Baywood Morning Birds

Yesterday a Red-necked Grebe, and seven Brant Goose, were seen in Baywood Cove in the area of the little pier and the Back Bay Cafe.  This morning at 8:00 I headed out the door with binoculars, camera and high hopes that I could find the water fowl that had been sighted yesterday. 

Luck prevailed.  The first birds I saw were 27 Blue-winged Teal (above photo and center of top photo). Along the edge of the sandbar (the tide was going out) were two Black-bellied Plover, a very Long-billed Curlew, several Marbled Godwit, and a Ring-billed Gull.

Tiny fish were jumping and 2 Eared Grebe were diving every few moments.  Seven Brant were moving in a straight line across the bay. One was in the lead. It was a beautiful sight.  Out a little further were, not one, but two Red-necked Grebe (above photo by Caleb Putnam) and two Pied- billed Grebe, plus 17 Western Grebe, and a Kingfisher perched on the top of a mast (below photo). Saturday, October 22, 2016 will go down in history as the "Day of the Grebe."

All these great sightings in just a few minutes.  With the beautiful morning came the people, dog walkers, children playing on the sand bar, dogs in the water, and a line of people waiting for coffee.  The old adage, "The early birds gets the worm," was certainly true this morning.

Birding Baywood

Birding Baywood - Weather perfect, slight breeze - The Audubon Overlook is located at the north end of 4th St.  Below is a view of Morro Bay taken from the overlook, when it is not foggy of course.  Morro Rock, to the far left,  and the hills are remnants of volcanoes created about 20 million years ago.

Four Greater Yellowleg, looking positively splendid in their transitional plumage, were preening themselves by the waters edge.

Six Whimbrel were sleeping, eight Godwit and a Long-billed Curlew were looking for edibles in the pickleweed, and a Black-bellied Plover accompanied a small flock of Western Sandpiper.  Dependable Black Phoebe was busy flycatching. 

Next stop, the 3rd St. Coastal Access, a sweet little path takes one down to the bay.

The path is lined with pink blooming mallow and blooming fennel which smells like licorice.  The fennel bulb can be grilled or braised.  I have yet to try it.  From here one can walk, if the tide is not high, to the Baywood Coffee shop and the Baywood Pier.  Forster's and Elegant Tern were, with great gusto, diving for fish.  Elegant Tern has a very piercing and sharp kee-rick call where as the Forster's has a loud, heavy k-yarr call.  The sounds coming from the Terns were positively delightful. 

Migratory Terns, mainly Elegant, with a smattering of Royal and the occasional Caspian, gather in large flocks on the Morro Strand Beach.  The adults are kept busy feeding the fussy juveniles.  Can you find the Royal Terns?

While the feeding melee was going on a Double-crested Cormorant and a Snowy Egret were having a disagreement over feeding rights.  As I walked along the edge of the bay, a Cooper's Hawk sped by and four Canada Goose honked as they passed overhead.  In the area of the Baywood Pier were eight Ring-billed Gull.  Birding Baywood was delightful!  Now, isn't that interesting, my walk ended at the coffee shop.

 Спасибо за чтение моего блога бирдинг.
Spasibo za chteniye moyego bloga birding.
Merci d'avoir lu mon blog d'observation des oiseaux.
Vielen Dank für meine Vögel beobachten Blog zu lesen.
Thank you for reading my birding blog

Morro Bay - Return of the Sandpipers

  August 24 - Baywood - South Morro Bay - Western and Least Sandpipers (aka peeps) are returning by the thousands from their breeding grounds, Western Alaska for the Western Sandpiper and for the Least Sandpiper, the tundra and boreal forests of the Arctic.

The most notable difference between the two species is leg color - Western, black; Least, yellow green.  But if they are feeding in muck or standing in water nearly up to their knees, which are hidden in their feathers, luck is needed for identifying them.  (photo - Least Sandpiper)

As the migratory season progresses, a flock of sandpipers may include Semipalmated Plover, small flocks of Dunlin and Long-billed Curlew, and one of their best friends, my very favorite - the Black-bellied Plover.  For the keen of sight, a Baird's Sandpiper might be spotted.  Fortunately, the Baird's is one inch larger and a tad plumper than the Western and the Least.

