Inland Birds, Monterey Bay, Laguna Grande Park, Seaside, California

Now that Fall has arrived, we have begun the weekly bird walks after a summer of fog, marine layer and recovery. This day was overcast like so much of the summer which restricted the quality of the photos. It was our first outing in a while that resulted in seeing this fine example of a Red-shouldered Hawk in a tree that usually is the perch for Eurasian Collared Doves. This day the doves were scarce.

We often see White-fronted Geese in the park. This one was near the volleyball court. Wikipedia information on the White-fronted Goose can be found here.

On the pond we saw more of the expected species like this Eared Grebe.

On the bushes near one of the walking trails we spotted a pair of House Finches. This shot of the male was the best shot we were able to get.

Coots are always on the pond and we enjoy seeing them moving about. Since they are more tame, we get better close-ups of them. This one was a particularly good pose.

There were a few Ruddy Ducks on the pond but none really close. This shot of a female was the best we were able to get this day.