BIRDING HERE AND THERE

The amount of rain we have received is rather amazing. Since Dec. 5th, nearly 14 inches, which includes last night's 2.10 in. Never let it be said that I am a fair weather birder. In between the showers I have managed to get out and about.

Friday - Whale Rock Reservoir and Cottonwood Creek Road - Rain pending - (the road belonged to the cows) - No eagles were present. About 10 White Pelicans in a tight group at the mouth of the north creek. Although we have received much rain, the reservoir was very low. There were numerous raptors soaring, and 3 colorful Kestrels. Several miles up the road were Yellow-billed Magpie - a rare sight, as they are seldom seen on the coast side of the hills.

Thursday - Elfin Forest - Calif Thrasher (photo) and Bewick's Wren were singing. Blue-gray Gratcatcher was playing hide and seek. The tide was just right to see all the ducks and shore birds. Most unusual were 2 Canvasback and a Eurasian Wigeon (red head), and hundreds of Dowitcher.



Today - Baywood - Thunder rumbling - In the vicinity of the pier - about 30 dabbling Blue-winged Teal. No shore birds. At the Baywood Point a small cluster of White Pelicans. In trees and shrubbery along Pasadena Ave., Red-breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee, Red-winged Blackbirds, Orange-crowned Warbler, American Goldfinch. I am looking forward to dry, warmer weather.