Crazy weather in March; one day it is 80F and the next it is 50F. It has been wet enough and warm enough to bring out some insects and spiders around my house, and wildflowers around the state. My monthly butterfly count was canceled due to rain and cold. I went birding with Audubon and on my own at local parks. I have discovered that I love plovers. I think they are my favorite bird of the moment. Their large eyes and the way they look at the camera definitely make the 'cute'.  I continued my quest to learn gulls. I missed the Yellow-footed Gull by a few hours, but found Thayer's, Herring, and Glaucus-wing. 

My husband and I went up the coast to Morro Bay for my birthday. The highlight was watching sea otters. Mothers held babies on their chests. One mother left her older baby to dive for food. The baby started screaming and swimming from otter to otter. When mom came back there was a joyous reunion with lots of otter kisses.

It was a long drive and short visit at Tejon Ranch to see wild flowers. It always feels remote and beautiful there.

What a delight to accidentally discover new places. I went with my husband to Buttonwillow for his job. We passed a sign on the way and made a detour to the Tule Elk Staute Natural Reserve. We saw elk and birds. I finally got a good look at a Swainson's hawk. I also found a Great Horned Owl's nest with a chick. I only wish I had brought my better lens, but at least I had a camera.  

Watch the slideshows or click on the links to look through at your own pace.

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

Local stuff:    http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_mar_2017 

Monthly Los Cerritos Wetlands bird survey:  http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/hellman_03-23-2017

Morro Bay: http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/morro_bay_mar_2017

Tejon Ranch: http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/tejon_mar_2017

Tule Elk State Natural Reserve: http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/tule_elk_mar_2017