BIRDQUEST2004

When I first decided to tackled California, I had a very lengthy wantlist and earlier in August, I picked up ten lifers, while on vacation with Sue.  I had 3 days left after my pelagic trips and knew I’d need help finding the birds I needed, due to time constraints.  I really only had two and a half days, getting to LAX anytime is 4 hours minimum.  I realized I’d need to go with a guide, that could get me on the birds quickly.

I first got in contact with Wes  of California Target Birds because he’s the only one that advertise’s on the internet.  Believe me after you talk to Wes its easy to get pumped up, he is a fountain of birding knowledge and did I say he was enthusiastic.

He had me at “If we sleep in the car we don’t have to drive 3 hours down the mountain, only to come back in the morning”.

He knew where every bird on my list could be found and it was only the birds not co-operating that I missed them.  Flammulated Owl and Northern Pygmy Owl to be specific, they were within 30 yards but would not show themselves, also my first looks at a Mountain Quail ever.

Below are the birds he helped me find and improve on photos.

Golden Eagle

Tri-colored Blackbird Improved Photo

Horned Grebe

Anna’s Hummingbird – One of the hundreds that come to his feeders

Yellow-billed Magpie

Vaux’s Swift –  ABA Life Bird #709

Bell’s Sparrow – ABA Life Bird #708

Belli canescens

Rose-ringed Parakeet

White-throated Swift

Lark Sparrow

Cassin’s Vireo – ABA Life Bird #711

Poorwill

Red-winged Blackbird -California – Bi-colored Subspecies

I mentioned in passing one day that I like taking photos of unique crossing signs and he even found me one of those.

I can rave enough about Wes, we got on well and he will do everything to get you the birds you need.  He is the best.  So if you plan to go to California and the many other places he guides to, get in touch with him.  You won’t be disappointed.

http://www.californiatargetbirds.com

Ciao for now….

 

Fast forward 12 hours, 92 miles south to Monterey Bay, 7:00 am.  Preparing for another day on the water.

The ocean was very calm, making it enjoyable for everyone aboard but not usually very productive.  Birds were numerous in places and I even picked up a new Life Bird.

Juvenile Pelagic Cormorant

Fulmar Feeding on a Common Murre

Red-necked Phalarope

Group of Black-footed Albatross

ABA Life Bird #707 – Ashy Storm-Petrel

Highlight of the day was a pod of Killer Whales that fed around our boat for at least an hour.

Including this mother and calf

Northern Fulmar – Dark

Pink-footed Shearwater Take Off

Parasitic Jaeger

Black-footed Albatross Take Off

I had a great time these two days, meeting many people with the same interests.

Can’t wait for the next trip.   Thanks Doug.

Ciao for now