Rain had been pouring on and off the past week. Yes, it
really rains in Southern California. When the sun decided to peep through
Saturday morning, we wasted no time driving off to Bolsa Chica for some photo
ops. A Horned Grebe had recently been reported there and we hoped to see the
bird since it will be a lifer for me.
Perhaps it was because of the recent rains that the
usually "birdy" coastal lagoon was somewhat unproductive bird-wise.
We decided to try the other end and was rewarded by a flotilla of ducks. I did
get a lifer, in the form of a female Canvasback. We missed the more colorful
male, but hey, a lifer is lifer to any self-respecting birder. As I was
occupying myself taking pictures of Red-headed Ducks, a beautiful Grebe popped
into view. At first I thought this was the most sought after Horned but it
turned out to be an Eared Grebe instead. Not as colorful as its cousin but beautiful
nonetheless with stiff yellow feathers projecting out of the side of its face
contrasting with bright red eyes.
The skies darkened foreboding more rains to
come and so we hastily departed for the warm coziness of home.
