I Still Hate The Padres

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. The San Diego area is one of the best places to see this species west of Texas, and is regular enough to be considered a local specialty. Thank god. I want to ruffle its rare golden head and tell it that it's doing a good job. Imperial Beach State Park.

Wow...my last 2 proper posts did not feature wild birds. Who does that???? How embarrassing.

Right...we must move on. As you may know, I have moved to San Diego, or as some of you think of it, "Whale's Vagina". This marks the first time since 2009 that I have worked in California...I have gone with the tradeoff of new and strange birds to something a little more familiar/convenient. As you all know, I am a cutting edge plover expert, and that is what has brought me here (Least Terns too).

That said, San Diego County is without a doubt one of the best birding areas in the state, due to its proximity to Mexico, numerous wetlands and parks, mountains and deserts, and a healthy birding scene. I've already been swimming in birds since I arrived last Sunday, banking year birds left and right, including the almost-endemic California Gnatcatcher, which I haven't seen in years.

From my time working in the Salton Sea, Gull-billed Tern has ascended to one of my favorite birds. Small numbers of them breed in the area. 7th Street, Imperial Beach, CA.


Although I have started my new job with the San Diego Zoo, I can't exactly say I've been slaving away so far. On day one I got to pet Victor The Echidna, who is over 60 years old and enjoys blowing snot bubbles. Petting an echidna is not something I'd ever thought I'd do, considering they are native to Australia, lay eggs, and resemble enormous hedgehogs. My one day in the field featured many Snowy Plovers, Horned Larks, Belding's Savannah Sparrows, and numerous tanks driving next to our study plot. The plovers are quite used to them, apparently.

Despite my clear affinity for the area's birdlife, I feel it necessary to declare my hatred for both the San Diego Padres and, especially, the San Diego Chargers. That is all.

Royal Terns are pretty common around these parts, which makes it sad that this photo is so piss poor. It's nice to see them with their fancy black caps though, rather than with the large bald spot that I am accustomed to. 7th Street, Imperial Beach, CA.

Awwwwwwww yeah, its a mediocre Belted Kingfisher shot! But since its a Belted Kingfisher, its amazing that I was even able to point a camera at it. You should know better, kingfisher. J Street Mudflats, Chula Vista, CA.

J Street is the one and only place I have found where Brant do not bark and yodel at you in fear. Apparently the aquatic plantlife here is so good and tasty that it is worth having to see the hideous humans at close range.

Brant, shorebirds, and shopping carts. What more could you ask for? J Street Mudflats.

Have you noticed that pretty much all the pictures I've posted today are backlit, too dark, or in harsh light? What's up with that? Am I losing my touch? Anyways...the feather ruffling here was too good to not post. Great Blue Herons are considered "freeloaders" at various exhibits at the San Diego Zoo, aka are wild birds but decide to spend their time amongst their exotic cousins.

"And now for my Long-billed Dowitcher impression..."

The sun being at the wrong angle worked in my favor here...I didn't just photoshop those waterdroplets, people.

Shorebirding

We can all agree that a Black-necked Stilt is an easy identification...so why can't that apply to it's other cousins? Photographed at Radio Road, Redwood Shores, CA.

Shedding Tears For Shorebirds is up at 10,000 Birds. Now you can learn all about how to get over your phalarope phobias and ringed-plover reservations.

Does anyone think I shouldve titled it "Sharting For Shorebirds"? That may be more accurate...just a thought.

Stellllllllaaaaaaaaaaa

For the very first time, The Great Ornithologist Felonious Jive is running late on his duties over at 10,000 Birds, so you are stuck with this lousy Steller's Sea-Eagle until he gets everything in order.

Steller's Sea-Eagle is one of the birds I want to see the most, but their nature of staying in Russia and Japan makes that difficult. I was happy just to see one of the San Diego Zoo's birds today, who was flying around and hanging out in it's wading pool (as it is in this picture), and apparently trying to innocently look like it's never thought of harming another creature in its life.

Hank The Pelican

Hello from San Diego! As you read this I'm over at the San Diego Zoo, getting dosed with my first round of trainings for my new job. Hopefully all will go smoothly, and I'll be able to get into the zoo for free when that is all said and done with.

