January 17, 2006
Fri 13th - lucky for some...
Just 3 weeks after I left California, 3 of my regular birding buddies (Joan, Sami and Betty) are driving in Solano County, just south of Davis, when they see a harrier fly in front of the car chasing a large white bird. That large white bird turned out to be a SNOWY OWL - the first recorded in California in my lifetime! I was thrilled to bits that my friends have made a bit of birding history, and found a bird that many hundreds were able to enjoy over its two-day stay, though obviously am feeling a bit jealous too! Steve Hampton was 'kind' enough to send me some gripping digiscoped pictures of the bird...
... and here's one of Joan managing the assembled crowds.
On the same day in Solano County it was possible to see Snowy Owl, Ovenbird, Blue Jay and Northern Shrike, as well as some Californian winter specialities including Mountain Plover. Obviously the place to be at the moment!
Posted by rjhall at January 17, 2006 9:20 PM