BOARDWALK MANIA

In my last blog I said I would return to the boardwalk the next morning to experience the 6.8 tide (photo - Black Phoebe on posts). At 9:00 I was the only person on the boardwalk  As a result of this tide, the birds such as Savannah Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warbler, that forage in the pickleweed (now flooded),  were in the brush along the boardwalk; as a consequence they were very easy to observe.  A major treat was seeing two pair of Palm Warbler.

Now, we need to fast forward - Yesterday I introduced 4 friends, two from out of town to the cornucopia of birds that can be seen from the boardwalk and trail.  Before we had set one foot on the boardwalk we had already seen 3 species of Grebe and a Kingfisher.  Thousands of shore birds were feeding and resting in the estuary.  A large flock of Brant Goose kept us company with their constant chatter.  Cormorants and assorted shorebirds swirled overhead. 

Three perky Blue-gray Gnatcatcher entertained us and, to our amazement we had wonderful sightings of two Palm Warblers - look for the bobbing tail.  As we exited the boardwalk onto the tail that runs along the marina, there bobbing along, was my little darling, the Spotted Sandpiper. One and a half hours of birding netted us 31 species, that is without a scope.  At the end of our walk we were in total agreement that we had just experienced birding at its best.

MORRO BAY MARINA BOARDWALK

Morro Bay State Park Marina - A totally accessible loop boardwalk and trail was completed about a month ago. The trail section goes along the marina to the point where it merges into a redwood boardwalk that follows the edge of the estuary, in a gentle meandering loop, back to the parking area.

Beginning in June I documented the construction of the boardwalk - the result, 5 little YouTube videos. I have included a link to part 5, the final video on the construction  http://youtu.be/wt2Vvbt6udA

Today, around noon, I walked the loop boardwalk and trail. The weather, totally divine, the birding great!  In the marina were numerous Western Grebe, Pied Billed Grebe, and one Clark's Grebe. Definitely a good Grebe Day!  Along the edge of the marina was the Spotted Sandpiper, a winter resident at the marina.  From the point, hundreds of shorebirds could be seen. - Sandpiper, Sanderling, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer; many Egret and Great Blue Heron. Dabbling and Diving Ducks in the channels.

Passed several birders that were delighted with the boardwalk. Along the estuary, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Black Phoebe chasing flies. Yum!  Did not see the Palm Warbler that had been seen this morning but did see a lone coyote stalking something way out on the estuary.  Hopefully, I will be back on the boardwalk at 9:00 Wed. morning to see the effects of a very high tide.