March 30, 2015

  • What Happened to Spring?

    We have had weekend heat waves for the last three weeks or so -- record-breaking temperatures up to 90's, warm, dry winds coming off the desert (Santana winds), light marine layer fog in the mornings -- true summer weather.  During the weeks, the temperatures have been 10-20 degrees lower for two or three days, then right back up again.  Yesterday (Sunday) I went to Dana Point to scout for herons -- I don't believe there were any there at all this time, and I haven't seen them since my last post.  I've also noticed that there are fewer cormorants and pelicans perched along the breakwater that defines the channel, and in the trees on the road side of the channel.  My theories are

    1. the sea-water temperature has changed enough that the fish on which the herons feed have moved to some other location;

    2. there used to be a bait barge in the harbor, almost underneath the herons' colony; it has disappeared, and along with it the easy source of food;

    3. there was enough disturbance to the trees over the winter that the birds have lost most of their nests; they may have found another grove of trees that have not been so damaged.

    It was a breezy, sunny, warm day, and there were numerous boats outside the harbor.  One of the tall ships was outside the harbor.

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    I watched for a while, to see if they'd raise the sails, which they didn't at that time.  However, we were experiencing medium-high waves from a southern hemisphere storm, and the waves were breaking on the breakwater.

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    In the next shot, you can see the waves forming as they approach land.

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    And then breaking against the inner end of the breakwater.

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    Meantime, there was a lot of activity in the channel --

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Comments (15)

  • Maybe you could find them in Doheny, or at Capistrano Beach. It seems the food supply is lower, up and down the coast, though, so maybe all the birds are in Baja or out on the Channel Islands.

    • Doheny or Capo Beach are possibilities, as are a couple of lakes in Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo. I think your idea about Baja or the Channel Islands is probably more like the answer.

  • So sad that the birds have relocated! Still lovely photos especially of the tall ship. Makes me think of pirates!

    • I'll find birds somewhere! The tall ship is used for pirate cruises during the summer (and for class pirate cruises with school kids!). I might try to book one of those sometime -- it would be fun to cruise on a tall ship (maybe a whale watch)!

  • I'm so glad you say Santana and not Santa Ana. Even the news commentators say the latter. My family always knew it was Santana. We have not had as many herons here the last few years. I'm guessing it might be new homes being built near their nesting area.

    • Hah! I waiver between the two versions of those winds -- I think both are correct! I'm sorry your herons have been disturbed by construction -- I'll have to do a little scouting to see if I can find ours again!

  • I love your pictures. Today's made me promise myself to go down to the jetties and watch the boats and the time - tomorrow, after I get out of school at noon. Think I'll pack a lunch so I can go right from there. Maybe someday I will remember to take my camera and get some pictures.

    • Thanks so much, Char -- Jetties, or breakwaters, are wonderful places to sit and watch the boats and the time -- a picnic lunch after work sounds like a great idea, especially with the camera along!

  • Too bad that the birds have to move to another area to look for food. Your theories sound logical. Spectacular color of the ocean. I love looking at your photos Janet.

    • Thanks, Zakiah! I have a few ideas of other places to find birds. My muse so locked onto the herons that I'll also have to scout other points of interest to enjoy with the camera!

  • Based on what I am hearing and seeing about this planet, I fear animals, foul and water life are going to be moving to find food. It is a scay thing we are seing. Even Penquins and polar bears cannot count on a ice pack forever.

    • We are seeing way more large whales in this part of the world than we used to see -- I'm sure that's because of the migration of the food. And although it's for different reasons, the penguins and polar bears are especially at risk right now! I think you are seeing changes in the Monterey area, too -- with beaching seal pups and disappearing monarch butterflies. It is scary! And the water situation is all part of the same syndrome! Re your PS -- thanks -- I'm glad you enjoy the photos!

  • P.S. lol I love your photos. I am a Beach Bum at heart. Great photos, Janet.

  • That first breakwater shot is beautiful! Sad that the herons have departed ~ :(

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