LA River, Long Beach, California, USA, LAX

Regular readers will recognise a post from the LA River and a few might even ask about Callie the naked lady ( http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/08/come-on-in-waters-great.html ). She is still there, where Del Amo Blvd crosses the drain and she is still naked.

Perhaps she had been skipping through the shallows this morning as there were no birds in this part of the drain, but plenty either side.

As usual, Black-necked Stilts made up the bulk of the biomass as I walked downstream. Small flocks of Least Sandpiper held a few Western Sandpiper.

After long consideration I have decided upon Long-billed Dowitcher among the “peeps”. Most of the short-bills would have passed through by the end of September, with the long-bills over-wintering in greater numbers. A few juvenile birds showed relatively un-patterned tertials with narrow edges. Some of the winter plumaged adults showed broad edges and appeared to have a shorter bill, but there is too much overlap to distinguish between non-breeding adults. So despite having seen 200-plus dowitchers, I was only able to be sure about very few of them.

It is quite possible that the Short-billed Dowitchers inhabit the upper reaches of the drain in the open areas while the Long-billed Dowitchers prefer the extra cover provided by the little islands in the lower stretches. If I had known that I was coming to LA, I could have brought an appropriate field guide to help, but I was called at very short notice from standby, so I couldn’t predict which book to pack. Since carrying my full collection of guides would produce a few tonnes of emissions through fuel burn, I prefer to leave them behind and put myself to the test.

Dragonflies were already up and flying when I arrived this morning. The weather is still very warm and was forecast to top the 90’s today. Not bad for the second week of October. I followed Dominguez Gap for a while and noted five types of heron, Pied-billed Grebe and a Belted Kingfisher.

Double-crested Cormorants were sunning themselves on low snags. I was hoping that there might be a snake warming itself on the sunny bank, but there was no sign of any this morning.

Back on the drain, the highlight of the day was an Osprey that made a couple of low passes before landing in the shallow water.

It was great to be on an elevated bank and able to look down on an Osprey as it flew by.

Beyond Wardlow Rd, is a spot that the gulls seem to like as a roost. You can often see a few different species here and today there were 3 types. Conveniently, they all got together for a group picture with the Ring-billed Gull at the left, a California Gull, with the dark spot on its bill, in the middle and the larger, darker-backed Western Gull on the right.

Just up from Willow St., sediment has settled enough to form little islands. The greater concentration of birds here seems to indicate that they like this feature.

Ducks here included Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal and Mallard. A few American Avocets were joined by one or other of the dowitchers.

Downstream from Willow, the drain becomes a proper river with deeper water and probably a tidal influence this close to the ocean. Beyond this point one might find a few Kildeer, but most of the waders will remain upstream in the shallow water of the overspill from the main channel.

On reflection, I think that I would be best to start from this point in the future. Walking upstream from here in the morning would keep the sun over my right shoulder and behind me as the day progresses and I work my way upstream. Google coordinates for the section are are;

From Del Amo Blvd, 33*50’ 47”N, 118*12’16”W to Willow St., 33*47’18”N, 118*12’16”W

The Metro tram station at Del Amo is 750m to the west of the river on Del Amo Blvd.

Bus 181 runs north and south on Magnolia which is 600m east of the river on Willow.

Both tram and bus can be caught from the  Transit Mall at 1st St., Long Beach.

Today, I returned to Del Amo to take the Metro tram back to Long Beach. On the way back, I passed through Dominguez Gap, hoping to find a few dragonflies to photograph, but my lens had suffered a prolapse. The focussing element came loose from its guides and was clunking around inside. It was possible to achieve a limited range of focus by pointing the camera downwards and shaking the element to the end, but I would have to adjust my own position rather than rely on zooming or refocusing on a moving subject.

I only stopped once for a picture of a Bushtit as it had become fearfully hot and even Carrie had headed for the shade.

For other posts about Redgannet in California, follow these links;

Los Angeles, Ca.

LA River
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/08/come-on-in-waters-great.html
El Dorado Nature Center
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html
Orange County and Santa Anna Mountains
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve,
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/01/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve-los.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/05/bolsa-chica-los-angeles-california.html
Long Beach
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html

San Francisco, Ca.
Palo Alto Baylands
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/02/palo-alto-baylands-san-fancisco.html

For more posts from other sites in America try the USA and Canada page tab at the top of each post.

