Earth Day–
the Elkhorn Slough Foundation Way
6/1/07

Early Sunday, April 22, nine enthusiastic birders, all supporters of  the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, headed into the fields at Moro Cojo Slough for clear, sun-drenched morning of birding headed by Rick Fournier and ESF Farmland Manager John Kenney. 

As John explained the Foundation’s land management practices on this diverse, undisturbed habitat, heads spun to keep pace with Rick’s keen eyes and ears. “This is a magnificent opportunity for us,” John explained, “with various grassland species along the corridor that runs from Moss Landing to Castroville Boulevard.”  Directing our attention to native Meadow Barley and Phacelia, John explained how mowing mimics grazing to encourage native wildflowers.  And, as we all know, wildflowers attract birds.

Sightings, in no particular order, included: Cliff Swallow; Barn Swallow; Tree Sparrow; Song Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; Northern Rough-winged Swallow; Lincoln Sparrow; Savannah Sparrow; Golden-crowned Sparrow (which Rick told us will be headed soon for Alaska!); Northern Shoveler; Gadwall; Brown-headed Cowbird; Red-winged Blackbird; Bi-colored Blackbird; Wilson Snipe; House Finch; Northern Harrier; Cinnamon Teal; Blue-winged Teal; Wimbrel; Great Egret; Long-billed Dowitcher; Peregrine Falcon; Western Gall; and Short-eared Owl, Pintail Duck, Turkey Vulture, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Coot, Killdeer, Red-tail Hawk, Green-winged Teals. A pair of Ravens nesting high above the fields in a power pole grabbed our attention, as did a nest of Mallard Duck eggs nestled in the tall grasses.  

Thank you to Rick Fournier for giving his time to share his birding expertise, and to John Kenney for demonstrating how hard work and collaboration with Moss Landing Marine Labs have paid off in restoring this great property.  To learn more about Rick Fournier, please see www.montereybirdingadventures.com.

Part 2 of our ESF Earth Day coming soon...