OCEANO LAGOON

Oceano Lagoon is located a tad west of Hwy 1 and Pier Ave. in Oceano. A beautiful trail meanders around the lagoon. After about an hour of searching I came upon the mixed flock. In the flock were female Western Tanager, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow and Townsend Warbler, a Wrentit and a female Common Yellowthroat. Earlier I had seen the Warbling Vireo and a Downy Woodpecker. Thanks to the constant chatter of the accompanying Bushtits and Chickadees one's eye gets a hint as to the whereabouts of the little flock. (photos - lagoon trail warbler habitat - Oceano lagoon with mist rising)

WHALE ROCK RESERVOIR

Whale Rock Reservoir is located a few miles up Old Creek Road in Cayucos. My wish was to see a Bald Eagle. Luck was with me; I saw two adults. (Today's photo did not turn out. This one was taken 2 years ago and is the same tree the Eagle was sitting in this morning.) The second Eagle was on the north side of the lake near the shore. Other sightings, an American Kestrel, 2 deer and 4 plump wild pigs (see photo). On the way home stopped at Pecho Marsh hoping to see the Blackpoll Warbler. No luck. Will try again tomorrow.

PECHO MARSH

The Pecho Marsh area is located across the road from the corner of Pecho Road and Henrietta in Los Osos. It is a tangle of willow, poison oak, various grasses, vines and reeds, and a few Monterey Cypress. The area is a habitat for migrating fall warblers. Was hoping to see the Chestnut-sided Warbler. Spent about 2 hours. No Chestnut-sided Warbler appeared, but I did see Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Hutton's Vireo and numerous Chickadees. (photo is of a Spotted Towhee in Coyote Brush) Will try again to find the little warbler.

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.

BIRDING BAYWOOD

Beautiful, sunny morning in Baywood. First stop Sweet Springs - 17 species. Most memorable, a female Kingfisher. Local Kingfishers breed outside of the area and return in late summer/fall. Other birds of note Oak Titmouse, many Chickadees, Nuttall's and Downey Woodpecker.

Like us, birds are creatures of habit. I believe it was part of the same small mixed flock I had seen a few days ago. 6 Greater Yellowleg, 4 Killdeer, one Willet, and one light colored Godwit. At the Audubon Overlook, 8 Greater Yellowleg, two of the three Brant Goose I had seen On August 26th., and a large flock of Western Sandpiper.

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.

BIRDING GUEMES ISLAND, WA.

Birding Guemes Island, Wa. (5 min. ferry ride from Anacortes). My great hope was to see a Pileated Woodpecker. Second day on Guemes saw 5 adults and one juvenile (most thrilling). In nearly every tree, of the densely wooded island, were Red-breasted Nuthatch. Brown Creeper was abundant. Many vocal wrens, Bewick's and House. Chestnut-backed and Black-capped Chickadee abundant. Nearly every day saw a Bald Eagle, adults and juveniles. Other birds of interest Wild Turkey, Willow Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher, and Western Screech Owl, numerous Steller's Jay and Dark-eyed Junco. The morning of the day I was leaving saw a phenomenal sight. Soaring above a marshy wetland at the western end of the island was a Swallow-tailed Kite. I could not believe my eyes. Rarely has this bird been seen in the San Juan Islands - a delightful going away gift.


On the return trip to the Central Coast, drove up the Umpgua River (Oregon) to Crater Lake. This unbelievably beautiful lake is 5 miles wide, ringed by cliffs 2,000ft high. Altitude of lake surface 6,173ft. Maximum Lake Depth 1,943ft. Crater Lake is famous for its clarity and deep blue color. Red-breasted Nuthatch were numerous. Saw several Clark's Nutcracker, Hairy Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, and Northern Flicker. Now that I am home have to get back in gear and check out the winter migrants that are arriving daily.