We arrived in Palos Verdes and headed down to the beach. It was quite pretty weather here too. There weren't many birds the first trip to the beach, but it is nice still. Lots of Grebes and Cormorants were bobbing in the water.
We looked for the California Gnatcatcher as they have always been at the Trump Golf Course. The effect of the drought was clear - lots of dead plants. And it was only after an hour that we saw one pair of Cal Gnatcatchers. Sort of sad.
We did find some other birds to chase and I think Dave got some nice photos. Hoping you'll get to see them soon!
We spent some time at some coastal parks in the San Pedro and Palos Verdes area. Check out this beautiful (and huge) tree!
Saturday morning we met up with some supertopo birding friends. Birdapalooza 2014 is on!! In attendance were me and Dave, Dave Evans, Craig Fry, Steve Powell and Steve Aho. We met at the South Coast Botanic Gardens.
Group shot with photographer switch!
SCBG were lovely as usual and we saw some nice birds. Still, it wasn't as birdy as it's been in years gone by. We had some lunch and also went to Harbor View Park to see some birds. After that, we all ended the day on the coast.
Back to the Trump Golf Course. Many of our group had not seen the California Gnatcatcher. This is an endangered bird so it's a treat to see one.
The we headed for the beach to look for peeps!
We saw several Grebes, Loons, Cormorants and one Spotted Sandpiper. Dave Evans was particularly good at these shore birds (they are a weakness of mine).
I could not resist this photo!
As usual, we stayed with our friends Deb and Ken Letwin. It is always great to see them and their children Luke and Amy.
As is clear, they provided some delicious meals and excellent company.
On Sunday, we all headed to the LA Arboretum. This was another really fun day where many in our group got some life listers. Here Dave is chasing something. Evidently an Orchard Oriole has been sited here recently. We looked but never found him.
Dave and Steve enjoying the massive hummingbird show. They were everywhere!
Steve getting some bird
Dave Evans stalking the Oriole
Dave V stalking a Bluebird
We walked a lot - great fun!
Steve Aho saw many new birds. He managed to get a good look at a Nashville Warbler. I missed the little rascal.Happily, I saw one later in the day.
Turtles and fish. Lots of turtles and big fish.
At the end of the day, we got a couple of group shots of the 'last birders standing'. Dave E had to get home for some family stuff.
I thought I'd continue our bird list since leaving Overton. We saw many repeat birds, so this list just adds new birds for the trip since leaving J-Tree. (more info below this list)
Brown Pelican
Double Crested Cormorant
Chipping Sparrow
Western Grebe
Pelagic Cormorant
Western Gull
California Gnatcatcher
Hooded Merganser
Sora
Black Oystercatcher
Tern (of some sort)
Townsends Warbler
Golden Crowned Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Downy Woodpecker
Western Slope Western Flycatcher
Bullock's Oriole
Hermit Thrush
Tree Swallow
White Pelican
Cassin's Kingbird
Black Headed Grosbeak
Red-Whiskered Bulbul
Spotted Sandpiper
Yellow Chevron Parakeet
Guinea
Rufous Hummingbird
Nashville Warbler
The next morning, Dave and I got up and headed to LAX. I flew home to Boulder and Dave stayed behind. He drove back to J-Tree where he'll spend the week before moving on to his next destination. I'll fly out and meet him there soon. Stay tuned! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment