LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

Following Google maps, Lassen is 444 miles from home to park entrance.  Arrived at our no frills motel, got our key and then headed into the park.  Every inch of the way, spectacular scenery - rushing falls, gurgling creeks, vibrant pines, fantastic firs, and huge patches of colorful wildflowers.  At 10,457 feet, Lassen Peak (photo), one of the largest plug dome volcano in the world,  dominates the landscape.

At 8:00 the next morning fellow traveler, Phoebe and I were on the trail to Bumpass Hell, Lassen's largest hydrothermal area.  Much to my delight we sighted a Female Sooty Grouse; they breed in the Park.  She stood still and looked at us for at least a minute, which allowed me the time to get a photo - my second sighting of a Grouse.  Yeah!

 As we progressed along the trail, I must admit my focus went from birds to surviving the hike.  At 8,220 feet, going up and down hill in the sun for 3 rocky miles, took a bit of an effort, but we survived and were mighty proud of our accomplishment.  

The next morning, after a great night's sleep, we took off for Manzanita Lake (5,890 ft.), known for great birding.  Immediately saw a Bufflehead family, several teenage American Coot, and 2 Canada Goose.  Met a friendly birder from Redding who led me to a Red-breasted Sapsucker and a White-headed Woodpecker.  Steller's Jay, Mountain Chickadee were everywhere.  Heard many Brown Creeper and Flicker.  Was hoping to see a Pileated Woodpecker, but no luck.  Did hear one though. 

After lunch, walked along Manzanita Creek looking for an American Dipper.  They are one of my very favorite birds, as they frequent icy streams and walk under water to feed.  They are equipped with an extra eyelid called a nictitating membrane that allows them to see underwater.  When I heard a sweet tweet I knew one was near and sure enough there was the little darling standing on a rock.  In a moment it disappeared under the water.  A most amazing bird.

Our last sighting was of three Osprey, a fussing adolescent, and 2 adults soaring over the lake.  A fitting close to a wonderful day.  

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

BIRDING ISLAY CREEK

Islay Creek in Montana de Oro State Park (above and below) is a haven for nesting song birds; the creek flows through a canyon dense with willows and riparian vegetation, so dense that the creek cannot be seen unless you are standing on its moist bank.  Last weekend I meandered along the Reservoir Flats Trail until I found the path that went down to the creek.  To say the bird songs were intense is an understatement.  Boldly singing were Swainson's Thrush, Song Sparrow, Wilson's Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Flicker, Wrentit, and California Quail.

I have to admit, I do have a favorite songster, the Swainson's Thrush, whose song is an upward series of musical, whistling notes.  On the following minute YouTube Swainson's Thrush comes through loud and clear.    http://youtu.be/XjqbeKTe6G8

I was in high hopes of including a "Reservoir Flats Trail" video, but its extreme length at 1.38 min. is causing me to do more tweaking.  Will include it in the next posting. 

 

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.

SUNDAY BIRDING

First on the agenda was Cuesta Inlet.  The morning was sunny, tide slowly moving in. I was hoping to see or hear an Olive-sided Flycatcher.  Took only a few moments to locate the Flycatcher, as the little darling was doing what it does best, flycatching.   From a perch the Flycatcher flies off to catch an insect and then flies back to the same or nearby perch.  I just stood still watching; eventually it was perched in an oak, close enough to see without binoculars.  What a treat!!

Sweet Springs Preserve could not have been better.  I was surrounded by a plethora of bird song; didn't know where to look first.  At least 4 Pacific-slope Flycatcher.  Juncos were very active.  From the quaint bridge that spans the two ponds, watched a Western Tanager, with his black and white wings, yellow body, and red head, harass a Song Sparrow that was bathing along the edge of the pond.  Mrs. Tanager and Mr. and Mrs. Common Yellowthroat were nearby watching the action.  Overhead, a flock of Cedar Waxwing fed on Eucalyptus blossoms.  Sweet Springs at its Best!

My next stop was the hardware store to purchase peanut butter suet.  Tiny Bushtits are nesting in a brushy small tree in my front yard, organic peanut butter suet is their favorite,  Nothing but the best for my nesting Bushtits.

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK

A change of pace was in order.  Wednesday morning Phoebe Adams and I headed north on Hwy 101 to the Pinnacles.  Rock spires, ramparts, and crags that bear no resemblance to the nearby foothills, dominate the landscape  Massive monoliths, sheer walled canyons and boulder-covered caves define millions of years of erosion.

Traffic was light; from King City we headed East thru typical California rolling countryside; the hills turning yellow from lack of rain.  We meandered along looking for birds.  To our delight we saw Yellow-billed Magpie, Western Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, and a Cottonwood populated with Western Kingbird.

After checking out the charming visitor center/country store we continued a few miles further to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area where we headed up the Condor Gulch Trail. . . .

 . . . . toward the Overlook - noted for its excellent viewing of soaring California Condors.

Birding along the trail was fabulous.  Several Ash-throated Flycatcher; one carrying nesting material.  Oak Titmouse and singing House Wren were numerous.  In the canyon, Pacific-slope flycatcher, Wilson's Warbler, Purple Finch, and overhead, White-throated Swift.  We saw many soaring Turkey Vultures, but no Condors that I could positively identify due to their altitude. 

Phoebe had made yummie burritos for lunch.  While we enjoyed our meal, a Steller's Jay (photo- crest does not show) kept us company.  I tossed him/her a morsel of burrito.  I do know not to feed the wildlife, but sometimes I just cannot help myself.  I clearly heard the Steller's say, "thank you."

Before leaving the park, we stopped back at the Visitor Center.  I must admit a most fortuitous decision.  Upon exiting the car I spotted a teenage Condor soaring over the parking lot, a great sighting as it was in view for several minutes.  The Ranger in the Visitor Center told us that the  Condors roost on isolated rocky outcrops and usually soar on the afternoon thermals.  I highly recommend a visit to Pinnacles National Park.  I can hardly wait to return.

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!!