Goleta Beach

It was great weather the other day, do I took the scope out to Goleta Beach County Park to see if there was anything interesting to see.  Yes, there was.

First, as I was driving past the airport on the way to the beach, I spied a Red-Shouldered Hawk sitting on the fence, looking for lunch.  It was not bothered when I pulled off the road, stopped and got out with the scope, nor when cyclists, joggers, or walkers went past.  In fact, it flew closer to me and took up another perch on the fence.  Nice looking bird!

After the nice hawk detur, it was on to the beach.  There was a good amount of activity there, here are some of the beach goers that day.

 Willet

Black-necked Stilts napping

 Killdeer

Killdeer 

Great Blue Heron

For me, the most entertaining part of the afternoon was watching a small flock of Least Sandpipers.  These tiny birds were busy probing the shallow water for lunch , and did not pay too much attention to me, which allowed for some nice photo opportunities.

 

 

Out And About In March

Although there were plenty of nice birds hanging around the house in March, I did manage to tear myself away a couple of times with the scope and camera.

Willet, Goleta beach.  It is preening, not injured.

Double-crested Cormorant.  A Face only a mother could love.  The white eyebrows, or crests, appear during breeding season.

Double-crested Cormorant.

Belted Kingfisher.

Black-necked Stilt.

American Wigeon.

American Wigeon.

A pair of American Wigeons, getting close.

Another Winter Day At The Beach

Since the weather continues to be great I was fortunate to head out to the local slough and try to get some good photos.

 Great Egret, hunting for lunch.

Black-necked Stilt, looking particulary bug-eyed.

Great Egret