Out and about, California 2008 (1 Viewer)

[jedigrant]

I second that. I've very much enjoyed reading about your trip.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Day Twelve - 2 September

Another case of dawn in paradise! Having arrived late the night before, I'd slept out near the top of Mount Pinos and woke to a truly beautiful setting, ancient pines bathed in an early morning sun and alive to Western Bluebirds perched all over the place, at least 35 in all. True stunners of birds, and in good company too - flocks of Mountain Chickadees, Yellow-rumped Warblers in abundance, two splendid Black-headed Grosbeaks. Wiggling out of my sleeping bag, I decided a brisk hike up to the summit would be a nice way to get the day going ...indeed it was. Along with the numerous Scrub and Steller's Jays, showy Green-tailed Towhees and assorted woodpeckers, I then found the one bird I really wanted to see, Pygmy Nuthatch. Amazing little bird, all the character of a nuthatch packed into a bite-sized portion! And another, and another, saw eight in all, certainly my favourite bird of the day. White-breasted Nuthatch appeared for comparison, Common Crossbills zoomed overhead distracting my attention.

Right up at the summit, as the tree cover gave way to low wind-blown shrub, the views were impressive - half the world seemed to stretch away across hazy vistas. Kaarrr kaaaar, Common Ravens put pay to any trance that I might have been lulled into, my alertness fully restored by the appearance of a familiar friend - my old favourites, Clark's Nutcrackers. Twelve of them, hopping about on the ground, up onto stunted pines, over my head and just about everywhere else too!

Very nice morning it was turning out to be! Back down the mountain I strollled, plenty to slow me down - Turkey Vultures riding the thermals developing, a Hermit Warbler in the Yellow-rumped Warbler flocks, one Olive-sided Flycatcher in the pines. Back at the car, I drove a few miles back down the road, stopped at a random clearing and prompty found another of the birds that I was seeking - chunky Fox Sparrows, rather common as it turned out, but rather noce all the same. More Green-tailed Towhees, oodles of Dark-eyed Juncos.


Some miles more I decided to take a drive into the hot arid plains that extend north and east of Mount Pinos, no real targets, the area really is at its best during the winter, but still American Kestrels, Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed Hawks and flocks of Shore Larks made for a nice drive. Occasional stops added more Western Meadowlarks and Lark Sparrows, some roadside water channels providing Pied-billed Grebes and both Great Blue Heron and Great White Egret, but I was now at a dilemna.

In reality, my planned itinerary was now at a finish, I had been everywhere I had intended, my luck had been outstanding and I'd seen almost everything I wanted. Almost everything ...so that still left a few a few things to try for

With my days now running short, time became ever more precious, so making the best of it, after a day in the Mount Pinos and plains area, I decided on another dash right across California back to Yosemite! Needless to say I arrived exceedingly late, was rather surprised to find the nearest campsite to Glacier Point closed for the year, so drove a little bit further up the road and slept right there, wondering if I might get any bear visitors.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Day Thirteen - 2 September

Survived the night, no bears had stuck their nose in my sleeping back, no peeved park rangers had woken me up. So, being right there on site at the first rays of the morning, Glacier Point was almost deserted, the tourist hordes were still tucked up in bed many miles back down the road. Towards the mighty overhang I wandered ...and then stoppped in my tracks! Not one, but a whole bunch of them, Sooty Grouse were nonchalantly ambling down the track! Jeepers, I had held secret desires to find one of these, but never imagined they would be quite so brazen! I squatted down and let them wander straight past, stunning males, impressive females, all strolling as close as two metres away!!! Super. Then I spotted a birder, another British equally as impressed as I with the grouse ...we got speaking and, as things usually do in Yosemite, the conversation turned to bears. It transpired he had spent the entire previous day on a fruitless search of a bear to satisfy his wife, who incidently was still back at the hotel in bed.

Conversation went approximately as so...

