Early Birds

This weekend I had the pleasure of birding the Montaña de Oro Sandspit (above) and the Marina Boardwalk.  I was looking for Early Birds, birds that breed elsewhere and come to the Central Coast for the fall, winter, and early spring.


 Sandspit - A flock of 30 Brandt's Cormorant were resting on a rocky point.  Brandt's can be seen on the central coast all year, but they have been missing from Montaña de Oro's rocky shoreline.  I was rather happy to see them.

 On the beach 40 adult and one immature Herrmann's Gull (above).  Heermann's is classified as "Near Threatened," as 90% of their breeding is confined to Isla Raza in Baja California.

 At the edge of the surf about 30 Whimbrel (above) fed, dashing hither, thither and yon. 
Whimbrel breed in Alaska and Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland.

Although the morning was heavily overcast, fortune shined.  Above the high tide line were two endangered Snowy Plover.  In the wet sand, feeding on a bird carcass, were two Turkey Vultures.  Diving in the rugged surf about 10-15 Surf Scoter.

 Marina Boardwalk - Feeding in the pickleweed was a mixed flock of several hundred Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew, and Willet (above).  Many were in transition between their breeding and winter plumage.  In the center of the bay rested about 50 amazing White Pelican (below).  They can weigh 30 pounds and their wing span can exceed nine feet.  They are fabulous to see in flight.

 In the brush two Bewick's Wren were active, heard White-crowned Sparrow and House Finch.  Black Phoebe was sallying forth from her perch on the boardwalk to snatch unsuspecting insects.  I am seeing fewer birds everywhere.  Unfortunately drought and global warming is taking its toll.