Winter Birding

Snow is falling in the San Jacinto Mountains. When the storm ends and the clouds depart, we will be able to see the snowy mountains. Waiting for the unveiling of the mountains is like opening up a surprise present.

Lesser Scaup

So while we are waiting to see how much snow has fallen, I want to share some more winter bird sightings. Ducks in breeding plumage are a welcome sight in the winter. Many times, they are distant silhouettes bobbing along in the water but the following photos are birds that were close to shore.

Cinnamon Teal by Adam Roberts

It isn't very often that we are able to find beautiful Cinnamon Teals especially close up. Ducks vary in their foraging techniques. Some are dabblers with their bill slightly underwater like this teal, others tip up their bodies with their heads underwater like Mallards while others dive underwater for their meals.

The Ring-necked Ducks and Green Winged Teals were striking.

The Northern Pintails were my favorite ducks of the day. These long-necked males bobbed their necks up and down quietly calling as they paddled up and down the lagoon.

As we were leaving, about 20 of these fruit-eating Cedar Waxwings flew directly overhead.

San Elijo Lagoon is one place where people are actively working on restoring habitat along the busy coast. Not only do these efforts benefit birds, native plants and other wildlife but it gives all of us a quiet place in nature to explore and enjoy.

As we returned home through the ranch land in Garner Valley, we found a perched White-tailed Kite. This kite and the Ferruginous Hawk are usually only here in the winter. What a great sighting! It was catching the last rays of the sun while peering on the ground for a final meal of the day.

Winter is a great time to look for breeding ducks and visiting raptors.

Happy Winter Birding!

Photos and content by Robin Roberts

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