Golden Oriole - oriolus oriolus We took some bad photos today. Some days are like that, it was not not a bright sunny day, but it is more the quality of the light, which was poor. Every photo lacks clarity and vibrance which is disappointing as we saw some good birds.
We came for Golden Oriole and Hawfinch and saw both, but the only half decent shots were of juveniles of each species. Golden Orioles are notoriously elusive, this adult male was in very poor light amongst the trees, but it is better than nothing and shows just what beauties these birds are.
We came for Golden Oriole and Hawfinch and saw both, but the only half decent shots were of juveniles of each species. Golden Orioles are notoriously elusive, this adult male was in very poor light amongst the trees, but it is better than nothing and shows just what beauties these birds are.
Golden Oriole juvenile - oriolus oriolus This young Golden Oriole is not yet fully fledged and seemed to be missing its parents judging by its plaintive calls. I hope they were reunited eventually.
Hawfinch juvenile - coccothraustes coccothraustes Here is a juvenile Hawfinch. It is just developing the characteristic blue wing primaries but it is a first year bird. The unmistakable large head and heavy bill are distinctive. It was one of a pair seen together, evidence of successful breeding here.
Western Bonellis Warbler - phyloscopus bonelli I was pleased to capture a Bonellis Warbler in the scrub. I rarely see more than one Bonellis at a time, they do not flock or move in groups as far as I can tell.
Below are a few more shots from the day, nice birds but poor photographs unfortunately.
Below are a few more shots from the day, nice birds but poor photographs unfortunately.
 Golden Oriole - oriolus oriolus  Hawfinch - coccothraustes coccothraustes |  Hawfinch - coccothraustes coccothraustes  Great Spotted Woodpecker - dendrocopos major |
Southern Skimmer - orthetrum bruneum It was interesting to note that we only saw one dragonfly all day here in the Arroyo de Marin. Last week there had been many hawking up and down the river including White and Orange Featherlegs and a Western Spectre as well as other more common species. Today was completely different, just this adult male Southern Skimmer that spent all its time perching on a sunny bank to catch as many rays as it could, trying to maintain body temperature. The air temperature was obviously too cold. I have heard that 15 degrees is required for most species to be able to fly. I believe this uncharacteristically cold weather also had a bearing on the poor quality of the light. So not a great day photographically but some very nice birds seen. Other species not mentioned previously include a nesting pair of Wrens, Azure Winged Magpies, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Long-tailed Tit.
