Last Time Birding with the Bay Area Birders

Today was the last time we'll be going out with the Bay Area Birders. After meeting at the clubhouse of the SPI Golf Club (which is actually in Laguna Vista), we went to Holly Beach Rd. just north of the golf club and east of the water treatment plant.

Along the chain link fence was a pair of northern bobwhite quail.

We then looked out at the water to see what shore birds we could see. Tall Bob in the front sets up the spotting scope for us and we take turns.

The first lifer for me today was the Wilson's phararopes. They were doing their usual swimming in a circle to 'create a vortex that draws prey to the surface'. (Sibley)

We saw this little plover running around. We thought it was a semipalmated but looking closer at its thickish, longish beak I'm wondering if it is a Wilson's plover. If so, another lifer for me.

There were also least sandpipers and willets. Then Janet directed us to the field to the west of the golf course where a group of American golden plovers flew in as if on cue. Another lifer.

It was time to head to the Sheepshead lot on the island. When we got there there were two small passenger buses and several cars already parked there. There must have been about 30 birders. Here is one group of them on the south side.

On the north side in the ebony tree right beside the fenced area some northern parulas were feeding heartily and didn't really care that we were so close. It was almost too close for binoculars.

This one is probably in its first year as there is no 'necklace'.

The dark 'necklace' indicates that this one is a male.

The Nashville warbler has a big, dark eye with a white eye ring.

It wouldn't be a successful outing without an anole perched on a tree with its red dewlap puffed out.

More parula pics.

We got to see the male summer tanager again, albeit behind some mesquite foliage.

It was hard to get good shots of the orchard oriole.

But it finally came out from behind twigs, etc. allowing my camera to focus properly on it.

The oranges are a favourite treat.

We saw more black-throated green warblers today.

Another lifer for me was the Louisiana water thrush.

I finally got a shot of a black-and-white warbler.

The last life bird for me today was the yellow-breasted chat. I was very pleased to get at least one acceptable photo.

I would never know what half these birds were if it weren't for the other more knowledgeable birders in our group and that we meet at various birding spots. The very best companions are the ones who explain the differences and diagnostics which really help me to internalize the information.

We will be seeing our birding friends again tomorrow when over 30 of us will attend a potluck dinner at the home of one of the couples at the golf club. Then it will be farewell for another year.