1Yf7n4CRO-4lDMHTddqSCbjU-ZzCESab7eUI_FNbmBGovDDMr6CDm1y5hMwKgs9F9VG_Ms4QwMM90MkZWA6YPVIyGQbm8Qq9kLkN24LIjQcvRMGoZ_TLP3yFgnwgDj80Y75fSuRY_NLOVlbfM0xC-s-Kk8/s3072/westbluebird%20box%20turri.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Four Western Bluebird nest boxes were placed along the fencing. Sallying fort from perches on the barbed wire fence was a pair of Bluebirds. Hopefully they will soon be parents.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-y_NplIQAqMILoK1OrvbK3YjzyBuPy_I5zFVk6mhmsoLrzMK3BxmZuSGDbq72xJ8jDSSA_1cGkGUNk3FzL8okxzUMLwZVU9HZvyuJR6jrMwcFKRS3ALv0FPmD8P8EgPdoQ7oZ8SaSjnrbX3FALfemhk1t6PNG4TqZ0tLY7Sh4Jil_Uiz71w5rCfQ/s2814/cassins%20Kingbiird%20Hetch%20Hetchy%20June%203.2015%20035.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2814" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-y_NplIQAqMILoK1OrvbK3YjzyBuPy_I5zFVk6mhmsoLrzMK3BxmZuSGDbq72xJ8jDSSA_1cGkGUNk3FzL8okxzUMLwZVU9HZvyuJR6jrMwcFKRS3ALv0FPmD8P8EgPdoQ7oZ8SaSjnrbX3FALfemhk1t6PNG4TqZ0tLY7Sh4Jil_Uiz71w5rCfQ/s320/cassins%20Kingbiird%20Hetch%20Hetchy%20June%203.2015%20035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As I tootled up the road more Bluebirds and a pair of Cassin's Kingbird. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hD158-S1OkmM9NrZ_4IqNmQRiGLzSXSnaZf_mtQzPA08dPiZ_18BjiBpmBIUO5P_gTOpOOfGyWRmBklRFlFHkXdc3Qsw_6BreQL7q18VoS_G6LHvmLtLZBICIWhyoWgXS1TcE4P1QNdMIYTS7yH9OkbZqOq0tRCx7patpFHdV3iWRRSUFegq3Sjq/s1931/%20we%20bluebird.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1931" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hD158-S1OkmM9NrZ_4IqNmQRiGLzSXSnaZf_mtQzPA08dPiZ_18BjiBpmBIUO5P_gTOpOOfGyWRmBklRFlFHkXdc3Qsw_6BreQL7q18VoS_G6LHvmLtLZBICIWhyoWgXS1TcE4P1QNdMIYTS7yH9OkbZqOq0tRCx7patpFHdV3iWRRSUFegq3Sjq/s320/%20we%20bluebird.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Western Bluebirds are indigenous to the area and may be seen year round. Don't forget to look up as they often perch on utility lines.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Wb86RoeqZqiBR3P3aHaro0flp2tsjlODVNFC2c6VEBcNPxh7vGZePpRYszUjkXMrgdJvXk1Me5HF1fWpxG85dZTvDWz3DViPdDebjYV6fyW4g8rU2xM6FYXBdYnOKGaLWDxxr8MKdf5YUrGbHgJ8Xt-kk4UaIcHSVccpvtKyJfYpBYqLZbfPorG/s1488/Screenshot%202023-04-21%20at%201.37.04%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1488" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Wb86RoeqZqiBR3P3aHaro0flp2tsjlODVNFC2c6VEBcNPxh7vGZePpRYszUjkXMrgdJvXk1Me5HF1fWpxG85dZTvDWz3DViPdDebjYV6fyW4g8rU2xM6FYXBdYnOKGaLWDxxr8MKdf5YUrGbHgJ8Xt-kk4UaIcHSVccpvtKyJfYpBYqLZbfPorG/s320/Screenshot%202023-04-21%20at%201.37.04%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally made it to the top of the hill. Two male Meadowlarks, attempting to attract a female were singing, flicking their tails, and pointing their bill up. They carried on for several minutes, sadly to no avail. The female silently disappeared into the grass. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL63RqSLiHOJ2lRgt0Lxt8IQckx09X9zhdKFmlbKMWp4u1DIa9uOu8Zzr0nwdMH6tGfUmDjKVLW9GmlbkPwR-iYVzfRGRUX_HXOLfY0oKIXMN731lK6KqXJMI-h_4ySi4Dm1EMAy87yXaePUu18Wk3RjkLCdZWeMZryPg5YIyWQfKO10ZJzskuBRk/s3885/Turri%20Rd%20Lark%20Sparrow.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2784" data-original-width="3885" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL63RqSLiHOJ2lRgt0Lxt8IQckx09X9zhdKFmlbKMWp4u1DIa9uOu8Zzr0nwdMH6tGfUmDjKVLW9GmlbkPwR-iYVzfRGRUX_HXOLfY0oKIXMN731lK6KqXJMI-h_4ySi4Dm1EMAy87yXaePUu18Wk3RjkLCdZWeMZryPg5YIyWQfKO10ZJzskuBRk/s320/Turri%20Rd%20Lark%20Sparrow.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was admiring the view when I noticed a small bird perched on a well weathered </span><span style="font-family: arial;">post - A Lark Sparrow, one of my seldom seen favorites. Unlike many song birds, they walk on the ground rather than hop.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFpFoODdIIAWFfimzMx3FvR5By8Q1O3PybgBQ2YO6mfL2gcuRntPtb6u6AAp_E0D9msZeGYvG7U8wL4anubj8tyGkt549fw8XxUvFy0fH8DIabJ6pBRY9AQbiRcKA_p88jAXElurckmr2Kg7Hwn25ZuFioctNt7SG8RQGUL_MvY6iPz0IjLZwoEYk/s1609/lark.sparrow.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1609" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFpFoODdIIAWFfimzMx3FvR5By8Q1O3PybgBQ2YO6mfL2gcuRntPtb6u6AAp_E0D9msZeGYvG7U8wL4anubj8tyGkt549fw8XxUvFy0fH8DIabJ6pBRY9AQbiRcKA_p88jAXElurckmr2Kg7Hwn25ZuFioctNt7SG8RQGUL_MvY6iPz0IjLZwoEYk/s320/lark.sparrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next stop, " t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he ponds." </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DFoDgbb9y7bEqBGgt6Pa_tUNipuRpzDXMVe5Te1s4b_VNiaFk4S3TIElmQwHTN_FpPbdwv9U68B8UK-0erYU9Dzx9SdsfS9isA7ZJPzdESif5O8cWQ-GL5_G7EWElKTwleCp32-p0-VnjHUTBKhd9Dtw1jKfZT_5_jMFmA_zfNDqpfOYMv4c_Gd8/s4032/turri%20rd%20ponds.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2717" data-original-width="4032" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DFoDgbb9y7bEqBGgt6Pa_tUNipuRpzDXMVe5Te1s4b_VNiaFk4S3TIElmQwHTN_FpPbdwv9U68B8UK-0erYU9Dzx9SdsfS9isA7ZJPzdESif5O8cWQ-GL5_G7EWElKTwleCp32-p0-VnjHUTBKhd9Dtw1jKfZT_5_jMFmA_zfNDqpfOYMv4c_Gd8/s320/turri%20rd%20ponds.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">To my delight there was a variety of birds, eight Greater Yellowlegs, one Green-winged Teal, a pair of Northern Shoveler, six Mallards, a Great Egret, a small flock of sandpipers, and a Cinnamon Teal resting on a clump of pickleweed. With the exception of the Teal, they were all voraciously feeding. (photo was taken a few days ago when there were no birds) Many migratory birds use Morro Bay and its adjoining wetlands as a place to rest and refuel.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-16658269620600005822022-11-21T22:27:00.000-08:002022-11-21T22:27:40.494-08:00California's Wild Turkeys<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuTnVyncDn_SWruFW2l2zEizr2zX2as3vsC1fuodk2cPUwJR6iAOAlZJbh9YB3BGZFJwEdUY-NQuWTdxUGKeVGMavbe36Y7LoNWH51heZdWuyvG6zVeJPHgsupb3nMSmWrlNITc55_LstqzjHymHWPEuC8uKaux7SJcfjv9uuzyi49t_Z2zzWknHPp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1839" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuTnVyncDn_SWruFW2l2zEizr2zX2as3vsC1fuodk2cPUwJR6iAOAlZJbh9YB3BGZFJwEdUY-NQuWTdxUGKeVGMavbe36Y7LoNWH51heZdWuyvG6zVeJPHgsupb3nMSmWrlNITc55_LstqzjHymHWPEuC8uKaux7SJcfjv9uuzyi49t_Z2zzWknHPp" width="320" /></a></div>I really like Wild Turkeys. They can be entertaining, especially during breeding season. They have also learned to survive in a variety of habitats - eat all kinds of food, know how to evade hunters, have keen hearing and eyesight, and teach their young how to find food and water in suburban neighborhoods and on golf courses. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCqC6XGv8NqDqLHkMOOj-RbuKEQFvEYcPW4mzxpO2ecs2AhbzW7F01rIJ5kuWBDNiVeiQwFb9ooGAmKNF6MFGo5kLvj2KmDdd17eR1aozJSn3uLEmTLlH9JHrAkcj1ovEIi3QC1NgaEsO-PzW0wTdj3ph4aKaA7rN3JePhUz5mDULMwXeBaH7XlRTx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1985" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCqC6XGv8NqDqLHkMOOj-RbuKEQFvEYcPW4mzxpO2ecs2AhbzW7F01rIJ5kuWBDNiVeiQwFb9ooGAmKNF6MFGo5kLvj2KmDdd17eR1aozJSn3uLEmTLlH9JHrAkcj1ovEIi3QC1NgaEsO-PzW0wTdj3ph4aKaA7rN3JePhUz5mDULMwXeBaH7XlRTx" width="320" /></a></div> Tom Wild Turkey in full strut mode, ready to impress the females (Hens).<p></p><p>Identifying males, aka Toms or Gobblers (adult Toms) - 1. Caruncles. 2. Snood. 3. Wattle. 4. Major Caruncle. 5. Beard (brush like feathers - can grow up to 12 inches).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-eGJRHTksBqPzb7G6ocG6WRUAG9fBHpT5zA-q-vWYYFwzgDRZml8gjh76_qBJgXYMmg6isYVcDNVFwVzZN09xB7pvXXSpmi_sMMunPk6AjhiOouS4mybBeJlP41lYptT2fMwvxGkj3kmCYGL4RwsvQMzyE50SpiRir0dAtV_ISryB-QIDOEnH1KHp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2046" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-eGJRHTksBqPzb7G6ocG6WRUAG9fBHpT5zA-q-vWYYFwzgDRZml8gjh76_qBJgXYMmg6isYVcDNVFwVzZN09xB7pvXXSpmi_sMMunPk6AjhiOouS4mybBeJlP41lYptT2fMwvxGkj3kmCYGL4RwsvQMzyE50SpiRir0dAtV_ISryB-QIDOEnH1KHp" width="320" /></a></div>Dressed to Impress - Gobblers strut slowly, painfully slow if you are in a car waiting for them to cross the road. About half way the Tom in charge will change his mind and the "raffle"** will slowly begin their strut back to the original point of entry. Meanwhile the hens, who the Toms are trying to impress, are nearly out of sight. Hint to birders - Binoculars are not needed to observe Toms in Breeding Plumage.<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnAZ4l7b-EE--oRr7D9tHpsuPXO9vp9Nqetau4igBEeK4fdW3XxN9M_HCxDNUBpCm92ymN4uTwpytv_L5-NO0A-W556zEXccjc361OXh21DGop-GUimxuH7JzZWh0C3w-PNkKQkndERiiy63P4CWHx1nBw-M8jEsHhKM9yLVQW8ciqEZlyKNVJrGfy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="2048" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnAZ4l7b-EE--oRr7D9tHpsuPXO9vp9Nqetau4igBEeK4fdW3XxN9M_HCxDNUBpCm92ymN4uTwpytv_L5-NO0A-W556zEXccjc361OXh21DGop-GUimxuH7JzZWh0C3w-PNkKQkndERiiy63P4CWHx1nBw-M8jEsHhKM9yLVQW8ciqEZlyKNVJrGfy" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hens, much like human females, are in charge of hatching and raising the young. Unfortunately, Hens must abandon the nest to search for food, leaving the eggs vulnerable to predators. The few survivors of the nesting process, mature quickly. At five to six weeks they begin roosting in trees, thus reducing their vulnerability to predators. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj31emvw3fstEEOe2nIKveNVJECOZcH8rCXVSmcrNHZBcxQguOX3JWa5xlonfQo0pUFyTJmBgoTtszToKypLMYchWguTdC6wu5octhLepzllJzbQKJSCYfaE7rziRT4WAM32_zgAKGMenapSiHgJwRGgvhXyGAyxh1GRJD3Fxhc1gyI00zQZkGxiVL2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="959" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj31emvw3fstEEOe2nIKveNVJECOZcH8rCXVSmcrNHZBcxQguOX3JWa5xlonfQo0pUFyTJmBgoTtszToKypLMYchWguTdC6wu5octhLepzllJzbQKJSCYfaE7rziRT4WAM32_zgAKGMenapSiHgJwRGgvhXyGAyxh1GRJD3Fxhc1gyI00zQZkGxiVL2" width="230" /></a></div>The Wild Turkey is not indigenous to California. Developing a wild turkey population was unsuccessful in California until the 1950s when California Fish and Game imported the Rio Grande Wild Turkey from Texas. Wild Turkeys are now abundant throughout the state.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNJVv8o7hTzOodTuPxfhguQ7uJ-LACemcH0H2GCRzdiOINMub_yuZH-6f1qE070pFlu8iMrIv_f3ywATNWBnrMpIzk8FiPXmXjk5LI9PypTyVzizjio9LF4cFgPryDx4aeXpZ3sRj7dwCtXn6UPdhZ45Di1k5ICo_W98rN-zlE3zfsZL8onW5EcrEr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1693" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNJVv8o7hTzOodTuPxfhguQ7uJ-LACemcH0H2GCRzdiOINMub_yuZH-6f1qE070pFlu8iMrIv_f3ywATNWBnrMpIzk8FiPXmXjk5LI9PypTyVzizjio9LF4cFgPryDx4aeXpZ3sRj7dwCtXn6UPdhZ45Di1k5ICo_W98rN-zlE3zfsZL8onW5EcrEr" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Neighborhood Menace? These innocuous appearing birds can quickly become pests. <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEoU1O4pKns" width="320" youtube-src-id="SEoU1O4pKns"></iframe> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><p></p><p> <br /> </p></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-37430894679256761492022-06-14T08:59:00.003-07:002022-06-14T08:59:58.292-07:00Birding Laguna Lake Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrXK7Roc-Zu1uqpvelUNOLqjJ8ZBvUG8uCvb1GKg9xWNnK3BvFTIyugteNVKPKRukP-Ad9ncxKG8R5OaAyVaZDJ9Le-W4sLdOA_8zWG_G2n23ihKzHEW_hWur3PsyL9V9xui8hRdbWReMJ_dj-BpInafloajc2nWbtMQTcFWRSpTuRuADSffOhGKy/s4030/lake.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="4030" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrXK7Roc-Zu1uqpvelUNOLqjJ8ZBvUG8uCvb1GKg9xWNnK3BvFTIyugteNVKPKRukP-Ad9ncxKG8R5OaAyVaZDJ9Le-W4sLdOA_8zWG_G2n23ihKzHEW_hWur3PsyL9V9xui8hRdbWReMJ_dj-BpInafloajc2nWbtMQTcFWRSpTuRuADSffOhGKy/s320/lake.heic" width="320" /></a></div>Laguna Lake - The weather was perfect, warming sun with a slight breeze. The hill, center left, is Bishop Peak. The hill to the right is Cerro San Luis aka Madonna Mountain.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v6B4_kShkGY2Ka728J1yAi9t9f5SAycdwXjR-NUIxSmSijSfLIb3YQbpFUCRUaT_SJ00yeQQFi03xxeMjxONF3pD6Lqxk-MheQoJi_XqTwLpZEkWcMBLz8uSLNZYTXAvF1tfKFCiAmBFoLlamQMdtuOWpALgw7lgjmcqRMggdBp8WcwmjkhohYNn/s2048/grackle.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v6B4_kShkGY2Ka728J1yAi9t9f5SAycdwXjR-NUIxSmSijSfLIb3YQbpFUCRUaT_SJ00yeQQFi03xxeMjxONF3pD6Lqxk-MheQoJi_XqTwLpZEkWcMBLz8uSLNZYTXAvF1tfKFCiAmBFoLlamQMdtuOWpALgw7lgjmcqRMggdBp8WcwmjkhohYNn/s320/grackle.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>With boisterous enthusiasm a Great-tailed Grackle welcomed me to the park.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUo14VaFftnVr51aeBeDglgAT3Vk1lIQPl1gtWuLc-R1WsebEecWqU7VIQEX37TSd6AeXCoHddjI8oClsoIg1n8OZlXlyknpVt47ARMIFK7Wko84ZpCaZdkFudCmMUKdrusv_bYzXsmp9OTbWXFHU4IMgs6D1w_cTnVm1_ccp63FowtEk0Ybh5dNl/s4030/reeds.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2691" data-original-width="4030" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUo14VaFftnVr51aeBeDglgAT3Vk1lIQPl1gtWuLc-R1WsebEecWqU7VIQEX37TSd6AeXCoHddjI8oClsoIg1n8OZlXlyknpVt47ARMIFK7Wko84ZpCaZdkFudCmMUKdrusv_bYzXsmp9OTbWXFHU4IMgs6D1w_cTnVm1_ccp63FowtEk0Ybh5dNl/s320/reeds.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div>I had noticed, from a distance, a few water fowl; could not determine species, so found an area closer to the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia71-eKgiOs-wiFQuWvqg7pmU1pKRieiN0C7dOgJxbdDvwJM4JuvGzI6nast_msBpaNFNVszBi-jVJsClaps_W50mv1O_vOluLt3UW-H_o_nXsN9ghhQxyDHK9CXXVDjdicE1M70v_71SVONHkrf6JQN0moMg66nTnTt0nddHoYsTiem1j4WI0AHbj/s1939/wren.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1939" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia71-eKgiOs-wiFQuWvqg7pmU1pKRieiN0C7dOgJxbdDvwJM4JuvGzI6nast_msBpaNFNVszBi-jVJsClaps_W50mv1O_vOluLt3UW-H_o_nXsN9ghhQxyDHK9CXXVDjdicE1M70v_71SVONHkrf6JQN0moMg66nTnTt0nddHoYsTiem1j4WI0AHbj/s320/wren.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A perky Marsh Wren was dashing through the reeds, loudly calling. Perhaps my presence had disturbed him. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYjdF2kk1u-I7svdZZuyCf21dSPeVtleAPRt5xisClvHAFH1w5BKvBDHBOjhYffTEYZ2FXuNSiLx99c0BtTcax5QguFP0zFB8CIY8c1Vr4cWyW4z9RLGjUbHlPdD3E2O1y0pcPY0yWqAOYc-HGsupYAck0QqG6PdvqyfELSADjpZ077KWEh0mhWWa/s960/best.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="960" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYjdF2kk1u-I7svdZZuyCf21dSPeVtleAPRt5xisClvHAFH1w5BKvBDHBOjhYffTEYZ2FXuNSiLx99c0BtTcax5QguFP0zFB8CIY8c1Vr4cWyW4z9RLGjUbHlPdD3E2O1y0pcPY0yWqAOYc-HGsupYAck0QqG6PdvqyfELSADjpZ077KWEh0mhWWa/s320/best.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The male Marsh Wren is quite vocal when it comes to protecting his territory. He may build numerous nests in hopes of attracting a mate. The more nests he builds, the more chances he has of success.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjaMXyhx6GfK0TwnPjLCJYCXGASPKLAcXUDi4U1yupFla1zn0fkkTA25h5rqJIdpEW4sLRq7hWWKie6pCxBOQRj9zravT0dWgDhwYNqjLIaexnzKEcsk-mZZihqpPWrOQOSOTYHPC8wl3YnHgoOcO7TEaN-mlcIapQMqyTJ1eaAu3aeGYTkhdQb1x/s1863/pacifi%20flyc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1863" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjaMXyhx6GfK0TwnPjLCJYCXGASPKLAcXUDi4U1yupFla1zn0fkkTA25h5rqJIdpEW4sLRq7hWWKie6pCxBOQRj9zravT0dWgDhwYNqjLIaexnzKEcsk-mZZihqpPWrOQOSOTYHPC8wl3YnHgoOcO7TEaN-mlcIapQMqyTJ1eaAu3aeGYTkhdQb1x/s320/pacifi%20flyc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Singing from a Willow thicket were Song Sparrow, House Finch, and a handsome Pacific Flycatcher. (photo). The wind was picking up. Tiny waves were lapping at the shore line. Since most of our winter guests have returned to their breeding areas, birds on the lake were scarce - two Pied-billed Grebe, two female Northern Shoveler, one Canada Goose, and a lonely male Ruddy Duck. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W8l59z3cMShwfIysotMxs0m_QJn2D2EBbizjNoqzmvulEGLcY7Udhz5v6vLK17KcY-kdBfcGWeqPKaoUUOQXd8eh6aPMFvGgyhy5qp3ARKmPMdaVvrzpv5VCRzwo3ajVSzU0gE5_WEPsC70YZrbfmvvq6Gfi_unxNONdguehOoIhZAsIxgG1q1hc/s640/sora-cloisterspond.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="640" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W8l59z3cMShwfIysotMxs0m_QJn2D2EBbizjNoqzmvulEGLcY7Udhz5v6vLK17KcY-kdBfcGWeqPKaoUUOQXd8eh6aPMFvGgyhy5qp3ARKmPMdaVvrzpv5VCRzwo3ajVSzU0gE5_WEPsC70YZrbfmvvq6Gfi_unxNONdguehOoIhZAsIxgG1q1hc/s320/sora-cloisterspond.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Across the lake a Sora was calling (photo taken at Cloisters Pond). Like all rails, the Sora has big feet, making it easier to walk on floating reeds. The Sora, when it emerges from the reeds, does not appear to mind huge two legged creatures staring at them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDfJT36qPYMuae0OR4CgSohp9DObJZ2GIl_nCIXt-QZqBzHOUXRVqoSlAgXSI8RafCmtO-RTOs6qoqLewZOCM-N-CxIZp8_UA8z6qTO6etIOxGjlce8oLlL1choxd0fGxUQb6KX-3pIz3v50x5Zup3dq5bZOsSWtxF4TH9Navwar2JqMcnajemCG6/s1024/collage.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDfJT36qPYMuae0OR4CgSohp9DObJZ2GIl_nCIXt-QZqBzHOUXRVqoSlAgXSI8RafCmtO-RTOs6qoqLewZOCM-N-CxIZp8_UA8z6qTO6etIOxGjlce8oLlL1choxd0fGxUQb6KX-3pIz3v50x5Zup3dq5bZOsSWtxF4TH9Navwar2JqMcnajemCG6/s320/collage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The treat for the morning was seeing a Lark Sparrow. As I neared the barbed wire fence that separates the park from the open space, I could see a Lark Sparrow perched on the old fence, her tiny feet carefully placed between the forever sharp barbs. I kept my distance - watched her find a morning morsel, and then fly off with a tiny insect securely held in her beak - perhaps to her nestlings that were eagerly waiting her return. <br /><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /> <br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div><br /></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-346304799585323332022-05-20T15:51:00.003-07:002022-05-20T15:59:26.369-07:00Central Coast Ibis - Here Today Gone Tomorrow<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7nt7w7YLNY7oANB0rdJltCU_f2-kysX-koXYICkf6GR9wIC5gnUb9gq3nLrNkOujrBdWup0YoKd3U1aDPNNTEBzZaWtE7K085WzNuiHhTy8IhjK1iO51MrHJBQffuAcLMdd8b6AcQv2W21ffVkAY7XybWwqX31urte9e2kDvha37xQak5eYFaD9B/s3794/turri%20rd%20and%20hill%20scene.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="3794" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7nt7w7YLNY7oANB0rdJltCU_f2-kysX-koXYICkf6GR9wIC5gnUb9gq3nLrNkOujrBdWup0YoKd3U1aDPNNTEBzZaWtE7K085WzNuiHhTy8IhjK1iO51MrHJBQffuAcLMdd8b6AcQv2W21ffVkAY7XybWwqX31urte9e2kDvha37xQak5eYFaD9B/s320/turri%20rd%20and%20hill%20scene.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Turri Road - Los Osos Ca - Seeking a White-faced Ibis and a Solitary Sandpiper. I was headed east on Turri Road, a scenic rural route between South Bay Blvd and Los Osos Valley Road. From South Bay Blvd I traveled about a mile and a half to a dilapidated cattle pen, nearly adjacent to an ephemeral pond/wetland, often used by cattle and migratory birds.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIMoAab8zk7VN-k-rPf4_a05ORf-PpqTId6S7w6JeDQStbY8dzRwouhdc_hSVrkzzW_T5KZ61uhdiwyE7CHri5NBGrHMN6USZDB5zlZWHLccD4WQn4SczZ00JZVTM-pDE3Cc4-UobWQHMW9oJhBkifj3YKc61DgiphOkNQ8CUI4dljO9X1T76L3rx/s1024/collage%202%20iibis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIMoAab8zk7VN-k-rPf4_a05ORf-PpqTId6S7w6JeDQStbY8dzRwouhdc_hSVrkzzW_T5KZ61uhdiwyE7CHri5NBGrHMN6USZDB5zlZWHLccD4WQn4SczZ00JZVTM-pDE3Cc4-UobWQHMW9oJhBkifj3YKc61DgiphOkNQ8CUI4dljO9X1T76L3rx/s320/collage%202%20iibis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Fortune shined this cloudy morning. The White-faced Ibis were peacefully feeding in the wetland, their glossy maroon and metallic green feathers appearing to shimmer in the morning light. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PXIGz-lv02pNuG5Hgg4pM2oT9_eVqxhAkt5i5DwrsspahIw0KhPkApg12IBO2d-sd102hmu34bNg5Vk5n1dwMvGevK-SxHacHNGbChyMyl5N4K5IFA0R0iFO3oaVwbJTwTknPof9i2p1aYTglO4PFg8kKx9A1hsdu7aTUOUBC10g43N-IhwGk_ts/s2048/best%20ibis%20photo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PXIGz-lv02pNuG5Hgg4pM2oT9_eVqxhAkt5i5DwrsspahIw0KhPkApg12IBO2d-sd102hmu34bNg5Vk5n1dwMvGevK-SxHacHNGbChyMyl5N4K5IFA0R0iFO3oaVwbJTwTknPof9i2p1aYTglO4PFg8kKx9A1hsdu7aTUOUBC10g43N-IhwGk_ts/s320/best%20ibis%20photo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>White-faced Ibis, with their long decurved bill, eat a variety of organisms such as insects, frogs, snails, small fish, spiders, and earthworms. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xVirP2xSCT3U2t1QJL4A0piyycASvPXf_yq2P2APfK63CWx0Pp_d1k5Dcd1r3EwAt5g4gUIrhBhU5LYo7EI54jJyseg79ITLTDMgPMWSbZYAOCaLy3UTof2o-kLG0W2JH9y5rwKB9Zjc7A2XpI14NZvFwngxn-fRC8kwPTA9PI7ejjQCBBbauRmS/s3840/pond%20scene.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2293" data-original-width="3840" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xVirP2xSCT3U2t1QJL4A0piyycASvPXf_yq2P2APfK63CWx0Pp_d1k5Dcd1r3EwAt5g4gUIrhBhU5LYo7EI54jJyseg79ITLTDMgPMWSbZYAOCaLy3UTof2o-kLG0W2JH9y5rwKB9Zjc7A2XpI14NZvFwngxn-fRC8kwPTA9PI7ejjQCBBbauRmS/s320/pond%20scene.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The Solitary Sandpiper was difficult to locate as it was feeding in tall grass. Now and then I caught a glimpse. Finally it came out of the grass and I was able to identify the little darling. What proved to be helpful was its tendency to bob. Every time her tail went up, it exposed her startlingly white "derriere." Her movement was similar to the Spotted Sandpiper's tail bobbing, but slower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gljY2volpzbcW9YWjqFYCMKsK7NlCgbGB-3awRU_OzUoHkGt3vvX_BPPFX4awNvD_3DYIrSZ-4YU3udvqWg9kF5ofqn20VyfDfeD_1ZxsOibI_pu_p9BKqBNgBIgtODurFGUdTsenWgqWHLhHxuGz-UCwea0joZeNNx2egZim800sMPhzaAYoMrN/s1500/solitary%20sandpiper.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1500" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gljY2volpzbcW9YWjqFYCMKsK7NlCgbGB-3awRU_OzUoHkGt3vvX_BPPFX4awNvD_3DYIrSZ-4YU3udvqWg9kF5ofqn20VyfDfeD_1ZxsOibI_pu_p9BKqBNgBIgtODurFGUdTsenWgqWHLhHxuGz-UCwea0joZeNNx2egZim800sMPhzaAYoMrN/s320/solitary%20sandpiper.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The Solitary Sandpiper is smaller than a Lesser Yellowleg and larger than a Western Sandpiper; it has distinctive white eye rings, and greenish/yellow legs. It prefers to forage in small stagnant pools, just like the one off Turri Road. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXmflD8qRLNBTHaZHO_5m-C7PXM6fefLuVL9O87vw7fONQY4XQ5k2QpzoOSoTtlm2T9KL2_6l74bzXHr7jYGczniPH2NW7Pbufdi7UhWk05Lfv0lhh24fmlptV88jwWDcrrCbx6uHXI4Zzgu9R5gkdY2NHA9-l07ZO30Um-sdtZNF8ZKr5ffvj4Z1/s3856/two%20tvs%20at%20carcass.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="3856" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXmflD8qRLNBTHaZHO_5m-C7PXM6fefLuVL9O87vw7fONQY4XQ5k2QpzoOSoTtlm2T9KL2_6l74bzXHr7jYGczniPH2NW7Pbufdi7UhWk05Lfv0lhh24fmlptV88jwWDcrrCbx6uHXI4Zzgu9R5gkdY2NHA9-l07ZO30Um-sdtZNF8ZKr5ffvj4Z1/s320/two%20tvs%20at%20carcass.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Adding to the marvelous morning was a "wake" of Turkey Vultures feeding on a small raccoon carcass. Several were in the air, circling, while others perched on the nearby fence. I am charmed by their gentleness and patience.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU61b3v0QE4e0OU5FA8rgf1VGeY6anRmHu-SVnaCRvuKP1gYRMs6u9fG33Yv8oGpOiwOkLaAAXaoklemzov-SWiCsuUggm3-oK10B1ttde3VOOsZVAy3gBOXuvbwtWai4g9ArKz68D-2-Kg9devyp9iMF8WtCDomDCFbx-u-fJds0lXRQRROqdIOZR/s1024/fence%20collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU61b3v0QE4e0OU5FA8rgf1VGeY6anRmHu-SVnaCRvuKP1gYRMs6u9fG33Yv8oGpOiwOkLaAAXaoklemzov-SWiCsuUggm3-oK10B1ttde3VOOsZVAy3gBOXuvbwtWai4g9ArKz68D-2-Kg9devyp9iMF8WtCDomDCFbx-u-fJds0lXRQRROqdIOZR/s320/fence%20collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Up the hillside from the pond/wetland is an isolated section of fence. When I arrived four turkey Vultures were perched on the fence. Joining the Vultures was a Western Bluebird and a Cassin's Kingbird. Both eat insects. From the fence they would fly up, hovering for several moments, checking the air and grassland for prey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH_Vbe0kid2tE-aKtN_3U60RLimDQVeBVsmsl05DlM1ymjJPMfg_k9L4_Ui9YCbphD2DuQu-oO3mOrJnEtyDeVtYN5yjmrxBVItnsyRNHKBVQP6GI_05Lp4AAdtFSYmPxIGBH9HKdTuWUqaniAZlxWq1KGWP4xfY1cWUkx6Jul8eJgk9A4MKWPPz5/s1931/western%20bluibird.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1931" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH_Vbe0kid2tE-aKtN_3U60RLimDQVeBVsmsl05DlM1ymjJPMfg_k9L4_Ui9YCbphD2DuQu-oO3mOrJnEtyDeVtYN5yjmrxBVItnsyRNHKBVQP6GI_05Lp4AAdtFSYmPxIGBH9HKdTuWUqaniAZlxWq1KGWP4xfY1cWUkx6Jul8eJgk9A4MKWPPz5/s320/western%20bluibird.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Cassin's caught its prey in mid-air while the Western Bluebird found its prey on the ground. With goals achieved, they returned to their original perch. </div><div><div> </div><div> Other Birds of the morning - Across the road in a Willow/Sycamore/Oak thicket were Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Oak Titmouse, Northern Flicker, and a Downey Woodpecker continually drumming.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>The Ibis are gone now, but there is a good chance they will return next season, that is IF we get rain.</div><div> <br /><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /> </p></div></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-37015959658738847092022-03-31T19:35:00.002-07:002022-04-28T16:08:37.773-07:00Birding the Swine Ponds<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2uSalcMmTPWh3tH__0EYNqhxIF0bVnWGD8OhxbB7QewCICi1P70Pgwx9j1t94fVHxTHzH-zcES2OSRYzgCMu4Db8nnSaHEiMF2BBbwDPnYveMT7TQDiAoJzwPNu6p3xa6bdTumvJXPv35ZDrSTTBK9mR0ZUwDtTnw10zfR1DAzPlvjo0pIpZf2y3I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="3943" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2uSalcMmTPWh3tH__0EYNqhxIF0bVnWGD8OhxbB7QewCICi1P70Pgwx9j1t94fVHxTHzH-zcES2OSRYzgCMu4Db8nnSaHEiMF2BBbwDPnYveMT7TQDiAoJzwPNu6p3xa6bdTumvJXPv35ZDrSTTBK9mR0ZUwDtTnw10zfR1DAzPlvjo0pIpZf2y3I" width="320" /></a></div><p>Cal Poly - Sunday Morning before a greatly anticipated rain storm - Thanks to a friend who had given me a detailed map, I finally found the swine ponds. Coots were feeding in the thick slim that had coagulated around the edge of the pond. There was an odor, but it was not bad. A lone male Mallard was perched at the end of a pipe that drains fluids from the pens. For several weeks a Common Gallinule aka Common Moorhen had been seen at this location. I figured I had a 50/50 chance of seeing it, and the chances were iffy, as Moorhens have a tendency to be secretive. I would either see it or I would not see it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbw736RRUAWtmAuDQlmnXa99pbBPdJFV6W39r87eqwq_ewznhw2gt7az6nBks-Y2MeQYlkIKTdWNx8vNUTumMqePYOarbP_5wZTiOKiIAwbl1Dt5NykwfAxqqsqhd05j0Nk0sAeFvVwZ1LzRMLqZ4SegCX1KUoY-QThzHuf8O8IzlFMI27p2EkKOQ8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1882" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbw736RRUAWtmAuDQlmnXa99pbBPdJFV6W39r87eqwq_ewznhw2gt7az6nBks-Y2MeQYlkIKTdWNx8vNUTumMqePYOarbP_5wZTiOKiIAwbl1Dt5NykwfAxqqsqhd05j0Nk0sAeFvVwZ1LzRMLqZ4SegCX1KUoY-QThzHuf8O8IzlFMI27p2EkKOQ8" width="320" /></a></div>Moorhens have a rather vivid red head shield and a pointy bill tip that reminds me of candy corn. I walked along the edge of the berm, eventually finding a good view of the reeds. A few drops had begun to fall when the infrequent visitor emerged from the reeds giving me a brief but splendid view. Yeah! The Common Moorhen is a member of the rail family. It is found in aquatic environment's, often nesting in reeds. The female lays from 2-12 eggs; both parents incubate the eggs. A group of Moorhens is known as a, "plump."<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCVfaS8X0Al-O5ua0r4Td4xHMZrl4EaFAi9qTxsewVrzaOFQrvbYABz2bg9j69o-Wx6AfabnJl41q7Jx_fIxp-jgMaZj293rJXWBh7joopcgc5Tv9EB6XUYxDR15DxfcyRgpl28u6-VqkWzVp0bavCVe9lx0bcBgrJLitDQdUB2-wmeNmQFVZ9DOFg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCVfaS8X0Al-O5ua0r4Td4xHMZrl4EaFAi9qTxsewVrzaOFQrvbYABz2bg9j69o-Wx6AfabnJl41q7Jx_fIxp-jgMaZj293rJXWBh7joopcgc5Tv9EB6XUYxDR15DxfcyRgpl28u6-VqkWzVp0bavCVe9lx0bcBgrJLitDQdUB2-wmeNmQFVZ9DOFg" width="320" /></a></div>The other pond was low on water. There were a few Coots and Mallards and a pair of Killdeer. Red-winged Blackbirds cheerfully sang from a nearby willow. Overhead Turkey Vulture soared. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNWe8B1dzh8YHpi2E2d7go5MOFE1rhX2SR8_moCvlwtTSfkY0RHV7Ezw7I780-y5l-n-Imc1BGQELvFyneCKCuTBpnpGNgk-FWtVmwSIYkJkX4IazYQkaYerpUzVlze7U8V-diO2aPNjbgNKpspmhKv4648PNX-di_WUgBIPPrSHWJ9Ru0venkUORx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2734" data-original-width="3863" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNWe8B1dzh8YHpi2E2d7go5MOFE1rhX2SR8_moCvlwtTSfkY0RHV7Ezw7I780-y5l-n-Imc1BGQELvFyneCKCuTBpnpGNgk-FWtVmwSIYkJkX4IazYQkaYerpUzVlze7U8V-diO2aPNjbgNKpspmhKv4648PNX-di_WUgBIPPrSHWJ9Ru0venkUORx" width="320" /></a></div>Last sighting for the day was a motionless Cal Poly bovine. There are two types of cows,* "Zebu," humped cows from Eastern Asia and cows without humps, from Western Eurasia. Perhaps the bovine of the day was related to the Zebu as it had a fatty hump and a "dewlap," the flesh that hangs below the neck.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgATvLiJ9d9jI7h-4FPsVu_rQsGmp6C4bFyi63UQRBgWHzRcEg73Nwl21mcuXY4r3XiBIn5aNZRqMoAnERSNr7RkCuhOr6If-KQB387vid9o3E2nO9sPA8popDrIMw7gRAcOxhJlKHF810erOKjALIE-k1cBLs3PG966GeJuHejHJKSeBnYvEmM9FXG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgATvLiJ9d9jI7h-4FPsVu_rQsGmp6C4bFyi63UQRBgWHzRcEg73Nwl21mcuXY4r3XiBIn5aNZRqMoAnERSNr7RkCuhOr6If-KQB387vid9o3E2nO9sPA8popDrIMw7gRAcOxhJlKHF810erOKjALIE-k1cBLs3PG966GeJuHejHJKSeBnYvEmM9FXG" width="320" /></a></div>In the same paddock another Zebu like bovine. I am becoming quite fond of cows.</div><div><br /></div><div>* Definition of "Cow." - a domestic bovine animal regardless of sex or age<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /> <p></p></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-9465365069458932312022-03-16T21:59:00.002-07:002022-03-17T09:03:28.231-07:00Birding Cal Poly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmrXqmypgU7G4g2aJFP5NsY_cZVi2PwV515bIWjdMe9unXvqmO_ydOhw2sBa5zEnCi-SyqacoOx44zaWdgblbMd9zMv0VrjenzpTd0p4o12BOc_VVYPSP08_LydtfDYVE0TXnly8epWKfZsaVZdrIjtFKWTPCRXv1ccDdNQgwXPgx2x5EPUJY9wNAc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2603" data-original-width="3757" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmrXqmypgU7G4g2aJFP5NsY_cZVi2PwV515bIWjdMe9unXvqmO_ydOhw2sBa5zEnCi-SyqacoOx44zaWdgblbMd9zMv0VrjenzpTd0p4o12BOc_VVYPSP08_LydtfDYVE0TXnly8epWKfZsaVZdrIjtFKWTPCRXv1ccDdNQgwXPgx2x5EPUJY9wNAc" width="320" /></a></div>Stenner Creek Road passes through the Cal Poly University outback- First sighting, Bishop Peak. Elevation 1546 feet; it is the highest in a chain of volcanic remnants known as the "Nine Sisters.<div><br /></div><div>Next sighting, a Black Angus bull - a double take kind of experience, as I had never seen an Angus Bull close enough to touch. It was enormous! Cal Poly is known for its extensive beef cattle program. </div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii-zRWHyLhhP6KkZmqYKvOBlpzTP-23dG-we90AEa_T8CZm2Km-zgypdxgJwl86l3QagrVWgZOAK-xAj-21pO8hF2JWVlHWcEcPq99_bix81UV7-YiJS7ipwdAJApcQuj58WI_ybAzzaI5euPiMkeAqPGb_Nu0nGh5xP8a3-GMsajurbinlB2YykX_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2522" data-original-width="3363" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii-zRWHyLhhP6KkZmqYKvOBlpzTP-23dG-we90AEa_T8CZm2Km-zgypdxgJwl86l3QagrVWgZOAK-xAj-21pO8hF2JWVlHWcEcPq99_bix81UV7-YiJS7ipwdAJApcQuj58WI_ybAzzaI5euPiMkeAqPGb_Nu0nGh5xP8a3-GMsajurbinlB2YykX_" width="320" /></a></div>Back to birding - A few yards from the cattle pens was a pond with four Northern Shoveler; three male and one female actively feeding. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1O4uKSPSqcjP751TnrUimGsyagyzydEdBXtj2PtoONJSOZ2s-8m-IciAJomm7kUzrVOk0EX8zPGEaxT2xxn6-QH_vKk46IMH4fJt3-8LqC3kLhPZu3b7uvgNtZM49jZm2evDfuiRK5cWA1_05nR7MM8DKIeuXrMHgky1qXbtxH6CN-cbLmklHMFcg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1O4uKSPSqcjP751TnrUimGsyagyzydEdBXtj2PtoONJSOZ2s-8m-IciAJomm7kUzrVOk0EX8zPGEaxT2xxn6-QH_vKk46IMH4fJt3-8LqC3kLhPZu3b7uvgNtZM49jZm2evDfuiRK5cWA1_05nR7MM8DKIeuXrMHgky1qXbtxH6CN-cbLmklHMFcg" width="320" /></a></div> Across the road White-crowned Sparrow, Western Bluebird; Cassin's Kingbird sallied out from it's perch to take insects in midair (photo by Mike Baird). Brewer's Blackbirds in the thousands around the cattle pens. Overhead a Red-tailed Hawk soared with Turkey Vultures. It had been awhile since I had been out and about - every sighting was a joy to behold. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGAayJIYH3cYCOT7rXHtzgIEskySFMKMGgHTxsScdsKZqjLV0v6qcjfapC4LhUbJ4ddykIZLNcqJ-DOI1Sszefom7K8sIoX4KnMroFi54utdQldO1IbI4vpev3xcNbPSwiTX6tNi8bYAWH5qmlFGWpbDfi_5ksbGpUnZ2hXs0TIjDgiomvqcV3gMZ2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2814" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGAayJIYH3cYCOT7rXHtzgIEskySFMKMGgHTxsScdsKZqjLV0v6qcjfapC4LhUbJ4ddykIZLNcqJ-DOI1Sszefom7K8sIoX4KnMroFi54utdQldO1IbI4vpev3xcNbPSwiTX6tNi8bYAWH5qmlFGWpbDfi_5ksbGpUnZ2hXs0TIjDgiomvqcV3gMZ2" width="320" /></a></div>After passing through an extensive grove of mature avocado trees I came to Stenner Creek. Sycamore, Arroyo Willow, and Live Oak were the primary trees along and in the creek. The scrub brush was dry and dense. