The Seventeenth Day Of Spring 2018

 Turri Road - San Luis Obispo County - (photo taken through Windshield)

By the 17th day of Spring the majority of the Central Coast water fowl and shorebirds have taken off for their breeding grounds, but there are always a few that would rather stay on the Central Coast year round, and can't blame them.  Eventually though, they too will fly off, leaving Morro Bay with a feeling of emptiness. 

 Turri Road - Today, in the ponds that fill from high tide and seasonal rain were six Cinnamon Teal, three Green-winged Teal and a Greater Yellowlegs. 

About two miles up the road, an unexpected treat; along the bank of the roadside cattle pond, two Canada Goose accompanied by a Greater White-fronted Goose, two Mallards, and three Cinnamon Teal; dabbling in the pond, 10 cinnamon Teal with three Mallards.  Due to fencing and vegetation, photography is limited at the pond.  Can you find the third Cinnamon Teal?  

Singing in the willows across from the pond were spring migrants, Pacific Flycatcher and Wilson’s Warbler.

Turri Road gracefully meanders to a slight summit, then plummets into the agricultural area of Los Osos Valley.  Fence and field birds - hundreds of Brewer’s Blackbird, Say’s and Black Phoebe, Western Bluebird, and adding music to the bucolic scene an entertaining Meadow Lark.

The Peregrine Falcons Have Arrived

 Montaña de Oro State Park Ca - Smuggler's Cove

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is the fastest member of the animal kingdom.

Two weeks ago at Smuggler's Cove overlook, rover friend Sara with her husband Gary, observed two Peregrine Falcons.  An adult Peregrine had just brought food to a younger Peregrine that appeared to be a juvenile.   (* Note -  To be technically correct only the female is called a Falcon.  The male Peregrine is called a tiercel, which means "one-third" because the male is 1/3 smaller than the female.)
 
 Photo of the Peregrines taken by Gary O’Neill.  Since the top Falcon had adult plumage and the lower, typical juvenile plumage, I took it upon myself to assume the lower bird, that was being fed by an adult, was an older juvenile, particularly due to its size and flying ability.  I was quite certain the two Peregrines were a female adult and a juvenile, with gender to be determined.  (Birding hint - Never Assume)

After observing the Peregrines several times, I was in a total kerfuffle as to gender, so I dashed off an email, with photos, to a friend whom I recently learned had published a book on “The Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock.”  From his reply I learned that the dark bird was an adult male, not a female, and the lighter colored bird with the horizontal stripes was not a juvenile, it was a sub-adult female, not fully molted to adult plumage. 

Viewing larger images of the photos is suggested.  Above annotated photo, viewed from left to right - nest, perch,  eating and mating area.  Below photo by Gary - sub-adult female in perch hole.

Today, 9:00 am. the fog had lifted, the morning was beautiful.  As I approached the overlook the male was flying in with food for the female who was vocalizing as he approached.  After handing off the food, he perched nearby.  Birds are the Peregrine's primary source of food.

Eventually she flew up to the aerie (nest), and he flew to the eating area to have a brief snack. (next two photos by Gary) When he left, she returned.  They mated three times in an hour.  Handing off food vocalizing, and frequent mating are part of the courtship ritual - mating is for life.

Eventually the Peregrine pair flew to the nest site.  In the photo below the female is inside, the male is facing her.  They are vocalizing and bowing to each other which is part of the courtship ritual.  The female, 1/3 larger than the male, is the dominant member of the relationship. 

 A few moments later she left the nest site for a perch on the buff.  (below photo) The next moment they were in flight, headed north - joining them was another Peregrine Falcon.  The male has no tolerance for interlopers in the vicinity of his nest.

Male at nest empty nest site (below photo by Gary).  Perhaps, the next time I visit Smuggler's Cove, the nest will be occupied with a brooding female.  I can hardly wait for the next episode - - - - To be continued. . . .

A Raptor Kind of Day

The morning was beautiful!  I was driving slowly up Turri Road looking for Raptors and what ever else I could find.  First sighting was a Red-shouldered Hawk perched in a willow close to the road.  The ephemeral cattle pond (photo) that appears after a rain, held three Cinnamon Teal, and a Greater Yellowleg.  The hills were just beginning to green out.

Perched in a willow thicket across from the pond was a Cooper’s Hawk. (above)  In the vicinity of the windmill watched a Sharp-shinned Hawk fly in and out of twiggy willows.  Twice lately I have seen a Sharp-shinned chase birds into a large bushy tree near my bird feeder.  The Sharp-shinned has amazing maneuverability. 

In the fields and perched on barbed wire fencing were Meadowlark (many singing), Western Bluebird, Say's Phoebe, Song Sparrow, and numerous Lark Sparrow (below), a favorite of mine.  

High above, soaring with Turkey Vultures, a Red-tailed Hawk.  It always pays to look closely at soaring Turkey Vultures, as there could be among them a visiting Black Vulture that can be identified by its dark brown head and white wingtips.  An American Kestrel was the  final raptor of the morning.  It was perched on a fence post eating something small and furry.  The American Kestrel is the smallest, most colorful falcon in North America. 

After Turri Road I checked out a portion of the Bob Jones Trail which begins in Avila Beach.  Besides walkers and bikers, the bridge (photo) is used by golf carts, as the golf course is on both sides of the creek.  From the bridge saw several Common Goldeneye, numerous Pied-billed Grebe, Coots, and three Canada Goose.  About a half mile up the creek had a marvelous sighting of a Green Heron.  It was in the shadows, perched on a little branch that extended over the water.  Its greenish, rufous coloration blended in perfectly with the creek side environment.  The Green Heron photo was taken from a small bridge that crosses over San Simeon Creek in San Simeon State Park.  When looking for Green Heron, persist.