Since I went to Lake Merritt over and over and over again this winter, I got to the point where I began to recognize individual birds...the one Ring-necked Duck, the Redhead with too much white, the Black-crowned Night-Heron with the droopy wing, the crusty-looking Great Egret, the teenage Barrow's Goldneye, the celebrity Tufted Duck. But the bird that even nonbirders knew was Hank, the American White Pelican.

Hank is a dapper bird. Look at the size of her....her....horn? What is the name of that thing anyway? Well, you know what I mean, that thing is huge.

Pterosaur Face.

I had been seeing Hank there for years, but I just recently learned her story, that her name was Hank, and that he was a she.

According to a passerby (and the internet), Hank was found with a janky wing in Oregon, back in 2004. After it was determined she would not be able to fly again, she wound up in Oakland, of all places, at Lake Merritt's Rotary Nature Center. Every day, for the past 8 years, she spends her time at the nature center (where she is fed delicious fish) and the small islands just offshore. Since she is such a stud, she now attracts free-flying white pelicans to the lake every year to hang out with him, which apparently never happened before her arrival.

On my last day at Lake Merritt, they had drained the scum ponds at the nature center and were filling them with clean water. Hank got stoked, and started doing all kinds of weird stuff.

If you had seen how nasty that water usually is, you would want to dunk your head in there too.

Although you would be considered whorish to count Hank on any kind of official list, she still gets cred from her less disabled pelican relatives and probably spends inordinate amounts of time wishing she could fly someplace else more suited to copulating with a female. At least she has the distinction of being the biggest damn bird on the lake, and makes passing children cower in fear...a toddler could fit in her throat pouch, no problem.

Nom nom nom nom nom.

People don't usually think of pelicans as being crested birds. Now, people will know better.

I am not used to having such giant birds cause tsunamis a few feet in front of me, even if they are only half-wild. I can't imagine what holding one of these birds is like...prolly a mixture of sheer terror and blood.

Hank can easily pass for a wild bird when she wants to. Don't forget to say "hi" to her if you find yourself at the lake.

Death To The Perpetual Weekend

An immaculate looking Ring-billed Gull. Look at that orbital ring! Lake Merritt, CA.

Well, this it...Bourbon, Bastards and Birds' final transmission from the beloved bay area. I've been here since September, living The Perpetual Weekend...but as a seasonally-employed biologist, my departure has been pre-ordained. In fact, I have not stayed ever stayed here this late into spring...so although it pains me to do so, I must go.

Here's a smattering of shots taken from the last several weeks. Have a positive weekend!

It's been a good year for Black-legged Kittiwakes in California. A lot of them have been spending time in Humboldt Bay, like this one, where they can conveniently be watched and photographed from shore. King Salmon,CA.

Tidal slough at sunset. Arcata Marsh, CA.

Hordes of Aleutian Cackling Geese are staging on the northwest coast this time of year. Strange to think that this subspecies used to be listed as endangered! Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, CA.

A Bewick's Wren assumes classic Bewick's Wren posture. Albany Bulb, CA.

Just what the blogosphere needed, another picture of an American Robin. I really like this picture for some reason, I think the catkins add a lot of depth. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Shorebirds wheel, lurk and generally amass on some east bay mudflats. Albany Bulb.

Although there are many signs of spring in the air, many wintering species like this Lesser Scaup are still holding down the bay area. Lake Merritt.

Unlike the scaup, the local Canvasback population has plummeted recently...they have begun to wing their way back to the prairies for the summer. Lake Merritt.

I'm not sure if I've ever put one of these on BB&B before...it's a California Towhee. Heinously common for some readers, strange and exotic for others. Albany Bulb.

Horned Grebes in different stages of molt. Last time I went out a lot of Eared and Horned Grebes were coming into breeding plumage or, in the case of Clark's and Westerns, already doing courtship displays. Lake Merritt.

Another first for BB&B..behold the Brant. Humboldt Bay is one of their most important staging and wintering sites in California. King Salmon.

VERMILION-TAILED FLYCATCHER

Look at this bird. LOOK AT IT. It's a Vermilion X Fork-tailed Flycatcher hybrid, and this picture is completely fabricated.

But wouldn't this be an awesome bird? And why does this picture exist at all? Well, I was reflecting on dream-birding the other day and remembered the grandest bird dream of all...Cass Grattan's legendary and prophetic sighting of a Vermilion X Fork-tailed Flycatcher...in his mind, while fast asleep. Not only is this a concretely epic dream-bird (essentially, an avian unicorn), but the dream was followed by actually lifering Vermilion and Fork-tailed Flycatchers the very next day. What does it mean?

As for me...my most recent dream involved finding massive lacerations on my arms and being annoyed that I was bleeding everywhere, so it's difficult to say. However, I am at liberty to tell you that I accepted a job offer from the San Diego Zoo, monitoring Least Terns and Snowy Plovers, and will be moving down there shortly. No, I will not actually be working at the zoo itself, but yes, I will get free admission...

That's it for now, and sweet dreams. Thanks to Jerome for making the flycatcher a reality.

Arizona Abides

Black-chinned Hummingbird is a sort of bland species, unless you catch them in jussssssssssst the right light. Florida Canyon.

Back when nobody read this awful waste of cyberspace, I was living in Southeast Arizona...while many think of this area of the country as a cultural wasteland and racist snakepit, most of you reading this know it as Birder's Mecca, due to it's vast array of desert and Mexican species that pour over the border in that corner of Los Estados Unidos. While Mexicans of the human persuasion find themselves being controversial in the region, everyone embraces the avian Mexicans. Birders spend insane amounts of money in the area and travel from far and wide to see these birds, after all. When I was offered a seasonal job to study migrating songbirds there, I jumped at the chance. I made my first trip to the area way back in 1998, and have been drawn to the place ever since.

For much of the time of my work stint we stayed at the research station Florida Canyon, where birds like Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Rufous-capped Warbler lived within walking distance, and a Ring-tailed Cat lived in our attic. Yes, it was the best roommate ever, thank you very much. Our survey sites were, not coincidentally, some of the best birding spots in the area...Miller Canyon, Carr Peak, Madera Canyon, the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia reserve....you get the picture. One gets to feel a bit smug to essentially just go birdwatching in areas people pay large sums of money just to get to. Part of the charm of the area (granted, this is arguable) is the vast numbers of birders you will meet, and the number of homes and yards that have been opened up to birders simply so we can stare at the birdfeeders...I thought it was quite funny to be doing a point count next to the Patons' legendary backyard, counting Violet-crowned Hummingbirds for SCIENCE!

Oh yeah, I just noticed that all these pictures are of birds that are relatively early migrants, and should all be "in" by the end of the month...care to meet them? They will be there.

Props to Jeremy at AZ Birdbrain and Laurence at Butlers Birds And Things for keeping the Birdosphere posted on what's happening down Arizona way.

Southeast Arizona features a strange mix of birds that live by the Economy of Style, such as this Lucy's Warbler, and unholy looking rainbow-creatures like trogons and Varied Buntings. Santa Cruz River.

Rufous Hummingbird. We put up several feeders up while living at our cabin, and drew in Magnificent, Violet-crowned, Anna's, Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Broad-billed, Black-chinned and Costa's Hummingbirds. Too bad we couldn't stay longer that mid May, who knows what other Mexican goodness we could have attracted? Florida Canyon.

Most birders looking for their lifer Common Black-Hawk make treks to sites north of Tucson, but I saw quite a few on the Santa Cruz River (Tubac area)...most were migrants, but I think they do nest there as well.

Hammond's Flycatcher is one of the many Empidonax that frequent the area, much to the chagrin of Tyrannid-challenged folk. Patagonia (I think).

The view from atop Mount Lemmon. A lot of birding spots are going to have forests that look more like this this year, as a result of last year's raging wildfires. And if you are wondering, no, migrants don't find snowbound burnt-out forests very appealing.

One of the state's celebrity birds is this Rufous-capped Warbler, one of 2 birds that are more often than not hanging out in Florida Canyon for several years in a row. These are usually the only known individuals residing north of Mexico.

Violet-crowned Hummingbirds live up to their name, at least in the right light. Birders usually go to Patagonia to see Violet-crowns (as they should), so I felt lucky to get this as a yard bird in Florida Canyon. By the way, for those not savy, the work station in the canyon is definitely OFF LIMITS to birders...stay away or a man who goes by "Greg" will have to come out and keep it real with you.