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/p/posts-from-usa-and-canada.html

Birds Seen; 42
Pied-billed Grebe 3, Double-crested Cormorant 20, Great Blue Heron 6, American Great Egret 18, Snowy Egret 1, Green Heron 4, Black-crowned Night Heron 5, Mallard 30, Blue-winged Teal 8, Cinnamon Teal 15, Turkey Vulture 2, Osprey 3, American Coot 80, Black-necked Stilt 400, American Avocet 12, Grey Plover 1, Killdeer 30, Long-billed Dowitcher 6, Greater Yellowlegs 4, Western Sandpiper 60, Least Sandpiper 300, Dunlin 2, Ring-billed Gull 4, California Gull 25, Western Gull 12, Mourning Dove 8, Belted Kingfisher 1,Black Phoebe 7, Say’s Phoebe 1, American Barn Swallow 8, Northern Mockingbird 6, Bushtit 25, Western Scrub-jay 4, American Crow 60, Lesser Goldfinch 1, Common Yellowthroat 2, Song Sparrow 4, White-crowned Sparrow 4, Red-winged Blackbird 1, Brewer’s Blackbird 35, Great-tailed Grackle 1, Scaly Munia 1.

El Dorado Park, Area III, Long Beach, California, LAX, USA

Perhaps it is time that I started reading my own blog; after all, the post describing El Dorado Nature Center clearly states that it is closed on Mondays. I felt very foolish on this Monday morning as I stood outside the gate, but was determined to salvage something from the day.

El Dorado Park, Areas II and III are directly across the road from the Nature Center and, more importantly, they were open. So I took a chance and I’m glad I did.

Another gamble that paid off was bringing the camera with me. My big lens had broken the day before, and only had a very limited range of focus and zoom but with a bit of shaking and jiggling, I might be able to use it.

I began by following an American Great Egret which was stalking the edges of a lake near the entrance. I was intending to circle it anti-clockwise, which coincidentally appeared to be the Egret’s plan too. It was very approachable and never strayed more than about 5 meters ahead of me.

Most of the duck on the lake were Mallard which looked acclimatised to picnickers. A single American Wigeon was much shyer.

On a grassy slope in the distance, a Great Blue Heron was standing very still and watching the ground intently. It was still there when I reached that side of the lake and I noticed that it had its eye on a gopher hole. A plug of darker, damp earth had been pushed out onto the spoil heap of excavated dirt, indicating an active gopher beneath.

I was later told that the herons love them and that Black–crowned Night Herons could also often be seen staking out the gopher holes in the early morning hoping to catch one.
Comment received from Liz gives a link to gopher-chomping egret. Don't go there if you are squeamish.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamsina/3398537379/in/set-72157611556463477/ 

The lake by the entrance is fed by a stream that crosses the road at a ford. The birds were enjoying a sunny bathe in the shallow water. Western Bluebirds, House Finches and American Goldfinches made a very colourful soup.

An alien Scaly-breasted Munia brought some earthy brown tones to the palette.

I was happy to see that a couple of the drivers who were visiting the park were considerate enough to stop and glance in my direction to check that I had finished shooting before crossing and putting the birds to flight.

I didn’t mind them driving through the water as the birds returned very quickly and it was very pleasing that strangers could be so thoughtful.

I met a few other people in the park and they were universally polite. Merri even offered me breakfast!

A photographer named Jeff (Geoff?) was generous with his information, telling me about the Ospreys that liked to fish in the other lakes within the park. Apparently, when the weather cools off a little, the Parks team stock the lakes with trout which attracts the Ospreys. This attracts photographers too who line up at the lakeside hoping to capture that classic “talons out” picture.

I followed the stream up to the next lake which was surrounded by a concrete path. There was no vegetation or features in the lake which left me feeling a little empty until I found the next lake across Wardlow Rd.

This lake had a more natural feel to it with tule beds along the bank. There was still a concrete path, but it was much nicer than the other one. 3 Ospreys circling overhead added to the ambience.

I have another trip to Los Angeles rostered for November. Perhaps if it has cooled down enough and my lens has been fixed.....

