New Location, New Neighbors.

The old office was on the edge of an industrial zone. As stark as many parts of the area was, it still held numerous old oaks, some retention ponds, and a small lake or two. This provided a good amount of birds if you looked hard enough. We had a pretty good 2005, bird-wise, with several nesting Mockingbirds, the resident breeding pair of Sandhill Cranes, and the White-winged Doves.

Now we had to move. Lease was up and the boss wanted a shorter commute for herself. The good news is, it has more oaks and pines and is near several lakes. There is even a gazebo outside for sitting and having lunch. Sounded promising.

Stepping into the new parking lot, I was greeted by a Western Palm Warbler. Outside my window on the second floor I could look down at the drying retention pond and see an Eastern Phoebe flycatching and landing on exposed branches. Loads of Gnatcatchers move through.

Overall, I am not disappointed. Hooded Mergansers have added a nice touch to the landscape.

There are great sidewalks that weave through the buildings. Mainly under trees and wander past ponds and fountains. Once a week I walk the perimeter of the parking lot. You can hear the roaring traffic through the line of oaks but they still hold Gnatcatchers, Warblers, and a recent Blue-headed Vireo. Red-shouldered Hawks stalk Mourning Doves and an occasional Bald Eagle shares the sky with the vultures.

One of the more interesting visitors lately was a Wood Stork. We had a good rain and all of the ponds filled up. As the water began to recede the Wood Stork showed up to stomp through the shallow water and mud in search of the remaining morsels.



The day before it left, it flew up into the pines to preen and rest. It was waiting for me as I headed out to band those Barn Owls I posted about last week.



The past few days have been a mix. I was prompted to take a walk yesterday after seeing a nice Red-shouldered Hawk zoom past and out toward the oak line. Didn't find it but there was a nice collection of gnatcatchers, warblers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

Still waiting for larger showing of American Goldfinches, Robins, and Waxwings. Really can't wait for migration in the Spring.