NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow's primary winter habitat is the pickle weed of the Morro Bay Estuary.  The only time one can see this little, three to five inch beauty, is when a very high tide covers the pickle weed and forces the Sparrow to fly inland.  Sunday morning at 11:00 the 5.8 high tide was perfect for a possible viewing of the Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

Fortunately for birders, this little darling seems to prefer the brush located at the eastern end of the Marina Boardwalk (just around the first bend).  After a bit of looking at White-crowned and Savannah Sparrow, the little darling popped out of the dry brush and posed for a couple of minutes - the view was perfect.  I have to admit that this sighting was a "birding moment."

CLOISTER'S POND

This afternoon around 2:30 visited Cloister's Pond.  I had heard from a friend that the reeds blocking the view of the pond had been trimmed.  The above photo was taken from the main overlook.  The reeds had been trimmed, a more complete job than last year, and the refuse removed (yeah!).  The trimmed area, the brown in the above photo, appeared to offer much to eat.  Two Sora, a mature and a juvenile were foraging and swimming back and forth - great sighting of both birds.  Busy seeking out tasty items were Song Sparrow, White and Golden-crowned Sparrow, and 2 Orange-crowned Warblers. On the sand peninsula a beautiful Killdeer was busy feeding.  In the reeds were numerous Red-winged Blackbirds; on the water one Pied-billed Grebe and numerous Mallards.

The viewing area to the north had also been trimmed - a real treat, as the reeds totally blocked off the view of the water (above photo).  At the present time only Mallards were to be seen, although in the far section of reeds several Black-crowned Night Herons roosted.  I am greatly appreciative for the reed trimming, as I will be leading a bird walk at the Cloisters for the Morro Bay 2014 Winter Bird Festival.

Might you be interested in  http://www.morrobaybirdfestival.org/  Attending the festival is a great way to spend a winter day or weekend.

This is the time of year for Warblers to be passing by.  Get out your binocs. and check out your back/front yard and any nearby park or moist area with trees and shrubs.   Enjoy!!

OSO FLACO STATE PARK

Weather mild with overcast gray sky - Oso Flaco Lake (skinny bear)  - 3 miles north of the farming community of Guadalupe - a delightful 35 mile drive from home.  The lake is nestled on the verdant verge of the Oceano Dunes. A riparian lane (above), dense with willow, wax myrtle, stinging nettle, and poison oak, leads from the parking area to the bridge (below) that crosses the lake, and then continues on as a boardwalk over stabilized dunes to the ocean.

Walking thru the riparian area was a treat - Immediately heard and fortunately saw, Yellow Warbler and Wilson's Warbler.  The singing was intense! The songs of Marsh Wren, Common Yellow-throat, Song Sparrow, and Yellow Warbler may be heard in the following 13 sec. video.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvdMhhMd5cU
 
I was hoping to see the smallest member (1.5oz) of the gull/tern family, the Least Tern.  They nest in the dunes and feed on small fish in the lake.  There were about 20 Least Tern dashing about, and every once in a while perching on the bridge railing (below).  The young Terns wait on the railing to be fed.  Can get quite noisy as youth and adult are constantly chattering; sounds I find most delightful.

On the lake - Rudy Duck in breeding plumage, White Pelican, Gadwall (a duck I seldom see),  4 species of swooping Swallows, a Common Moorhen, and a mom Mallard with 7 adorable ducklings. 
After 3 strenuous hours of birding, it was time for coffee and an enchilada from my favorite, down home, Mexican Cafe in Guadalupe.

SAN SIMEON STATE PARK LAGOON

9:30 am - Weather perfect.  Met Harry and Norma at San Simeon State Park Lagoon.  Passing over San Simeon Creek is Hwy 1.  The bridge is ideal for Swallows to paste their mud nests.  Some swallows were actually nesting inside the bridge, entering thru small round openings.  Nest building was in progress by Northern Rough-winged (photo below) and Cliff Swallow.

As we approached the Lagoon we were met by a Song Sparrow who let us know, with his splendid song, that we were infringing upon his territory.   Great-tailed Grackle entertained us from the Willows (so much for peace and quiet).  A pair of Brant Goose, a pair of Mallard (photo below) plus a Double-creasted Cormorant, one Curlew, and a handful of Least Sandpiper were along the edge of the Lagoon.

We were hoping to see Snowy Plover (photo by Mike Baird).  When they are not moving they are nearly impossible to see, as they blend in perfectly with their environment. Fortunately we saw several fly; once they land they are invisible.

Nesting season has begun for the Snow Plover, "a species of special concern." Usually, nests are built on flat, open beaches or dunes.  Nests consist of a shallow scrape or depression lined with beach debris   (small pebbles, shell fragments, plant debris).  Driftwood, kelp, and dune plants provide cover for chicks that crouch near objects to hide from predators.  State Parks protects the Plover by fencing off the nesting area with a single cord and signs, and placing wire protection over the nests.

One of our best sightings of the morning was a Pacific-slope Flycatcher.  First we heard it, then saw it flitting about in Willows by the creek.  I have often heard the bird, but this was the first time in years that I have actually seen the little darling.   Our next and last stop was Lynn's patio in Cambria. Lunch and, of course desert, was Yummie!!