The Carmel River mouth area is one of Monterey County's prime birding locations. It is best known for vagrant birds during the fall (primarily eastern warblers) but a wide variety of common and rare ducks, shorebirds, and gulls have appeared.
The Odello family gave up their lease following the 1995 floods and the Odello Marsh area is now being restored to wetland and riparian ecosystems. (from Monterey County sources)
Today was a crisp sunny winter day with clear skies as we began our walk along a newly cleared path, well away from the Carmel River. The many deer were very cautious as we arrived but quickly scattered into the dense underbrush. These bucks were on their way to cover, never to be seen again.
All the shots below were taken with the Nikon D7K camera with a 300mm telephoto lens and a 1.7 Tele Extender. Shot at 1/1000, variable ISO on a monopod.
Along this path we saw several Lesser Goldfinches enjoying the morning sun and feeding on tender sprouting leaves.
We also spotted this bird, were unsure initially but now have had expert advice, it is - for sure - an American Goldfinch. The Lesser and American's were feeding in the same area. This is a good lesson learned, Thanks Brian.
At the Odello Lagoon area we saw many Buffleheads feeding - beautiful birds.
Further along the trail we were fortunate to see and record these American Pipits. There were a few feeding together.
Song Sparrows were also feeding and enjoying the sun. There were also several active Black Phoebes in the area.
An American Kestrel arrived and started hunting with the expected hovering and darting for prey. This one stayed in the area several minutes but wasn't successful while we watched.
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