August 18, 2004
Davis North Pond
As the City of Davis Wetlands continue to shrink, water is becoming a precious commodity in Yolo County. At present, many shorebirds are utilising North Pond in Davis, which looks in danger of drying out itself. The last remaining deep areas of water hold large densities of herons and egrets (I regularly see 5 species per visit).
An unusual visitor to North Pond, this female Green-winged Teal proved an identification challenge, as its face pattern is somewhat reminiscent of the much rarer Garganey!
However, I think its bill is a little on the small side for the latter species, and when it flapped its wings, it had a diagnostic buffy stripe above the speculum.
The smaller reeded pond still seems to be full of water, to the relief of these Pied-billed Grebes.
Here's a photo of a Wandering Glider, known as Globe Skimmer in the UK, where it's a mega-rarity!
