Tuesday, June 30, 2015

I did spot a Loggerhead Shrike!

Was browsing my bird pics and...

February at Salton sea south, Wister area lol.

Huntington Central Park Talbert Lake / Bolsa Chica birding

Yesterday decided to finally explore the Talbert Lake area, and I wondered why I didn't check it out sooner, I only knew the Western Portion(Shipley Nature Center and Lake Huntington area. Actually haven't actually been to the SNC itself, just birded around after hours).


Because I've found Nutmeg Mannikins and Pin Tailed Whydah and in the morning!  Stumbled upon it by accident, on the western  edge of Lake Talbert(below the Cafe). 


Later came back after 3:30pm, decided to explore the same spot. And met a birder from Massachussetts! Chatted a bit, learned useful infos, but I should've wondered abut Mannikin because it was a different name for Scaly-Breasted Munia lol.  Another young birder couple was birding, so that spot was a good one, proud that a novice birder like me found it by myself!

Anyway that gentleman told me about Hooded Warbler and Red-Eyed Vireo methink, accidental species here(again, the power of e-bird website!). He also spotted a female Orange Bishop while we were talking lol, maybe I should've stayed with him to learn more but time was pressing(had to go back, to beat the hellish traffic), too bad, maybe I should visit it next time.


Brad Schram's So. Cal birder's guide is so helpful, glad I bought it cheap. And of course e bird, what will we do without it!


----


Now BC, glad that I visited again, per e bird, found the Reddish Egret(Mass. gentleman mentioned it also, he did visit BC just before), Ruddy Turnstone too!  There was also a Scoter like bird but not sure.   Ridgway Rail too for that matter, invariably found it in each of the visits. Terns and Skimmers of course always marvels me. And I even spotted a leaping fish at the small river just across the walkbridge!  All in all, a great Huntington Beach birding experience. Probably the best spot right now in mid-Summer in So. Cal right now.

6/29 HCP Talbert Lake area












































6/29 Bolsa Chica Walkbridge morning pics