Page 25 - Out Birding Spring 2024

range it is east of Monterey and San Francisco. We walked western tracks bordered by gorgeous flowers, flowering shrubs and grasses.
A Raven glided silently over our heads, crows, distant eagles and a Red-tailed Hawk were in the vicinity. It wasn’t until the sun came out and the thermals increased that my target bird appeared - Californian Condors, 4 of them kettling amongst the 3,300ft peaks. Bins and scope confirmed these 9.5 ft wing spanned creatures. A pair shot down across the face of the mountain, showing splayed fingers on wing tips and white wing linings together with pink wing tags visible on one. What a way to finish a wonderful holiday!
My scope, bins and I identified 82 species and I thoroughly enjoyed the Shania Twain concert.
Pam Barnes
California Quail
Cedar Waxwing
Sea O􏰀er with kit
Surf Scoter
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Red-shouldered Hawk