While birding in San Diego last week, I'd heard that there was one of these White-fronted Geese at the lake in a park I'd never visited before, Lindo Lake. Mr. Google helped me find the place, and sure enough, there were two of them. This small goose looks similar to some of the domestic geese found in parks, but can be ID'd by the white area around the beak, and irregular dark stripes on the belly. Good bird for the year list! 4/28/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
This was one of my target birds for the San Diego trip. I went to the Tijuana River Estuary with high hopes, but the tide was really low (not the best for seeing this elusive bird). I waited for quite awhile, and then saw a little movement in the pickleweed. I kept watching and watching, and finally this Ridgway's Rail came creeping out--score! ;-) 4/25/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
When in San Diego earlier this week, I noticed (could hardly ignore) the fact that huge numbers of Elegant Terns had arrived and were congregating on mudflats and beach areas. They made a lot of noise, and from time to time would flush, all flying in a chaotic mass. This shows what such a flight looked like. This species mostly breeds in Mexico and Baja California, but also nest in the San Diego area, and spend the spring and summer in the surrounding areas and up the coast. 4/24/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