The Western Sandpiper is the most abundant shorebird species in North America, whereas the Least Sandpiper, the smallest shorebird in the world, is numerous but is often found in much smaller flocks.

P. S.   Binoculars are a must when looking at peeps.  Now for some fun!

    

 How many Dunlin do you see in the photo?  Are the smaller birds Western or Least Sandpiper?  The answer will be in the next posting.  Happy Birding!

TOWNSEND'S WARBLER

Front yard birding has been excellent of late.  One and sometimes two male Townsend's Warbler are feeding at the suet that hangs in a scraggly Mallow Bush in my front yard.  This morning, flitting in the Mallow, were two male Townsend's, plus Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Chickadee, and a perky Oak Titmouse.

Occasionally the Townsend's takes delicate sips of water from the bird bath.   I was trimming a plant near the birdbath today when he came in for a sip, nearly close enough to touch; he lingered on the edge for a few moments, and of course I did not have a camera.  Taking a decent photo of the little darling is difficult, as this colorful little warbler is never at one location for more than a second.

From tiny birds to much larger birds - A few days ago, on a very cold morning was able to get a photo of Turkey Vultures warming up before flight. Unlike the fast moving Warbler, these guys were nearly stationary.  A photo op. I could not pass up.  A friend of mine whose living room window looks out at this old tree, called to let me know about the vultures.

Turkey Vultures are non-aggressive and contrary to common belief do not circle dying animals, although sometimes, while out in the wild, I feel they are giving me the eye.

BIRDING THERE AND HERE

Passed through Pacific Grove on the way home from a visit with relatives. (The photo is much to blue. I was experimenting with a new photo App. ) Birds were few and far between.  Although, along the road, feeding in the muck of a golf course pond sprouting numerous golf balls, was a small cluster of shorebirds - one Whimbrel, 4 least Sandpiper, and a bird I had not seen for several years, a Dunlin; it has a slightly thicker, down turned bill, and is a little larger than a Least Sandpiper.

Meandered down fog shrouded Hwy 1 -  Pulled off at Piedras Blancas.  No view of lighthouse due to dense fog.  On the beach, Godwit, Willet and a large flock of Heermann's Gull - nothing to write home about.

This morning checked out the low tide at Morro Strand North Point.  Low tide is the perfect time to see the Oyster Catchers, Turnstones and Surf Birds feeding on the rocks, but to my amazement, there were no rocks, as they had been completely covered by sand, which goes to prove the adage, "nothing stays the same."  I was enjoying the scampering of Semipalmated Plovers when a woman with a unleashed dog appeared. Obviously she missed the "No Dogs Allowed on the Beach" sign.

Oh well, I'll check out my home turf.  Along the Baywood boardwalk grows a couple stands of blooming Fennel.  Feeding in them were four Yellow Warblers.  Now that was a major treat.

Not far out from the pier, a feeding frenzy was in full progress.  Elegant, Royal, and Forster's Tern, along with Brown Pelican were diving for the little fish.  There were scads of Double-crested Cormorant, Harbor Seals, and gulls, looking for leftovers.  Sound of Feeding Frenzy http://youtu.be/j2alkP3MCLo

 If I had to rate the last few days of birding, foggy Baywood would be numero uno.  

BAYWOOD AND TURRI ROAD

 Wanting to avoid the crush of the 4th of July tourist traffic I birded close to home.  Migrants are returning to the bay (photo - Morro Bay at low tide). About 90 White Pelicans have arrived from their inland breeding areas.  Soaring on a 9 foot wing span, a flock of White Pelicans is an impressive sight.  Large flocks of assorted shore birds are now feeding in the mud flats.  In and around Baywood yesterday observed 26 species.  Best sighting was a Black-bellied Plover in partial breeding plumage (always a treat) and 3 Greater Yellowlegs.  My favorite sighting was of a Long-billed Curlew probing in the mud for little crustaceans.  Before swallowing the crustacean the Curlew rinsed it off - a behavior I had never observed before.