Areas II and III are markedly different to Area I. The El Dorado Nature Center is sited in Area I and is thickly wooded with a stream meandering through the woods to connect 2 mature lakes. There are managed trails and an interpretation centre. Area II is across the road on the north side of Spring. Area III is the furthest north after crossing Wardlow. These areas are parkland with pine and mixed plantings of deciduous trees. A couple of lakes have a natural look to them, but the fishing lake in the middle of Area II is very sterile in appearance.
There is an issue with this site in that it is sometimes used as a film shoot location. When the cameras are in, the park is often closed to the public. I don't know where to check for filming schedules and I am told that they can over-run and the park will remain closed as long as the cameras are rolling.

But....., if you are the type that never tires of bluebirds, then this park is the one for you. In every tree, on every snag and on every patch of lawn, there were Western Bluebirds. I was wondering if this was a seasonal abundance, but am not sure about bluebirds' migrating habits. Perhaps they were coming down from the hills as the days grow shorter? Yellow-rumped Warblers were abundant too with their "chip"s coming from all directions it seemed. 

I wished that I had brought my field guide when I came across a yellow flycatcher. Cassin’s and Western Flycatchers are superficially very similar. I had been called to do this trip while I was doing standby from the airport. So I had elected to leave my vast collection of guides at home and to rely on my skill and experience, both of which proved inadequate. I used my dictaphone to note down as many field notes as I could, but the only mark that really separated the two was the pale outer tail feathers, a distinguishing characteristic of the Western Flycatcher. Cassin’s Flycatcher has pale ends to the tail feathers.

I caught the 173 bus from stop F at the temporary transit mall in Long Beach. About 30-40mins later, shortly after passing the pyramid at University of California Long Beach, we arrived at Studebaker and Spring. There is parkland and a golf course on the right as the bus drives along Studebaker. Get off at the intersection, turn east onto E Spring St and walk with the park and golf course on your right. Cross the drain after 700m. The fenced area on the right is El Dorado Nature Center. The entrance is 400m further on (at Google Earth ref; 33*48'35"N, 118*05'09"W). On the other side of Spring you will see archery butts and then the entrance to the El Dorado Park, Area III.

For other posts about Redgannet in California, follow these links;

Los Angeles, Ca.

LA River
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/08/come-on-in-waters-great.html
El Dorado Nature Center
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html
Orange County and Santa Anna Mountains
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve,
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/01/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve-los.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/05/bolsa-chica-los-angeles-california.html
Long Beach
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html

San Francisco, Ca.

Palo Alto Baylands
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/02/palo-alto-baylands-san-fancisco.html

For more posts from other sites in America try the USA and Canada page tab at the top of each post.
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/p/posts-from-usa-and-canada.html

Birds seen; 31

Pied-billed Grebe 1, Double-crested Cormorant 4, Great Blue Heron 3, American Great Egret 1, Black-crowned Night Heron 4, American Wigeon 1, Mallard 60, Ruddy Duck 4, Turkey Vulture 2, Osprey 3, American Kestrel 1, American Coot 3, California Gull 3, Mourning Dove 4, Downy Woodpecker 1, Black Phoebe 3, Western Kingbird 7, Northern Mockingbird 3, Western Bluebird 40, Western Scrub-jay 4, American Crow 15, Common Raven 2, House Finch 20, American Goldfinch 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 30, Black-throated Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 3, Western Tanager 1, Chipping Sparrow 1, Brewer’s Blackbird 25, Scaly Munia 1.

Seattle ferry to Bremerton

The convivial Athenian Café, in Pike Place Market, overlooks Elliot Bay and the waterfront of Seattle. During a jolly good breakfast, I was mugging up on gulls.

Most frequently encountered here is the Glaucous-winged Gull, but other “light-backs” and hybrids call for a keener eye than I can normally lay claim to.

I usually react in one of two ways when I see gulls; either I ignore them and pretend I haven’t seen them, or spend ages poring over a field guide, comparing live birds to the illustrations and getting frustrated. This is a practice that I can easily adapt to suit empidonax flycatchers, cisticolas from Africa and South American woodcreepers.

It can be slightly dis-spiriting to know that after revising and memorizing the identification characteristics that will serve me well today, I will have forgotten them by the next time I visit and will have to start all over again.

My powers of retention have diminished in direct proportion to my ability to recall stored information. Sometimes I think my brain must be full and I have to delete some information to make room for any new stuff. When the new stuff is imported, it has to go in the space vacated by the discarded memories and thus has no connecting synapses to fire recollection and joined up thinking. 

And so it was as I headed out into what has been described to me as a “hybrid swarm”.

Actually, I was distracted from the gulls almost as soon as I reached the waterfront. From a platform adjacent to the Seattle Aquarium, I saw something large breach from the water. There was a confusion of fins and splashing and thoughts of Orcas or Great White Sharks flashed through my congested, coffee-fuelled mind.

It was in fact a Stellar’s Sea-lion and it had caught something substantial to feed on. It pulled and pummelled the prey into manageable chunks to eat it. This left plenty of morsels to attract gulls which flocked around, trying to get to some breakfast.

Five minutes walk south from the Aquarium is the ferry terminal. Washington Ferries operate from Pier 52 with departures to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. I had chosen the latter, longer voyage which had a scheduled sailing time of 60 mins. It cost $6.90 and payment includes the return sector.

The BBC weather service had let me down with their prediction of a warm sunny day in Seattle. The cloud hung low over the city and it was cold out on the water. I was surprised to see a Belted Kingfisher on part of the dock structure as if to see me off.

Apart from one American Herring Gull, I had only seen Glaucous–winged Gulls. But, given a reasonable run at them, I had been happy with identifications of juvenile and first winter year birds as well as the adults. A late bloomer was still being fed by a parent which gave me a good clue.

The ferry to Bremerton cut straight across Elliot Bay towards an inlet on the other side of Puget Sound. There is a viewing window on the outside at each end of the boat to keep away the worst of the wind chill. A few Double-crested Cormorants had crossed the bows and a couple of Rhinoceros Auklets were seen, but they kept their distance. The breeding season is over for them now and the spot above the bill lacked the tuft which inspired the name. To avoid being entirely non-descript, the white under-tail was just visible on one of them.

Is there such a thing as the Seattle Big Five, I wonder? Already I had seen a Stellar's Sea-LION and a RHINOCEROS Auklet. Do LEOPARD and ELEPHANT Seals occur here? I had BUFFALO mozzarella in a sandwich, but that may be stretching things a bit far.

Other species were present in low numbers, but I did manage to find a Short-billed Gull which is the American version of the Common (Mew) Gull.

Once we entered the inlet, birds became more frequent with Pelagic Cormorants numerous, but widely spaced. Suddenly, the sun came out and it was as though a whole new day had dawned. From flat and grey, the view suddenly became vibrant and exciting.

I had read somewhere that Marbled Murrelets may be seen from the ferry. As I reflected on this a group of four black and white plumaged birds came into view. I had a very quick look with my binoculars then turned to the camera for a more reliable memory. I had an inkling that they were a bit too big for the murrelet and the black markings seemed vague rather than solid. Another small flock hove into view followed by up to 40 in groups of 2, 3 and 4. I used the camera for preference so that I could refer back to the pictures later on, but when I saw that there were quite a few of them, I went back to the binoculars and realised that I was looking at Pigeon Guillemots. I had not seen them in non-breeding plumage before, but a flash of red in the water behind one of the birds reminded me of their vivid leg colour.

The stretch along the inlet was the most productive of the day with Eared Grebe, Western Grebe and a few gulls accompanying the ferry. Mammals were in evidence too with a Common Seal as well as more sea-lions on the bouy.

At the ferry dock an upright held a number of Pelagic Cormorants which flew off as we approached. I disembarked and found that the bus schedules did not fit well with my plans for Bremerton, so I turned round and got straight back on the ferry for the return. 

The day had become very pleasant now and the last remnants of snow and ice were visible on the peaks of the Olympic Mountains, but the shaded side of the ferry was still quite chilly.  I would certainly recommend a coat even in warm weather.

Two Surf Scoters flew way behind the boat.

Back in Seattle, I took a shot at this gull which may be a third year Thayer’s Gull?

