Pishing Isn't Just for Birds

Walking on white sandy beaches with turquoise blue water crashing along the shore is quite a treat!

I have yet to see a beach as beautiful as the one along the Santa Rosa Island leading to Ft Pickens in Pensacola, Florida which is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Black-bellied Plover

This island is a bird magnet especially during migration. Part of the appeal is the interior forest with freshwater ponds. Ebird lists this place as a hotspot for birding.

A popular trail that starts at the fort leads through a forest filled with appealing snags, oaks, pines, bushes filled with berries and freshwater ponds.

Ospreys love this island. Abundant nests can be seen at the tops of suitable snags.

One morning, I discovered a Bald Eagle perched on a tree near an impressive nest.

As I watched the eagle, an Osprey carrying a stick for its nest hesitated for a landing due to the presence of the eagle. After a few circles, the eagle flew off enabling the Osprey to add a new stick to its nest.

Another morning, I watched a pair of Great Blue Herons with nest building on their minds.

One of them arrived carrying a huge branch and presented it to the other one.

 The two of them proceeded to find just the right spot for this branch.

Another great find for me was a huge flock of Cedar Waxwings. At least 50 of them filled the trees. They definitely liked the berry lined trails!

After about an hour, one of the waxwings left the cover of needles to enable me get a photo!

So what about "Pishing isn't just for birds"????

Birders know that making an occasional "pishing" noise can help bring a bird out of hiding which helps in identification. While I was "pishing" to get a better look at a new bird, something else came out of the dense underbrush....another birder with a huge camera! She exclaimed, "I heard pishing!"

I couldn't help but laugh with the results of my "pishing". 

Sanderlings

I look forward to the day when I can return to this special place!

Click on photos to enlarge.

Photos and content by Robin Roberts

Melting Snow and Rising Creeks

Warming temperatures and rainy days have melted most of the snow that covered the mountains a few weeks ago.

The highest elevations still have snow but it is disappearing daily.

 

 Last weekend, we still needed snowshoes on parts of the PCT. Snowshoeing is loads of fun but remember to be prepared if you plan on hiking in the snow. Familiar trails disappear and are unrecognizable when covered in white. It's also hard to gauge the depth of the snow until you sink into it. A fun day can end up as a disaster if you aren't careful! Check with the ranger station and bring your topographical map and/or GPS along with extra clothes and food.

The melting snow and rain are filling the creeks with rushing water. What a great sight!

Since our only experience living on the mountain has been during the drought, we are excited to see water bubbling and cascading over boulders in unexpected places. Water brings life back to the mt.

Lake Hemet has benefited greatly! The shoreline and vegetation that resulted during the drought are underwater once again. A missing sound has returned....croaking. The chorus of frogs can be heard from the submerged meadows by the lake. Fantastic!

Almost feels like Spring is here especial since the birds are starting to sing and pair off. Today I saw a couple of California Thrashers in their respective Manzanita bushes singing away declaring their territory to one another.

It is still Winter though. Get ready for another snowy blast next weekend. I'm optimistic.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Photos and content by Robin Roberts.