The 2018 Morro Bay Winter Bird Olympics occurs annually with little fanfare. The participants train rigorously in hopes of qualifying for their favored event. All events are family oriented and free to the public.
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Highlights of Events *
High Dive - Carl Cormorant, from Monterey California, is drying his wings after a successful dive earning him first place in the High Dive competition. His spectacular dive was from a height of 67.8 feet.
The Golf Course Waddle - From flag to pond - Coot participants were arranged into teams of 60. Winning requires each team member to circle the flag once, then head directly to the pond. The Coots, having difficulty understanding the instructions, got off to a slow start.
Female Wet Sand Probing - Team members have a total of 30 seconds to display a sand crab clutched snugly in their bill. Much to their surprise and delight Glenda and Gladys Godwit were awarded third place with a time of 28.21 seconds. Since the female Godwit has a longer bill than the male (who would have figured), there were two probing events.
Three Tern judges had to disqualify the Nevada male Godwit Probing Team, as they were found to be using a forbidden chemical on their bill-tips to increase sensitivity. After the decision the judges were heard to say, "The Winter Bird Olympics does have its twists and terns."
Synchronized Diving - Open to all diving ducks - Last year the mostly female Scaup team, from the West Coast of Siberia, came in third with a 5.3 out of 6 score. Alexy Kuznetsov, the team captain, and the only male on the team, was confident they would receive a high score, and indeed they did - “7.0” - the highest score ever recorded at the Winter Bird Olympics. The crowd went wild with joy. The seven member team will take ample time resting and enjoying the fine cuisine in Morro Bay before they fly back to Siberia.
Small Duck Dive and Eat - Open to all small diving ducks - The small duck is given 60 seconds to locate and consume an Aquatic insect. With little effort Babs Bufflehead from the Muriel Lake region of Vancouver Island won the event with an unbelievable time of 38.8 seconds. Babs said she owed her success to the undying support of her friends and family.
Snowy Plover Rock Hopping - Rock hopping has become the most popular event of the Winter Bird Olympics. A successful hop is accomplished when both feet land on the rock. If a foot touches the sand the team member has to start over. The team with the most successful hops in 90 seconds is the winner. Peter and Prudence Plover from San Simeon were dazed and speechless when they heard over the loud speaker they had won the event.
Well, I think you have an idea of what to expect at the next Morro Bay Winter Bird Olympics. It is a unique experience and something you will talk about for years. If you are coming from out of town make your motel reservations early. Bring warm clothing, food and drink, sun screen, and binoculars. A flashlight is essential, as many of the birds do their best performance at night or in the wee hours of the morning.
