California-Point Reyes

Before heading west I check out a couple of local Audubon groups websites and found out that one was planning a field trip to Point Reyes National Seashore.  I contacted the trip leader and asked if I could tag along and was excited to hear that I got a thumbs up.  Our first stop at Drake's Beach didn't yield too much, although, it was my best look at a Wilson's Warbler of the trip.  Although, The sighting wasn't much more than a quick glimpse.  A juvenile Great-horned Owl was much more cooperative and we all got some great looks.

Our next stop was further out the point at the former Coast Guard Rescue Boat Launch, where we walked around behind the rangers housing and down to the beach.  The walk down to beach had great overlooks into the deeper ocean where we excited found Pigeon Guillemots.  Other nice sights were Western Bluebirds, Common Loon, Western Grebe, Brown Pelicans, and another Great Horned Owl.

Pigeon Guillemot- Life Bird!!!




Great-horned Owl

 


Common Loon

 

California Quail- first good look

One of our last stops with the group was behind the rangers regional office, a few trees lined the drive and surrounded the building but beyond was open grasslands all the way to the sea.  Highlights at this stop included, Bushtits, White-tailed Kite, Western Meadowlark, Black Pheobe, and California Quail!!

We wrapped up the day with a quick hike at the Bear Creek Visitor Center on the San Andreas Fault Trail.  The same woodland birds I had been seeing around the area were here as well.  Good looks at both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers were a nice mix from all the open habiat specialist we had been seeing.  Before dividing up I got information from some of the birders that Common Murre nested out at the light house were we had not made it because of the wind that assaulted us all day.  Common Murre being a potential life bird for me I made a quick pitstop in town to gas up and made the hour drive back out to the lighthouse.  It was definitely worth the time and gas! 

Once I got out to the light house I walked the mile out to the light house observation tower, the wind was mild on the way to the platform but once there the breeze must have been close to 50 mph.  Eyes tearing I stared through my binoculars over the edge and coupld barely see blobs flying out from the rocks.  Even with these bad looks I could still tell, I had Common Murre!! 

Common Murre

"close-up" of the Common Murre

Then rubbing my eyes I made a discovery, they were everywhere coating the rocks.  A smile on my face I headed back to the car and out of the wind.

Eyes tearing but still a great time