Laguna Lake - The weather was perfect, warming sun with a slight breeze. The hill, center left, is Bishop Peak. The hill to the right is Cerro San Luis aka Madonna Mountain.
With boisterous enthusiasm a Great-tailed Grackle welcomed me to the park.
I had noticed, from a distance, a few water fowl; could not determine species, so found an area closer to the water.
A perky Marsh Wren was dashing through the reeds, loudly calling. Perhaps my presence had disturbed him.
The male Marsh Wren is quite vocal when it comes to protecting his territory. He may build numerous nests in hopes of attracting a mate. The more nests he builds, the more chances he has of success.
Singing from a Willow thicket were Song Sparrow, House Finch, and a handsome Pacific Flycatcher. (photo). The wind was picking up. Tiny waves were lapping at the shore line. Since most of our winter guests have returned to their breeding areas, birds on the lake were scarce - two Pied-billed Grebe, two female Northern Shoveler, one Canada Goose, and a lonely male Ruddy Duck.
Across the lake a Sora was calling (photo taken at Cloisters Pond). Like all rails, the Sora has big feet, making it easier to walk on floating reeds. The Sora, when it emerges from the reeds, does not appear to mind huge two legged creatures staring at them.
The treat for the morning was seeing a Lark Sparrow. As I neared the barbed wire fence that separates the park from the open space, I could see a Lark Sparrow perched on the old fence, her tiny feet carefully placed between the forever sharp barbs. I kept my distance - watched her find a morning morsel, and then fly off with a tiny insect securely held in her beak - perhaps to her nestlings that were eagerly waiting her return.
