The Pigeon Guillemots of Montaña de Oro

Of all my favorite birds, the Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) is number one.  During the breeding season, their rounded body is very black with brilliant white wing patches (photo by Mike Baird).  Their legs, feet, and mouth lining a brilliant orange-red; the feet are so red they look like they have been photoshopped.

Montaña de Oro's rocky shoreline with all its nooks and crannies provides the Pigeon Guillemot with ample areas to nest.  Like clockwork, every March, these hardy little sea birds arrive in Montaña de Oro.

 The Pigeon Guillemot uses its short strong wings to swim while searching for food, diving to depths of 150 ft.  When not feeding, they often rest on cliff edges (above photo).  By vigorous flapping of their wings, combined with the use of sharp claws on webbed feet, the Guillemot is able to climb the steep, rocky cliffs. 

A few days ago, from the Bluff Trail, I observed several pairs of Guillemots acting very frisky, with much splashing, wing stretching, and shallow dives.  I focused on a pair that was the easiest to view. For the ease of explanation I will call them Frank and Doris.  I would describe their antics as a pre-mating ritual.  Like some males Frank was the aggressor.  Doris was enjoying the attention but was rather standoffish, not ready for the grand finale.  Frank would close in, and Doris would scoot out of reach.  They participated in this behavior repeatedly.  Twice they flew to and from a nesting hole in the cliff. 

 As Frank (above photo, lower right) chased Doris he was constantly chatting.  Unable to understand the high pitched sounds, I made an unscientific assumption.  Frank was telling Doris that time was of the essence, as they must return to sea mid August.  He was reminding her that incubation takes at least 30 - 32 days, and then there is the intense 35 - 50 days of feeding the little darling; two eggs may be laid, but only one chick will fledge. (below photo - Doris checking out a nesting area)

Both parents incubate the egg and bring small fish to their chick.  Success raising a chick to maturity depends on the weather, the impact of human activity, and the warming ocean and its disastrous affect on the food chain.  Hopefully, Doris and Frank will incubate an egg, produce a healthy, well adjusted nestling which will one day return to the rocky cliffs of Montaña de Oro.

Laguna Lake April, 19, 2015

 

Laguna Lake Park - On silent wings a vortex of Turkey Vultures soared overhead, riding the thermals; with their acute sense of smell they locate their next meal - they are nature's clean-up crew.  I headed directly to the lake.  The water appeared down, but not drastically low.  The above photo shows about 1/3 of the lake.

As I pulled into a parking space, my eyes were directed to a Greater White-fronted Goose, accompanied by two Snow Geese, marching across the road to the picnic tables; hoping (if a bird can hope) for a handout. 

From a dense cluster of willows sang Song Sparrow, Wilson's Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat - a most delightful serenade. I walked down the road for a wider view of the lake, to be more precise, a view of the lake bed - not a pleasant sight; a large portion of the lake had evaporated, a stark example of our on-going drought.  


On the far side a small flock of migratory water fowl lingered, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck.  Feeding in the muck a flock of Western and Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, and two Killdeer. As the lake continues to shrink, and the water is confined to a smaller and smaller area, the birds will be feeding in a toxic soup.

On a more pleasant note, I was returning to my car when a Red-tailed Hawk swooped in, grabbed a Coot and flew into the trees.  If I had blinked, I would have missed the action.

Could not leave the park without visiting the horses grazing in the open space.  There were 17 females, 5 adorable colts and one very lucky white stallion.

Pied-billed Grebe - Cloisters Pond - Morro Bay

 The Pied-billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps - (Photo by Mike Baird) is the most widespread Grebe in the New World, nesting from Southern Canada to Argentina.  There is barely a pond, lake, marsh, bay, estuary, or marina that does not have a pair of these stout-billed absolutely adorable divers.  Photo shows the Grebe in breeding plumage.  Most distinguishing marks are white eye ring, and a white bill with a black ring.

 The Pied-billed Grebe forages by diving from the surface; swimming under water propelled by the feet.  Diet consists of fish, and all types of aquatic life.  The above photo was taken mid March; The Grebe is clad in winter plumage.  Perhaps the little darling is a late bloomer.

A few days ago, at Cloisters Pond, noticed a nest in the reeds with a Pied-billed Grebe sitting on it.  The nest built by both sexes, consists of a dense mat of reeds and plant material and is usually situated so that it can be approached under water.  While I was watching the nest another Pied-billed Grebe appeared a few yards out from the nest.  Like magic it disappeared into the water.  A few moments later a little head popped up at the rear of the nest sitting Grebe.  The sitting Grebe moved off the nest into the water and the new sitter slowly and gently settled itself on to the nest.  Photo is of the second sitter settling down on the nest.   The expanded image shows the white eye ring.

Today, I checked on the nesting Grebes.  One Pied-billed Grebe in the water and none on the wet and muddy nest.  To be honest I felt sad, but I am hopeful the potential parents have constructed a new nest in a better location, and within a few weeks adorable young Grebes will be seen floating on Cloisters Pond.

Young Pied-billed Grebe at Cloisters Pond by Mike Baird.  A few seconds before the photo was taken, a gull had grabbed on to the Grebe, but this little defenseless Grebe managed to escape.
 You may find this video of a baby Grebe of interest.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfA12eSZyw&feature=em-share_video_user

Birding Arizona - Tres Rios Wetlands Corridor

The "Tres Rio Regulating Wetlands" - Reclaimed water flowing out of a Phoenix Treatment Plant has created a premier birding area in the Sonoran Desert, consisting of large ponds filled with a variety of water fowl.  In the many tall Cottonwoods nest Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, and Egrets.  The ponds, out of bounds to the public, may be viewed if one does not mind looking thru chain link fencing.  Water from the pond system flows into a wetland corridor, dense with birds.  After about a mile the water that has passed thru the wetland corridor pours into a riparian channel.  For your viewing pleasure, a 12 second video on the reclaimed water flowing into the desert.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER_mr9gWxmo&feature=youtu.be
Miles later the water will settle into a vast wetland restoration project where the Salt, Gila, and Aqua Fria Rivers converge. 

In the photo, the wetland corridor is on the right.  Many open areas in the reeds allowing for excellent bird sightings.  On the other side of the fence is the pond system (second photo) 

Before I get into bird sightings, I want to share how the unexpected can color one's day. 

Arizona Gun Laws - 1) A person over the age of 21 may legally carry a concealed firearm without a permit .  2) A person must be at least 18 years of age to possess or openly carry a firearm.

I was walking on an elevated berm 300 feet south of the wetland corridor and about 30 feet above a putrid creek dense with brush, trash, and trees (not a pretty sight), when I noticed an old SUV meandering slowly along a rough track.  My first thought was hunters; I had noticed shotgun shells littering the ground.

The SUV stopped in a open spot and a man and woman got out, walked around as if looking for something.  The woman came back to the vehicle and placed a hand weapon on the back seat.  They're looking for a place to shoot, I thought.  Time to announce my presence.

"Hi there," I called out. "Just wanted to let you know I'm up here."
"We're not shooting," the woman said.
"What kind of birds are you looking for," said the man.
"Anything with feathers.  Have a nice day," I replied and walked quickly back to the wetland area.

On a previous visit one of the workman told me that illegal hunting was a problem in the area.

Before the distraction I had just watched an Osprey, clutching a fish in his talons, land in a tree (top photo - the Osprey is the little center dot in the dead tree), and prior to the Osprey sighting observed a Canyon Towhee (first time sighting), similar to the California Towhee, scratching in leaf litter.

Saw many great and a few memorable birds.  The most memorable were an Abert's Towhee and a soaring Black Vulture.  Yellow-headed, Tricolored, and Red-winged Blackbirds were in the thousands.  Sora and Moorhen were numerous, here and there clusters of Cinnamon Teal (photo  sleeping Cinnamon Teal). Total Species seen 74.

Great-tailed Grackle were doing their boisterous best to impress the ladies.   Fencing can be very useful to birds.  The Grackle, a large blackbird, is posturing while Great Blue Heron appears to be using the fence for spotting something to eat. Twice I had seen, the usually secretive, Green Heron,  perched on the fence.

