Yesterday was the Grand Opening for the "Accessible Trail and Viewing Platform" at the new Sweet Springs East. The trail and boardwalk is about 2/3 of a mile round trip. The boardwalk ends at the beautifully constructed viewing platform.
The viewing platform gives visual access to a section of the bay where migratory ducks and shore birds hang out, an area that has hitherto been out of sight. (I can hardly wait to return for some serious birding.)
Earlier in the day, I birdied the usual Sweet Springs (above). In the thickets of brush, digging thru leaf litter, were Junco, Song Sparrow, and White and Golden-crowned Sparrow. The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a rather feisty feeder. If another Golden-crowned gets too close, the interloper gets a quick peck on the butt.
In the Eucalyptus trees, vivid black and yellow Townsend’s Warbler, Northern Flicker, pert Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and a sweet little Downey Woodpecker. Belted Kingfisher was perched on a branch overlooking the pond.
On my way to the overlook I heard a sound that was music to my ears, Brant Goose (about 100); the first of the season. Along the edge of the bay, Blue-winged Teal Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Greater Yellowleg, and a beautiful Great Blue Heron. Seeing the Brant and hearing their magical sound made my day.
