Birding on a Smoky Morning

Morro Creek, Morro Bay Ca. - To say the least, smoke was prevalent, birds were few.  I was wearing a mask and was determined to make the most of my time on the beach.

Morro Creek travels from the foothills to the Pacific Ocean.  Before it reaches the sea, the creek sometimes forms a lagoon.  Beach lagoons come and go depending on the time of year, the fresh water, high tides, and surf conditions. 

Greater Yellow-leg, Willet, and Snowy Egret were feeding in shallow water.  Nearby, a Semi-palmated Plover, two Killdeer, and my special friend, Black Phoebe.

Most amusing was watching the Snowy Egret foraging.  It swiftly darted back and forth, then 

suddenly stopped to jiggle one of its bright yellow feet under the water.

Would this creative behavior stir up an edible critter?  Yes!  What ever it was went down the Snowy's throat faster than I could blink.

A footbridge crosses the creek.  I had parked on the south side of the creek, as I crossed over the bridge, I saw only a few Mallards.  On the way back checked the creek again, noticed three Red-necked Phalarope in non-breeding plumage. (below)

On the edge of the wet sand a small flock of Least Sandpiper, another handsome Killdeer, and a mystery bird.  I do love a mystery.  I was on the bridge looking down.  It was plump with white stripes on its head and back.  Its head was immersed in the water up to its tiny eye.  

Hoping to identify the bird, I took numerous photos.  Arriving home I searched through my "National Geographic Guide to Birds of No. America" and found Wilson's Snipe - described by the Guide as "stocky; with very long bill; boldly striped head, barred Flanks."  Ah, another mystery solved.

In the above photo, top image is the Snipe followed by two Phalarope.  The large image of Wilson's Snipe was borrowed from Wikipedia to get a good look at its long bill.  The tip of the Snipe's bill remains closed while it consumes invertebrates.  This useful feature allows the Snipe to consume food without lifting its head from the water.  

View of Morro Creek Lagoon from Google Earth.  Ephemeral beach lagoons are important habitats for migrating birds, particularly important now because so much habitat has been lost to fire.

Sweet Springs Easy Birding plus Oystercatcher Monitoring Update

Sweet Springs Preserve - 9:00 to 10:00 - Heavy moist overcast.  Some people might consider a grey morning rather unpleasant and dull.  For me it was an ideal morning to bird Sweet Springs.  The bay was serene in its stillness.

Shorebirds were racing back and forth across the narrow strip of muddy sand.  Semipalmated Plover were numerous.  These tiny migrant Plovers may have just arrived from their breeding grounds in Alaska.

There were a few Least Sandpiper.  They really are tiny.  Two Greater Yellowleg were focused on probing the sand, while two handsome Black-bellied Plover, in fading breeding plumage, were strolling sedately along the edge of the bay.  I must not forget the Willet, the Marbled Godwit, and dear, faithful Black Phoebe.  A Green Heron flying into the pond area was the highlight of the morning.

      Oystercatcher Monitoring Update

July 29, 2020 - Last photo of the family.  Chicks were nearly a month old.

The last few days of monitoring - July 3 -Parents on duty, one chick visible.  I briefly saw the entire chick moments before taking the photo.

July 7 - Parents on duty, chicks absent.  They could not fly and they could not have wandered far as their rock formation was separate from the other formations.  July 10 - Parents on duty, chicks absent.  One parent flew off, returning with a food morsel clutched in her bill.  She walked down the rock face disappearing into the cracks, sadly emerging with the morsel still clutched in her bill.  I knew in my heart she was searching for her chicks.

What had taken the Oystercatcher chicks?  Was it a raptor?  Was it the sea?  In my estimation, the unforgiving sea had taken the chicks.  Between July 1 and July 6, extremely high tides, combined with a powerful storm surge, had swept them off the rocks.

I have not given up hope.  During the winter months Oystercatchers are often seen feeding along the edge of the surf in Corallina Cove, and I will be there looking for a juvenile with its two-toned bill.

Birding Villa Creek

The morning was grey, sea calm.  Villa Creek is located at the northern terminus of Estero Bluffs State Park.  Although easily accessible, it has yet to be discovered, with the exception of course, of the occasional birder.

At either end of the cove rugged promontories calm the incoming sea.

I was fascinated by the floral patterns the ebbing tide had etched in the sand.

Upon entering the beach my first sighting was of Snowy Plovers.  It is rather mind boggling how fast their tiny legs move when they are feeding on teensy, weensy black sand flies.

Not wanting to be left out, a Semipalmated Plover joined the fly feeding frenzy.

Villa Creek and its lagoon are out of sight from the beach, as the beach is lower than the lagoon.  I was birding with Mike.  He spotted an Osprey who was not the least concerned as to our presence on the beach. (Due to the zoom effect, the distant background appears closer.)

Heading toward the lagoon we saw Whimbrel and Long-billed Curlew.  I admit there have been many times when I have pondered the question, "Is it a Curlew or a Whimbrel?"  Can you tell which is which?