 This morning checked out Turri Road.  High Tides had brought water into the ponds by South Bay Blvd - moist mud brings the shorebirds, and sure enough, seeking breakfast were 4 Killdeer and a female Wilson's Phalarope.  Unlike the other Phalaropes, the Wilson's seldom swims and is often easier to observe.  Up the road in the area of the old pea field and the windmill, sighted Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Lark Sparrow, and a family of Western Bluebird.  Total mileage for 2 mornings of birding, 6 miles.

In my last post I mentioned that I would include in this post the video on Montana de Oro's "Reservoir Flats Trail."  Enjoy!!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fxLmQVvYWk

RAINY DAY BIRDING

Rain or shine I was determined to go birding.  A huge flotilla of ducks was floating peacefully on the bay.  Brant Goose, Blue winged Teal, and the largest flock of Dowitcher I had ever seen were in the vicinity of the Baywood Pier. (photo - rainy Baywood)

Next phase of birding in the rain - Turri Road.  Northern Shoveler were feeding in the ponds.  Say's Phoebe and two American Kestrel were perched on fence posts, a few White-crowned Sparrow, and a flock of Lark Sparrow were in a recently plowed field.  Overall, very quiet and peaceful - a beautiful ride.

 Wishing for a bit more excitement, my thoughts turned to the nearby Sea Pines Golf Course where I had recently seen two species of goose. On the edge of the golf course I found a swarm of American Coot investigating ponds that were forming from water draining off the grass. The dips in the road were several inches deep, allowing the Coots to swim.














 I was marveling at the opportunistic nature of birds when a Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk swooped in. With deadly talons extended, the Hawk snatched up a coot and settled down by the fence to eat his/her meal (photo).  The close presence of the Hawk caused the Coots to close ranks (defensive positioning). They nearly flooded the street with their presence, causing sensitive motorists to take a different route.  The Hawk, intent on consuming its tasty meal, allowed me the opportunity to take photos through the chain link fence. Never let a little rain dampen your birding spirit. Additional Hawk photos may be seen on
 http://youtu.be/PfpYvdBPhcI

SWEET SPRINGS - RETURN OF THE MIGRANTS

This morning a bevy of birds, migrating in for the fall/winter season, greeted me. Reliable old friends had, once again returned to the Central Coast. (photo - Sweet Springs High tide)

To the west of the Sweet Springs boardwalk leading out to the overlook was a White-tailed Kite sitting atop a shrub, Snowy Egret and Gr. Blue Heron, and a resident Bewick's Wren singing.  On the bay about 30 Ruddy Duck; many of the males still sported their breeding plumage, 5 Western Grebe, and 3 Scaup.

A mixed flock of ducks rested in the pickleweed along the main channel - Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Blue and Green-winged Teal. In the vicinity of the ponds, many Mallards and a Female Kingfisher.  Flitting about in the Cypress trees were Yellow-rumped and Townsend's Warbler. Oh, nearly forgot - the morning's weather was warm to hot - unusual to say the least.

Suprise At The Baywood Pier

About 10:00 I started out on my birding walk; as I approached the Baywood Pier there was the usual flock of Western Gulls. A few ducks were feeding in the muck. I wondered if the Blue-winged Teal had arrived. I swung my binoculars into action; the ducks were Mallards. Thinking there might be a Glaucous Gull among the Westerns I check the gulls, and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a little Cattle Egret, so dear. ( photo) I think it was an adult transitioning out of its breeding colors.

A note about Cattle Egrets. They are an Old World Species, coming to South America from Africa. They reached Calif. in the Mid 1950s. Cattle Egrets are not bay birds. They usually forage in small flocks in association with livestock. It goes without saying, this little Egret made my day.

RETURNING MIGRANTS

Happy days are here again. This morning, resting along the edge of the bay, were about 300 Willet (photo), 80 or more Black-bellied Plover, and one peep (species undermined).