Rufous-crowned Sparrow is one of those weird species where you may have to go to great pains to see one, but once in a while they just won't leave you alone. Greaterville Road, Coronado National Forest.

Looking eastward towards the northern Santa Rita Mountains. Look at that wash! It's got some nice birds in it.

Not the best image, but I had to throw in a gratuitous Vermilion Flycatcher. I still remember the first time I saw these birds, and still carry the scars to show for it...yes, my face is partially melted off now.

Setophaga Slumber

Last night I dreamt I was living in San Diego. I was out birding a famous cemetery there, and found a Bay-breasted Warbler and a Northern Parula, which are pretty sweet birds to be finding anywhere in California. For some reason I couldn't see the Northern Parula very well, and initially thought it was a dull Blue-winged Warbler. It was not until I examined my photos that I figured out that the Blue-winged Warbler was a parula. I will also have you know that the parula was travelling with a Townsend's Warbler.

In a waking reality, I would never in a million years misidentify a Northern Parula for a Blue-winged Warbler, I want to make that clear. I am simply too good of a birder. That said, the purpose of this post is to make it clear to you that I am a RAGING NERD, even when unconscious, and my soaring heights of dorkdom are staggering even to me.

Thank you.

When I Knew To Stop Looking

In an instant this first-year Herring Gull has transformed from a disgusting garbage-eater to a mind-boggling contortionist. Note that the preen gland on it's upper tail is exposed. Lake Merced, San Francisco, CA.

Good Thursday to you nerds. The only loose theme running through all these pictures today are birds doing some interesting poses...I purposefully avoided posting anything too graceful (well, except for the terns) as it would just be too easy to slap a bunch of herons and egrets in here and call it a day. Oh yeah, no flight shots either, them's the rules.

The crystal ball that is seasonal bird work is beginning to clear...my destiny grows easier to see by the day...an official migration announcement should happen soon!

A Bobolink takes a break from being Lord Of The Prairie and stretches out. Do you see how sharp it's tail feathers are? They have rapidly evolved in the past few decades to stab bird banders...interestingly, their distress calls given while in the hand sound uncannily like "I'm giving you tons of bird lice right now" and "I'll see you in Hell". Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota.

Since they are so big-bodied, Canvasbacks often appear somewhat stubby-winged. This female is trying to buck the trend...I think she pulls it off. Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA.

Of course, courtship and territorial displays frequently entail some bizarre posturing. These male Great-tailed Grackles are both telling each other "Why don't you come at me bro?". Chavarrillo, Veracruz, MEX.

While appearing superficially gull-like on land (and somewhat confused to be on land in the first place), albatross become entirely different beasts when it comes to dancing. These Black-footed Albatross were seducing each other with their sick moves at Midway Atoll.

White Terns look good, there is no denying it. But when it comes down to making babies, they make it look more like a miracle. I can't tell you how many tears I shed watching this...eventually I ran out of water and cried blood. That's when I knew to stop looking. Midway Atoll.

Going from no-necked to fully extended, a Thick-billed Murre takes a gander at something on the cliff below. In a moment it will return from its moment of quasi-elegance to being fat, squat and cute. Buldir Island, AK.

Other birds aren't blessed with such long necks. This is about as far as a Clay-colored Sparrow can stick it's head out. It still a good-looking bird though (obvi). Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, ND.

A Double-crested Cormorant throws it's wings out for air brakes and balance as it makes a brilliant landing. Lake Merced, CA.

While many sandpipers are comfortable being cloaca-deep in putrid mud, this Semipalmated Sandpiper is apparently a bit too dainty to get it's feathers dirty. It's wings are out for balance, to keep from sinking in too deep. White Lake, ND.

I know what you are thinking..."Whoa. I am really drawn to this image...it's affecting the shit out of me. It is a thing of beauty. I've never seen anything like it." Yeah, you guessed it, this is absolutely ART. That's why you are feeling so many emotions right now. You may also be feeling some jealousy, since this is actually a Slaty-backed Gull. Buldir Island, AK.

Some birds just aren't cut out for being graceful. This soggy Black-crowned Night-Heron was photographed at Lake Merritt.