I visited “Ivars Acres of Clams” where diners are encouraged to feed the birds. As a result, the fence was lined with approachable gulls and the Fire Department next door had to use a sprinkler system to keep them off the equipment.

If you want to get a good look at gulls and to compare plumages of different age birds, this is the place to be. It is about half-way between the ferry terminal at Pier 52 and the Aquarium.

It is an entertaining practice, but I would be bound to mention that the toilet habits of the birds leave a residue on the tables which gull lovers are expected to accept. I would have thought that the birds would have been far more aggressive than they actually were, but they sat patiently on the fence or in the water just beyond. There was some begging, but no snatching. People obviously abide the rules here as there were no pidgeons expecting a free hand-out.

Bainbridge Island is the other destination served from Pier 52. Although it looks very pleasant and I am told that the cycling is good, the shorter ferry ride ends before the inlet is reached and most of the birds were seen beyond this point.

To present a full picture, I have also included the American Crows and a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks that I noted from the bus on the way back to the airport.
As if the gulls weren't bad enough, there are those who assert that most of the crows around Seattle are American Crows and that the Northwestern Crows are shy creatures of remote forest. David Allen Sibley, Roger Tory Peterson and those fine fellows of the National Geographic Society all agree that the distribution of the American Crow does not include Seattle, while the Northwestern's does. If I were to pitch my tent in one camp or the other, I would have to respect the expertise and dedication of these authors. Thus, Northwestern Crows.
However.. most Seattleans (?) would have it that the birds of the towns are American Crows and local knowledge should never be dismissed out of hand. Thus American Crows.

For other posts from Seattle, try the following links:

Montlake Fill.
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/12/montlake-fill-seattle.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/07/last-night-i-took-quick-run-down-to.html

Seattle waterfront
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/07/last-night-i-took-quick-run-down-to.html

For other links to North America navigate to the page tab at the top.

Bird species; 14

Eared Grebe 1, Western Grebe 20, Double-crested Cormorant 25, Pelagic Cormorant 35, Surf Scoter 2, Red-shouldered Hawk 2, Short-billed Gull 1, Glaucous-winged Gull 50, Thayer’s Gull 1, American Herring Gull 1, Pigeon Guillemot 45, Rhinoceros Auklet 3, Belted Kingfisher 1, American Crow 6.

Mammal species; 2

Stellar's Sea-lion 14, Common Seal 2.

Desierto de Los Leones, Mexico City, MEX

The trip that I have most been looking forward to, I saved until last. At 3000m above sea-level, the mountain forest of Desierto de Los Leones would be a challenge for my smoke-blackened lungs and slender legs. I opted to do this trip at the end of my stay in Mexico to give myself a chance to acclimatise in the relative lowlands of Mexico City.

Even so, I could feel my lungs working harder and my heart pumping faster with only gentle exertion.

There are a bunch of specialities to be found in the high pine and oak forests and two of them leapt out at me as soon as I arrived. I had recognised a “small open area tucked away on the left”  ( http://10000birds.com/desierto-de-los-leones-mexico-city.htm ) and asked the taxi driver to let me out there. A hint of birdsong filtered through the foliage and my first “pish” of the day (well they do say they are the strongest), brought forth a Red Warbler and two Golden-browed Warblers.

The red one landed in full view, just a few feet from me and I made a lunge for my, as yet, un-opened camera bag, but could not get to it in time. A call from nearby was probably the Golden-browed Warbler as the two returned to look at me through the foliage and the calling stopped when I tried to imitate with a high whistled “too-too tooey” to the rhythm of “Oh no, Empids!”
Other birds came in and I was surrounded by tiny, Golden-crowned Kinglets. An empid, which I pretended not to see, was sitting out and an Acorn Woodpecker was silhouetted high on a dead tree top. The Empidonax was still sitting out so I took a look. Usual thing, wing-bars, eye-ring, but I simply don’t have enough experience with the family to diagnose them by eye.

Charlie’s path at the upslope end of the clearing had overgrown. It was passable, but the overhanging foliage was dripping with water and I elected to walk along the road instead. The birds were abundant along the sides of the road with a party every 200m or so.

