BIRDING AT ITS BEST

Montana de Oro State Park - 9:00 am - The Weather was less than optimal, gray sky and drizzle. Fortunately, no wind. I had come out to see a rare migrant to our area, the Red Crossbill. This is one bird I thought I would never have a chance to see. Fortune shined!

A flock of a dozen plus were busily feeding in the Monterey Cypress on the south side of the Visitor Center. The odd shape of their bill allows them to extract seeds from tightly closed cones, such as those of the Monterey Cypress. They will feed hanging upside down like a Chickadee.

Other birds around the Visitor Center, Steller's Jay, Northern Flicker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Bushtit, Wrentit, and Western Bluebird.

The Crossbill is not the only unusual bird in our area. An American Golden Plover had been seen along the edge of the bay near Cuesta Inlet. Within a few minutes of arrival I spotted her feeding cautiously in the pickleweed. There was no one else around, no dog walkers, which was nice. I was able to look at this graceful, solitary beauty with ease. I am including a barely acceptable photo. Clicking on the photo will give a slightly better image.
The American Golden Plover is amazing. It breeds in Arctic Tundra and has a migratory route of 25,000 miles; of this 2500 miles is over open ocean. Unlike the Black-bellied Plover who forages along the edge of Morro Bay, the American Golden Plover prefers pastures and dryer areas, so having the Golden Plover visit our area is indeed a treat.

Two new species in one day; be still my heart!