Vermont Birder

Here are two final birds from our California trip: a Black Phoebe and a Snowy Egret. I was surprised at how prevalent Black Phoebes were: in other areas like Texas they are around but I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than one on a outing.

The bird in the photo below hangs out at our son’s swimming pool, chipping away, diving down to snack bugs off the pool-cleaner hose that floats on the surface, and even sipping some of the chlorinated water.

Black Phoebe perching on an old pool pipe, ready to swoop in for some insect snacks.

Egrets are great birds — watching them hunt for food is a great way to spend some birding time. I saw a couple of Great Egrets and a few more Snowy Egrets during my outings. This guy was grabbing lunch at a wonderful birding site, the San Elijo Lagoon.

Due to some medical issues, we returned to Vermont early but, looking out on barren hills, it is fun to remember the neat birds of San Diego County.

We took a short outing to the Del Mar beach during our last day in California. It’s so cool to have a beautiful beach ten minutes or so away and free access and parking — and no crowds on a winter weekday. The day was pretty – San Diego style – with no wind, temperatures in the mid-70’s, with water temperature about 65.

I waded into the light surf with binoculars and camera and right away, this guy landed just out a short bit and ignored me.

Brown Pelican at Del Mar Beach

There are always a few Willets exploring the shallows for food. Here’s one.

I walked up the beach to the North to the area called “Dog Beach” where dozens of dogs romp and play. When we are back in February, it might be worth a try with Penny although her track record with other dogs is not sparkling. It is one of the better beaches for dogs (according to many reviews) in southern California.

Robb and his kids were frolicking in the waves so I decided to brave it — what’s 65 degree water to a Vermonter, eh? It was bracing but after a few body surfs and one ***over_teakettle tumble, I was ready to dry off.

We only stayed for an hour or so — just perfect. As I was leaving, this young gull was strolling around checking out folks, likely for possible handouts. I am trying to make it into a juvenile Heermann’s Gull because of the sooty breast and pale white eye crescents but could be dissuaded. What do you think?

Is this a Heermann’s?

We are in Massachusetts with Jennifer and her family and instead of watching Black Phoebes hawk insects over the swimming pool, are watching a beautiful Red-bellied Woodpecker hit the suet. Happy Thanksgiving.

About a mile from Robb and Mary’s home in Del Mar is a neat birding spot called the Los Penasquitos Marsh Preserve. I walked down there several mornings and crossed busy Carmel Valley Drive to check out the ducks and other waterfowl on the quickly-moving river. I didn’t have a scope with me and the trail alongside the highway is a bit tight in places but it was a fine place to check off birds. Because of the moving water, it was a virtual parade with bushes along the creek blocking views and then nice open stretches.

There were several Green-winged Teal pushing the limits of my Canon SX50.

This Mallard’s head looked iridescent blue in the bright sunlight.

Northern Pintail is one of the common ducks here at this time of year.

This Pied-billed Grebe cruised in rather closely. See his legs?

It was common to see a wide mix of ducks in the same general area, cruising and feeding together. American Coots, Ruddy Ducks, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwalls, and the above ducks were just a few of the species there. It’s a nice challenge for me to sort them out.

Yesterday morning, I took a walk over to Torrey Pines Reserve Extension, a desert canyon area just a half mile from the house which is accessible only through residential neighborhoods. It’s a unique gem with a nice system of hiking trails and some good birds. 

You get some nice views of the ocean from the upper trails. The Pacific Coast Highway is in the distance.

I saw Bushtits, Northern Harriers, dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers but the star of the walk with this little Allen’s Hummingbird who perched not far from the trail. He flew off for a bit, returned for more photos, and finally left. I was hoping that he might be a Rufous Hummingbird, a species I have not seen, but I don’t think so. This guy was special.

We leave for Boston this morning after a nice stint of Southern California weather and a chance to be with our kids and grandkids, who we see too infrequently. We hope to be back with the Airstream in early February.