The Morro Bay Winter Bird Olympics

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.

    *  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.

Where are the Dabbling Ducks?

Thursday morning at 10:00 the tide was very high (6.5).  At the Sweet Springs Preserve the extreme tide covered nearly all the pickleweed, filled in the channels and the ponds, with the exception of the tiny wetland where the springs bubbles forth. 

Usually coming into Sweet Spring on the incoming tide, dabbling ducks such as Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Green and Blue-winged Teal (above) and Cinnamon Teal adapt their dabbling to finding tasty morsels in the flooded pickleweed.

For comparison, the above photo shows the flooded pickleweed at an average tide.” 

As I entered the preserve two female deer were feeding in the new grass growing along the edge of the boardwalk.  Both of the deer alerted to my presence.  In a few moments they disappeared into the brush. 

Coots were feeding in the grass.  I guess they wanted a change from the Sea Pines Golf Course where they usually hang out.  What I did not see were dabbling ducks.

Searching the pond I noticed a mixed flock of about 20 Teal, sound asleep on the edges of the wetland.  Perhaps they were exhausted from their flight to Morro Bay.  Usually ducks notice a close human presence.  These little darling did not even blink.

Scanning the far side of the flooded pickleweed I spotted a few more Teal,  but where was the bounty of dabblers I had been expecting?  For several years I've noticed that fewer water fowl are wintering in Morro Bay.

From the photo, taken at Sweet Springs in January 2007, there is no doubt in my mind that fewer ducks are wintering in Morro Bay.     Can you find the Eurasian Wigeon?

  I am hoping that the missing dabblers are busy feeding in another area of the bay.

Birding Bob Jone Trail and Beyond

 Sunday - Avila Beach, Ca. - Bob Jones Trail - Mike Baird and I were standing on the foot, bike and golf cart bridge that crosses San Luis Creek hoping to see the Common Goldeneye, a sea-duck, native to the lakes and rivers of Canada, the northern U.S., Scandinavia, and Russia. (female on left)  About three minutes after we arrived on the bridge the fog lifted.  The Goldeneye were close and we got great views.  They are a large duck and very beautiful.  The male's eye is a bright orange; the female's eye is a soft golden color.

 On either side of the bridge is the Avila Beach Golf Course where hundreds of Canada Goose, one Cackling Goose and multitudes of Coots were feeding on the grass.  As we progressed up the trail, actually it is a road/trail for about a mile, we came upon an unusual sighting.  A family of Western Bluebird were taking turns drinking from little pools of water that had accumulated on the yellow seats of a maintenance vehicle.  (trail is above the maintenance yard)  Two other birds of note, an Acorn Woodpecker perched atop a tall Red Cypress and a Great Blue Heron looking for edibles on a dry hillside.   

Miscellaneous Sightings in the Great Beyond of Morro Bay 

 In a Eucalyptus tree a Turkey Vulture was doing her pre-flight warming exercise.  At night the body temperature decreases.  To fly they have to increase the body temperature.  By spreading their wings, they increase the area the sun will be warming.  The spread wing stance is called the "Horaltic Pose."  Not only does the Pose dry the wings and warm the body, it also bakes off bacteria that forms on the legs from feeding inside a carcass.

Lately I have been fascinated by the movement of Ruddy Ducks.  A couple thousand spend the winter on Morro Bay.  They are always accompanied by a scattering of Greater Scaup.  They are usually in a large spread out flock, appearing to be resting, but in motion.  By expanding the photo you will notice the perky tail of the Ruddy and the bright white cheek of the male; upper left is a Bufflehead; the Scaup is the darker duck with the larger head. 

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of the Avila bird sightings, from left to right -  1) X is where the Goose were located.  2) bridge over creek, Goldeneye, 3) Bluebirds, Woodpecker, 4) Great Blue Heron.    

Audubon Overlook

Audubon Overlook.  The day was tranquil - no one in sight; the melodious chatter of several hundred Black Brant Goose welcomed me.  The tide was at a perfect level for viewing shorebirds, wading birds, and a variety of water fowl.

To the right was a flock of about 40 Long-billed Dowitcher, I think.  When their bill is deep into the mud, up to and passed their nostrils sometimes, and they are at a distance, it is rather difficult to tell the difference between a Long-billed Dowitcher and a Short-billed Dowitcher; especially when the male Long-billed Dowitcher’s bill is the same length as the Short-billed Dowitcher’s bill.  (photo taken near the Baywood Pier)

 Taking advantage of whatever foods were abundant, four Green-winged Teal and a pair of Cinnamon Teal were feeding in shallow water along the shoreline. (male below)

 Along the edge of the bay Willet, Godwit and one Black-bellied Plover; as the tide receded American Avocet and Northern Pintail appeared.  In Morro Bay Pintail often feed by dabbling.  They will also feed in fields eating rice, wheat, corn, and barley.  Bottoms up!

Across the bay many Snowy and Great Egret accompanied by a few Great Blue Heron.  Overhead low flying Forster’s Tern looked for small fish.  They hover for a few moments before plunging into the water.

All of a sudden I noticed that the water was gone and so had the birds.   As I experienced the magic of nature, I was unaware that time had passed.