Miscellaneous birds on Monday 01/07/2019 and Tuesday 01/08/2019

I have been able to bird the past two mornings (1/7 and 1/8).

On Monday Jan 07,2019 the Red-necked Grebe is still present on Shelter Island. I had the bird working the channel between the boat launch and fishing pier. The horse pastures off San Dieguito Rd has 2 large flocks of Canada Geese with the larger flock having a minimum of 3 Cackling Geese. The smaller, more distant flock has one “white goose” that I presume is the continuing Ross’s Goose but too distant even through a scope to be certain.

Today, Jan 8, 2019 I saw the 2 Pacific Golden-Plovers at Tijuana Slough NWR –Ream Field that Eric K and Trent Stanley found on Jan 5. They are among the group of Black-bellied Plovers. The birds are distant , even through a scope and the lighting is poor in the AM. The looks are less than satisfactory for someone who loves to take photos.

I then headed over to the Saltworks—pond 20 looking for the reliable Common Goldeneyes frequently seen this time of year at this site.  15 Common Goldeneyes were present, 14 females and 1 male. The water level is very high. I then headed over to Sweetwater River just below the KOA campground. A male Eurasian Wigeon has returned for the -th winter. Good photo op—park on the street near the KOA and walk down the bike trail about a ¼ of a mile.

Good birding,

Mel Senac

San Diego