At the narrow end of the lagoon we saw Black Phoebe, Killdeer, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Western Sandpiper, and no ducks.  Overhead flew a pair of Black Oystercatcher, Red-tailed Hawk, and Turkey Vultures.  Accessing the further reaches of the lagoon meant tromping through a tangle of vegetation that included dry grass, a favored habitat for ticks.  I decided not to walk through the grass.  Mike, on the other hand ventured forth.  No ducks, but he did confirm my tick theory when he found he had six unwanted guests.  

The finale of birding Villa Creek and its environs was watching a Surf Scoter feeding in the surf.  The collage compares an Adult Scoter with the one I observed.  It was either a juvenile or an adult in molting (eclipse) plumage.  More than likely it was a juvenile.  I do intend on returning to Villa Creek, but will wait for a sunny day.

Montaña de Oro - Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Update

Montaña de Oro State Park - Danger Sign Site - Update on Black Oystercatcher (Bloy) monitoring.  Thirty-one days have passed since I began monitoring the Bloy pair at Danger Sign.  The shale formation they are inhabiting is close to the bluff but not connected.  Most of the time, with the exception of very low tides, it is surrounded by water.  Numerous formations that jut into the sea protect the pair's rocky home from the pounding surf.

Beginning May 21, I have monitored the site eight times.  On June 10th, as I neared the site, I could hear alarm calls.  More than likely the pair were chasing off Oystercatcher intruders.  Within a couple of minutes the pair returned.  Neither of them settling onto the nest.  Perhaps there had been a successful hatching.  One of the pair flew off, soon to return with a white morsel clutched in its bright red bill.  A chick appeared for a few moments.  At the same time I thought I might have seen a smidgen of a second chick.  Yeah!!

Two days later I was back.  There were two chicks.  The parents were occupied in full-time provisioning. One was usually standing guard while their mate was off gathering food. 

My last visit was on Friday the 19th. - Two chicks - Parents bringing in the food.  One chick was visible, the other one mostly hidden.  When both parents are foraging both chicks remain out of sight.

In the above photo, this adventuresome little chick is about nine days old.  My next monitoring date is Tuesday the 23rd.  Can hardly wait.

Black Oystercatcher Monitoring

The Black Oystercatcher is considered an indicator species for intertidal health.  They live, feed and breed on rocky, intertidal shorelines that are vulnerable to rising sea levels, human interference, and predators.  Last year, at Montaña de Oro State Park Ca (MdO), only one of nine recorded nesting attempts produced a nestling that grew to maturity.

The Juvenile that grew to maturity is on the left, to the right, the proud parents of Site 7.  Note the two tone bill of the juvenile. (above photo by Gary O'Neill.)

Conservation efforts for Oystercatchers was limited by lack of baseline information.  A study was needed.  MdO nest monitoring began in 2007.  I am familiar with the MdO Oystercatcher population, having learned details on nesting habits from Sara Kelly, an experienced Oystercatcher (bloy) monitor.  I volunteered to be a nest monitor at Site 7. 

During nesting season Bloys are highly territorial, often nesting in the same location as the year before.  The nest may be in a slight depression or in a space between shale layers.  They share all nesting duties including chasing off interlopers.

9:08 am, Thursday May 21 -  My first monitoring experience began at site 7 aka "Danger Sign," on the north side of Quarry Cove.  The sign has been there as long as I have been volunteering at MdO, and that is over two decades.  I greatly doubt anyone has ever heeded the warning.

Monitoring should be done far enough away from the nest site so as not to cause the Bloy to alert.  They may abandon the nest.  Last year symbolic fencing was installed to keep people from disturbing the Bloys.  Do people climb over it?  YES!!

As soon as I arrived I took out my binocs and began monitoring.  I knew the approximate nest location (center of red circle), but only saw slabs of uplifted shale.  I assumed that hidden from view was a Bloy incubating two to three eggs.  While watching what I thought was the nest site, I took quick looks around for the mate.  About 10 minutes into monitoring a Bloy flew to a nearby
rock and began preening.

Since male and female Bloys look alike, I have named them Babbs and Bob.  Babbs was on a rock preening, Bob was hopefully on the nest.  After a few more minutes Bob rose up from a crack to the right of where I had been focused.  Babbs move in and settled down.  Through a crack in the shale I could see a tiny sliver of a bright red bill.  Now I knew where to look.!!  I had just experienced my first nest exchange. ( At the end of the blog is a youtube video of the exchange.)

The morning was beautiful, sunny, no wind.  Now, Bob was preening and Babbs was sitting on the nest.  All of a sudden chaos reigned.  Three raucous Bloy were flying over the next site.  Bob joined them and a moment later Babbs deserted the nest and flew off with the group.  I was in shock.  No one was sitting on the nest.  I felt helpless.  Fortunately, five minutes later Babbs returned to the nest.  Bob was across the cove feeding.  Later I learned this type of behavior is not unusual. 


My first monitoring experience was very interesting.  I do hope that this pair is successful.  At the present time it is the only nesting pair at MdO.
 

