The December walk at the Sepulveda Basin ended the year with a bang! We found 71 species of birds, the most of any walk at Sepulveda this year. Many of the birds were elusive species, not usually seen in the area, such as Least Bittern, Sora, Loggerhead Shrike, Eared Grebe, Wrentit, Long-billed Dowitchers, a flock of White-faced Ibis, and 3 Marsh Wrens. We also saw the usual fan favorites like Belted Kingfisher, Osprey, and 32 American White Pelicans, as well as cool birds like American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Buffleheads, and surprisingly active Common Yellowthroats. Fortunately, we had a large group to see all of these birds. Many people picked up lifers on this trip, including several visitors from the East Coast who picked up Cassin’s Kingbird, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and Oak Titmouse. With so many birds to show so many people, the walk went way over time, but it was still an incredible day.