The Willets were observed from the Audubon Overlook in Baywood (my usual haunt). I have included a video of their sound. http://youtu.be/4FrwjbSX70Y

In mid bay a feeding frenzy was in progress - Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, Gulls, eight Elegant Tern, and two Caspian Tern. I really enjoy the Caspian Tern as they have a harsh guttural sound that makes them easy to identify. Looks like there will be no birding doldrums this summer.

INDIGO BUNTING

For the last few days a handsome Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) has been seen in the area of a glorious pea field about a mile and a half up Turri Rd. from So. Bay Blvd. When looking for a rare bird, the easiest way to find it is to first find the birders. As I rounded a curve in the road, up ahead was a cluster of parked cars and a covey of birders, one with sound recording equipment and a scope. I had arrived.

The Bunting was singing from atop a cluster of willows that was located along the edge of the narrow, two lane road. The scene could not have been more beautiful, for the willows were located in a vast field of flowering peas. Notice, in Maggie Smith's photo, how the subtle color of the peas sets off the deep blue of this precious song bird.


I did a little research and discovered that Indigo Bunting's are actually Black; it is the diffraction of light through their feathers that makes them look blue. It goes without saying that this beautiful Bunting made my day.

(I apologize for the fuzzy pea foto, wrong setting on camera)

AUDUBON BBQ

El Chorro Park - Audubon year end BBQ - Definitely, a happening event with many enthusiastic birders attending. The weather, as you can see by the vivid blue sky, was devine. At 5:00 Mike Stiles, one of the top birders on the Central Coast, lead an hour birdwalk (photo). All he needs to ID a bird is a flick of a feather or a tiny peep.

I was surprised at the variety of beauties we saw. (birds, not birders) Best birds were a pair of highly visible, White-tailed Kites sitting in a tree, and an Ash-throated Flycatcher - most handsome with a perky crest and a long reddish-brown tail. Below is a link to the Ash-throated Flycatcher on Wikipedia (photo by none other than Joyce Cory). Ash-throated Flycatcher - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Great birding, delightful shared food and drink, and splendid comradery. What more could one ask for?

A TIME OF TRANSITION

The majority of the winter migrants have left for their breeding grounds. The Blue-winged Teal (photo) from my observation are often the last to go. They breed throughout the western U. S. Their preferred nesting habitats include marshes and shallow ponds.

Teals are dabblers. They feed in shallow water, either skimming the water or dabbling below the surface. This lovely morning, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern shoveler were feeding out from the Audubon Overlook. In the shallower water a large flock of Avocet fed, bills swaying rhythmically. Many in transition to their breeding colors - their head and breast turning from white to a deep cinnamon.

On the bay was an Eared Grebe, looking exotic in its breeding plumage. Total species for this morning's birding, 27. Sweet Spring was alive with sound. Heard Pacific-slope Flycatcher (a spring migrant), Kestrel, Chickadee, Common Yellowthroat, and Kingfisher. The Kingfisher will soon be heading out. They usually nest in a tunnel which they excavate into a riverbank.

I have done much fiddling with youtube. Here goes another try. This movie is a semi-humorous attempt at birding around the Phoenix waste water treatment facility. Some of the photos are fuzzy (due to using an iTouch), but the music is jolly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCB7K3sZzAI

BIRDING PASO ROBLES

Spent a delightful day in Paso Robles birding with Harry and Norma. Moments after arriving at Harry and Norma's, their resident Phainopela made an appearance. The male is glossy black with red eyes and a perky, up-swept hairdo. Phainopela eat berries, and can consume more than 1,000 Mistletoe berries in a day. (photo - deciduous Cottonwood - green patches are Mistletoe)

We birded in three locations: along the Salinas River Bed, an Sycamore/Oak Woodland, the Paso Robles Cemetery.

