Sweet Springs - From the East Overlook - Green-winged Teal, Willet, Godwit, Ring-billed Gull, and a large brace of Ruddy Duck with a smattering of Bufflehead. To the west a smaller brace of Scaup. Whether they were Greater Scaup or Lesser Scaup, I was unable to determine. I am working on my Scaup ID skills.
From left to right, Lesser Scaup and Greater Scaup
(google photo) The lesser has a narrower, purplish head and smaller bill. The Greater is 1.5 inches larger, has roundish, greenish head, and larger bill. I am quite convinced some birds intentionally make identification difficult.
The Pond - Watched 20 Blue-winged Teal splash down in the pond. (
above) They immediately began a vigorous, high spirited bath that entailed much splashing and dunking. Also in the pond, Green-winged Teal, one Pied-bill Grebe, and two pair of Pintail.
The brilliant white breast of the Pintail is most evident when they are resting along the edge of the pond. Below a male Kingfisher let itself be known as it landed on a branch. Their distinct call is described as a
loud, dry rattle.
West Overlook - Feeding along the edge of the bay, Willet, Godwit, Western Sandpiper, Greater Yellowleg, Great Blue Heron, and two Black-bellied Plover. Looking up is a must when you want to see a Bald Eagle or an Osprey in Sweet Springs. Looking up this fine morning produced a magnificent Bald Eagle. Yeah!
Montaña de Oro - Black Oystercatcher Update - The family of three continue together. Seeing this precious family warms my heart. The juvenile, the one with the two tone bill, is feeding in a splash zone. Oystercatcher photos by Gary O'Neill.