Him: 'So have you seen a bear?'
Me: 'Yes, but a couple of weeks back, way over at...'
Him: 'Oi, there's one, behind you!'
Me [swinging round]: 'Where?'
Him: 'Just walked behind that rock, five metres behind you!'

I clamber up on the rock and look down, the bear looks up! Three metres separate us, fantastic. 'What do you want?' the bear seemed to be asking, not to fussed either way. Eyes parted, off he strolled.

Only 8.00 a.m., another amazing start to a day in California! Not sure how the other birder explained that to his wife, the only thing she wanted to see in all Yosemite!

 

[Chris D]

Thanks for letting me know the 'blue' has been changed to 'sooty'. Always fun to hear the males in late spring. Too bad the campground was closed ---- but as you can see - there always is a way. Future readers should be aware some (usually 'seasonal') County, State, and Federal employees might bust you for "OB" 'out of bounds' camping. Some might not. An accent is a great thing. A favorite OB spot of mine is the parking lot at the South Tufa Reserve at Mono Lake. Get there late and wake up at dawn - put the sleeping bag away and enjoy things as the Eastern sun hits the tufas and Yosemite's Eastern Crest.

I'm also glad you're enjoying Yosemite during a very busy time of year. Many Californians stay away during the summer. A wish of mine is for you and your readers to see the valley on a warm weekday in May. The area around the Awanhee Hotel (also worth a visit).

Looking forward to more.........

 

[Jos Stratford]

The day continues...

Having been thoroughly impressed with the Black Bear and all the Sooty Grouse, I then took a wander over to the point to scan across the valley - hoped for a Solitaire, but much as I tried, no sign. Nevertheless, plenty to see - White-rumped Swifts rising into the morning skies, three Clark's Nutcrackers, my second Calliope Hummingbird of the trip and my only Violet Green Swallows. Then tragedy struck - perched atop a sheer cliff that plunged 900 metres, I was amazed by the Lodgepole Chipmunks and California Ground Squirrels that scampered about, seemingly totally unphased by the fate that would result by a slip of the foot. I felt giddy simply by edging too close to peer down! Anyhow, as I turned, I startled a Ground Squirrel. It jumped, missed its footing and fell, bounced off a rock and went straight out ...etched into my mind is the look of surprise that seemed upon its face. 900 metres below were rocks Right spoilt my morning and I feel guilty to this day.

Fox Sparrows and Lincoln's Sparrows on the way back towards the Yosemite Valley. Western Tanager and Black-throated Grey Warblers amongst the toursits in the village area, then went back to Tamarack Flat for a very pleasant afternoon - nothing new to add, but the forests there probably rate as my favourite in the whole park, warblers galore (mostly Hermits), Mountain Quails scurrying along and plenty of other bits and bobs. Decided to spend another evening in the Chevron meadow - yet again no Great Grey Owl, but one Sharp-shinned Hawk, plus Western Wood Pewee, etc.

Way after dark, left Yosemite one last time, another night drive across California and dawn was to see me in place for a fantastic last full day in this great state.

 

[joannec]

Great report as usual Jos....can't wait to see where your last full day is.

 

[Jos Stratford]

...can't wait to see where your last full day is.

Eight species of mammal marked the day, was mighty impressed. But then, that was no surprise, I was mighty impressed virtually every day

 

[Chris D]

Too bad about the squirrel. Then again it is the species that closes down campgrounds because of plague. Yes, 'that' plague. The Douglas Tree Squirrel is the superstar of Yosemite. John Muir summed it up best when he said, "They live on the wood's best juices". Looking forward to the last day............

 

[Jos Stratford]

Day Fourteen - 3 September

T'was the last full day sadly, but amazingly it also turned out to best in terms of numbers of mammals! Where better to start than back at West Pinnacles, my starting point two long weeks earlier.

