Hermit Thrush

Hermit Thrush

We haven't been getting out birding much, but a few migrating birds have dropped by.

Birding in Kauai

Red-footed Booby

White-rumped Shama	Japanese White-eye
Laysan Albatross	Red-crested Cardinal
Chestnut Munia	Red Avadavat
Java Sparrow	Nene (Hawaiian Goose)
Apapane	Anianiau
Common Myna	Pacific Golden Plover

We know it's supposed to be a California Bird Blog, but we recently got back from a week in Kauai. We did get some birding in. The Red-crested Cardinal, a bird that we only caught a glimpse of in Trinidad, was quite common and even came to the railing of the hotel deck. The Japanese White-eye was a fun little bird. The highlight was the I'iwi, but Mike didn't get a photo so we'll have to settle for the Apapane and Anianiau for endemic birds. The Red Avadavat was a surprise that Chris spotted. The Chestnut Mannikin was interesting too. We didn't get close to where the red-footed boobies roost, but Mike got a shot of one flying by.

Painted Redstart: San Diego

Painted Redstart

Mike has been wanting to see the Painted Redstart that had been reported in San Diego for a few weeks. We left early today about 7:30 am for the drive down. The bird did not disappoint! It was still hanging out in the same tree it was earlier seen in, and it was a fun bird to watch. It would frequently chase the Townsend Warblers out of the tree and then come back to its favorite branches. It is quite acrobatic and fast moving. It is next to a fairly busy road, but when traffic would calm down, we could hear its call. We spent some time watching it around 9 am but it was a bit cloudy, so we left for some other birding spots and came back to it around 11 am. The second time the light was better and we stayed about an hour. A few other birders were there enjoying it too.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands: Northern Pintail and Friends.

We went to Bolsa Chica on a sunny December day. Lots of migrating ducks, with some good views of Northern Pintails.

Redheads

Red-naped Sapsucker


Vermilion Flycatcher


Turkey Vulture

We went to Prado Regional Park on a sunny and warm Decemeber day. We got some good looks at a red-naped sapsucker and saw some other birds with red heads too.

No Tail Towhee

No Tail Towhee

We have several spotted towhees visiting our yard. Recently, we noticed one is missing its tail feathers. Is probably narrowly escaped an attack, perhaps by a cat.
While it can fly, it doesn't go as fast or as far as the other towhees.

Blue-footed Boobies

Blue-footed Boobies

We went back to Lake Skinner today and got much better looks at the Blue-Footed Boobies. Their feet even look blue.