Merry Christmas, Firefighters!

 As I was pulling out Christmas decorations this past week, I found these ornaments that we bought in NYC. They are in honor of the firefighters from 9/11. Although the lead news stories have changed, we haven't forgotten the sacrifice that thousands of firefighters are experiencing this holiday.

We live in a small mountain town in Southern California. Idyllwild has experienced many near misses from wildfires over the years. The latest was the Mountain Fire in July 2013. All of us who live here or who love these mountains are thankful for the firefighters who saved our town and much of our wilderness.

On behalf of countless people, thank you for your dedication to saving lives, property and when possible, the wilderness that surrounds us. Our prayers of protection are with you. Merry Christmas from your friends in Southern California and across the country.

Photos and content by Robin Roberts. Video by Snoopy.
Click on images to enlarge.

Birding without Binoculars and a Broken Camera

Shoebill

Don't you love that bill? I wish I could say I was in a freshwater swamp in Africa photographing this bird but I saved a lot of money by seeing it at the San Diego Safari Park. This 5 ft tall bird is really impressive! It stood motionlessly while we watched it hunt for its next meal - fish, frog snake or perhaps, baby crocodile.

When we decided to go to the Safari Park, birding was the last thing on my mind so I left my binoculars at home. MISTAKE!

African Pygmy Goose

Ross's Turaco

White-headed Buffalo Weaver

Fairy Bluebird

Emerald Starling

Walking through the aviary filled with huge plants and trees, I found myself pretending to be in an exotic location searching for birds. The park, itself, is a nature sanctuary. Native plants and trees line the paths between natural open habitats for the animals. 

Huge African animals roam in inviting open landscapes. I quickly realized that resident and migrating birds must find this sanctuary appealing, too!

Northern Shoveler, Common Gallinule

As I looked more closely, I started to see some familiar birds hanging out with birds and animals from distant lands! Trust me, I "kicked" myself more than once for leaving my binoculars at home! Next time, they will be around my neck where they belong!

American Wigeon

I don't often travel to chase down a bird but the Eurasian Wigeon was "calling" me. We have plenty of beautiful American Wigeons that visit Lake Hemet but a visit from a Eurasian Wigeon is quite special! We traveled to San Elijo Lagoon in San Diego to find a lone Eurasian Wigeon amidst 100-200 American Wigeons. Of course, I was prepared. I had binoculars and camera. Luck was on our side. We spotted a beautiful male Eurasian Wigeon at the edge of the marsh grass but my camera would not take a photo! UGH!!! You can imagine my frustration as this beautiful "life" bird disappeared from sight!

Eurasian Wigeon with American Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeon

So how do I have a photo? My friend, Hal spotted another rare Eurasian Wigeon near his desert home in Borrego Springs this week. Coincidentally, he sent me his photo without knowing that I couldn't document the one that we found. Thanks for sharing your photo, Hal!

Lewis's Woodpecker

 Finally, one of the best birding expeditions this past month was with my little birding buddy. We went to Lake Hemet to see the Lewis's Woodpecker. We found it and as he looked through the scope for a close look, he exclaimed "It is beautiful!" Priceless!!!

While writing this blog, I found a great article on the Shoebill on the national Audubon site. Check it out!http://www.audubon.org/news/the-shoebill-or-most-terrifying-bird-world

Photos and content by Robin Roberts.
Click on photos to enlarge.