Had slept outside again, to a wonderful backdrop of a Western Screech Owl and the yodelling of Coyotes, thinking I'd been rather unfortunate not to have seen any during the two weeks. That changed at dawn! Woke to see three Coyotes standing peering at me! Super, even let me get a few photographs in the pre-sunrise light, what a pleasant start to the day. Pinnacles was every bot as good as the time before, minus the Californian Condors, but plus loads of Western Bluebirds, presumably migrants, and a fantastic flock of about 45 Califonian Quails, very photogenic ones at that. Added Western Tanagers, my first-ever Yellow-billed Magpies and stacks of other birds, but then decided to head off twards the coast.

A few miles off I decided to stop at the Paicines reservoir - plenty of waders, from Red-necked Phalaropes to Greater Yellowlegs, a good variety of ducks, including Canvasback, Cinnamon Teal and Ruddy Duck, plus a Clark's Grebe, three White Pelicans and a few other bits and bobs. Turkey Vultures were dropping down to drink, so there I stood, casually perched against a gate when ...jeepers almighty!!! A BOBCAT walked straight past! Not straight past like a few hundred metres, but right the other side of the gate ...one metre from my astonished eyes!!! He gave me a glare, a right scrawny brute he looked, and saundered on by ...I dashed back to my car to grab the camera, just 15 metres, truned back ...and he had simply vanished! Not a hiding place in sight, but he'd gone, where to I have no idea, but that was an incredible moment - just pictureless unfortunately..

Down at the coast, I really only had two targets - Black-winged Kite and Red-shouldered Hawk, saw both fairly quickly at a nice enough place called Elkshorn Slough, also adding Hutton's and Warbling Vireos, a few Bushtits and a pair of rather nice Chestnut-backed Chickadees, another new specis for me.

With that done, I really didn't expect any more surprises ..stupid me, this is California! The next place....

 

[joannec]

Hi Jos

I'm sad that this thread is coming to an end. I've loved it and your reporting makes me want to return; there are other reasons for me to go back but the birds are the best one!

Here is a picture (not good) of black-winged kites....they just might be the same ones you saw as this picture was taken at Elkhorn Slough too. (hope you don't mind me putting a picture on your thread.) Moss Landing area is a stronghold of this all too uncommon specie. I saw 5 altogether in a small area and none anywhere else. And pretty amazing the way they can hover like kestrels do.

Joanne

 

[Jos Stratford]

Here is a picture (not good) of black-winged kites....they just might be the same ones you saw as this picture was taken at Elkhorn Slough too.

Better than my picture, saw this one, slammed the brakes on in the car, just managed to get one picture and half the bird had already gone behind the bush!

 

[joannec]

No, your's is better. Really pretty bird.:t:

 

[Chris D]

Nice again to read of some local birds. Both the kite and red-shouldered hawk are around my home every day. And the quail turn into a great covey of perhaps 60 for the winter. These and more always seem more special when described by visitors.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Forgive me but is your Red-Shouldered Kite the Red Shouldered Hawk ? (B. lineatus).

Typing too fast, indeed should be Red-shouldered Hawk ...will go back and edit

 

[Farnboro John]

Day Fourteen - 3 September
Turkey Vultures were dropping down to drink, so there I stood, casually perched against a gate when ...jeepers almighty!!! A BOBCAT walked straight past! Not straight past like a few hundred metres, but right the other side of the gate ...one metre from my astonished eyes!!! He gave me a glare, a right scrawny brute he looked, and saundered on by ...I dashed back to my car to grab the camera, just 15 metres, truned back ...and he had simply vanished! Not a hiding place in sight, but he'd gone, where to I have no idea, but that was an incredible moment - just pictureless unfortunately..

Down at the coast, I really only had two targets - Black-winged Kite and Red-shouldered Hawk, saw both fairly quickly at a nice enough place called Elkshorn Slough, also adding Hutton's and Warbling Vireos, a few Bushtits and a pair of rather nice Chestnut-backed Chickadees, another new specis for me.

Boy does that Bobcat story sound familiar - right down to the camera not being available!

For the benefit of all wildlife watchers everywhere, never, never, never, let your camera out of arm's reach on a trip! You have been warned.

Elkhorn Slough must be a hotspot for Black-winged Kite, that's where Marion and I nailed it in 2000. Cracking reserve, we got a lot of good birds there.

John

 

[Jos Stratford]

My trip was nearing its end, really I expected little in the way of further excitement ...and then I pulled into Moss Landing, what an amazing spectacle! Birding was good, but this semi-developed little inlet, bordered on all sides by roads, car park, jetty and public beach, was absolutely buzzing with sea mammals! Unearthly wailing of Sea Lions plastered along the length of the jetty, not an inch left unoccupied, neighbouring waters bubbling to their play. Directly opposite, blubber across a sandbank, a hole bunch of Common Seals hauled out and, the biggest surprise of the lot, another group of animals about 100 metres to the left ...at first galnce, I'd assumed them to be Common Seals, little did I expect the 36 animals to be what they were - Sea Otters! Never would I have imagined 36 would be in a single place, but here they were, all wallowing in the shallows, sleeping or gently crusing about, amazing!

And, naturally, plenty of birds too - waders galore, a smart Snowy Plover the tops, but also at least 60 Red-necked Phalaropes, a good mix of Western and Least Sandpipers, plus all the usual Willets and Marbled Godwits, etc. A wonderful place all in all, also very photogenic Heerman's Gulls, one Common Guillemot, a Red-breasted Merganser and, as one would expect, dozens of Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Brown Pelicans, etc.

Next, and last stop of the day, was a little further north - winding up the scenic Highway One, edging ever closer to San Francisco, I arrived at Ano Nuevo, one more special mammal here. Hmm, there was only an hour of good light left and the reserve was closed! Darn! Well, no chance of returning the next day, I'd be up in the sky by then, so I decided on a mad two mile dash along the beach to get out to the headland and hopefully find my desired grand finale to the trip. A Black-winged Kite flew past, Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows and California Towhees jumped about in the scrub, Scrub Jays and Bush Tits flitted about, and puffed out, I finally got to the headland. An island offshore seemed abuzz with birds -Brown Pelicans, Brant's Cormorants and Western Gulls - but not a wiff of what I had hoped to see. Onward I walked and then I saw them, massive creatures bigger than me, slumped into the sands ahead. Gruff groaning, deep calls, about 60 lay there, absolutely stupendous animals, Northern Elephant Seals. Into the approaching sunset, a huge bull lifted his head to complain to neighbours all around, my photographs were taken. I sat and watched, the end of my last full day in California.

 

[Jos Stratford]

And the Elephant Seals, Mr and Mrs

 

[Jos Stratford]

Day Fifteen - 5 September
Boo hoo hoo, time to leave California, a State that had exceeded all hopes and expectations!

Being a right scrooge, I had decided the car was far better than a San Francisco hotel to spend my last night, so I'd woken to Brown Pelicans drifting by, Double-crested Cormorants sat atop rocks and the inevitable gloom that meant I was going home!

With the flight mid-morning, I stocked up with a coffee in some petrol station, then motored off towards the airport. Great location has SF International - right on the bay and waterbirds minutes from the runways! Parked up just south of the airport ...American Avocets by the dozen, hundreds of Grey Plovers, numerous other waders. Lots of airplanes taking off! Chucked my bread to the scrounging gulls - mostly Ring-billed Gulls, but nearby assortment included Western, Herring and Californian, then went to the airport.

Up in the air, Golden Gate bridge below in the morning sunshine, it was all over. Farewell.


Footnote, next US trip already in the pipeline

 

[Mike Richardson]

Great stuff Jos. Hopefully heading to California in the spring so this report has inspired me no end. Cheers.

 

[Chris D]

Very nice.