Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Apr. 21 Hahamongna, Descanso, Switzer

Haha was great, found pretty much all Montane signature species!

Since it was overcast and thus cool, decided to explore the No. section into the valley.
Found a Robin and Mt. Bluebird before the Horse Stable, and on the way to the main dirt road to the North..

encountered a bush. Right ahead was an opening.

Instinctly, thought I would find something, so tiptoed to the clearing and...

Voila, CALIFORNIA QUAILS!!!

Did see those, first was at Magpie Group meeting at...forgot where, and also at SD or South Coast Botanical Garden, those were in a cage(like a zoo). And of course, saw Gambel's at Salton Sea and at Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center(also in a cage), and at 1000 Palms.
But except for Salton Sea(Gambel's), it was the first time I spotted a California one on my own!!! Was delighted of course.
On the No. side also spotted tons of Swallows, also on the Pond; lone Mallard Male was swimming amid the swarming Swallows lol, and some Passerines as well.  Spotted a Phainopepla too, and of course Acorn Woodpeckers.

Descanso was a dud, even worse than the first visit, maybe I visited too late in the day, arrived around 11am lol(tarried too long at H!). Not even a Junco unlike last time. Canadian Geese, Coots, Mallard?  Very few Passerines too, on the No. trails, and did spot Acorn Woodpecker too, methink.

Since those areas were right below Angeles Crest Hwy(2), decided to visit Chilao Visitor Center again!

But alas, the gas was dangerously low lol, so eventually turned around and headed back to Switzer.

The campground itself, birdsongs notwithstanding couldn't really see anything except for Juncos, but on the way down to the campground(it is WAY below the Hwy), spotted some birds; American(my 2nd sighting!) and Lesser Goldfinch, and I think spotted a female? Lazuli Bunting!!! Maybe lol.

Did I spot a Grosbeak the last couple of days? Some pics seem suspiciously similar lol, but can't say.

Laptop is going crazy slow, so it might take some time to upload some choice pics, ugh.

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