October 16, 2023
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 10-15-23
Fragrant Valley Dairy Slop Pond 10-15-23
Yesterday, 10-15-23, there was flash of excitement in the local birding world as a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was found at the Fragrant Valley Dairy – a big deal regionally. I had been out of cellular range and soon after re-entering civilization I got a call from a birding co-conspirator, Heidi, who asked where I was and if I was chasing the Sharp-tailed. That was the first I heard of the peep. Later I snagged a carpool- three of us drove out together, Good company and conversation. Got there by about 2pm. Saw and photographed the bird, and left. There were numerous, perhaps 15-or-so, other birders who arrive and left while we were there. Seeing the bird was not too tough – once you had its image in your mind’s eye it popped out of the crowd of Pectorals. The above photo is an impressionistic portrait of the site.
So today there are many e-bird reports on this mega-rarity(?). So then it’s reported that the management has just now put up No Trespassing signs. The reason given …liability…” It is true that someone could get hurt, but that is unlikely. Ultimately they have the absolute right to limit access, and don’t really need to offer a reason.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 10-15-23
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 10-15-23
Western Screech-owl, Santa Gertrudis 10-16-23
Green Kingfisher Santa Gertrudis 10-16-23
