Clare's First BY

[campsafari2015]

This little beauty caused an enormous stir today!

 

221) Canada Warbler - 13 November (Monterey, CA)

 

[Kitsafari]

gorgeous bright Canada warbler - caused a stir because it's extremely rare where you are?

 

[campsafari2015]

Here's a better picture of the Cedar Waxwing! 

 

[campsafari2015]

15 minutes ago, Kitsafari said:

gorgeous bright Canada warbler - caused a stir because it's extremely rare where you are?

 

 

Yes! Within an hour of the sighting info going out, about 30 people had shown up to search. While the whole group was searching the spot it was originally sighted, I went to the other side of the habitat in the hopes it would clear out to me from the commotion. I was lucky to have about 5 minutes alone with it right around my head! 

[Kitsafari]

3 hours ago, campsafari2015 said:

 

 I went to the other side of the habitat in the hopes it would clear out to me from the commotion. I was lucky to have about 5 minutes alone with it right around my head! 

 

 

welll done!

[Peter Connan]

Gorgeous little vagrant!

[michael-ibk]

Great additions, I really enjoy seeing these unknown (to me) American birds.

[campsafari2015]

Since I took a lot of time off to bird through the stress of the US election, I haven't been getting out since that madness resolved. But today, it was time to go head out and try my luck on a whale cruise again!

 

Funnily enough, I managed to find something you wouldn't normally expect 5 miles from shore. 

 

222) Merlin - 20 November (Monterey, CA)

 

[campsafari2015]

223) Black-vented Shearwater - 20 November (Monterey, CA)

 

[campsafari2015]

And my favorite! I've been hoping to see one every time we head out into the Bay: 

 

224) Tufted Puffin - 20 November (Monterey, CA)

 

[Peter Connan]

Very interesting!

Nice birds.

[michael-ibk]

Tufted Puffins, did not even know they existed - very cool bird!

[PeterHG]

Some great finds on the whaling trip!

[shazdwn]

Puffin! 

[Dave Williams]

Ticking along very nicely and I love how you got the Canadian Warbler shot!! I avoid twitches because you will end up getting criticised for being closer than 100m by those who view through telescopes.

[campsafari2015]

Thank you all for your kind comments! I had to take a break while I wrapped up work for the end of the year. Happily, I was able to get out and about yesterday and found a few new additions: 

 

225) White-throated Sparrow (Monterey, CA)

 

[campsafari2015]

And here's one I'm particularly pleased with, as I've been looking out for one each winter and this is the first I've ever seen! Not the best photo, but they're pretty difficult to get a clear shot of, so I'm told.

 

226) Varied Thrush - 11 December (Monterey, CA)

 

[campsafari2015]

And while i was out enjoying my year-end freedom, I had the great good fortune to come across this Great-horned Owl, who was having a sunny nap. He settled right down after assessing that I meant no harm. 

 

 

[campsafari2015]

And finally, an interesting and unexpected visitor to our shores: a juvenile Elephant Seal has been resting with mixed female/juvenile pup Harbor Seal group at a local pupping ground. Apparently, you know it is an Elephant Seal as they are the ones to throw sand over themselves. 

[Galana]

The first GH Owl photo is very nice. A good find with the Seal.

[PeterHG]

That is an interesting way to tell the seals apart! Nice picture, too.

[michael-ibk]

Love the Owl!

[pedro maia]

Another fan of the Owl here.

[Zim Girl]

Lovely owl pic!

[Kitsafari]

Me four on the coool looking owl