Buena Vista Audubon

Lots of Spring blooms starting to appear around the Nature Center and Trail! Come by and enjoy the parking lot is open 10-4, or park along the driveway dawn to dusk. Pick up a trail guide, available in both English and Spanish, from the kiosk to learn more about some of the native plants.

A new video of some of the sights from a recent visit to Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary! https://youtu.be/Up-kSPRD5lw

Not only is it St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, but Spring is just around the corner!

Several species of swallows were seen at Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary, including Barn, Cliff, Tree, Violet-green, and Northern Rough-winged (though the latter not photographed). In addition, several White-throated Swifts were flying in the area, so it was a great day to sort out the various swallows and swifts. Photos: J. Mygatt, 12 March 2021

Just a note to announce that some of our bird outings will resume in April since several leaders have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Be aware that since not everyone is vaccinated, social distancing and masks will be required! Check out the April 2021 BVAS Newsletter, page 3 for details. Next field trip will be to Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary- April 3 There will be a participant limit of 10-15, so please call John to reserve your spot. Leaders: Denise Riddle and John Hadd...ock Photo: Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary, 12 Mar. 2021 (J.M.) See more

Some of the uncommon sights at Whelan Lake yesterday include a (possibly 3rd year) Bald Eagle that flew in overhead. In addition, a Green-tailed Towhee continues near the seed feeders by the caretakers home. This towhee has been around since at least last November 2020. Photos: Jane Mygatt Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary, 12 March 2021

At Oak Riparian Park in Oceanside this morning, this Green Heron flew in by the (very green) water. Green Herons are carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish, but they also prey on frogs and many invertebrates. Here is an excerpt from "Birds of the World" (a great Online resource): "They feed day or night, standing patiently in shallow water waiting for fish, slowly stalking them through the shallows or diving on them from above. They are among the few tool-using birds, fabricating various baits that entice fish to where they can grab them." Photo: Jane Mygatt, 19 Jan. 2021

A few birds seen along the Nature Center trail towards the railroad tracks at San Elijo Lagoon. The Northern Harrier has a beautiful owl-like facial disc. This is a female, being brown, the males are gray. They often can be seen perched on low posts. The red-breasted merganser is also a female, since the males would be in alternate (breeding) plumage at this time of the year. And the Belted Kingfisher is also a female, with the brown breast feathers. Photos: Jane Mygatt 18 Jan 2021.

https://youtu.be/YIJY9Ng2tPs Here’s another video, scenery from San Elijo Lagoon as seen from the Stonebridge trail. A total of 26 Western Meadowlarks were seen in the fields.

BVAS is honored to have received a new Paul Weber sculpture at the Nature Center! The Archaeopteryx, a flightless, carnivorous creature who lived about 150,000,000 BC, is there to greet you.

The manzanitas are blooming around the Nature Center. So lovely to have these winter blooms and the careful pruning by the Garden Crew last Fall has led to a prolific one.