Field Journal – Las Gallinas
Date and Location:
09/13/23 – Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, Marin County, CA
Site Description and Conditions:
65-75 deg. F, steady warming under sunny skies; winds light and variable. The site at Las Gallinas included several habitats, including multiple adjacent shallow bodies of water/swamp flats bordering meadows. Trails connect these bodies of water and allow for sweeping views with flat land and visibility well over five miles in all directions.
Narrative:
This site was notable for its sweeping views of multiple bodies of shallow water, allowing for unobstructed sightings of numerous species. The weather was very seasonable and warm, with full sun for the majority of the trip. Perching birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl were observed at this location. Without moving more than a quarter mile, one could observe finches like the House Finch, large flocks of Canada Goose, multiple raptors like the Northern Harrier, Turkey Vulture, and Red-tailed Hawk, and large numbers of swifts flying above. After walking through trails to view the multiple shallow bodies of water that followed, a large number of shorebirds and waterfowl were observed in groups. Notably, these included common species like the Mallard, White Pelican (great views), Snowy Egret, and Great Egret. The elusive Sora was spotted as well; the phrase “quail on the trail” was introduced on this trip.
Species Account: Great Egret – Ardea alba
A white heron in the family Ardeidae, this is a striking, beautiful, long-necked bird, standing in some cases up to 1 m tall, commonly found in shallow waters where it slowly stalks prey. Bright white, with dark black legs, distinctive yellow bill (in the Americas). This bird is usually mixed in with other egrets and herons in similar habitats.
Home Time – Lands End, GGP (North Lake)
On September 18, I made my first of multiple birding voyages at Lands End. Absolutely breathtaking views of the coast with multiple trails looping through the cliffs with many different plant species, including a striking amount of monk’s cress (Tropaeolum majus). Many species seemed to congregate around these areas making for close-up views of Anna’s Hummingbird, multiple finches and sparrows with numerous, constant vocalizations. The variation in species led me to come back to this trail on future occasions. Views of the ocean below yielded good looks at cormorants and pelicans, many perched on large rocks.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S156122550
On September 25, I explored North Lake, part of the GGP Chain of Lakes. The ducks and waterfowl here were very friendly, very photogenic, and approached me as if they wanted a snack or just a good Instagram photo. I was able to get some good looks at Mallards, the American Coot, cormorants, as well as numerous perching birds along the trail. Multiple other birders were seen on the trail. These two trips (Lands End, North Lake) encouraged me to return due to the diversity of species found and ease of identification.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S156122775
Merlin Meditation – Lands End
Due to the numerous vocalizations heard at this location, I decided to take some time to stop and listen for different birds at a trail looping through Lands End; the song of the Brown Creeper was notable along with the Anna’s; I paid extra attention to the Brown Creepers’ very distinctive loud, high pitched calls and longer songs.