   Posturing is part of the male Grackle's breeding répertoire. 

What I find most amazing about the Tres Rios Reclaimed Water Project is how it has transformed a dessicated area of the Arizona desert into a haven for birds. 

The Bald Eagle of Sweet Springs

I was at the Sweet Springs overlook this morning focused on the dark rufous head of an Eurasian Wigeon, a seldom seen winter migrant, when suddenly the shore birds, who had been peacefully feeding in the mud, took flight.  A mature Bald Eagle (photo by Roger Zachery) had catapulted out from his/her hidden perch in a large Eucalyptus on the edge of the bay. (expand below photo - perch noted by yellow arrow)  The Eagle soared low over the Bufflehead and Teal who did not seem the least bit concerned that a fierce predator was passing overhead.

 The Eagle was focused on a lone Eared Grebe.  As it neared the Grebe, the Eagle, preparing for his dive, circled to gain altitude, then he/she dove, but the delicate Grebe sensing danger plunged under the water, and just in the nick of time.

This magnificent predator was not to be defeated by a mere Grebe.  Circling and diving was repeated several times with no success.  Eventually the Eagle headed back to his/her perch.  About 10 minutes later, I had the pleasure of watching a repeat performance.   My conclusion from this observation -   the little Eared Grebe did not want to end end up as a Bald Eagle's breakfast. 

Bird Festival Birding

The Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival is an annual 4 day event to celebrate birds, birds, and more birds.  My friend Cathy arrived from Palm Spring to join in on the festivities. She was scheduled for a field trip, a workshop, and to help with the evening's reception.  Fortunately she had nothing planned for the morning.  

Our first stop - The Morro Bay Marina

Birders with binocs, scopes, and cameras were everywhere. To say the birds were cooperative is an understatement.  They must have known that this was the Bird Festival Weekend.  Immediately we saw Pintail, Lesser Scaup, 3 species of Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, Shoveler, and the "pièce de résistance," a glorious Red-tailed Hawk eating a Coot under a Pine tree.  Now how often does one have the opportunity to observe a scene like that?  In the above photo Cathy and a birding photographer are focused on the Red-tailed Hawk.  It had finished its meal and was perched on a branch watching the birders.

In addition to the plethora of water birds, there was also Spotted Sandpiper, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow and Ms. Black Phoebe.

In the above photo, Field Trip leader Rich Hansen awaits the arrival of his fledglings birders.  Little do the fledglings realize that they are going to have the birding experience of a lifetime.

Onward to Baywood.  At the northeastern edge of the bay we discovered Dowitcher, Dunlin (I have not seen for ages), a solitary Avocet and a flock of resting Sanderling.  The highlight of the morning occurred off the Sweet Springs overlook.  A perfect ebbing tide allowed for memorable viewing of dozens of dabblers feeding with their feathered bottoms pointeing toward the sky.  Undoubtedly our Bird Festival Birding was the best birding ever.

Day of the Oystercatcher

Mid morning - Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail - The resident Black Oystercatchers were carrying on something fierce - in groups of four to six, they were flying noisily between rock formations, and I do mean noisily. (above photo - Oystercatcher habitat)

Their high piercing sound, which makes them easy to identify, can be heard at a distance of at least a 1/4 mile.  The Oystercatchers were very active along the bluffs this warm, spring like morning.

Fortune shined when the opportunity arose to observe two separate flocks of four, flying between formations.  The lead pair would find a suitable rock and land. The second pair looking like they were going to land in the same area, would suddenly veer off to a nearby, but not close, rock. (Oystercatcher pair by Mike Baird)

Being a romantic at heart I thought this behavior might indicate the beginning of the breeding season, as fledged juveniles do not go off on their own until the next breeding season.  Perhaps this behavior was an indication that breeding season was near and that the juveniles now have to face the reality that adulthood is just around the next rock. (flying Oystercatchers by Mike Baird)

Today, Black Oystercatchers dominated the scene.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring.