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.
I feel your pain upon leaving. Sadly for me, I have to go back to Yellowstone soon. Sucks being me, I know. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm most of the way there. I wonder if my shitty car will last the whole season...
DeleteSorry to hear you're leaving, I just discovered your blog this year and have been enjoying your posts tremendously, esp. related to Lake Merritt. Did you happen to see Red-Necked Grebes there recently? I think that's what they are. I also spotted a Tern this morning driving to work.
ReplyDeleteI've only seen a Red-necked there once...they are pretty rare inside the bay.
DeleteI'll be back next winter, I'm sure!
All beautiful shots! Did you say where you were going next?
ReplyDeleteYup, I'm moving down to San Diego...the most Floridaesque place in California.
DeleteHey man, you didn't tell your loyal fans where you are going -- but if it's government work, never mind, we understand.
ReplyDeleteCodger, I'll be doing field work for the San Diego Zoo (plover and tern monitoring). I think the zoo has more influence than the government down that way...
DeleteSafe travels, looking forward to your posts when you reach your destination!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mia, I'll be down there by Sunday, so blogs should resume shortly.
DeleteGreat weekend to you as well! Hope you have a safe adventure on your way to you next destination. Love the gull shot, it is perfect!
ReplyDeleteRing-billed Gull...they ate a lot of the Piping Plover chicks I was monitoring last year, but they are hard to hate.
DeleteGood luck Seagull. San Diego, it's not so bad.
ReplyDeleteLovely bird portraits.
I haven't birded there in YEARS...I did see a Belcher's Gull there though, and it doesn't get rarer than that.
DeleteI will be leaving my beloved TX soon, too, so I know how you feel! Have so enjoyed your posts from the bay area. Perhaps some day I'll be able to visit that area, and I'll know just what to expect!!
ReplyDeleteNo more Texas? Where are you off to? I'm bummed to leave the bay, but with my attention span (or lack thereof) I can't complain too much.
DeleteHappy travels! You can see brandts on Mission Bay via Riviera Drive--fun route for biking round the western part of the bay, including, of course, a beach leg (no pun intended). Keep heading south on Ingram then cruise up and down SD River (on bike)--SCHWEET birding there (little blue heron on n. side of river, west-ish near one of the bridges, LOTSA buffleheads, and etc.). oh, yeah.
ReplyDeleteHave you been to Penasquitos Canyon, yet? It's AMAZE re: SO many different kinds of raptors nesting there--I volunteered for a raptor study (of sorts) there years ago. GREAT. It's where I fell even more deeply in love with white-tailed kites. *sigh*
Hope all the moving etc. goes well, and that you are (for our sake) still able to broadcast reasonably frequently from there.