Migration time along the Central Coast of California is underway with a few unusual sightings. First, it was the blue footed booby who stayed for a week or two. Last week, it was the black vulture that spent a couple days here. He was first seen at Morro Rock then later roosting in the heron rookery near the golf course.
Trying to observe the falcons at Morro Rock has been extremely difficult due to high off shore winds. They are not conducive to expensive spotting scopes and other gear so Heather and I took a ride to the High Mountain Condor Lookout for their Annual Open House gathering which is located outside of Pozo, California.
High Mountain Condor Lookout Photo by Heather O’Connor
Forty five minutes on dirt roads that had not been maintained since last year, we arrived at the top of High Mountain. There was a spectacular 360° view of the Pacific Coast and Pacific Ocean to the west and the Coastal Ranges to the east.
Looking west towards the Pacific Ocean Photo by Heather O’Connor
As the crow flies, we are only a mile from Huff’s Hole, a very famous falcon eyrie that has been inhabited for many years by peregrines, but the last few years by Prairie Falcons.
Our host, Steve Schubert, greeted us and gave us a tour. There were many ongoing activities that day including bird walks, native plant identification and condor tracking demonstrations. No condor sightings were made that day, however a juvenile peregrine was observed by a young birdette that morning.
Bob Isenberg on top of the world Photo by Heather O’Connor
The vistas were so amazing, I could do little birding. Sitting next to the ocean every day you forget what it is like to sit on top of the world.
Happy trails, Bob
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Fun was had by all. Congratulations, Steve!
Great pictures!! Love seeing you on top of the world – it’s good for you both:) Stay cool, enjoy the sunshine wherever you are and keep us posted. Just spent the weekend in Joshua Tree. Vance was hoping to see more birds – not! Still, it was great to be just one place in SoCal where
I can say that I’ve only traveled to that piece of the high desert once before. It looks like Palm Spring in the ’50’s however, it’s growing rapidly; the big box stores already are showing up:(
Keep up the great work! SA & VF
So glad you saw and enjoyed our posted story about High Mountain. It was glorious up there and spectacular for me to be able to see the Pacific Ocean after driving so far inland and up a very dusty and bumpy road! Bob and I find adding a variety of topics to our Peregrine Watch blog expands our own personal knowledge as well as that of our readers. My thanks for your comments. ~Heather
Thanks for sharing your world view–I love the “weeds to high winds” camera views. And, man do you look happy up there! Janine
It was a spectacular view from High Mountain! Glad you liked it. ~ Heather