Today was a perfect California Day. Mid 70 seventies, not a cloud in the sky, and a slight breeze. After collecting some plant samples in class today, I had the itch to hike. I work tonight, the kids and wife were in school so I drove to Howard Slough and took off. I had not gone more than 20 yards when I saw a Swainson's Hawk soar directly above me. I could not get a great picture though because I dropped the camera. Great bird though. I walked about 2 miles along the marshes and logged a vast number of birds , including a few new ones.White Pelican, Spotted Sandpiper, Sloitary Sandpiper, White Faced Ibis, Great Egret, Great blue HEron, RWBB, Killdeer, Lesser Scaup, Canada Geese, MAllards, Coots, GW Teal, black phoebe, Western Kingbird, MArsh Wren, W.C Sparrow, Turkey Vultures, Cliff, Tree and NRW Sallows, Red Tailed HAwks, White Tailed Kite, and Northern Harrier. I topped to take a drink and make some notes when I noticed a fast moving bird coming towards me. I grabbed the binoculars and much to my amazement, it was a Peregrine. The first time I have had the honor of seeing this awesome species. I could only snap a few pictures and none are good, but is just good enough for ID. I saw plenty more during my hike but nothing was going to top that.When I started being active with observing birds 4 months ago, the Peregrine was #1 on my list as I had never seen one and they are just the coolest bird! I was very proud to check the PEregring Falcon box off on my Ebird report!!!!!