You may have to watch the video more than once, but you can see Babbs settle into the nest site.  From now on I will bring a real camera.

https://youtu.be/srqqWdMBgZw

Sightings While Not Really Birding

Montaña de Oro (MdO) - Bluff Trail -7:30 am -31 days since the "lock down."  The morning was absolutely exquisite!  The sun was attempting to ease its way through the clouds.

First sighting - A flock of turkeys with three males engaged in a slow turkey trot.  Nearby females were not impressed.  I found their display most impressive.

Only a few cars were parked at the Bluff Trail head.  The trail appeared to have been trimmed a bit.  I had only gone a few feet when I saw a Wrentit, a Spotted Towhee, and a bunny nibbling on a stalk of California Sage Brush.

Smugglers Cove - Two years ago a pair of Peregrine Falcon attempted to nest in a horizontal hole located in Smugglers Cove.  Now, two years later, Great Horned Owls are raising two owlets in the same hole.  Yeah!  (photo of adult owl take by Gary O'Neill last Thursday)

The clouds were playing "hide and go seek" with the sun.  There were a few runners and a few walkers, but most of the time no one in sight.  A male Northern Harrier swooped low over the scrub brush.  Fiddleneck glowed in the morning light.

Islay Point - Very tranquil - Fiddleneck in the foreground -  Locoweed Center right.

Locoweed is an early bloomer and prolific along the coastal side of the Bluff Trail.  Locally it is referred to as Rattleweed.

The last time I walked by this railing a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk was perched on it.  This morning three Turkey Vultures were warming their wings prior to flight.  I see Turkey Vultures as  gentle, patient and beautiful.

Located a tad north of Quarry Cove is the rock formation where a pair of Oystercatcher, successfully, raised one nestling to maturity.  To my delight the pair appeared to be establishing nesting rights.  Bloy pairs often nest in the same area as the prior year.  The two Bloys are located on the upper edge of the light beige colored rocks.

During my walk I could hear the sounds of Oystercatchers.  Pigeon Guillemot bobbed in the surf.  Despite everything that is happening, our earth continues its seasonal cycles.  Spring abounds at Montaña de Oro.

An unexpected delight - On the way out of the park, barely past the Hazard Peak Trail head, an adorable Long Tailed Weasel crossed in front of my car.  Fortunately, due to an abundance of young bunnies along the roadside, I was driving slowly.   (photo by Gary O'Neill)

Birding With a Bleak Soul

The San Luis Obispo County "stay-at-home" announcement was on March 18, 2020 - feels like that was months ago.  Like many of our residents, I take walks, making a point of keeping six feet from other humans.  Actually, I'm more comfortable at 10 - 15 feet.  People wave, smile, and at times engage in pleasant conversation.

Saturday morning I threw caution to the wind and took off for the Audubon Overlook (6 blocks from my house) and nearby Turri Road.  Total driving distance about 6 miles.

Audubon Overlook - A Song Sparrow was gaily singing as I proceeded down the path to the overlook.  The morning was without flaw.  Across the bay (upper Photo), along the edge of the pickleweed, was a sizable flock of Brant Goose, their delightful chatter carried across the bay.  Photo shows the same flock of Brant feeding in pickleweed on a foggy January day.

Other Birds: Caspian and Forster's Tern, Willet bathing, and a Black-bellied Plover in gray winter plumage.  Out on the bay floated a large flock of mostly Ruddy Duck -  Rufus Hummingbird feeding on pink flowers of a mallow shrub was a special treat.  He was a beauty!

Turri Road Ponds -  On a tiny island, in the center of the photo, perched a Greater Yellowleg.  Upper right, eleven Green-winged Teal, and three Northern Shoveler dabbled.  A dabbling duck is a shallow water duck that feeds primarily along the surface or by tipping headfirst into the water.

   Now, you know the origin of the idiom, "bottoms up."

The next stop, about a mile up the road, is one of my favorite places to bird.  I have named it the cattle pond.  In the rainy season the pond fills.  What a privileged to be here, breathing in the scenery, the scents, and the sounds of the birds.

Five male Cinnamon Teal were feeding in the far section.  Streaking over the pond were White-throated Swifts and Swallows, along the edge two Willet searched for edibles. 

West of the pond is a dilapidated cattle pen.  The corner of the pen, with its old loading chute, scruffy little tree, and aging wooden fencing was attracting three species of birds.  American Goldfinch, House Finch, and California Towhee (photo) were flying in and out of the foliage.  From a section of barbed wire fencing two Cassin's Kingbirds sallied forth in pursuit of insects.  Wilson's Warbler sang from a willow thicket.

Best sighting of the morning was a Lark Sparrow (below) perched atop an old post.  Every few minutes he sang - this was first time I had heard a Lark Sparrow sing.  During breeding season males sing from elevated perches and that is just what he was doing - made my day! 

Afterthought:  As I jotted down my thought, I realized how privileged and fortunate I am to be able to drive to a peaceful rural area and spend time thinking only of birds and the beauty of the day . . . . .