July 23, 1993
On the last day of my California trip, I went on a solo walk to the wetlands and lagoon.
I saw three pretty little ☆Ash-throated Flycatcher☆ as I walked through the wetlands. I was able to view them for several minutes from different locations as I moved through the area. On my final visit to the lagoon a ☆Northern Raven☆ flew overhead, croaking, and landed on a nearby apartment building. I could see the ruffled feathers on the neck (as if the voice wasn’t diagnostic enough). Cool bird! ☆American Coot☆ were among the last birds seen on this trip, spotted across the lagoon with pleasure! What a funny bird . . . those feet are enormous.
I also saw a couple of birds I couldn’t confidently ID Throughout the trip I’d seen large flocks of possible Western Sandpipers, and on my final visit to the wetlands one came near enough for a closer look. Even so, when looking at the range map, and not having any specific field markings, I am unable to give this one a positive ID. I also saw what may have been a second year Short-billed Gull foraging with a group of ducks at the lagoon. The most noticeable feature was the gray legs and feet. Still, not positive about this, since gulls are so variable and I’m not experienced with them at all.
Species List
Northern Raven (Corvus corax clarionensis), Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens cinerascens), American Coot (Fulica americana americana), possible Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri), possible Short-billed Gull (Larus brachyrhynchus)
Let me know what you think!