Bushtits were common and more Red and Golden-browed Warblers showed amongst the Kinglets. Each party brought a new guest. Mexican Cickadees featured strongly as did the Crescent-chested Warbler. Other birds included Wilson’s and Townsend’s Warblers, Slate-throated Redstart and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

The sui generis Olive Warbler was a guest at this party since its own family get togethers must be a bit flat. Each party was slightly different as I progressed along the road.

Being so high, the cloud rolled back and forth throughout the morning. One moment visibility was almost zero, the next, I had a clear view across the valley.

A constant companion whatever the visibility was the song of the Brown-backed Solitaire. It is a descending jangle with a metallic quality. Easily recognized, but the bird is elusive. I must have passed half-a-dozen or so very close to the road, yet invisible from it before I managed to get a good look at one. A brown bird would occasionally flit through the mist and a few moments later the song would start. An assumption might reasonably be jumped to, but I am glad to have seen one properly and even managed half a picture.
A harsh, dry call made me look up to see a large stripy wren. It was barred on flank and tail; black on grey. I had to refer to the field guide to identify a Grey-barred Wren. It flew off quickly, followed by a second.

At a roadside picnic spot called Casa Manera, I eventually got the opportunity that I had been hoping for since the beginning of the morning. “Pishing" brought some warblers down and one of two Red Warblers hopped into full view just a few meters away. The one above was caught using the flash and I had to Photo Shop the flash in his eye. Below, is as nature intended.

It didn’t stop long and I pished forlornly for a while hoping it would come back, but it was gone. As I sat, I noticed a couple of Brown Creepers working a tree trunk across from me and was pleased to get a picture of them too.

A stream passes under the road on a tight right-hander bend and I felt the need to check for American Dipper. The field guide distribution map showed crosshatch shading right up to my current position, which indicated I was on the edge of a resident breeding area. I decided that a rest here would be as good as anywhere and stopped for a while at the adjacent picnic spot.

A Tufted Flycatcher hawked from a low bush upstream of the road, but there was no sign of a dipper.
I had almost reached the convent when I saw the Green-striped Brushfinch. It kept low and skulky in the under-storey and never emerged for a good look.

I am unsure how far I walked from where the taxi driver dropped me to the convent, but it took nearly 4 hours. Not because of oxygen deprivation, but because there were so many birds. Walking the road had been a mixed pleasure. There had been enough clear space to get a look at the birds, but lack of silencers and clutches made the frequent traffic very noisy.
The walk along the road had been mostly flattish so I had not had any difficulty with the thin atmosphere. I had fooled myself into thinking how well I was coping and treated myself to a large lunch at one of the cafes by the convent. Then I found out that there is no substitute for fitness and a bucketful of red corpuscles. The lunch had taken up valuable lung-expansion room, just at a time when I was about to embark on a hike on the slopes above the convent.

One of the specials of Desierto de Los Leones is the Russet Nightingale-Thrush. I began the climb, beyond the hermitages, towards an area of tangles where I had seen the bird on a previous visit. Perhaps I would have coped better on a light lunch; it was hard work and I had to stop a couple of times. To my dismay, the intended thicket was higher than I remember and the forest was eerily silent as I walked through it. I didn’t hear or see a single bird above the convent. Perhaps that was because my brain was shutting down the higher brain functions such as seeing and hearing. It was about now that I was cursing Steve NG Howell and Sophie Webb for the 20 pages of bibliography that added extra weight to their field guide.

On a perfect day, I would have been able to include the nightingale-thrush and a Rufous-capped Brushfinch in the list below, but seeing all the other great birds that did make it on to the list, and seeing them well, made it a fantastic day just the same.

Bird species; 23

Acorn Woodpecker 4, Tufted Flycatcher 1, Grey-barred Wren 2, Brown-backed Solitaire 2, American Robin 6, Golden-crowned Kinglet 90, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3, Bushtit 50, Mexican Chickadee 18, Brown Creeper 5, Stellar’s Jay 4, House Finch 1, Olive Warbler 4, Crescent-chested Warbler 6, Townsend’s Warbler 2, Wilson’s Warbler 1, Red Warbler 9, Slate-throated Redstart 3, Golden-browed Warbler 8, Green-striped Brush-finch 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Yellow-eyed Junco 20, Black-headed Grosbeak 1.