By going out more frequently during spring migration, I have observed some interesting things about birds. One day I would go out and the parks are teaming with warblers. A couple of days later, most of them have passed through, and many fewer remain. For several days it will be Hermit Warblers everywhere I go, and then POOF, they are gone. No wonder I had rarely seen Lazuli Buntings in the past. I probably went out only on a few weekends and missed the big days when they showed up. Besides birds, I also enjoyed a few reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. It is always nice to see native toads in our area. I don't often see them. 

I finally got back to trying out an art form I tried about a year ago - making monoprints. I liked it then and bought supplies. It has taken me a year to try it again. It is very messy. I still like it because it focuses on color and texture. It makes me feel a bit more creative. I have a lot to learn, and experiments will keep coming. 

The Irvine Ranch butterfly survey was popping with wildflowers and butterflies. We got bragging rights on our transect with three Ceraunus Blues, two Dainty Sulphurs, and a Western-tailed Blue (first time recorded on the survey!) in addition to the usual suspects. I struggle to remember the names of the wildflowers. Just when I think I can remember them, I have to wait a year, and am sure to forget them when we see them again next spring.

The monthly bird survey at Los Cerritos wetlands was quiet; however there were many, many salt marsh caterpillars. My good bird lens is back in the shop for repairs, so I photographed more butterflies and flowers than birds with my backup lens!

Early in the month I went with Sea and Sage Audubon on a pelagic birding trip out of Dana Point. The day was gray and cool, and we had pretty much flat seas. While there wasn't an abundance of birds, we got distant views of Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Loons, Phalaropes, and Jaegers, none of which cooperated for decent photos. However, out by the oil platforms, Red-footed Boobies gave us a close up show! On the way back, while chumming for birds with popcorn and bread, I enjoyed the action of Western Gulls jockeying for position to get the best bits. Incidental to bird watching, we saw a Blue Whale, a Minke Whale, and several pods of Dolphin. One of the aspects that I enjoy, when going out on a pelagic trip, is meeting up with other birders I don't often get to see. Some I knew by name or reputation only, and it is nice to have an in-person experience with them. There is a lot of camaraderie between naturalists and birders.

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Enjoy the show! I always appreciate corrections to ID's.

Local stuff:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_may_2019
 

Butterfly Survey:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/irc_may_2019

Los Cerritos Wetlands:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/hellman_may-2019
 

Pelagic Birding Trip:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/pelagic_may-2019