Sunday afternoon, we went for a little hike along the shores of one of San Diego's largest coastal wetlands, the San Elijo Lagoon. It is now under conservancy protection, but has suffered much damage from the past when it was used for salt harvesting, sewage pond settling, and duck hunting. It is still compromised by being crossed by Interstate 5, The Coast Highway, and railroad tracks. Nevertheless, it is a great place to see a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Where I could, I stated if a duck was displaying its breeding plumage.
Northern Pintail, adult male breeding.
Northern Pintail, adult female.
Green-winged Teal, male and female breeding.
American Wigeon, male and female breeding.
American Wigeon, male breeding.
Ruddy Duck, male.
American Wigeon preening.
Snowy Egret.
Dowitchers.
Clapper Rail.
The Clapper Rail was a first for us, and it gave us a good show.
It found a crab in the mud.
Hello, rail!
Meanwhile, this Great Egret had a much more patient hunting approach.
We watched this White-tailed Kite take off from this perch, circle around the area, hover and drop to the grass, and return with this mouse - all in about 2 minutes.
After eating some innards, it swallowed the rest, whole.
A pair of Northern Shovelers, breeding.
A pair of Gadwalls, breeding.
Female Gadwall.
Male Gadwall, breeding.
It was exciting to have seen such a variety of birds in less than two hours. The late afternoon sunlight added richness to the colors, also. We are looking forward to seeing this area again soon!
2 comments:
Beautiful pictures! Dare I say research grade.
I think the lady-ducks could benefit from a little more pizzazz this time of year though... why are the males the only ones wearing the eyeliner, y'know?
Nick's comment made me laugh. Definitely research grade. And better yet -- I think those kite pictures are "Bob's 2017 Nature-Calendar Grade!"
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