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>80 feet overhead was an impressive, heavily rusted 129 year old train trestle with a span of 950 feet. Freight and passenger trains cross this elderly trestle on a daily basis. </div><div>For additional details on Stenner Creek Trestle</div><div> <a href="http://mycoastalcalifornia.blogspot.com/2014/09/stenner-creek-bridge-snippet-of-coastal.html">http://mycoastalcalifornia.blogspot.com/2014/09/stenner-creek-bridge-snippet-of-coastal.html</a><div><br /></div><div>Dominating the birding scene was a pair of vocal Red-shouldered Hawk actively nest building in a tall Sycamore. Only one Hawk was doing the work, going back and forth. The mate was perched on a nearby post supervising. I believe they were refurbishing a prior year's nest. (photo by Mike Baird)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4a7XEMunknnOtVLgddnks2tznI2j-R30wQzmhpwjjBedKZtTt6Ut8uJEYJ6GnFeHbVed2v1ijaMKulntEW7bWpv36-0XguL-gwM9qPovtwBl70kw3rW4tBPkBNtm-s_X3W8PomzJXf4aIvwm0lz-uFExlYSQxeMqD-u40IlzdSzUZxmm9Pv-fsKaA=s1637" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1637" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4a7XEMunknnOtVLgddnks2tznI2j-R30wQzmhpwjjBedKZtTt6Ut8uJEYJ6GnFeHbVed2v1ijaMKulntEW7bWpv36-0XguL-gwM9qPovtwBl70kw3rW4tBPkBNtm-s_X3W8PomzJXf4aIvwm0lz-uFExlYSQxeMqD-u40IlzdSzUZxmm9Pv-fsKaA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Birds around the creek - Nuttall's Woodpecker, Lesser Goldfinch, Spotted Towhee, Calif. Towhee, Bewick's Wren, Oak Titmouse, Calif Scrub Jay, Black Phoebe. Birds heard but not seen - Calif Quail, Northern Flicker.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had been hoping to have an unusual sighting, but so far just the usuals. I pushed on, past the peaceful bulls, into the maze of the Cal Poly campus on an attempt to locate the "swine pond" where a Common Moorhen had been seen. A Moorhen is a member of the Rail family and resembles a Coot. Lacking success at locating the swine pond, I decided to look more thoroughly at a pond I had just passed. The pond was sorry looking, lacking vegetation, not even a weed. Although the pond was not a pleasant sight, I had an unexpected, delightful sighting. At the edge of the water, standing among a pile of cow pies was a seldom seen, Wilson's Snipe. Yeah! A great way to end the day. Wilson's Snipe is not the usual shorebird. Check out Cornell Lab's Overview. <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/overview" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">Wilson's Snipe Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheUuOpFHdP6PlTlf27VK60Qht5slrPlfXNdklQPXSHKPFM7TV8MxwGF3PENMNIf8eRFavOT5nkOxFx5gj113asMu7qupljDsv4cJLt5dWg2A2yL32UOpQZ-kokO5k8_GB0cnriwprd1r5bu574imrh-a2mNp51DJfHo2NNWyKM0VzULy0PqYD_juPw=s2645" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1850" data-original-width="2645" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheUuOpFHdP6PlTlf27VK60Qht5slrPlfXNdklQPXSHKPFM7TV8MxwGF3PENMNIf8eRFavOT5nkOxFx5gj113asMu7qupljDsv4cJLt5dWg2A2yL32UOpQZ-kokO5k8_GB0cnriwprd1r5bu574imrh-a2mNp51DJfHo2NNWyKM0VzULy0PqYD_juPw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 8px 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 8px 0px;"> </p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-31520064954142725492021-11-23T22:36:00.002-08:002021-11-24T00:12:25.467-08:00Easy Birding The Central Coast <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-twQ09uqHfnM/YZqK0GbAMaI/AAAAAAAAgwk/dxEWcAr33IgnJJy317sq4WazlQo8I4j2QCLcBGAsYHQ/view%2Bestero%2Bbay.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="2048" height="209" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-twQ09uqHfnM/YZqK0GbAMaI/AAAAAAAAgwk/dxEWcAr33IgnJJy317sq4WazlQo8I4j2QCLcBGAsYHQ/view%2Bestero%2Bbay.heic" width="320" /></a></div>Cathy from Palm Springs was visiting. We were heading north to have a day of Easy Birding on the Central Coast. Cathy was hoping for the coolness of fog while I was hoping for a warming sun. What Mother Nature bestowed upon us was an ideal medium, sun, and wisps of fog with a gentle breeze. What more could one ask for? Well, maybe a few birds.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nKqx7elXPSM/YZqT4qee-MI/AAAAAAAAgxE/bQun7t-aMXk89Kd4PDQlZt4gyWQg1DWQwCLcBGAsYHQ/coyote%2Bbrush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nKqx7elXPSM/YZqT4qee-MI/AAAAAAAAgxE/bQun7t-aMXk89Kd4PDQlZt4gyWQg1DWQwCLcBGAsYHQ/coyote%2Bbrush.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First Stop - Estero Bluffs - Blooming female Coyote Brush lined the slightly damp trail. After a few minutes of walking the brush opened giving us a grand view of Estero Bay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDIFR10t2Ys/YZqSr9IzcPI/AAAAAAAAgw4/hHsmgR3cgBAYbUlxgXIzC-GkCm-IZZU1wCLcBGAsYHQ/no.harriier.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1772" height="233" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDIFR10t2Ys/YZqSr9IzcPI/AAAAAAAAgw4/hHsmgR3cgBAYbUlxgXIzC-GkCm-IZZU1wCLcBGAsYHQ/no.harriier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Our first sighting was a female Northern Harrier silently flying, more like gliding, over the brush. She had a wide search pattern but eventually flew out of sight. Northern Harriers can be fairly easy to identify. The female is larger than the male. She is a darkish brown, while he is grey with black wingtips. They both have an obvious white rump. </span></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ZkFMqkjhoY/YZqqXsN0rQI/AAAAAAAAgxM/tSRF6QUyw7caizQrRfoJlZ3nuWsHt16MwCLcBGAsYHQ/chert%2Bbeach.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ZkFMqkjhoY/YZqqXsN0rQI/AAAAAAAAgxM/tSRF6QUyw7caizQrRfoJlZ3nuWsHt16MwCLcBGAsYHQ/chert%2Bbeach.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On the rocky shoreline was about 30 Sanderlings. They follow the ebb and flow of the waves, probing the wet sand as they race back and forth. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iipXZ8VCgns/YZ3TkDRGCRI/AAAAAAAAg3s/I6iQEIPwTm8YkQ7IMjL6Brt9PFv0gGZ7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/sanderlings.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iipXZ8VCgns/YZ3TkDRGCRI/AAAAAAAAg3s/I6iQEIPwTm8YkQ7IMjL6Brt9PFv0gGZ7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sanderlings.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>Sanderlings breed in High Arctic tundra and fly down to the Central Coast for the winter. A group of Sanderlings are known as a "grain." Other birds were Black Turnstones, Black Phoebe, and two Yellow-rumped Warbler. Next stop Cambria.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u17qvtub5mo/YZrKHCanuQI/AAAAAAAAgxo/eDIsE8xfzoIg0aQ1TuzfdmRypfaQ3QzSwCLcBGAsYHQ/santa%2Brosa%2Bcreek%2Blagoon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="2048" height="217" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u17qvtub5mo/YZrKHCanuQI/AAAAAAAAgxo/eDIsE8xfzoIg0aQ1TuzfdmRypfaQ3QzSwCLcBGAsYHQ/santa%2Brosa%2Bcreek%2Blagoon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Santa Rosa Creek Lagoon - Cambria - We were in birding paradise. Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Grebe aka, Fluffy Butt, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, Mallard, Black Turnstone, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Great Egret, a flock of Ring-billed Gull, and a ""whirligig" of Red-necked Phalarope. What a treat! photo by Mike Baird</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGmG0rNWA8s/YZrQCpoVoYI/AAAAAAAAgxw/vphf9cOKHy0-2kPmsFOlpiyC0i8mEHL5ACLcBGAsYHQ/mike%2Bphalarope.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1735" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGmG0rNWA8s/YZrQCpoVoYI/AAAAAAAAgxw/vphf9cOKHy0-2kPmsFOlpiyC0i8mEHL5ACLcBGAsYHQ/mike%2Bphalarope.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>It is impossible for me to bird the rocky coast without noticing the rocks. The impressive Cambria Slab Greywacke Sandstone is prevalent from Cambria to San Simeon. The Tafoni, the holes, in the sandstone are from physical and chemical weathering. </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IW6vGC-FAj4/YZrvLzKu2QI/AAAAAAAAgx8/CLY3f3-5G4MwuNkj6WIVXEyWwl8iiRu1ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1020.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IW6vGC-FAj4/YZrvLzKu2QI/AAAAAAAAgx8/CLY3f3-5G4MwuNkj6WIVXEyWwl8iiRu1ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1020.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Perched on the ancient sandstone - Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Brandt's Cormorant, plus juvenile Brandt's and juvenile Double-crested. (below photo) I am quite certain the Cormorants are not into geology and had no idea the rocks they were perched on are well over 100 million years old. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the light colored rock, were four Black Oystercatcher and one juvenile (below photo). It was a thrill to see the juvenile, as the Black Oystercatcher's reproductive rate along the Central Coast was tragically poor this year. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9Lc60wL258/YZsOfFBvC6I/AAAAAAAAgyc/zP4P3l-GacETB21Zal5pNWJ_GxCNj955gCLcBGAsYHQ/birds%2B0n%2Brocks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2610" data-original-width="3708" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9Lc60wL258/YZsOfFBvC6I/AAAAAAAAgyc/zP4P3l-GacETB21Zal5pNWJ_GxCNj955gCLcBGAsYHQ/birds%2B0n%2Brocks.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Our last stop was the Sea Pines Golf Course located near Shark Inlet (yes there are sharks in Morro Bay). If you are not a golfer, the only view of the pond is through wire fencing. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtiKzpgDQfg/YZvP7YUMPJI/AAAAAAAAg1I/49rsjB5-lEQQRO2PI10tAI6rURCadOIKgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1005.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2638" data-original-width="4032" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtiKzpgDQfg/YZvP7YUMPJI/AAAAAAAAg1I/49rsjB5-lEQQRO2PI10tAI6rURCadOIKgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_1005.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Feeding on the grass was a gaggle of Canada Goose and a small gaggle of Greater White-fronted Goose. (The photo was taken through the wire fence.) The White-fronted Goose has one of the largest ranges of any species of goose in the world. Now, in comparison, the Canada Goose just travels from golf course to golf course. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MN0_Va63ZQc/YZs_jGpWIOI/AAAAAAAAgz4/nyAuCOH61TwTS0l5O3k7kWS0KPWk4GtKwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1968.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2047" height="175" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MN0_Va63ZQc/YZs_jGpWIOI/AAAAAAAAgz4/nyAuCOH61TwTS0l5O3k7kWS0KPWk4GtKwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1968.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Our last bird of the day was a doozy. Cathy had just gotten her binoculars focused through the wire fence when she spotted this adorable female Hooded Merganser. I've heard that many ducks are envious of the female Hooded's stylish hairdo. There are three species of Merganser in North America. Hooded is the smallest, about the size of a coot. Seeing this little beauty was a gift, as only a few winter on the Central Coast. Needless to say Cathy and I had a fabulous day of birding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-9835238403051124152021-10-02T22:01:00.002-07:002021-10-02T22:07:21.927-07:00Fall Birding - A Little Here and a Little There<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q6KzyWSzKXY/YViWZHYwp1I/AAAAAAAAf1g/UVyfjxF5zt42qHHATMiyPtb1Eau5TmhSACLcBGAsYHQ/sw%2Bsp%2Bfall.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q6KzyWSzKXY/YViWZHYwp1I/AAAAAAAAf1g/UVyfjxF5zt42qHHATMiyPtb1Eau5TmhSACLcBGAsYHQ/sw%2Bsp%2Bfall.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><u>Sweet Sweet Springs </u>- The tide was high and the fog was meditating on its power to grant the people of peaceful Baywood the unique privilege of experiencing the sun's warmth. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6PACqwSA-f8/YViYQ-vF1dI/AAAAAAAAf1o/CaXPiQtJGjkIx3YvGWKbDNWHeZK7-OmcACLcBGAsYHQ/Nuttalls%2BWoodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1873" height="223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6PACqwSA-f8/YViYQ-vF1dI/AAAAAAAAf1o/CaXPiQtJGjkIx3YvGWKbDNWHeZK7-OmcACLcBGAsYHQ/Nuttalls%2BWoodpecker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nuttall's Woodpecker was active in a tall Cypress; Chickadees, Oak Titmouse were flitting through a stand of low growing oak. In the pond numerous Mallards slept, preened and chatted about their recent travels; Song Sparrow darted through pond-side vegetation, and a great and Snowy Egret, perched high in a tall Eucalyptus, watched the action.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wdKSgxq1Psw/YVkeS-L9QCI/AAAAAAAAf2M/Itkgpw1kuL0ckHUqOmKtTutBx_V8M1X5ACLcBGAsYHQ/diving%2Bbelted%2Bkingfisher%2B%2Bgary.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1042" height="193" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wdKSgxq1Psw/YVkeS-L9QCI/AAAAAAAAf2M/Itkgpw1kuL0ckHUqOmKtTutBx_V8M1X5ACLcBGAsYHQ/diving%2Bbelted%2Bkingfisher%2B%2Bgary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A noisy Belted Kingfisher (photo by Gary O'Neill) searched for lunch.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmS_lbs-B5U/YVkgDTegBJI/AAAAAAAAf2U/r1Vt9_t_kqgR9yTAa8tEJpHscYH4NQ8CgCLcBGAsYHQ/blue-winged%2Bteal..jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="672" height="217" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmS_lbs-B5U/YVkgDTegBJI/AAAAAAAAf2U/r1Vt9_t_kqgR9yTAa8tEJpHscYH4NQ8CgCLcBGAsYHQ/blue-winged%2Bteal..jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>In a Channel, carved by time and tides, 26 Blue-winged Teal fed. I consider them the "Early Birds," as every year they are the first small migratory duck to arrive in Sweet Springs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oPRe5jORYo4/YVkiugfgo7I/AAAAAAAAf2c/wrEL0ob1FHIMiU05NlA8HA-Diz-edf4pwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1892.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" height="221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oPRe5jORYo4/YVkiugfgo7I/AAAAAAAAf2c/wrEL0ob1FHIMiU05NlA8HA-Diz-edf4pwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1892.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><u>Estero Bluffs State Park - Vila Creek</u> - Blooming along the path to the beach and pond was Tar Weed and Mock Heather. My friend </span><span style="text-align: left;">Phoebe and I were hoping to see a migrant species that is seen only occasionally on the Central Coast, a Black-necked Stilt. It would be a first sighting for Phoebe.</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynocrFGSH-s/YVkmWBne2-I/AAAAAAAAf2s/mVXmaytOCxE2b6TvRmPd6XK8BPI9yxrBwCLcBGAsYHQ/DF01067F-3DD3-47F6-A9CF-C7527E1C5306-COLLAGE.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynocrFGSH-s/YVkmWBne2-I/AAAAAAAAf2s/mVXmaytOCxE2b6TvRmPd6XK8BPI9yxrBwCLcBGAsYHQ/DF01067F-3DD3-47F6-A9CF-C7527E1C5306-COLLAGE.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>A few migratory shorebirds, Western Sandpiper, Godwit, Whimbrel and a few Long-billed Curlew were feeding along the edge of the beach. Higher up the beach, Killdeer, a pair of Pectoral Sandpiper and four Turkey Vultures. Numerous Snowy Plover were busy chasing kelp flies. In the background of the top image in the collage, symbolic fencing can be seen. The fencing, along with signage, encourages people to respect the Snowy Plover nesting grounds. <a href="https://www.mbnep.org/2016/03/04/symbolic-fencing-helps-morro-bays-snowy-plovers/" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">https://www.mbnep.org/2016/03/04/symbolic-fencing-helps-morro-bays-snowy-plovers/</a> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R2ledanq30w/YVkwykE-UzI/AAAAAAAAf20/5PNdR_GhysUYuQAOhvH9TmxQrV6dINWowCLcBGAsYHQ/villa%2Bcreek%2Bpond.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="2048" height="209" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R2ledanq30w/YVkwykE-UzI/AAAAAAAAf20/5PNdR_GhysUYuQAOhvH9TmxQrV6dINWowCLcBGAsYHQ/villa%2Bcreek%2Bpond.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We finally reached the pond where there had been several recent sightings of a juvenile Black-necked Stilt. At the bend in the creek perched a Great Egret; a few feet out from the Egret was a pair of Mallards. A few feet from the Mallards strode a black and white, pink legged Black-necked Stilt. They can swim and dive but prefer to wade in shallow water.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gpcONsXj3JQ/YVky-RxK8QI/AAAAAAAAf28/k4nanKnVrz0nFD1NELAj4kIhiD8oDcaCgCLcBGAsYHQ/black%2Bnecked%2Bstilt%2Bmaggie%2Bsmith.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1614" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gpcONsXj3JQ/YVky-RxK8QI/AAAAAAAAf28/k4nanKnVrz0nFD1NELAj4kIhiD8oDcaCgCLcBGAsYHQ/black%2Bnecked%2Bstilt%2Bmaggie%2Bsmith.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>The photo was taken by local birder/photographer Maggie Smith about two hours before we arrived at Villa Creek pond. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-10006216784304183962021-05-21T15:04:00.002-07:002021-05-26T19:11:03.589-07:00Point Lobos Nesting Cormorants - May 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywP_5_LDjzc/YKbuR-Ykv7I/AAAAAAAAbmc/S2yC_T13AboH2isgyY7OckHppzncVMi7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Pt%2BLobos%2BNat%2BReserve.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywP_5_LDjzc/YKbuR-Ykv7I/AAAAAAAAbmc/S2yC_T13AboH2isgyY7OckHppzncVMi7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Pt%2BLobos%2BNat%2BReserve.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel Ca. - May 12, 2021 - Three years had passed since my last visit to the reserve. I was on my first away from home outing in over a year; though in my reality, only two years had passed, as 2020 was a non-year. - My goals for this quietly overcast morning were to enjoy the reserve's spring wildflowers and observe the nesting extravaganza of Brandt's Cormorant.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7uxjgZI-ho/YKbwoojoQaI/AAAAAAAAbmk/yNiEtnC3GL4pfAUda4sL3R_CAiO9pWo-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/bird%2Bisland%2Btrail%2Bsign.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7uxjgZI-ho/YKbwoojoQaI/AAAAAAAAbmk/yNiEtnC3GL4pfAUda4sL3R_CAiO9pWo-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bird%2Bisland%2Btrail%2Bsign.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Point Lobos is a very popular tourist destination with limited parking. By arriving early was able find parking at the Bird Island Trail Head. Wildflowers lined both sides of the shaded trail - Sticky Monkey, Blue Dicks, Hedge Nettle, Seaside Daisy, Paintbrush, Calif. Poppy, precious Dudleya fairinosa, and the most gorgeous Lupine I had ever seen. This Lupine was absolutely amazing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1UTUHiJ4adc/YKbzFB-5yoI/AAAAAAAAbms/vooTedCDLB8YVMXMBcAorVzrlP1pwH_0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/bird%2Bis.%2Blupine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1UTUHiJ4adc/YKbzFB-5yoI/AAAAAAAAbms/vooTedCDLB8YVMXMBcAorVzrlP1pwH_0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bird%2Bis.%2Blupine.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I was in no hurry as the Cormorant's were not going anywhere for about three months. The Gooseberry plant caught my eye. I am familiar with a flowering Fuchsia Flowering Gooseberry, but had never seen the flower turning into a berry. Had to be very careful while taking closeup photos due to the abundance of poison oak. Poison Oak has a personality of its own and its goal is to catch you unaware.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsUPWZ5EzUs/YKb1Jv3XdTI/AAAAAAAAbm8/uPVl-I8k1tcLcUAbHKg2tMmV1fbJ15q0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fucha%2Bflow..gooseberry%2Bberry.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsUPWZ5EzUs/YKb1Jv3XdTI/AAAAAAAAbm8/uPVl-I8k1tcLcUAbHKg2tMmV1fbJ15q0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/fucha%2Bflow..gooseberry%2Bberry.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Ceanothus, also known as California Lilac, was in full bloom in the more open, sunny areas of the trail.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vE-qkzYHE1w/YKb2VwIofJI/AAAAAAAAbnE/RBnjuXceueYJ4qx7WfD7wG5hrw5SsVRaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ceanothus%2Bbrd%2Bis%2Btrail.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vE-qkzYHE1w/YKb2VwIofJI/AAAAAAAAbnE/RBnjuXceueYJ4qx7WfD7wG5hrw5SsVRaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ceanothus%2Bbrd%2Bis%2Btrail.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Finally, I came to my first view of Bird Rock. Wow! Word had obviously gotten out that Bird Rock was the place to nest - certainly looked like a much larger colony than in 2018. I find their choice of nest location interesting, as they range from protected depression to open windy ridge. If you were looking for the ideal nest site to brood, feed, and care for two or three offspring, what would be your choice, and why?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZnkQD5DaA/YKclhXZWNrI/AAAAAAAAboA/93y5pen1_p0Go76mToTNaPFVgb0K_oo3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/bird%2Bisand%2Bridgeline.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZnkQD5DaA/YKclhXZWNrI/AAAAAAAAboA/93y5pen1_p0Go76mToTNaPFVgb0K_oo3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bird%2Bisand%2Bridgeline.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The collage compares the Brands's Cormorant population of May 2018, top image, to May 2021.</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qh6DnAOR6Ls/YKcipyD3wKI/AAAAAAAAbn4/L8aswMvdZRMnya2Z91-HKET_hxkgNne4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Bird%2Bcompares2018%2Bto%2B2021%2B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qh6DnAOR6Ls/YKcipyD3wKI/AAAAAAAAbn4/L8aswMvdZRMnya2Z91-HKET_hxkgNne4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bird%2Bcompares2018%2Bto%2B2021%2B.jpeg" /></a></div>Bird Rock is a magnificent example of granodiorite, an igneous rock that is similar to granite. Historically a young rock, only 80 million years old, give or take a few million. All the rocks in this area are composed of granodiorite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60YvGUgZKrs/YKcmDmV76TI/AAAAAAAAboI/33tmOpy2A9AS6QY8RLjiv6WSpX27Q9paACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/nesting%2Bnear%2Bbird%2Brock.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60YvGUgZKrs/YKcmDmV76TI/AAAAAAAAboI/33tmOpy2A9AS6QY8RLjiv6WSpX27Q9paACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/nesting%2Bnear%2Bbird%2Brock.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The scene before me was idyllic - thousands of birds peacefully nesting. Incubation takes about 30 days. Nestlings will fledge approximately 50 days after hatching. They do not go far after fledging, as parents will continue feeding them for a couple more weeks. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NKBQqsOJnM/YKgi8GGVqWI/AAAAAAAAboU/37mHIuW3YUcICfgrkTCDCuUIqJ8hRTjkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0143.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NKBQqsOJnM/YKgi8GGVqWI/AAAAAAAAboU/37mHIuW3YUcICfgrkTCDCuUIqJ8hRTjkACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0143.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The wind was getting stronger and I was ready for a warming cup of coffee - a spacious Starbucks is only a mile from the reserve. As I heading back down the trail, I noticed the Cormorants had company, two Peregrine Falcon perched in a nearby tree.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apYGQePIxI8/YKgnDLEGaPI/AAAAAAAAboc/uA12ZjHkKdcNHCyy4MWEIQoD1AhkjexIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/bird%2Bis%2Btrail%2B2%2Bperegrines.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apYGQePIxI8/YKgnDLEGaPI/AAAAAAAAboc/uA12ZjHkKdcNHCyy4MWEIQoD1AhkjexIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bird%2Bis%2Btrail%2B2%2Bperegrines.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-62761067025195602092021-03-21T20:28:00.001-07:002021-03-21T20:30:38.488-07:00Cinnamon Teal - Spatula cyanoptera<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eW9oAN8TSs/YFZ1QIF-FnI/AAAAAAAAaU8/X44uRMmyBFsh4uet8WWKWv_F4i6zYszYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9849.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eW9oAN8TSs/YFZ1QIF-FnI/AAAAAAAAaU8/X44uRMmyBFsh4uet8WWKWv_F4i6zYszYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9849.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Turri Road - I was immersed in the sights and sounds of Spring. On this glorious morning, there were five pair of Cinnamon Teal feeding in the ephemeral cattle pond on Turri Road. A week ago a friend of mine told me she had seen a group of red ducks in the pond as she passed by on her bicycle. I really doubted that they would still be in the pond, but thought it worth a try. And there they were a dabbling.</p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAJFy35_Z9c/YFZ3fCofziI/AAAAAAAAaVM/_6zOSrbKOCUlKJlEf5S5A407tfQdUyi1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/cinnamon%2Bteal%2Bmike.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAJFy35_Z9c/YFZ3fCofziI/AAAAAAAAaVM/_6zOSrbKOCUlKJlEf5S5A407tfQdUyi1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/cinnamon%2Bteal%2Bmike.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>The males were aglow in their breeding finery. *<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8GrMBHYUd8/YFZ31u6B1tI/AAAAAAAAaVU/fOfHoz6DFMcxM-AEjjQtUaKaGwRYUg6jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Turri%2BRd%2BPond.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8GrMBHYUd8/YFZ31u6B1tI/AAAAAAAAaVU/fOfHoz6DFMcxM-AEjjQtUaKaGwRYUg6jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Turri%2BRd%2BPond.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The small pond and its nearness to the road allowed for excellent views of the dabblers. Without binoculars they would have been difficult to see. I always keep an emergency pair in my car. Through the twiggy trees, I had the pleasure of observing their courtship display of pre-nuptial head bobbing - not just a pair, all ten of them bobbing at the same time. It was a real birding moment.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AqQmAxazRg/YFZ8NtV8ZGI/AAAAAAAAaVk/CDwsvVdWslIMjjfEqNW6Sl4TGCyXfKNyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/turri%2Bcattle%2Bpond.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AqQmAxazRg/YFZ8NtV8ZGI/AAAAAAAAaVk/CDwsvVdWslIMjjfEqNW6Sl4TGCyXfKNyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/turri%2Bcattle%2Bpond.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>All the black specks in the distance are Black Angus Cattle. </p><p>Other sighting - A few yards up from the pond a pair of Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) sallied forth, in pursuit of insects, from their perch on an old barbed wire fence. The male's cobalt-blue coloring was stunning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDeJcL6bLOU/YFZ98A_cB7I/AAAAAAAAaVs/0ldh0WFf_vcVSBMNHUTGuGrCnZC2C6uJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1931/IMG_1464.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1931" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDeJcL6bLOU/YFZ98A_cB7I/AAAAAAAAaVs/0ldh0WFf_vcVSBMNHUTGuGrCnZC2C6uJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1464.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Heard but not seen birds - Northern Flicker, House Finch, Song Sparrow, and the memorable, flute like, song of a Western Meadowlark. Check out the link to hear its beautiful song. <a href="https://youtu.be/Sk4S2spFdcs">https://youtu.be/Sk4S2spFdcs</a> </p><p>*Cinnamon Teal by Mike Baird</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-33052061822234346172021-01-19T09:48:00.000-08:002021-01-19T09:48:32.564-08:00Birding Sweet Springs and . . . <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEG7xI4ctwI/YAZchfUneCI/AAAAAAAAYsM/1ACeLG_xFssUew8Jl1n6u-hL0tBI-cjAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/view%2Bfrom%2Bsweet%2Bsp.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEG7xI4ctwI/YAZchfUneCI/AAAAAAAAYsM/1ACeLG_xFssUew8Jl1n6u-hL0tBI-cjAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/view%2Bfrom%2Bsweet%2Bsp.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><u>Sweet Springs</u> yesterday morning - Weather warm, no wind, and absolutely beautiful. Silently floating on the peaceful bay were large flocks of Scaup, Bufflehead, and Ruddy Duck. Below is a female Ruddy Duck. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vU009eMIr3g/YAZjSEusppI/AAAAAAAAYs0/hIq1vX4WE28WHtFuqWq5v4bWjk37uz3NACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/female%2Bbufflehead.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vU009eMIr3g/YAZjSEusppI/AAAAAAAAYs0/hIq1vX4WE28WHtFuqWq5v4bWjk37uz3NACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/female%2Bbufflehead.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div> I find it amazing that the adorable little Ruddy Duck nests in nest holes excavated by Northern Flickers. </div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xac8jhsEFDs/YAZeutofdqI/AAAAAAAAYso/8yMuJz_YRFwgsvtGYi4oPwwslahJUlb_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1794/brant-geese-morro-bay.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1794" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xac8jhsEFDs/YAZeutofdqI/AAAAAAAAYso/8yMuJz_YRFwgsvtGYi4oPwwslahJUlb_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/brant-geese-morro-bay.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>In the distance could be heard the cheerful chatter of Brant Goose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4e2LqbRPPU/YAZjs6ns07I/AAAAAAAAYs8/MUObADgkMJ4b6nESp7k4aGLwGwXXd-8gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sweet%2Bsprings.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4e2LqbRPPU/YAZjs6ns07I/AAAAAAAAYs8/MUObADgkMJ4b6nESp7k4aGLwGwXXd-8gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sweet%2Bsprings.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Perched along the edge of the channels was a pair of Northern Pintail, one lonely Cinnamon Teal, two American Widgeon, Blue-winged Teal, and the smallest of the dabbling ducks, Green-winged Teal. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1COpfG3S7M/YAZlC0vaa6I/AAAAAAAAYtI/pYSgEEX9qdATLpCmWsp2_704DWicysFwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/sweet%2Bsp.%2Bmallards.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1COpfG3S7M/YAZlC0vaa6I/AAAAAAAAYtI/pYSgEEX9qdATLpCmWsp2_704DWicysFwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sweet%2Bsp.%2Bmallards.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Mallards rested along the banks of the pond. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j-S7rPJ_GY/YAZl8C6kXuI/AAAAAAAAYtQ/SvqjHYQeCxQjCbbqTOXT87oKdkbV8qLmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/california.quail.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j-S7rPJ_GY/YAZl8C6kXuI/AAAAAAAAYtQ/SvqjHYQeCxQjCbbqTOXT87oKdkbV8qLmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/california.quail.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>It was a good day for seeing Passerines (perching birds). I think the Quail may have been warming up for spring, as there was persistent calling. Due to the abundance of native shrubs, Quail are numerous and if not seen can always be heard. Feeding on the ground were White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Oregon Junco, and House Finch. In the shrubbery were several Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee, and a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. In the trees, Chestnut-backed Chickadee and the most precious bird of all, Bushtits. Common Yellow-throat (below) was flitting along the edge of the pond. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGi9lcyKOIA/YAZ0mZ9y-kI/AAAAAAAAYv0/WqxxG-CJXyECcU5U5pDZPCHhrVjjtA4TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/common%2Byellowthroat.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGi9lcyKOIA/YAZ0mZ9y-kI/AAAAAAAAYv0/WqxxG-CJXyECcU5U5pDZPCHhrVjjtA4TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/common%2Byellowthroat.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Now for <u>Estero Bluffs</u> - Lately I have been going at least once a week to the Bluffs. Although I am focused on the rocks, there are always birds to be seen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XefZ1iGYf04/YAZ1-XHc6nI/AAAAAAAAYwA/X4hMVtNvDYALYBJoqe_enWKni26pOFqXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/turnstones%2Bon%2Brock%2Bestero.