Saturday, August 22, 2015

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Egrets of Bolsa Chica

We went to Huntington Beach to escape the heat and decided to go birding at Bolsa Chica. The Reddish Egret was our prime target, and we were not disappointed. There were at least four, including one in a narrow channel area with good lighting. We watched him for 15 minutes as he fished, spreading his wings to create some shade to help in the process.


Reddish Egret

Reddish egret

Reddish Egret

Reddish Egret

We also saw a snowy egret and a light-footed clapper rail.

Snowy egret

Light-footed clapper rail


We were also looking for black skimmers but only saw one from a distance.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Burrowing Owls of Salton Sea

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls

We went out to the desert to watch the meteor shower. We stayed in Borrengo Springs and the next morning we went out to the Salton Sea for birding with the primary goal of finding burrowing owls. After staying up for the meteor shower and getting up before sunrise to head to the Salton Sea, we now need a nap.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Back From Alaska

We went to Alaska to escape the heat and see tufted puffins in Prince Williams Sound. We also saw some other sea birds and quite a few marine mammals there

Tufted Puffin

Tufted Puffin in Flight

Tufted Puffins


Pigeon guillemot
Pigeon Guillemot

Sea otter
Sea Otters

Harbor Seals
Harbor Seals

Sea Lions
Sea Lions

In Anchorage, we spotted a moose and a few birds.

Moose: Kincaid Park, Anchorage, Alaska
Moose

Black-billed Magpie
Black-billed Magpie

Red-necked grebes
Red-necked Grebes

At Eagle River State Park, we saw a Boreal Chickadee, an Alder Flycatcher and some warblers
Boreal Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee

Warbler
Yellow Warbler

Alder Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher



In Crescent Lake, part of Lake Clark National Park, we watched bears and more.

Brown Bear with cubs fishing
Brown Bear Fishing for Salmon

Harlequin Ducks
Harlequin Ducks

Beaver
Beaver

Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle