Birding on a Smoky Morning

Morro Creek, Morro Bay Ca. - To say the least, smoke was prevalent, birds were few.  I was wearing a mask and was determined to make the most of my time on the beach.

Morro Creek travels from the foothills to the Pacific Ocean.  Before it reaches the sea, the creek sometimes forms a lagoon.  Beach lagoons come and go depending on the time of year, the fresh water, high tides, and surf conditions. 

Greater Yellow-leg, Willet, and Snowy Egret were feeding in shallow water.  Nearby, a Semi-palmated Plover, two Killdeer, and my special friend, Black Phoebe.

Most amusing was watching the Snowy Egret foraging.  It swiftly darted back and forth, then 

suddenly stopped to jiggle one of its bright yellow feet under the water.

Would this creative behavior stir up an edible critter?  Yes!  What ever it was went down the Snowy's throat faster than I could blink.

A footbridge crosses the creek.  I had parked on the south side of the creek, as I crossed over the bridge, I saw only a few Mallards.  On the way back checked the creek again, noticed three Red-necked Phalarope in non-breeding plumage. (below)

On the edge of the wet sand a small flock of Least Sandpiper, another handsome Killdeer, and a mystery bird.  I do love a mystery.  I was on the bridge looking down.  It was plump with white stripes on its head and back.  Its head was immersed in the water up to its tiny eye.  

Hoping to identify the bird, I took numerous photos.  Arriving home I searched through my "National Geographic Guide to Birds of No. America" and found Wilson's Snipe - described by the Guide as "stocky; with very long bill; boldly striped head, barred Flanks."  Ah, another mystery solved.

In the above photo, top image is the Snipe followed by two Phalarope.  The large image of Wilson's Snipe was borrowed from Wikipedia to get a good look at its long bill.  The tip of the Snipe's bill remains closed while it consumes invertebrates.  This useful feature allows the Snipe to consume food without lifting its head from the water.  

View of Morro Creek Lagoon from Google Earth.  Ephemeral beach lagoons are important habitats for migrating birds, particularly important now because so much habitat has been lost to fire.