EASY BIRDING - CLOISTERS PARK

 Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival - Easy Birding Cloisters Park - 9:00 to 11:00.  Weather - clear and breezy.  From near and far came seventeen fearless birders.  Breezy conditions did not deter us from identifying 30 species of our feathered friends.  The precious Sora was unbelievably cooperative and very easy to see and photograph. (Sora photo taken from overlook)  In the fields on the north side of the pond we had the best sightings ever of a flock of American Pipit. Across from the Pipits a flock of eye stunning Meadowlarks were feeding and swooping about.

At the end of the walk, about seven of us hung around the overlook for a few minutes, out popped our little Sora with its bright yellow bill. While focused on the Sora a new arrival was noted, a handsome Northern Pintail - an unusual sighting for the Cloisters Pond.  Pied-billed Grebe appeared at the same time.  The last two sightings were like frosting on the cake.

Birding with a group of new and experienced birders is a privilege and a heart warming experience.  I am looking forward to the next time. (Included is a link to a video on Cloisters Park)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qonAAVupD8s