After the Rains

The arroyo was swollen and coursing fast yesterday after the recent rains we received. It's color was chocolaty (in a bad sort of way), the spillways were frothy (again in a bad sort of way), and all sorts of detritus from the streets drifted by as I strolled the banks. Most of the birds stayed away, but a lone Bufflehead did make an appearance as did a Double-Crested Cormorant. The trees adjacent to the arroyo near the path spur at Ward Avenue (behind the Discovery Church) always seem to yield a few interesting sightings. Yesterday, it was an Orange-Crowned Warbler that was flitting about in the branches.



A Bufflehead plies the murky arroyo waters



Double-Crested Cormorant drying its wings



Orange-Crowned Warbler in the trees behind Discovery Church

Still Morning in the Arroyo

It was cold early this morning and the arroyo between Madera Road and First Street was quiet. There were a few scattered Mallards, Wigeons, and Coots about, but many of the usual suspects were nowhere to be found. Come to think of it, since the last rains scoured the arroyo channel, I've noticed a distinct change. Activity has slowed dramatically. All three species of Teal, which in the past have been a common occurrence this time of year, are curiously absent. But there was some activity. A lone Sora made an appearance as did a few other regulars.



Sora Near Madera Road Bridge

Great Egret Putting on a Display

White-Faced Ibis

Great Egret Warming Itself in the Morning Sun

Resting White-Faced Ibis

Green Heron