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| Western Grebe |
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| Snowy Egret |
Winter is a great time to take your binoculars to a lake. Chances are you will discover some returning ducks from Canada or Alaska mixed in with other shorebirds, grebes, herons, etc. The richer the habitat surrounding the lake, the more variety of birds you will encounter. Don't be surprised if the ducks are on the opposite side of the lake and all you see are bobbing, diving balls in the distance. Quite frustrating but a good pair of binoculars or a scope help a lot!
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| Lesser Scaup |
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Sometimes you get really lucky and you don't even need binoculars. Recently, while visiting Lake Miramar, a popular lake for runners and bikers in San Diego, some beautiful Lesser Scaups floated right near shore.
No binoculars needed! Ducks have such a wide variety of colors and patterns in their feathered bodies. This one was really impressive.
Next to the Lesser Scaups were numerous commonly seen American Coots. Although a coot looks like a duck, it's in a different family. Instead of webbed feet, they are lobed. It was pretty fascinating for me to see these cool looking feet up close.
Lake Miramar is an oasis for wildlife. It is surrounded by a variety of native plants, flowers, cactus, trees, etc. The enormous spiked leaves of this agave were taller than my 5ft 9in head!
Peering through cattails along the edge of the lake, we spotted a small flock of Scaly-breasted Munias (Nutmeg Mannikins). What a surprise! This is a native bird in Asia. After years of escaping out of captivity from pet owners, this bird now lives in the wild in Southern California and Florida..
With an abundance of food available, lakes also can attract magnificent birds of prey. Nearby, Lake Hemet has a new pair of resident Bald Eagles. While participating in the annual Bald Eagle count this weekend, we observed one of the eagles swoop low over the water scattering all the coots and ducks. One coot wasn't so lucky. It quickly dove under the approaching eagle but it didn't escape the sharp talons. After several minutes, the Bald Eagle made its way to shore with its newly caught prey.
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| Northern Harrier |
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| Red-shouldered Hawk |
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In addition to the Bald Eagles, we saw a pair of Northern Harriers and a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks hunting in their unique styles. Northern Harriers are best recognized by their white rump as they fly low over a meadow. I caught one perched on a post in-between flights. In contrast, the Red-shouldered Hawks hunted motionlessly from a hidden tree branch or stump.
I never get tired of going out exploring! There's always a chance to see something new, unexpected and amazing. Good luck with your own search!
Next to the Lesser Scaups were numerous commonly seen American Coots. Although a coot looks like a duck, it's in a different family. Instead of webbed feet, they are lobed. It was pretty fascinating for me to see these cool looking feet up close.
Peering through cattails along the edge of the lake, we spotted a small flock of Scaly-breasted Munias (Nutmeg Mannikins). What a surprise! This is a native bird in Asia. After years of escaping out of captivity from pet owners, this bird now lives in the wild in Southern California and Florida..
With an abundance of food available, lakes also can attract magnificent birds of prey. Nearby, Lake Hemet has a new pair of resident Bald Eagles. While participating in the annual Bald Eagle count this weekend, we observed one of the eagles swoop low over the water scattering all the coots and ducks. One coot wasn't so lucky. It quickly dove under the approaching eagle but it didn't escape the sharp talons. After several minutes, the Bald Eagle made its way to shore with its newly caught prey.