Our first sighting at the Salinas River was of Turkey Vultures warming their wings. They flew off before I could get their photo. (the more focused I am on birding, the fewer the photos) White-breasted Nuthatch were active in the trees and in the grassy area were many Western Bluebird and White-crowned Sparrow. We saw 11 species.

Next stop, the Sycamore/Oak Woodland. Acorn Woodpeckers were prolific and very talkative. Our most fun was with the perky, little Oak Titmouse. I recorded its call, then played it back. Several responded.

In the bushes along the creek, that meanders through the woodland, were scads of Lesser Goldfinch and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Overhead soared Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawk.

Our final birding hotspot was the Paso Robles Cemetery. Best sighting was a small flock of Cedar Waxwing - They can become intoxicated from eating fermented berries in the winter.

Highlight of the day was lunch. Harry and Norma introduced me to the La Reyena Market on the corner of Oak and 24th. in Paso Robles. They have the best soft taco I have ever had the pleasure to consume.

SATURDAY BIRDING

Beautiful morning after a delightful rain last night. Between 3rd. St. Coastal Access and the Audubon Overlook - Western and Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plover, Sora, 3 Short-billed Dowitcher, Godwit, Willet, Greater Yellowleg, Long-billed Curlew, Forster's Tern, Northern Pintail. In the brush and reeds Red-winged Blackbird, White and Golden-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler.

EASY BIRDING

Drizzle and more drizzle, damp and dark. Walked around the neighborhood. Near the corner of Pasadena and 3rd in a cluster of Monterey Cypress I could here the gentle chatter of Bushtits - hopefully it was a mixed flock. Sure enough, in the trees were Townsend's Warbler, Chickadee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bewick's Wren, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. On the bay side of the road I heard a big squawk - a Great Blue Heron had just landed on a branch. Could see nothing on the bay or around the Baywood Pier. Very quiet and peaceful morning.

BAYWOOD BIRDING and BEYOND

Audubon Overlook at 4th St. Long-billed Curlew (photo), 2 Spotted Sandpiper. Always a treat to watch their bobbing. Godwit, large flocks of Western Sandpiper, 6 Greater Yellowleg, one Kingfisher. Forster's Tern and Elegant Tern diving for fish. Close to the Overlook are flowering Mallow bushes. Had a great look at a Rufus Hummingbird.

Around 4:00 walked out the Morro Bay Marina Sandspit with Linda. Fog was coming in. Saw a Spotted Sandpiper, 3 Pied-billed Grebe, and a seldom seen Common Murre preening itself in the marina. I have never had such a great view of a Common Murre. Even though it was foggy, fortune shined.

BAYWOOD

Baywood Pier 6:30am to 7:00am - Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to birding. For a change I was out bright and early. Adding to the Baywood mix of birds were 3 mature and one adolescent Black-crowned Night-Heron (photo by Mike Baird). As often is their demeanor, they looked rather grumpy.

BAYWOOD BIRDING

This morning's weather was cool and foggy. Most memorable birds around the Baywood Pier were: 2 Killdeer, one Ruddy Turnstone, one Short-billed Dowitcher, and one very light colored Godwit see photo). At the Pasadena Overlook were about 50-60 Western Sandpiper and a Caspian and Elegant Tern. At the Audubon Overlook: 3 Brant Goose preening, huge flock of American Goldfinch and a Selasphorus Hummer. Last stop was the Morro Bay Marina: Bob, the sea otter that comes in on the tide, was sleeping in his bed of kelp. Thousands of Willets, Long-billed Curlew, Godwit, and sandpiper in the pickleweed. Best sighting was of 6 Black Skimmer flying across the bay. Second best sighting was a Black Phoebe chasing a Western Sandpiper.

BAYWOOD BIRDING

Three species of shore birds by the Baywood Pier - one Godwit, one Greater Yellowleg, five Killdeer. To the south/east of the pier about 50 gulls, composed of Western and Ring-billed. One lonely Snowy Egret. In the distance heard several Caspian Tern. Weather breezy and cold, sun thinking about coming out - all in all, another perfect Baywood afternoon. (photo - view of Sweet Springs from near 3rd St.)