Orange Bishop: San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary,

We went to Irvine hoping to see the painted bunting but we were a day late. Fortunately, we saw some Orange Bishops there.

Nashville Warbler

We went birding in the morning, but the best find of the day was coming to our birdbath.

More Backyard birds

We've been heading to the coast most weekends, but there is still time for some birding at home.




Least Bell's Vireo




Hooded orioles eating cactus fruit




Red-shouldered hawk at the bubbler

Birdy Saturday at home

We stayed home!  Chris had been seeing a Wilson's warbler visiting the bath during the week, so that was enticing enough to keep Mike housebound Saturday.  We sat outside and waited for the birds to come to us.  Such a nice day - not too hot for most of it.  Sometimes we just get a feeling in the air that an unusual bird will drop by.  Today we had that feeling, and our hunch was correct.  Our infrequent visitors, the nutmeg mannikins, came by.  We also had an orange crowned warbler hanging around.  Does this mean fall is creeping up on us?  Maybe so, but it's still hot enough that the water features seem to be the biggest attractant bringing in the birds.

Anna's Hummingbird

Nutmeg Mannikins

Hooded Oriole

Scrub Jay

Wilson's Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler