This journey starts here.
I could easily imagine being on the coast of Georgia with the protected wetlands and tidal creeks. It definitely doesn't fit the stereotype of Southern California.
This Black-crowned Night-heron would be at home either place as well. In fact, the first time I had a good look at one of these normally nocturnal birds was at Harris Neck Refuge in coastal Darien, Georgia. The main difference is that there were black water ponds with alligators waiting at the base of the rookery trees waiting for an egret egg or chick to fall into their gaping toothy mouths.
Can you tell what he/she just ate? Whatever it was must have been yummy since it looks like it was followed by a "burp".
Shorebirds like the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit were busy dipping their long bills into the water and mud as well.
The award for the longest bill goes to the Long-billed Curlew. Imagine trying to live with that enormous bill on your head!
Well-marked paths meander through the preserve so it's easy to go exploring. Along one of the edges of the protected land, interesting homes add to the fun.
This lighthouse home was my favorite.
The homes with a community garden were fun as well. Again, I could easily imagine walking through a Tybee Island (coastal Georgia) neighborhood filled with eclectic spots as this. Chickens and a rooster were at home near this sign which probably explains why there is a prominent chicken quote.
Northern Harrier
Bull-fighting ring in Tijuana
Although many of the birds were similar to the southeastern US, there were definitely some sharp differences. The distant buildings and border wall are in Mexico. Besides the cute little homes that line the estuary, there is a military base along the edge. While we were there, we witnessed continuous helicopters practicing maneuvers over the reserve. It took a lot of will-power to try to block out the sound and sight of these noisy choppers.
It seemed appropriate while we were literally steps away from the border, to see this white bird. To me, it symbolized peace between our countries. Although there are so many things that lead to divisiveness, there are many more things in life that can join us together.
Enjoy your explorations!
Click on photos to enlarge.
Content and photos by Robin Roberts.
