Back in December when my family and I were in southern California we planned a day trip out to Crystal Cove State Park in southern Orange County. After all, what better way to take advantage of southern California’s sunshine than to spend some time on the beach? And Crystal Cove is the perfect beach for a birder with family in tow. Rocky shoreline and sandy beaches sit side-by-side and at low tide there are tidal pools in which you can look for Hermit Crabs and other interesting organisms. We had a great time playing in the sand, exploring the tidal pools, and just enjoying being on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
The shorebirds appreciate Crystal Cove State Park as well and because they are relatively used to people in close proximity I managed to get some decent shots of shorebirds that as a New Yorker I don’t often see this well.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala
Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa
Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Sanderlings Calidris alba
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Though Brown Pelicans were in the air, gulls wheeled and wheedled, and the shorebirds continued to forage I did manage to tear myself away from the birds and have some quality family time. Desi found a tennis ball that had washed up on the beach and we had a grand old time playing catch and goofing around in the sand. Think he was having fun?
As the day wore on we got hungry and eventually we headed up to zpizza in Laguna Beach for a delicious lunch before heading back down to the beach for more enjoyment of the coast.
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala
Not a bad shorebird haul, right? And I didn’t even include pictures of Ruddy Turnstone and Willet, both of which were at Crystal Cove State Park as well. But, honestly, the best bird of the day was spotted as we walked back to the car through the coastal scrub. This little gal popped up and let me appreciate a decent look and even get Desi and Daisy on it before it disappeared back into cover.
California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica
Should you find yourself in southern California there are many options for outdoor enjoyment. If you are a birder with a non-birding family you might want to consider Crystal Cove State Park as you can manage to bird without leaving your family’s side and they just might appreciate some of the up close and personal birds!
What wonderful bird finds! I lived in the greater Los Angeles for a large portion of my life and never saw anything like those birds. If we get back to the area I will definitely check out that park.
@Susan Stone: If you are back in the area and really want to see some great birds make sure to check out Bolsa Chica!