Garner Valley
Spring seems to have taken a long time to arrive in the mountains this year. However, I can say it is official now. This week, the pastureland in Garner Valley turned a golden color thanks to the return of goldfields (Lasthenia gracilis).
Every day for the next couple of weeks, there is a strong likelihood that a new bird will show up. How can you possibly not want to look out your window or go for a hike to catch a glimpse of something that will only be around for a day or two? Trust me, when you catch Birder Spring Fever, you also will develop this unquenchable need to get outside every day for you fear that you will miss something during this brief period of the year.
Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
It was exciting to see this golden plumed grebe at Lake Hemet this past week. Like most birds, it goes through a huge transformation in appearance during the breeding season. It is one of those birds that are here briefly while it journeys to its summer home.
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) 2019
In our own backyard, our resident Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) has had to deal with sharing nectar with the migrating Rufous Hummingbird which is on its way to the northwest. If you notice by my photo, it is an older photo. Why did I post an older photo? Because I made one of the biggest mistakes during this time of year...not to have binoculars AND a camera around my neck until the sun goes down. Mmm...once I put up a screech owl box, I'll need to keep it handy at night as well.
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullocki)
For those of us with optics around our necks, this time of year is like an extended Easter egg hunt and anticipation of birthday presents rolled into one. Finding this oriole in an oak tree at Lake Hemet this past week was magical! I don't know when I will see another one but I have a good chance since some of them will choose to breed here in our mountains.
Western Kingbird (Tyrannis verticalis)
When I see the kingbird, I know with certainty the feathered creatures that fill our skies with their beauty and song are on the way. These flycatchers spend their winter in southern Mexico and Central America. They have recently returned. Yahoo! Although I have seen them perched at the tallest Jeffrey Pine trees, my favorite place to see them is on a barbed wire fence in Garner Valley. If you look closely at the bottom photo, you will see the next snack for this insectivore.
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)
Although this sparrow sticks around most of the year, it is a ground foraging bird and not seen very often. Life is different now. Birds are boldly singing, drumming, and otherwise trying to attract attention for a mate or to protect their territory big or small.
Least Sandpiper (Caidris minutilla)
How would you like to be named the "Least ...", "Lesser...", or "Common..." when none of those adjectives seem quite right? This "peep" travels up to northern Canada and Alaska. It has a long journey ahead.
We all have something that symbolizes this special season whether it be the return of flowers, new buds on trees, butterflies, insects buzzing, lizards sunning themselves, and of course, the birds that spend a few days on their migratory paths north or the ones that choose to spend the summer singing and breeding alongside our resident birds.
So, it has just begun...Open your windows, go for a hike, sit outside...Bring binoculars!
Enjoy the spectacle! This time of year is brief!
Photos and Content by Robin Roberts.
Click on photos to enlarge.