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XefZ1iGYf04/YAZ1-XHc6nI/AAAAAAAAYwA/X4hMVtNvDYALYBJoqe_enWKni26pOFqXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/turnstones%2Bon%2Brock%2Bestero.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>About half way up this multi million year old formation, Black Turnstone have found a safe haven. The lower section of the rock is Greenstone, on the top weathered Sandstone, and possibly a little Shale on the lower right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5T3iZlAouY/YAZ6jehVRXI/AAAAAAAAYwM/NqsZfkms-RoXMVmalWxqKubpuv9tFZPlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1041/big%2Bbird%2Brock%2Bestero.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1041" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5T3iZlAouY/YAZ6jehVRXI/AAAAAAAAYwM/NqsZfkms-RoXMVmalWxqKubpuv9tFZPlACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/big%2Bbird%2Brock%2Bestero.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Brown Pelican, Brandt and Pelagic Cormorant are packed like sardines on a huge rock formation located about 100 yards off-shore. The composition of the rock is more than likely, Pillow Basalt (hardened lava formed in the deep sea). Stay tuned for more geology and birding. And if humanly possible keep a positive attitude.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> </p></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-76453968964485451152020-12-21T19:54:00.023-08:002020-12-21T20:21:34.485-08:00Birding On The Ninth Day Of Christmas<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6_xja2Gyw0/X-FCUy-54AI/AAAAAAAAYIk/syY5Icz9mFo-Bgq9ggtSxYgaX9EtIy1lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1908/9Brant%2BGoose.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1908" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6_xja2Gyw0/X-FCUy-54AI/AAAAAAAAYIk/syY5Icz9mFo-Bgq9ggtSxYgaX9EtIy1lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9Brant%2BGoose.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On the Ninth day of Christmas Mother Nature gave to all. . . 9 Brant a Chattering<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VansMVylzuU/X-FzI2E-wsI/AAAAAAAAYKQ/jpMG-hSiyMosZHhsUCZISoNHN34tE-4nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1653/8%2Bto%2Bmany%2Bwillets%2Bflying%2B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1653" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VansMVylzuU/X-FzI2E-wsI/AAAAAAAAYKQ/jpMG-hSiyMosZHhsUCZISoNHN34tE-4nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8%2Bto%2Bmany%2Bwillets%2Bflying%2B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>8 Willet Flying<div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqGJBgouvwU/X-FDe2sCaTI/AAAAAAAAYI4/a5LrgRhmGagU8kObbh703NCz6nX9VNKVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1900/7%2Bteal%2Bpaddling.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqGJBgouvwU/X-FDe2sCaTI/AAAAAAAAYI4/a5LrgRhmGagU8kObbh703NCz6nX9VNKVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7%2Bteal%2Bpaddling.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">7 Teal a Paddling . . .</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiobQ9k6tTA/X-FEXTVeFJI/AAAAAAAAYJA/rmTb-z_nNcAZCN1AoKGppbQCuSMxxdEkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6%2B%252B%2BTern%2Bgetting%2Btheir%2Btoes%2Bwet.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiobQ9k6tTA/X-FEXTVeFJI/AAAAAAAAYJA/rmTb-z_nNcAZCN1AoKGppbQCuSMxxdEkACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6%2B%252B%2BTern%2Bgetting%2Btheir%2Btoes%2Bwet.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>6 Tern a Standing . . . </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UUBjlXZW_w/X-FFy8R9efI/AAAAAAAAYJM/LbSPuBUBAOsSKMTkUXHlzP-yJqXk36GbACLcBGAsYHQ/s933/IMG_1201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="933" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UUBjlXZW_w/X-FFy8R9efI/AAAAAAAAYJM/LbSPuBUBAOsSKMTkUXHlzP-yJqXk36GbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>5 Ruddy Duck a Gliding . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-HNQRtNQf4/X-FI5vOP0NI/AAAAAAAAYJY/wizkvl4LCc0m4JCyS0ubIYJ79Fw0h2AFACLcBGAsYHQ/s650/canada-geese.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-HNQRtNQf4/X-FI5vOP0NI/AAAAAAAAYJY/wizkvl4LCc0m4JCyS0ubIYJ79Fw0h2AFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/canada-geese.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>4 Goslings a Gandering . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVIsXErjbD4/X-FJyh1Q4KI/AAAAAAAAYJg/FnRfvLvzlqkRXCjIdgy8nBIqbNbP_2VZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2616/3%2Bturkey%2Bvultures.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="2616" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVIsXErjbD4/X-FJyh1Q4KI/AAAAAAAAYJg/FnRfvLvzlqkRXCjIdgy8nBIqbNbP_2VZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3%2Bturkey%2Bvultures.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>3 Vultures Feasting . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3NFpKwbA3k/X-FKcDWA7rI/AAAAAAAAYJo/kaiu-iRpevEPOZvBPkbyYKtza2gZQohqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/2%2Bgodwits.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3NFpKwbA3k/X-FKcDWA7rI/AAAAAAAAYJo/kaiu-iRpevEPOZvBPkbyYKtza2gZQohqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2%2Bgodwits.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>2 Godwit Probing . . .<div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2E6SxrzkFA/X-FqLDl6R5I/AAAAAAAAYKE/2d_p15qeXtAgYfCNEC5NM_5Tq3gHx6XaACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bald%2Beagle.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2E6SxrzkFA/X-FqLDl6R5I/AAAAAAAAYKE/2d_p15qeXtAgYfCNEC5NM_5Tq3gHx6XaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bald%2Beagle.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>And a Bald Eagle in an Old Tree.</div><div><br /></div><div> Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah<br /><div> </div><div> <br /><div> </div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-74080887964451720762020-11-09T17:18:00.000-08:002020-11-09T17:18:29.166-08:00Birding Morro Bay Marina and Estero Bluffs<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wANHx11Ot8U/X5uHRwZikeI/AAAAAAAAW7g/sW7l7o7ie-kyeD6iLq6FgMM_AQVVoPxAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/Morro%2BBay%2BMarina.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wANHx11Ot8U/X5uHRwZikeI/AAAAAAAAW7g/sW7l7o7ie-kyeD6iLq6FgMM_AQVVoPxAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Morro%2BBay%2BMarina.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Moro Bay Marina</u> - The tide was high - The morning beautiful. A Clark's Grebe, was feeding at the flooded edge of the marina - a most unusual sight as Grebes are diving birds. She was keenly focused on the vegetation and paid no attention to my presence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMLucyFWWX4/X5uIFk2rgRI/AAAAAAAAW7w/PVBjBFTN7c0gYcvEMWmXdloVQbAy4JkKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/grebe%2Bmarina.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMLucyFWWX4/X5uIFk2rgRI/AAAAAAAAW7w/PVBjBFTN7c0gYcvEMWmXdloVQbAy4JkKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/grebe%2Bmarina.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There were three Grebes. I believe in the below photo, the top image is of a Clark's and the lower image a Western. Figuring out who's who can be tricky, as they are almost identical. Western's eye is in the black and Clark's eye is in the white; Clark's bill is more yellow than Western. At the least I figured out they were Grebes. Water birds were few, a small flotilla of Coots, four adorable Pied-billled Grebe, a Common Loon, and a magnificent Osprey perched on a distant mast. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziQeSCinOUA/X5uQuJPilJI/AAAAAAAAW78/EAPdx2UsNbYJVGQ94_w4OTU9i2OkhMyJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Two%2Bgrebe.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziQeSCinOUA/X5uQuJPilJI/AAAAAAAAW78/EAPdx2UsNbYJVGQ94_w4OTU9i2OkhMyJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Two%2Bgrebe.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Estero Bluffs State Park</u> - This dense cluster of Eucalyptus is a bird magnet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hszGs64RePw/X6H2Vq4jWZI/AAAAAAAAXHs/oFNhvtihiwsoFBA4MMZwr0RXARTVGX6sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8841.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hszGs64RePw/X6H2Vq4jWZI/AAAAAAAAXHs/oFNhvtihiwsoFBA4MMZwr0RXARTVGX6sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8841.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Although the Eucalyptus tree is non-native and often thought of as an invasive species; on Estero Bluffs it is the only place where an assortment of roosting birds can roost. The Eucalyptus is located above San Geronimo Creek and due to dense vegetation is, fortunately, isolated from the public.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHxC_tH9Rnc/X6ngQDAhscI/AAAAAAAAXQ0/zCCns9qKaIwqYcvP32C_AC6R4jJy910JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/San%2BGergonimo%2BCreek.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHxC_tH9Rnc/X6ngQDAhscI/AAAAAAAAXQ0/zCCns9qKaIwqYcvP32C_AC6R4jJy910JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/San%2BGergonimo%2BCreek.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>In the month of October I have been to Estero Bluffs five times. There are three primary reasons for the multiple visits, very few people, great birding, and fascinating rocks. On a recent visit there was an Osprey, five Double-crested Cormorant, Brewer's Blackbird, and a Great Egret roosting in the Eucalyptus at the same time. On another visit, Mike and I were below the tree at the mouth of San Geronimo Creek watching Coots harassing four Canada Goose when suddenly a dozen plus Black-crowned Night Heron sped out of the Eucalyptus to disappear up the creek. A few minutes later there was another exodus of Herons. To say the least it was a rather unique sighting. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-extyNuWIA/X6cqXCVyTWI/AAAAAAAAXNQ/hFudf-JzMtAP8kOj0XcE1dHwvMarPhHTACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8962.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-extyNuWIA/X6cqXCVyTWI/AAAAAAAAXNQ/hFudf-JzMtAP8kOj0XcE1dHwvMarPhHTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8962.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><u>Estero Bluffs</u> - Saturday morning birded Villa Creek beach with Mike and Jerry. The sea was rugged, tide coming in and the birds cooperative. The Honeycomb Sandstone is one of my current favorite rocks. The holes are the result of the interaction of physical and chemical weathering over a loooong period of time. Watching the feeding shore birds was a delight.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9cPdD6HrYA/X6eJpkvUQ0I/AAAAAAAAXOQ/AUBTYR9QYoAekSi3kexM1LZzZoOJM0paACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8966.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9cPdD6HrYA/X6eJpkvUQ0I/AAAAAAAAXOQ/AUBTYR9QYoAekSi3kexM1LZzZoOJM0paACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8966.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> Godwits were organized and very busy - They only had a few seconds to feed before the next wave. It never ceases to amaze me how fast their delicate legs can move. Nearby was a Black-bellied Plover and a couple of Killdeer. Higher up the beach, where kelp is located, were quadrillions of kelp flies that Western Sandpiper and the adorable Snowy Plover (below) were feeding upon. The little Plovers were nearly close enough to touch.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHz7Q_nW-C4/X6eNjFWancI/AAAAAAAAXOc/zlFXJh6gjSsOHE7uXwhhwVLVWhlRBQVnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1466/snowy-plover-9-26-06.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHz7Q_nW-C4/X6eNjFWancI/AAAAAAAAXOc/zlFXJh6gjSsOHE7uXwhhwVLVWhlRBQVnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/snowy-plover-9-26-06.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Little did we know a surprise awaited us in the rocks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDbgKffj5rQ/X6hGvxnc4lI/AAAAAAAAXPM/-VW8RVzt7YE2GlwMYIBByy8yC5peLqsYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/IMG_8964.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDbgKffj5rQ/X6hGvxnc4lI/AAAAAAAAXPM/-VW8RVzt7YE2GlwMYIBByy8yC5peLqsYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8964.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Four Pacific Golden-Plover - A most unusual sighting. I was only able to photograph one as I was distracted by the incoming tide and the kelp flies around my face. The Plovers breed from northern <div>Siberia to the coast of Alaska. They winter from southern Asia to the Pacific Islands and occasionally the Central Coast. Birding was cut short by fierce wind and blowing sand, but I can guarantee I will be returning to the Estero Bluffs. </div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><br /></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-52322480192698929392020-10-02T21:11:00.004-07:002020-10-05T08:20:09.484-07:00Birding Estero Bluffs Pocket Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6EmD2f52sM/X3e62qz02kI/AAAAAAAAWio/CnQ-B46hPPMmFkMcpYTAK-ax2YbqZFadgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/estero%2Bpocket%2Bcove.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6EmD2f52sM/X3e62qz02kI/AAAAAAAAWio/CnQ-B46hPPMmFkMcpYTAK-ax2YbqZFadgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/estero%2Bpocket%2Bcove.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Estero Bluffs State Park Ca. stretches north four miles from Cayucos to villa Creek. I was meeting Mike at the Villa Creek parking area. The morning's goal, a small pocket beach, a tad south of the creek.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqnWi9b4n1E/X3e78r6AfSI/AAAAAAAAWi0/tdAI1I-4-CAfjeylOY6baqbIXhXR_7zdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/estero%2Btrail.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqnWi9b4n1E/X3e78r6AfSI/AAAAAAAAWi0/tdAI1I-4-CAfjeylOY6baqbIXhXR_7zdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/estero%2Btrail.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
As we progressed through the park numerous delightful trails led to views of Estero Bluffs' dramatic, rocky coastline.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9A44Ib2qvGM/X3e8xSNGoWI/AAAAAAAAWi8/Fog3lD1Mn3kWV9ETiq02Ox7todCWh4uRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/estero%2Bbluff%2Bpocket%2Bcove.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9A44Ib2qvGM/X3e8xSNGoWI/AAAAAAAAWi8/Fog3lD1Mn3kWV9ETiq02Ox7todCWh4uRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/estero%2Bbluff%2Bpocket%2Bcove.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The pocket beach was full of surprises. We had a marvelous view of the beach and the birds from our perch on the bluff. The darker birds in the damp sand are adult and juvenile Heermann's Gull; the grey and white birds, Western and Ringed-billed Gull; the white birds, Elegant and Caspian Tern, and more than likely there were one or two Royal Tern. Two of the Caspian Tern can be seen in the below photo. Look for a very red bill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3Z1tUjkUmo/X3e-qlq2nzI/AAAAAAAAWjI/naSMI9gDRugBfbXiQ-pdB9gPOvmIlPnlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/estero%2Bbluff%2Bcaspian%2Btern.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3Z1tUjkUmo/X3e-qlq2nzI/AAAAAAAAWjI/naSMI9gDRugBfbXiQ-pdB9gPOvmIlPnlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/estero%2Bbluff%2Bcaspian%2Btern.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here and there, particularly on and around the kelp, were Black Turnstone (below). They become nearly invisible when feeding on kelp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQcKsNkWhE8/X3fARazI3jI/AAAAAAAAWjU/iSAF3gbdJnsevcM2_2NUvd3LDhJrI_qVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/black%2Bturnstone%2Bestero%2Bbluff.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQcKsNkWhE8/X3fARazI3jI/AAAAAAAAWjU/iSAF3gbdJnsevcM2_2NUvd3LDhJrI_qVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/black%2Bturnstone%2Bestero%2Bbluff.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Black Turnstone was not the only one with a taste for kelp flies and their larva. Joining in on the feast were Willet, Whimbrel, Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Killdeer, Black and Say's Phoebe, and an American Pipit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kelp flies breed on decaying kelp. A female lays five clutches of 80 eggs each, a total of 400 eggs; the larva feeds on bacteria coming from the decaying kelp. The warmer the weather, the faster the kelp decays, the quicker the eggs hatch. Their life cycle is about 30 days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tcXP6lNJpM/X3fk7-JDgEI/AAAAAAAAWjg/pvDBXX7njdwA8casqNqG2sS3mD071AYbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bloy%2Bfeeding%2Bestero.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tcXP6lNJpM/X3fk7-JDgEI/AAAAAAAAWjg/pvDBXX7njdwA8casqNqG2sS3mD071AYbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bloy%2Bfeeding%2Bestero.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A tad south of the pocket beach, a Black Oystercatcher was feeding as a wave broke over her. She flew out of the surf and onto a higher rock. Although a rare happening, Black Oystercatchers are capable of swimming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K3JJMoY4io/X3fmLR9PfVI/AAAAAAAAWjs/9uMDS7B5ft0bihGkAPHUzouqqeYLOfnDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/estero%2Bbloy%2Bcaught%2Bby%2Bwave.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K3JJMoY4io/X3fmLR9PfVI/AAAAAAAAWjs/9uMDS7B5ft0bihGkAPHUzouqqeYLOfnDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/estero%2Bbloy%2Bcaught%2Bby%2Bwave.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rocks the Oystercatcher was feeding on have eroded out of the Franciscan Complex which dates back about 140 million years to the late Jurassic Period. It was rather mind boggling when I realized the Oystercatcher was feeding on a rock that was created during the late Jurassic, and that under my feet were 140 million years of geologic history. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like all the state parks on the Central Coast, Estero Bluffs is free and well worth a visit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-39004734897090456682020-09-19T21:17:00.001-07:002020-09-19T21:17:51.647-07:00Birding on a Smoky Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhzNNc1PuzM/X2WDw31SceI/AAAAAAAAWYQ/kR6sw4EGeWUee7bLeyb32C8wo4S-iJAhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/morro%2Brock%2Bsmokyday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhzNNc1PuzM/X2WDw31SceI/AAAAAAAAWYQ/kR6sw4EGeWUee7bLeyb32C8wo4S-iJAhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/morro%2Brock%2Bsmokyday.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Morro Creek, Morro Bay Ca. - To say the least, smoke was prevalent, birds were few. I was wearing a mask and was determined to make the most of my time on the beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lINfKtbdWJE/X2WEm-MtnwI/AAAAAAAAWYc/ysdkoap1YoAG2pCpD_N_79egYC2KdLjdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/morro%2Bcreek%2Bmouth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lINfKtbdWJE/X2WEm-MtnwI/AAAAAAAAWYc/ysdkoap1YoAG2pCpD_N_79egYC2KdLjdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/morro%2Bcreek%2Bmouth.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Morro Creek travels from the foothills to the Pacific Ocean. Before it reaches the sea, the creek sometimes forms a lagoon. Beach lagoons come and go depending on the time of year, the fresh water, high tides, and surf conditions. <br />
<br />
Greater Yellow-leg, Willet, and Snowy Egret were feeding in shallow water. Nearby, a Semi-palmated Plover, two Killdeer, and my special friend, Black Phoebe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LeQm949W7jg/X2a_3p0kvNI/AAAAAAAAWag/C5kGAyeid9YjotlycPD47mNtv0RMAGR4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/morro%2Bcreek%2Blagoon%2B3%2Bbirds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LeQm949W7jg/X2a_3p0kvNI/AAAAAAAAWag/C5kGAyeid9YjotlycPD47mNtv0RMAGR4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/morro%2Bcreek%2Blagoon%2B3%2Bbirds.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Most amusing was watching the Snowy Egret foraging. It swiftly darted back and forth, then </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">suddenly stopped to jiggle one of its bright yellow feet under the water.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHfGFAHyXkU/X2bCKkSC5II/AAAAAAAAWas/-dXAknttXZ0PqXB082c-IwY-_alGt6iHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/snowy%2Bmorro%2Bcreek%2Blagoon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHfGFAHyXkU/X2bCKkSC5II/AAAAAAAAWas/-dXAknttXZ0PqXB082c-IwY-_alGt6iHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/snowy%2Bmorro%2Bcreek%2Blagoon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Would this creative behavior stir up an edible critter? Yes! What ever it was went down the Snowy's throat faster than I could blink.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A footbridge crosses the creek. I had parked on the south side of the creek, as I crossed over the bridge, I saw only a few Mallards. On the way back checked the creek again, noticed three Red-necked Phalarope in non-breeding plumage. (below)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9amfihXkV50/X2bH0CN-jYI/AAAAAAAAWa4/51kLy9ndXDgR4Yw0w5vkqraDGwpGXJZ9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-19%2Bat%2B12.00.33%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="643" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9amfihXkV50/X2bH0CN-jYI/AAAAAAAAWa4/51kLy9ndXDgR4Yw0w5vkqraDGwpGXJZ9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-19%2Bat%2B12.00.33%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the edge of the wet sand a small flock of Least Sandpiper, another handsome Killdeer, and a mystery bird. I do love a mystery. I was on the bridge looking down. It was plump with white stripes on its head and back. Its head was immersed in the water up to its tiny eye. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Kys-RcK40/X2bKQCXryzI/AAAAAAAAWbE/N5LKfLqVr3wPy-RRrPgFUhlwn1II8WZ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-14%2Bat%2B4.07.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="643" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Kys-RcK40/X2bKQCXryzI/AAAAAAAAWbE/N5LKfLqVr3wPy-RRrPgFUhlwn1II8WZ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-14%2Bat%2B4.07.18%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hoping to identify the bird, I took numerous photos. Arriving home I searched through my "National Geographic Guide to Birds of No. America" and found Wilson's Snipe - described by the Guide as "stocky; with very long bill; boldly striped head, barred Flanks." Ah, another mystery solved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2OXIeviqgs/X2bNyAETzGI/AAAAAAAAWbQ/oUAZKs9cqRY0_NX9zaAjgQx3P8-rOHUSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Morro%2Bcrk%2BLag%2Bcolage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2OXIeviqgs/X2bNyAETzGI/AAAAAAAAWbQ/oUAZKs9cqRY0_NX9zaAjgQx3P8-rOHUSACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Morro%2Bcrk%2BLag%2Bcolage.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the above photo, top image is the Snipe followed by two Phalarope. The large image of Wilson's Snipe was borrowed from Wikipedia to get a good look at its long bill. The tip of the Snipe's bill remains closed while it consumes invertebrates. This useful feature allows the Snipe to consume food without lifting its head from the water. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db747sSSgeY/X2bP3WHvk4I/AAAAAAAAWbc/_uWyd7NnX2kJTvqvnpkv6fUr5EoH9XOugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/morro%2Bcreek%2Bgoogle%2Bearth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db747sSSgeY/X2bP3WHvk4I/AAAAAAAAWbc/_uWyd7NnX2kJTvqvnpkv6fUr5EoH9XOugCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/morro%2Bcreek%2Bgoogle%2Bearth.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
View of Morro Creek Lagoon from Google Earth. Ephemeral beach lagoons are important habitats for migrating birds, particularly important now because so much habitat has been lost to fire.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-28213477649676290492020-08-14T16:11:00.001-07:002020-08-14T16:11:10.277-07:00Sweet Springs Easy Birding plus Oystercatcher Monitoring Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnQZo8pBf_0/XzYEPtzMncI/AAAAAAAAVv8/PEh5dd5JOT0sC6gCY1AwMpVl1PpC8ZxTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sweet%2BSprings%2BPond.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnQZo8pBf_0/XzYEPtzMncI/AAAAAAAAVv8/PEh5dd5JOT0sC6gCY1AwMpVl1PpC8ZxTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Sweet%2BSprings%2BPond.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Sweet Springs Preserve </u>- 9:00 to 10:00 - Heavy moist overcast. Some people might consider a grey morning rather unpleasant and dull. For me it was an ideal morning to bird Sweet Springs. The bay was serene in its stillness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCVZ7C6CCgA/XzYGCql_cjI/AAAAAAAAVwI/ziDPWfnkpsQ7-oje6q5sSediT8a_0bX-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bay%2Bfrm%2Bsw%2Bsp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCVZ7C6CCgA/XzYGCql_cjI/AAAAAAAAVwI/ziDPWfnkpsQ7-oje6q5sSediT8a_0bX-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bay%2Bfrm%2Bsw%2Bsp.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Shorebirds were racing back and forth across the narrow strip of muddy sand. Semipalmated Plover were numerous. These tiny migrant Plovers may have just arrived from their breeding grounds in Alaska.<br />
<br />
There were a few Least Sandpiper. They really are tiny. Two Greater Yellowleg were focused on probing the sand, while two handsome Black-bellied Plover, in fading breeding plumage, were strolling sedately along the edge of the bay. I must not forget the Willet, the Marbled Godwit, and dear, faithful Black Phoebe. A Green Heron flying into the pond area was the highlight of the morning.<br />
<br />
<u>Oystercatcher Monitoring Update</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdrQnkpOWPo/XzYMMZy2u1I/AAAAAAAAVwU/u0Erp6IYlqQyman-uCAyAQjRTGy2_LtjACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bloy%2Bfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdrQnkpOWPo/XzYMMZy2u1I/AAAAAAAAVwU/u0Erp6IYlqQyman-uCAyAQjRTGy2_LtjACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bloy%2Bfamily.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
July 29, 2020 - Last photo of the family. Chicks were nearly a month old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiQS9hIeylo/XzcQsDq7N4I/AAAAAAAAVw4/B2PqxiZJ02gvELcpwPLt5gkmwIbsWar4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/parents%2B0ne%2Bchick.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="800" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiQS9hIeylo/XzcQsDq7N4I/AAAAAAAAVw4/B2PqxiZJ02gvELcpwPLt5gkmwIbsWar4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/parents%2B0ne%2Bchick.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The last few days of monitoring - July 3 -Parents on duty, one chick visible. I briefly saw the entire chick moments before taking the photo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zn9KEUzs3hc/XzcSiL4LVTI/AAAAAAAAVxE/4CKzOG1VqKUZFl0VkttkJovEp0TMTZazgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bloy%2Bpair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zn9KEUzs3hc/XzcSiL4LVTI/AAAAAAAAVxE/4CKzOG1VqKUZFl0VkttkJovEp0TMTZazgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bloy%2Bpair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
July 7 - Parents on duty, chicks absent. They could not fly and they could not have wandered far as their rock formation was separate from the other formations. July 10 - Parents on duty, chicks absent. One parent flew off, returning with a food morsel clutched in her bill. She walked down the rock face disappearing into the cracks, sadly emerging with the morsel still clutched in her bill. I knew in my heart she was searching for her chicks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qXVPfYFEIc/XzcVpPYHHRI/AAAAAAAAVxQ/W8VAf1YrBS8NSRQBvsv2S1L7h3h-JpumgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cove.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qXVPfYFEIc/XzcVpPYHHRI/AAAAAAAAVxQ/W8VAf1YrBS8NSRQBvsv2S1L7h3h-JpumgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/cove.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
What had taken the Oystercatcher chicks? Was it a raptor? Was it the sea? In my estimation, the unforgiving sea had taken the chicks. Between July 1 and July 6, extremely high tides, combined with a powerful storm surge, had swept them off the rocks.<br />
<br />
I have not given up hope. During the winter months Oystercatchers are often seen feeding along the edge of the surf in Corallina Cove, and I will be there looking for a juvenile with its two-toned bill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6F3hyF086g/XzcXtB-uDzI/AAAAAAAAVxc/hZzQ4FL_plMiyZXPwTsUQE3dkkPAlnp6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Juvenile%2BBloy%2Bat%2Bcorallina%2Bcove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="800" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6F3hyF086g/XzcXtB-uDzI/AAAAAAAAVxc/hZzQ4FL_plMiyZXPwTsUQE3dkkPAlnp6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Juvenile%2BBloy%2Bat%2Bcorallina%2Bcove.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-33913106934866495712020-08-01T15:13:00.003-07:002020-08-01T20:13:05.535-07:00Birding Villa Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvdszHDQCYk/XyWuPc5fZBI/AAAAAAAAVog/m8qKAeUF2cETsmOjTk--_OWb2X1RHuidACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/path%2Bto%2Bvilla%2Bcreek.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvdszHDQCYk/XyWuPc5fZBI/AAAAAAAAVog/m8qKAeUF2cETsmOjTk--_OWb2X1RHuidACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/path%2Bto%2Bvilla%2Bcreek.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The morning was grey, sea calm. Villa Creek is located at the northern terminus of Estero Bluffs State Park. Although easily accessible, it has yet to be discovered, with the exception of course, of the occasional birder.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkrcxlYTGZA/XyWvXTQ6XYI/AAAAAAAAVos/hLgP3G1NvRwTCf9R7Aw53RxYcFxNOct8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Villa%2B1%2BCreek%2BBeach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkrcxlYTGZA/XyWvXTQ6XYI/AAAAAAAAVos/hLgP3G1NvRwTCf9R7Aw53RxYcFxNOct8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Villa%2B1%2BCreek%2BBeach.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
