In the meantime we have been blessed to be able to put on our gear and get out to see who is flying about. The following are highlights of our outings during the past few weeks.
We participate in a count of Snowy Plovers when ever we are able out at Stinson Beach. There is a population of approximately 18 Plovers on the beach but Point Reyes Bird Observatory does not have any records of successful breeding here on this beach since the mid 80s due to the human and animal activity level. On our most recent survey we counted 17 and were able to see only one that was banded.
We participate in a count of Snowy Plovers when ever we are able out at Stinson Beach. There is a population of approximately 18 Plovers on the beach but Point Reyes Bird Observatory does not have any records of successful breeding here on this beach since the mid 80s due to the human and animal activity level. On our most recent survey we counted 17 and were able to see only one that was banded.
Precious.....
The one below is OGWR (orange-green-yellow-red) for the bands on its little legs
Thanksgiving morning was beautiful so we grabbed the gear and headed out to Las Galinas early so we would be back in time to begin the meal preparations. The family had decided on Ribs this year instead of Turkey:)
This Northern Mockingbird was illuminated by the early morning sun:
I love the way pickle weed color matches the Coot's eyes
As you will see by my photos there were Song Sparrows everywhere
The male Bufflehead is striking
As is the Common Goldeneye
This juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron was hunting along the far shore. Boy did he blend in to his surroundings
The male Canvasback-he is gorgeous
There were quite a few Savannah Sparrows along the shore line
Amazing looks at the male and female Northern Shoveler
This Northern Harrier male or Gray Ghost came flying by us- what amazing looks- notice the concave cheeks like an owl to aid in their hearing
A Snowy Egret trying to be inconspicuous:)
The next day we were hanging around outside and this Pileated Woodpecker came flying into the yard in Fairfax!! Incredible bird. He seemed to be feeding on the seeds in the Tulip Tree. You can tell he is a male due to the red mustache.
We ventured out to North Mountain Park when we were in Ashland. There were quite a few birds flying about. This Dark-eyed Junco was eating seeds.
This Pacific Wren came out and was making quite a commotion when we came along. They have so much personality!
This Merlin was sitting in the large Walnut Tree looking down at the bird feeders - licking his lips so to speak
This Fox Sparrow was such a poser for me
The following 2 photos are great examples of the difference between the juvenile and adult Golden-crowned Sparrow
California Towhee taking a break at the feeder
I don't see Steller's Jays too often in North Mountain Park- this was a peek-a-boo look
There were a few Purple Finches in the park. This male looks more orange than purple. It must be something they are eating?
We were back in Marin and it was a beautiful day so we decided to head out for a hike at Las Galinas WWTP. It was pretty chilly but we got the best of the day. There were quite a few Great Blue Herons around the area. They are so stunning.
A pair of Muted Swans were swimming about
This female Cinnamon Teal was hiding in the reeds.
These 2 female Northern Harriers were having quite the arial debate
This Ruby-crowned Kinglet was just hanging out in a bush next to us- very unusual- they are usually hopping and flitting about like a butterfly
Another Snowy Egret with a bill full of feathers from preening
This is a great comparison of the Cackling Goose on the left with the shorter neck and the Canada Goose on the right.
The Gadwells are such beautiful ducks. It is hard to capture the striking design in their plumage with the camera.
A Golden-crowned Sparrow hanging around
There were a large number of Violet-green Swallows that were feeding along the water. They appeared to be unusually slow- I typically have a very hard time capturing them with my camera but this day they seemed to be swooping low and taking their time:) Notice the white rump band- that helps to differentiate them from the Tree Swallows.
As I wrote before- there were lots of Song Sparrows- I just can't help myself-they are so beautiful
We got a few good looks at some Least Sandpipers- a bit tough to see along the mud bank
A male House Finch that has that very strong hue of orange- something they are eating??
Great Blue Herons were lining the shore
There is nothing quite like the male Green-winged Teal
This American Kestrel was following along behind us.
A White-crowned Sparrow looking over its shoulder
We were stumped with this gull on the lower right hand corner- it ends up it is a Leucistic Mew Gull. You can see how different he looks than the normal Mew Gulls surrounding it. Apparently this gull has been returning to the Las Galinas WWTP (Waste Water Treatment Plant)for many winters
I can't help myself they are so majestic
This Red-shouldered Hawk lives right around the house in Fairfax. It is quite vocal and we can here it calling throughout the day.
And yes- another Song Sparrow- chowing away on seeds
We were lucky to get a look at this White-throated Sparrow hanging out with the Golden-crowned Sparrows in West Marin
We headed out to Abbott's Lagoon in Pt Reyes one day to see if we could find the reported Mountain Plover and Lapland Longspurs. It was freezing but we did some scouting and took a hike. We ran into a field of Killdeer (below) and there were some American Pipits but we did not see the Mountain Plover or the Longspurs. However the next day in the local bird reporting network- someone did see the Plover and the Longspurs near a group of 10 plus Killdeer- wouldn't you know it- right where we were looking!!! So we will keep on looking.
We are truly blessed:)
Life is full of beauty & wonder,
Bettina & Bob
PS- We are getting ready to head out to Midway to count Albatross nests. Internet connection is very spotty so it may be awhile until the next blog.
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