On this foggy morning I got a late start so stayed close to home, hitting a few spots along the Santa Barbara shore. It was still foggy and the tide was getting up - not ideal conditions for shorebirds or photography. I was not expecting to find any new species on this quick jaunt - but you never know what will turn up!
First stop, the breakwater at the harbor. Very quiet here, few birds at all. Most notable was possibly the most ragged-looking Pacific Loon I have ever seen.
After today the year's total still stands at 237.
First stop, the breakwater at the harbor. Very quiet here, few birds at all. Most notable was possibly the most ragged-looking Pacific Loon I have ever seen.
Pacific Loon
My next stop was the Mission Creek Outflow. There was a good variety of birds in the area, including a Pectoral Sandpiper that has been hanging around for a few days. Many of the shorebirds are in some stage of molting. This makes for some strange-looking birds that do not look anything like their representations in the Field Guides. Good ID practice!
Sanderlings, molting
Black-bellied Plovers, molting
Next and last stop for the morning was the Andree Clark Bird Refuge. There was a good variety of birds here also. Some were very cooperative for the camera. In addition to trying to find as many bird species as possible this year I am trying to present you with photographs of as many different species as possible. As of today these blog posts have included photos of 160 species, or 68% of the species I have come across.
No new birds today, but another nice morning out and about.
Western (above) and Least (below) Sandpipers. Still in breeding plumage.
Green Heron
Green Heron
Spiffy looking male House Finch
Cassin's Kingbird
Today I rode a total of 13.5 miles
More later,
Glenn
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