At either end of the cove rugged promontories calm the incoming sea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_octHAc4dw/XyXTb-rOiYI/AAAAAAAAVo4/m6uya9kDnqAp-_k6RFDOez5VS5zWs56ugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8516.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_octHAc4dw/XyXTb-rOiYI/AAAAAAAAVo4/m6uya9kDnqAp-_k6RFDOez5VS5zWs56ugCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8516.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was fascinated by the floral patterns the ebbing tide had etched in the sand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NokE15R9QMU/XyXTsBHoAyI/AAAAAAAAVpA/6vOC3RNFSN4neUpLpy2IZ0anGHoUitv8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/plover%2Bvilla%2Bcreek.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="551" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NokE15R9QMU/XyXTsBHoAyI/AAAAAAAAVpA/6vOC3RNFSN4neUpLpy2IZ0anGHoUitv8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/plover%2Bvilla%2Bcreek.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Upon entering the beach my first sighting was of Snowy Plovers. It is rather mind boggling how fast their tiny legs move when they are feeding on teensy, weensy black sand flies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3U3NyUE6kVM/XyXUu_36zxI/AAAAAAAAVpM/HPSAhpkGggoyI3CH-OW8qjXlpqVt0cUNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/semipalmated%2Bplover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3U3NyUE6kVM/XyXUu_36zxI/AAAAAAAAVpM/HPSAhpkGggoyI3CH-OW8qjXlpqVt0cUNACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/semipalmated%2Bplover.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Not wanting to be left out, a Semipalmated Plover joined the fly feeding frenzy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9h-BKVDL9U/XyXXGPxZfdI/AAAAAAAAVpg/LuFQv_b92vgEmpPlEtDeYnlB8BcUF9jVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/osprey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9h-BKVDL9U/XyXXGPxZfdI/AAAAAAAAVpg/LuFQv_b92vgEmpPlEtDeYnlB8BcUF9jVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/osprey.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Villa Creek and its lagoon are out of sight from the beach, as the beach is lower than the lagoon. I was birding with Mike. He spotted an Osprey who was not the least concerned as to our presence on the beach. (Due to the zoom effect, the distant background appears closer.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nte7FjQC26k/XyXX3QOhYUI/AAAAAAAAVpo/XlU2btVLXi8340PpildJM9jPfNBlRYyPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/compare%2Bcurlew%2Bto%2Bwhimbrel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nte7FjQC26k/XyXX3QOhYUI/AAAAAAAAVpo/XlU2btVLXi8340PpildJM9jPfNBlRYyPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/compare%2Bcurlew%2Bto%2Bwhimbrel.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Heading toward the lagoon we saw Whimbrel and Long-billed Curlew. I admit there have been many times when I have pondered the question, "Is it a Curlew or a Whimbrel?" Can you tell which is which?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMParrYmOxU/XyXZOwaqQZI/AAAAAAAAVp0/HWWdhgtVfeYALkeJPTzZywviyGKaxumAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/villa%2Bcreek%2Blagoon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMParrYmOxU/XyXZOwaqQZI/AAAAAAAAVp0/HWWdhgtVfeYALkeJPTzZywviyGKaxumAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/villa%2Bcreek%2Blagoon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the narrow end of the lagoon we saw Black Phoebe, Killdeer, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Western Sandpiper, and no ducks. Overhead flew a pair of Black Oystercatcher, Red-tailed Hawk, and Turkey Vultures. Accessing the further reaches of the lagoon meant tromping through a tangle of vegetation that included dry grass, a favored habitat for ticks. I decided not to walk through the grass. Mike, on the other hand ventured forth. No ducks, but he did confirm my tick theory when he found he had six unwanted guests. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKZ_E7662b4/XyXdyaYAfPI/AAAAAAAAVqE/ZuecBjNuDmE7cgjnefE8jadIjyrkP-RMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/compare%2Bscaup.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKZ_E7662b4/XyXdyaYAfPI/AAAAAAAAVqE/ZuecBjNuDmE7cgjnefE8jadIjyrkP-RMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/compare%2Bscaup.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The finale of birding Villa Creek and its environs was watching a Surf Scoter feeding in the surf. The collage compares an Adult Scoter with the one I observed. It was either a juvenile or an adult in molting (eclipse) plumage. More than likely it was a juvenile. I do intend on returning to Villa Creek, but will wait for a sunny day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-6871072716663255542020-06-21T21:21:00.001-07:002020-06-22T08:57:30.776-07:00Montaña de Oro - Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ThQ1Sz5ju0/XvAeTfknHYI/AAAAAAAAVB8/13dyDEJjHzw1vRwWj2ieaOocCLAKKQIiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bloy%2Bpair%2Bnest%2Bexchange.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ThQ1Sz5ju0/XvAeTfknHYI/AAAAAAAAVB8/13dyDEJjHzw1vRwWj2ieaOocCLAKKQIiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bloy%2Bpair%2Bnest%2Bexchange.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>
<u>Montaña de Oro State Park</u> - Danger Sign Site - Update on Black Oystercatcher (Bloy) monitoring. Thirty-one days have passed since I began monitoring the Bloy pair at Danger Sign. The shale formation they are inhabiting is close to the bluff but not connected. Most of the time, with the exception of very low tides, it is surrounded by water. Numerous formations that jut into the sea protect the pair's rocky home from the pounding surf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF7AY_-SYeY/XvAouly7vLI/AAAAAAAAVCs/mlOc8Qy_cco0UWphxXXH6r9p4jQdr8r1ACK4BGAsYHg/s2048/IMG_0780.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF7AY_-SYeY/XvAouly7vLI/AAAAAAAAVCs/mlOc8Qy_cco0UWphxXXH6r9p4jQdr8r1ACK4BGAsYHg/s320/IMG_0780.png" width="320" /></a></div><div>Beginning May 21, I have monitored the site eight times. On June 10th, as I neared the site, I could hear alarm calls. More than likely the pair were chasing off Oystercatcher intruders. Within a couple of minutes the pair returned. Neither of them settling onto the nest. Perhaps there had been a successful hatching. One of the pair flew off, soon to return with a white morsel clutched in its bright red bill. A chick appeared for a few moments. At the same time I thought I might have seen a smidgen of a second chick. Yeah!!<br /></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUj6B9rrG-I/XvAi8XdgsLI/AAAAAAAAVCQ/k5Z8snV05UYiLoQ4-YRZtLyra9DmJn2awCK4BGAsYHg/s2300/2%2Bchicks%2Bnest%2Bsite%2B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUj6B9rrG-I/XvAi8XdgsLI/AAAAAAAAVCQ/k5Z8snV05UYiLoQ4-YRZtLyra9DmJn2awCK4BGAsYHg/s320/2%2Bchicks%2Bnest%2Bsite%2B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Two days later I was back. There were two chicks. The parents were occupied in full-time provisioning. One was usually standing guard while their mate was off gathering food. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My last visit was on Friday the 19th. - Two chicks - Parents bringing in the food. One chick was visible, the other one mostly hidden. When both parents are foraging both chicks remain out of sight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phqYKz6mM30/XvAtD-MQoiI/AAAAAAAAVDI/9ST7z2rnX_89l8-fd_dtFnNzeLriEYgAACK4BGAsYHg/s715/bloy%2Bchick%2Band%2Bparent2020-06-16%2B11.38.54.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="715" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phqYKz6mM30/XvAtD-MQoiI/AAAAAAAAVDI/9ST7z2rnX_89l8-fd_dtFnNzeLriEYgAACK4BGAsYHg/s320/bloy%2Bchick%2Band%2Bparent2020-06-16%2B11.38.54.png" width="320" /></a></div><div>In the above photo, this adventuresome little chick is about nine days old. My next monitoring date is Tuesday the 23rd. Can hardly wait.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-3578340666223502552020-05-27T22:23:00.001-07:002020-06-22T09:08:52.465-07:00Black Oystercatcher Monitoring<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIeQ0qCSDgw/Xs2yiQVMYTI/AAAAAAAAUmc/xZ8NLRLzu4MJQxxtnhYlhlDL_7Of8jG7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bloy%2Bpair.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIeQ0qCSDgw/Xs2yiQVMYTI/AAAAAAAAUmc/xZ8NLRLzu4MJQxxtnhYlhlDL_7Of8jG7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bloy%2Bpair.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Black Oystercatcher is considered an indicator species for intertidal health. They live, feed and breed on rocky, intertidal shorelines that are vulnerable to rising sea levels, human interference, and predators. Last year, at Montaña de Oro State Park Ca (MdO), only one of nine recorded nesting attempts produced a nestling that grew to maturity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi_eThrReN4/Xs2y9IygpDI/AAAAAAAAUmk/9R3zfSnr6Xs__umB2hHydBJYbAcU_g9SACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0738.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1600" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi_eThrReN4/Xs2y9IygpDI/AAAAAAAAUmk/9R3zfSnr6Xs__umB2hHydBJYbAcU_g9SACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0738.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Juvenile that grew to maturity is on the left, to the right, the proud parents of Site 7. Note the two tone bill of the juvenile. (above photo by Gary O'Neill.)<br />
<br />
Conservation efforts for Oystercatchers was limited by lack of baseline information. A study was needed. MdO nest monitoring began in 2007. I am familiar with the MdO Oystercatcher population, having learned details on nesting habits from Sara Kelly, an experienced Oystercatcher (bloy) monitor. I volunteered to be a nest monitor at Site 7. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MMGj81V4js/Xs88NyZLmzI/AAAAAAAAUp4/5YQ5eK0XBPIiRolHKIVN14d2k20xOkQDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/nest%2Bsite%2B7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MMGj81V4js/Xs88NyZLmzI/AAAAAAAAUp4/5YQ5eK0XBPIiRolHKIVN14d2k20xOkQDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/nest%2Bsite%2B7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
During nesting season Bloys are highly territorial, often nesting in the same location as the year before. The nest may be in a slight depression or in a space between shale layers. They share all nesting duties including chasing off interlopers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKfGJPR-IhY/Xs3baDPYYKI/AAAAAAAAUm0/gNxT0ADocCQyzuoGtHcm6YgOLeRoRx91QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dngersign%2Bsite7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKfGJPR-IhY/Xs3baDPYYKI/AAAAAAAAUm0/gNxT0ADocCQyzuoGtHcm6YgOLeRoRx91QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/dngersign%2Bsite7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
9:08 am, Thursday May 21 - My first monitoring experience began at site 7 aka "Danger Sign," on the north side of Quarry Cove. The sign has been there as long as I have been volunteering at MdO, and that is over two decades. I greatly doubt anyone has ever heeded the warning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OI_qkdm2U14/Xs8z1TBMI4I/AAAAAAAAUoA/3ATHE41Pl84jhhNeA-Hth2iqxcFeZcF9ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/say%2Bon%2Btrail%2Bsign.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OI_qkdm2U14/Xs8z1TBMI4I/AAAAAAAAUoA/3ATHE41Pl84jhhNeA-Hth2iqxcFeZcF9ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/say%2Bon%2Btrail%2Bsign.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Monitoring should be done far enough away from the nest site so as not to cause the Bloy to alert. They may abandon the nest. Last year symbolic fencing was installed to keep people from disturbing the Bloys. Do people climb over it? YES!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO6dUVvS3nU/Xs81l5RmFiI/AAAAAAAAUpU/SvaKcOTmGHIkZEefDh-z2vB4nyvODIhTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/site%2B7%2Bshale%2Bformations.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO6dUVvS3nU/Xs81l5RmFiI/AAAAAAAAUpU/SvaKcOTmGHIkZEefDh-z2vB4nyvODIhTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/site%2B7%2Bshale%2Bformations.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
As soon as I arrived I took out my binocs and began monitoring. I knew the approximate nest location (center of red circle), but only saw slabs of uplifted shale. I assumed that hidden from view was a Bloy incubating two to three eggs. While watching what I thought was the nest site, I took quick looks around for the mate. About 10 minutes into monitoring a Bloy flew to a nearby<br />
rock and began preening.<br />
<br />
Since male and female Bloys look alike, I have named them Babbs and Bob. Babbs was on a rock preening, Bob was hopefully on the nest. After a few more minutes Bob rose up from a crack to the right of where I had been focused. Babbs move in and settled down. Through a crack in the shale I could see a tiny sliver of a bright red bill. Now I knew where to look.!! I had just experienced my first nest exchange. ( At the end of the blog is a youtube video of the exchange.)<br />
<br />
The morning was beautiful, sunny, no wind. Now, Bob was preening and Babbs was sitting on the nest. All of a sudden chaos reigned. Three raucous Bloy were flying over the next site. Bob joined them and a moment later Babbs deserted the nest and flew off with the group. I was in shock. No one was sitting on the nest. I felt helpless. Fortunately, five minutes later Babbs returned to the nest. Bob was across the cove feeding. Later I learned this type of behavior is not unusual. <br />
<br />
<br />
My first monitoring experience was very interesting. I do hope that this pair is successful. At the present time it is the only nesting pair at MdO.<br />
<div>You may have to watch the video more than once, but you can see Babbs settle into the nest site. From now on I will bring a real camera.<br /><div><p class="p1" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://youtu.be/srqqWdMBgZw">https://youtu.be/srqqWdMBgZw</a></p>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div></div>joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-87392368070984330002020-04-20T09:15:00.000-07:002020-04-20T11:16:12.769-07:00Sightings While Not Really Birding<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov6VOmMQbso/XpziacsV6nI/AAAAAAAAT2E/h-hwom9Jsxc_Ujzf2T8yiorYv8HNrBqjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mdo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov6VOmMQbso/XpziacsV6nI/AAAAAAAAT2E/h-hwom9Jsxc_Ujzf2T8yiorYv8HNrBqjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mdo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Montaña de Oro (MdO)</u> - Bluff Trail -7:30 am -31 days since the "lock down." The morning was absolutely exquisite! The sun was attempting to ease its way through the clouds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeAi0pE6McE/XpziMhBcB-I/AAAAAAAAT2A/o7GsqwwRDDozeOyGYEKReJiWNufJC8rLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/turkey%2Btrot%2Bmdo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeAi0pE6McE/XpziMhBcB-I/AAAAAAAAT2A/o7GsqwwRDDozeOyGYEKReJiWNufJC8rLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/turkey%2Btrot%2Bmdo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
First sighting - A flock of turkeys with three males engaged in a slow turkey trot. Nearby females were not impressed. I found their display most impressive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfRrCKL_mYU/XpzjWWOWt2I/AAAAAAAAT2Y/tylYiKV9VpYuH7VvkXdTdxn4iugk4DUngCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqzPmlgVXh6mj0LKKlfv5cvwy47SERuPYWtsKU88Dg6PQ7TgfZruU6DXFyYfyafElNF3jqF5ULRSeI2jNMD3bblTIwWfe40NgI10ZeEmMtEm5pHC3m2oRAE7yYkJ036oX8KngRGmbyf9D3LZy6p3-icoioO-6I3wU2kPnBTr7aGTneNSFcip6eXqWPjWTVIrsuWD7c5lPtyXyjoAm0qVb6qtSrhYld1f4mIvUbMStZUtTZ0gFVy0hugvD3mcvvuzYZpv1-jZ6t4cIbKmdLGZuwpY83Z51JF6v1unFOu3fde7u6-fB5VzTKl60ehe43yJK2K1vne-2lz2sv6ENgudqatoKAhgJbiJ0THC7P6ZGXzqIx0yEklvxKr9h7jkpdmw86AFFq6bbuMNIAT7nw4Tm7fy19X3mh-YVs7kCXCms564ZeqsfxPsDepR-Gi54bZUNlPcCITjflRkQ2_K0M9ouDNFfpJRjg3TZVlGWWtX8_3RiF1W6x_FXR3f4MlGO2MhqzCnFE7Rj1HoAyL2xLIDS8UtRMtsBwbXEcspwwKqN9Y_pEOW60YbpTCSSBoVuOe1GfG4cWYUvbHj70bERXTwNr8azZv30Knoog0whszz9AU/s1600/bluff%2Btrail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfRrCKL_mYU/XpzjWWOWt2I/AAAAAAAAT2Y/tylYiKV9VpYuH7VvkXdTdxn4iugk4DUngCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqzPmlgVXh6mj0LKKlfv5cvwy47SERuPYWtsKU88Dg6PQ7TgfZruU6DXFyYfyafElNF3jqF5ULRSeI2jNMD3bblTIwWfe40NgI10ZeEmMtEm5pHC3m2oRAE7yYkJ036oX8KngRGmbyf9D3LZy6p3-icoioO-6I3wU2kPnBTr7aGTneNSFcip6eXqWPjWTVIrsuWD7c5lPtyXyjoAm0qVb6qtSrhYld1f4mIvUbMStZUtTZ0gFVy0hugvD3mcvvuzYZpv1-jZ6t4cIbKmdLGZuwpY83Z51JF6v1unFOu3fde7u6-fB5VzTKl60ehe43yJK2K1vne-2lz2sv6ENgudqatoKAhgJbiJ0THC7P6ZGXzqIx0yEklvxKr9h7jkpdmw86AFFq6bbuMNIAT7nw4Tm7fy19X3mh-YVs7kCXCms564ZeqsfxPsDepR-Gi54bZUNlPcCITjflRkQ2_K0M9ouDNFfpJRjg3TZVlGWWtX8_3RiF1W6x_FXR3f4MlGO2MhqzCnFE7Rj1HoAyL2xLIDS8UtRMtsBwbXEcspwwKqN9Y_pEOW60YbpTCSSBoVuOe1GfG4cWYUvbHj70bERXTwNr8azZv30Knoog0whszz9AU/s320/bluff%2Btrail.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Only a few cars were parked at the Bluff Trail head. The trail appeared to have been trimmed a bit. I had only gone a few feet when I saw a Wrentit, a Spotted Towhee, and a bunny nibbling on a stalk of California Sage Brush.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dteDrGzpLeQ/XpzlXhLKv9I/AAAAAAAAT2g/a4ICves0E6Ad1Y5tw2vonWOvCb6ymxRlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/owl%2Bin%2Bnest%2B4%253A2020%2Bgary.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="699" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dteDrGzpLeQ/XpzlXhLKv9I/AAAAAAAAT2g/a4ICves0E6Ad1Y5tw2vonWOvCb6ymxRlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/owl%2Bin%2Bnest%2B4%253A2020%2Bgary.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Smugglers Cove</u> - Two years ago a pair of Peregrine Falcon attempted to nest in a horizontal hole located in Smugglers Cove. Now, two years later, Great Horned Owls are raising two owlets in the same hole. Yeah! <i>(photo of adult owl take by Gary O'Neill last Thursday)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoByC5edup0/Xp0bDrr-jyI/AAAAAAAAT24/emV1IMPwnCwWWOvbIM-5wQPYs7tOQXojACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mdo%2Bfiddleneck.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoByC5edup0/Xp0bDrr-jyI/AAAAAAAAT24/emV1IMPwnCwWWOvbIM-5wQPYs7tOQXojACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mdo%2Bfiddleneck.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The clouds were playing "hide and go seek" with the sun. There were a few runners and a few walkers, but most of the time no one in sight. A male Northern Harrier swooped low over the scrub brush. Fiddleneck glowed in the morning light.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvQJPywOFqo/Xp0YNMNbVYI/AAAAAAAAT2s/Qb7D3EfZ1Dstj_KFk4K0avEE3FDTj4IXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/islay%2Bpoint.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvQJPywOFqo/Xp0YNMNbVYI/AAAAAAAAT2s/Qb7D3EfZ1Dstj_KFk4K0avEE3FDTj4IXACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/islay%2Bpoint.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Islay Point</u> - Very tranquil - Fiddleneck in the foreground - Locoweed Center right.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCJnknc_Vuw/Xp0d7dRPNOI/AAAAAAAAT3E/09SCgBelB-EWGY3_4Zw6kJ3xseUI359FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Loco%2BWeed%2BAstragalus%2Bnuttalii%2B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCJnknc_Vuw/Xp0d7dRPNOI/AAAAAAAAT3E/09SCgBelB-EWGY3_4Zw6kJ3xseUI359FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Loco%2BWeed%2BAstragalus%2Bnuttalii%2B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Locoweed is an early bloomer and prolific along the coastal side of the Bluff Trail. Locally it is referred to as Rattleweed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tvKQ-dc0Ww/Xp0oa8_0RWI/AAAAAAAAT3Q/iofa8WbQCn0fFqfQoX-gnqmIYET79ZGlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3%2Bturkey%2Bvultures%2Bmdo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tvKQ-dc0Ww/Xp0oa8_0RWI/AAAAAAAAT3Q/iofa8WbQCn0fFqfQoX-gnqmIYET79ZGlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3%2Bturkey%2Bvultures%2Bmdo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The last time I walked by this railing a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk was perched on it. This morning three Turkey Vultures were warming their wings prior to flight. I see Turkey Vultures as gentle, patient and beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7FGA3f0BB4/Xp0rPVrLi3I/AAAAAAAAT3c/GnPFHx_SsokHLlkvx0MhgHHO1QhEdDxDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/danger%2Bsign%2Bbloys%2Bmdo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7FGA3f0BB4/Xp0rPVrLi3I/AAAAAAAAT3c/GnPFHx_SsokHLlkvx0MhgHHO1QhEdDxDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/danger%2Bsign%2Bbloys%2Bmdo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Located a tad north of Quarry Cove is the rock formation where a pair of Oystercatcher, successfully, raised one nestling to maturity. To my delight the pair appeared to be establishing nesting rights. Bloy pairs often nest in the same area as the prior year. The two Bloys are located on the upper edge of the light beige colored rocks.<br />
<br />
During my walk I could hear the sounds of Oystercatchers. Pigeon Guillemot bobbed in the surf. Despite everything that is happening, our earth continues its seasonal cycles. Spring abounds at Montaña de Oro.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsDq8uQQbe4/Xp3IW4HlItI/AAAAAAAAT4Q/ZZEsVb_CvVMHYfu5zVNuAlZxxpv8t-a7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/long%2Btailed%2Bweasel%2Boneill.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsDq8uQQbe4/Xp3IW4HlItI/AAAAAAAAT4Q/ZZEsVb_CvVMHYfu5zVNuAlZxxpv8t-a7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/long%2Btailed%2Bweasel%2Boneill.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
An unexpected delight - On the way out of the park, barely past the Hazard Peak Trail head, an adorable Long Tailed Weasel crossed in front of my car. Fortunately, due to an abundance of young bunnies along the roadside, I was driving slowly. <i>(photo by Gary O'Neill)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-5226423300132052952020-04-09T12:05:00.002-07:002020-04-09T12:05:35.625-07:00Birding With a Bleak Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kH7jHGaZICM/XozAwAg0uCI/AAAAAAAATlc/u9pahAs_7n0K1d0aBa_L2xYOWRt_D-tJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/View%2BFrm%2BAud%2BOver.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kH7jHGaZICM/XozAwAg0uCI/AAAAAAAATlc/u9pahAs_7n0K1d0aBa_L2xYOWRt_D-tJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/View%2BFrm%2BAud%2BOver.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The San Luis Obispo County "stay-at-home" announcement was on March 18, 2020 - feels like that was months ago. Like many of our residents, I take walks, making a point of keeping six feet from other humans. Actually, I'm more comfortable at 10 - 15 feet. People wave, smile, and at times engage in pleasant conversation.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning I threw caution to the wind and took off for the Audubon Overlook (6 blocks from my house) and nearby Turri Road. Total driving distance about 6 miles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biE_TUi6k6o/XozDjiAaV8I/AAAAAAAATlo/M_G3XdoNevMDrcA_fLNeQvE6cNzpp2nfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Audubon%2BOverlook.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biE_TUi6k6o/XozDjiAaV8I/AAAAAAAATlo/M_G3XdoNevMDrcA_fLNeQvE6cNzpp2nfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Audubon%2BOverlook.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Audubon Overlook</u> - A Song Sparrow was gaily singing as I proceeded down the path to the overlook. The morning was without flaw. Across the bay (upper Photo), along the edge of the pickleweed, was a sizable flock of Brant Goose, their delightful chatter carried across the bay. Photo shows the same flock of Brant feeding in pickleweed on a foggy January day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS25yjfF438/XozG4yv6pFI/AAAAAAAATl0/u7lSeFECzvUBwlzqBrfGGY588baguQHZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/brant%2Bfeeding%2Bin%2Bpickleweed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS25yjfF438/XozG4yv6pFI/AAAAAAAATl0/u7lSeFECzvUBwlzqBrfGGY588baguQHZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/brant%2Bfeeding%2Bin%2Bpickleweed.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Other Birds: Caspian and Forster's Tern, Willet bathing, and a Black-bellied Plover in gray winter plumage. Out on the bay floated a large flock of mostly Ruddy Duck - Rufus Hummingbird feeding on pink flowers of a mallow shrub was a special treat. He was a beauty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5sJms2FzzA/XozIDQn0I5I/AAAAAAAATmA/U7yG1XbZpzIDqUd5LRMemamTXWpqaivCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Rufus%2BHumer%2BR.Zachery.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5sJms2FzzA/XozIDQn0I5I/AAAAAAAATmA/U7yG1XbZpzIDqUd5LRMemamTXWpqaivCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Rufus%2BHumer%2BR.Zachery.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Turri Road Ponds</u> - On a tiny island, in the center of the photo, perched a Greater Yellowleg. Upper right, eleven Green-winged Teal, and three Northern Shoveler dabbled. A dabbling duck is a shallow water duck that feeds primarily along the surface or by tipping headfirst into the water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzce149xZME/Xo9W719j21I/AAAAAAAAToc/WRyHkz5dsVYYVTzLU9WJDVh4l6Q5j-0uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Turri%2BRd%2BPonds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzce149xZME/Xo9W719j21I/AAAAAAAAToc/WRyHkz5dsVYYVTzLU9WJDVh4l6Q5j-0uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Turri%2BRd%2BPonds.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P25pCKDFgQA/Xo9VQryxHlI/AAAAAAAAToQ/XOKsx4BTTEc8x0azykKIf6yO6ONLbtCBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pintail%2Bdabblers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1590" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P25pCKDFgQA/Xo9VQryxHlI/AAAAAAAAToQ/XOKsx4BTTEc8x0azykKIf6yO6ONLbtCBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pintail%2Bdabblers.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now, you know the origin of the idiom, "bottoms up."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The next stop, about a mile up the road, is one of my favorite places to bird. I have named it the cattle pond. In the rainy season the pond fills. What a privileged to be here, breathing in the scenery, the scents, and the sounds of the birds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjup9Sbqh8/Xo5qXuP178I/AAAAAAAATnI/W9owhIxX9t0ooc368NgNenBg9HX3TH7iACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CAttle%2BPond%2Bturri%2BRd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjup9Sbqh8/Xo5qXuP178I/AAAAAAAATnI/W9owhIxX9t0ooc368NgNenBg9HX3TH7iACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/CAttle%2BPond%2Bturri%2BRd.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Five male Cinnamon Teal were feeding in the far section. Streaking over the pond were White-throated Swifts and Swallows, along the edge two Willet searched for edibles. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pv0QgJHReSg/Xo9ZOUNk7KI/AAAAAAAAToo/fh4po3v2yH032vJE1zb4ov6GMlRXA_avACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Cattle%2BPen%2BTurri%2BRd..jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pv0QgJHReSg/Xo9ZOUNk7KI/AAAAAAAAToo/fh4po3v2yH032vJE1zb4ov6GMlRXA_avACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cattle%2BPen%2BTurri%2BRd..jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
West of the pond is a dilapidated cattle pen. The corner of the pen, with its old loading chute, scruffy little tree, and aging wooden fencing was attracting three species of birds. American Goldfinch, House Finch, and California Towhee (photo) were flying in and out of the foliage. From a section of barbed wire fencing two Cassin's Kingbirds sallied forth in pursuit of insects. Wilson's Warbler sang from a willow thicket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUqgKMbTqVk/Xo9pJsMS51I/AAAAAAAATo0/i4_ivO2ztTYq17qQbnW7cLXosqACdFV2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/calif-towhee-best.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUqgKMbTqVk/Xo9pJsMS51I/AAAAAAAATo0/i4_ivO2ztTYq17qQbnW7cLXosqACdFV2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/calif-towhee-best.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Best sighting of the morning was a Lark Sparrow (below) perched atop an old post. Every few minutes he sang - this was first time I had heard a Lark Sparrow sing. During breeding season males sing from elevated perches and that is just what he was doing - made my day! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqdb9OkD2rs/Xo9tHavPXbI/AAAAAAAATpA/FkAfRRfgrOUrQJVyVOCD7iIkRQsG47rIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lark.sparrow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqdb9OkD2rs/Xo9tHavPXbI/AAAAAAAATpA/FkAfRRfgrOUrQJVyVOCD7iIkRQsG47rIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/lark.sparrow.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Afterthought: As I jotted down my thought, I realized how privileged and fortunate I am to be able to drive to a peaceful rural area and spend time thinking only of birds and the beauty of the day . . . . .<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958879072161329555.post-55287579990459131342020-03-22T20:54:00.001-07:002020-03-22T20:54:55.196-07:00Are MdO Birds Practicing Social Distancing?Much like humans the answer is yes, no, or sometimes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrs8Ha0-PDM/Xnga9cGzNRI/AAAAAAAATNU/_bET02tqzw8goGhj7xJ1Ey0g54JzfopOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/grotto%2Brock%2Bmdo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrs8Ha0-PDM/Xnga9cGzNRI/AAAAAAAATNU/_bET02tqzw8goGhj7xJ1Ey0g54JzfopOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/grotto%2Brock%2Bmdo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Montaña de Oro (MdO)</u> - Everything about MdO was Beautiful. Coastal chaparral vibrant with spring growth, dramatic cloud formations, few people, precious bunnies dashing across the trail, and my favorite MdO bluff birds - Scrub Jay <i>(below)</i>, Quail, Thrasher, Wrentit, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren - Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorant - Oystercatcher, and the newly arrived Pigeon Guillemot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cldIXeLXcyw/XngbcKCjOZI/AAAAAAAATNc/4f8ZmM4Nd5sNoyiAPAC6XNifGKoKhmBMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/scrub.jay.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cldIXeLXcyw/XngbcKCjOZI/AAAAAAAATNc/4f8ZmM4Nd5sNoyiAPAC6XNifGKoKhmBMACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/scrub.jay.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
But the beauty of the morning did little to assuage my deep concern over the welfare of MdO's birds. Were they practicing "social distancing?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EpEe5771S-E/XngiTax9cQI/AAAAAAAATN0/17ubEgeaS7wEq1ink2th7dGBO4Y6ExQRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/guillemont%2Bpair%2Bon%2Bbeach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EpEe5771S-E/XngiTax9cQI/AAAAAAAATN0/17ubEgeaS7wEq1ink2th7dGBO4Y6ExQRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/guillemont%2Bpair%2Bon%2Bbeach.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>"Yes</b>!<b>"</b> for Pigeon Guillemots. Monogamous Guillemot pairs, obviously aware of the global pandemic, were keeping their distance from other pairs of Guillemots. I was delighted to see they had perfected the art of social distancing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OpbuCidhW4/XngkDc77Y6I/AAAAAAAATOA/_HmOKRo3aOIF1LJUekhf7nxxAAbbWDMaACEwYBhgL/s1600/group.nesting.brant%2Bcor..jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OpbuCidhW4/XngkDc77Y6I/AAAAAAAATOA/_HmOKRo3aOIF1LJUekhf7nxxAAbbWDMaACEwYBhgL/s320/group.nesting.brant%2Bcor..jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>"No!"</b> for the Brandt's Cormorant. Like some humans Brandt's are very social. They love to party.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zUjo_8arzQ/XngmqiKVr4I/AAAAAAAATOM/JECofC7_oNoBHhVx_aQjJjc_l0dh9s8wACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/nesting.pelagic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zUjo_8arzQ/XngmqiKVr4I/AAAAAAAATOM/JECofC7_oNoBHhVx_aQjJjc_l0dh9s8wACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/nesting.pelagic.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>"Sometimes!"</b> for the Pelagic Cormorant. When nesting they practice social distancing. After their chick fledge they hang out in flocks, often mingling with other species of Cormorants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydf2lsil48/XngoCnk3d-I/AAAAAAAATOY/uUMUMklc6aAX-P1C3826LPo-yG1AkBWagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/gary.bloy.black%2Bturnstone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydf2lsil48/XngoCnk3d-I/AAAAAAAATOY/uUMUMklc6aAX-P1C3826LPo-yG1AkBWagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/gary.bloy.black%2Bturnstone.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>"Sometimes!"</b> for Oystercatchers. They nest individually, keeping all intruders at bay. Though, in winter they often gather in flocks, sometimes with friends. Oystercatchers do need to work on their social distancing skills.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2cyf-XfJAM/XngpAxFDbNI/AAAAAAAATOg/Fbm-_6Toz2MnS5K1_Q7DYQerQGIQfaH8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/spotted.calif%2Btowhee.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2cyf-XfJAM/XngpAxFDbNI/AAAAAAAATOg/Fbm-_6Toz2MnS5K1_Q7DYQerQGIQfaH8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/spotted.calif%2Btowhee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>"Yes!"</b> for the majority of bluff birds. Social distancing is firmly fixed in their way of life. After my morning observations I realized that regardless of what happens to the human population, the MdO birds will survive. <br />
<br />
Thought For the Day - "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />joyce coryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02002817897829768430noreply@blogger.com0