Thursday, August 26, 2010

BAYWOOD BIRDING

This morning's weather was cool and foggy. Most memorable birds around the Baywood Pier were: 2 Killdeer, one Ruddy Turnstone, one Short-billed Dowitcher, and one very light colored Godwit see photo). At the Pasadena Overlook were about 50-60 Western Sandpiper and a Caspian and Elegant Tern. At the Audubon Overlook: 3 Brant Goose preening, huge flock of American Goldfinch and a Selasphorus Hummer. Last stop was the Morro Bay Marina: Bob, the sea otter that comes in on the tide, was sleeping in his bed of kelp. Thousands of Willets, Long-billed Curlew, Godwit, and sandpiper in the pickleweed. Best sighting was of 6 Black Skimmer flying across the bay. Second best sighting was a Black Phoebe chasing a Western Sandpiper.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

BIRDING GUEMES ISLAND, WA.


Birding Guemes Island, Wa. (5 min. ferry ride from Anacortes). My great hope was to see a Pileated Woodpecker. Second day on Guemes saw 5 adults and one juvenile (most thrilling). In nearly every tree, of the densely wooded island, were Red-breasted Nuthatch. Brown Creeper was abundant. Many vocal wrens, Bewick's and House. Chestnut-backed and Black-capped Chickadee abundant. Nearly every day saw a Bald Eagle, adults and juveniles. Other birds of interest Wild Turkey, Willow Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher, and Western Screech Owl, numerous Steller's Jay and Dark-eyed Junco. The morning of the day I was leaving saw a phenomenal sight. Soaring above a marshy wetland at the western end of the island was a Swallow-tailed Kite. I could not believe my eyes. Rarely has this bird been seen in the San Juan Islands - a delightful going away gift.


On the return trip to the Central Coast, drove up the Umpgua River (Oregon) to Crater Lake. This unbelievably beautiful lake is 5 miles wide, ringed by cliffs 2,000ft high. Altitude of lake surface 6,173ft. Maximum Lake Depth 1,943ft. Crater Lake is famous for its clarity and deep blue color. Red-breasted Nuthatch were numerous. Saw several Clark's Nutcracker, Hairy Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, and Northern Flicker. Now that I am home have to get back in gear and check out the winter migrants that are arriving daily.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

BAYWOOD BIRDING

Three species of shore birds by the Baywood Pier - one Godwit, one Greater Yellowleg, five Killdeer. To the south/east of the pier about 50 gulls, composed of Western and Ring-billed. One lonely Snowy Egret. In the distance heard several Caspian Tern. Weather breezy and cold, sun thinking about coming out - all in all, another perfect Baywood afternoon. (photo - view of Sweet Springs from near 3rd St.)