April 19, 2004
Bolsa Chica, Orange Co, California
More experimenting with the Coolpix and the results seem to be getting better. Despite the wind adding some shake to the tripod, Western Sandpipers were close enough to get some decent shots. Camera set on "Manual" mode and shutter speed was 1/125. The Western Sands were very territorial, always fighting with each other over patches of mud. Other highlights were 3 Red-necked Phalaropes, 5 Sanderling and about 30 Red Knots (some birds in breeding plumage)
Here's a Short-billed Dowitcher
and Western Sandpipers
April 18, 2004
Spring Migration in Cali
Went out for a few hours at lunchtime to Rancho Sierra Vista in the Santa Monica Mountains (101 north and exit Lynn and head south for 6miles). Didn't see any Grasshopper Sparrows in a brief search but did see good flocks of Vaux's Swifts, 2 or 3 Blue Grosbeaks and a nice singing Lazuli Bunting and brief looks at a female Bullock's Oriole. It was quite windy and most birds I saw were dashing from one bush to the next so photography was limited. The only obliging birds were some California Quails. Here's a male and a female. Click on pics for bigger pictures:
