Southern
California in May
2-8 May 2004
Narrated
by Henry Detwiler
Dennis & June Schwartz and I spent an excellent week of birding in
southern California, starting in the southwest deserts and going north
to Morro Bay.
198 species -- complete list at end of page
Click on
thumbnail pictures for full-sized shots.
THURSDAY, 6 May
04
Western Gull with Starfish - Scene 1
Western Gull with Starfish - Scene 2
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As we watched the Pigeon Guillemots feeding in the
surf and resting on the cliffs, we saw this Western Gull land on the
rocks. It has spied a starfish, which it snapped up and started to
swallow, completely gobbling the creature up in seconds flat.
A truly amazing feat, considering its big size and odd shape.
Western Gull with Starfish - Scene 3
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In the valley east of the headquarters we tracked down
Nuttal's Woodpecker and Purple Finch, while California Quail paraded
around the picnic grounds. Along a wash we spotted an American
Goldfinch feeding its young.
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American Goldfinches - adult
& young |
Black-crowned Night Heron |
Along Morro Bay we found Chestnut-sided Chickadee,
Red-shouldered Hawk, and this Black-crowned Night Heron, which
didn't move an inch as we watched it. At Morro Rock we marveled
at the precarious-looking nests of Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorants,
and a lingering Brant. |
FRIDAY, 7 May
04
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This morning we drove back east into the
mountains. In the scrub we looked at several spots and then
found this cooperative Black-chinned Sparrow.
Black-chinned Sparrow |
In the pines at the base of Mt. Pinos we located a
Red-breasted Sapsucker and this fine family of Pygmy Nuthatches.
Pygmy Nuthatches
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FRIDAY, 7 May
04
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White-headed Woodpecker
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On the slopes of Mt. Pinos
we hiked to the back of a closed campground and found a variety of
high elevation birds: Clark's Nutcracker, this White-headed
Woodpecker, California Towhee, and a Fox Sparrow.
California Towhee
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Common Raven eating/drinking snow
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At the
summit of Mt. Pinos we were greeted by brisk winds and patches of
snow! A Common Raven was scooping up and swallowing mouthfuls
of the white stuff.
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We spent most of the afternoon driving east to the Yucca Valley,
taking in the Joshua Trees and stark desert scenery.
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SATURDAY, 8 May
04
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At Covington Park and Big Morongo Nature Conservancy Preserve we saw our
first Brown-crested Flycatchers, Costa's Hummingbirds, Summer Tanagers, more orioles, and
several pairs of Vermilion Flycatchers.
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Vermilion Flycatcher
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Western Scrub Jay
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As we walked the Canyon Trail we saw additional
delightful birds, like Bell's Vireo, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and
Scrub Jay.
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Along the trails we also got to see several
butterflies, including a variety of hairstreak--a butterfly with
marks and antennae on the rear of its wings that look like another
head! Before it heated up too much, we hit the road for
Yuma, stopping at the Salton Sea once again, adding several more
shore birds and trying once again for the Ruddy Ground-Dove in
Calipatria. Mid-afternoon Dennis and June dropped me off at
home, finishing up a great week of companionship and non-stop
birding!
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