The month sure started off and ended cold. Although we did have some warm, bordering on hot, days in between, the heater is back on; there is an extra blanket on the bed; I'm wearing sweaters and vests; I'm drinking hot tea and cocoa. The best part of winter is that the cats become affectionate. Even the stand-offish cat has become a devoted lap cat.

I remarked on the cold, and not to rub it in to folks in other parts, but we still have butterflies and dragonflies. So maybe it isn't that cold after all.  Birds have not been too remarkable. I didn't go out as much because I am trying to give a sore hip a rest. I chased (looking for a particular bird found by someone else) a Swamp Sparrow at Colorado Lagoon. I have seen them in Long Beach, but not every year. I also chased the Tundra Swan, more rare, on the San Gabriel River. That is only the second one I've seen, my first in LA County, and marks my 400th LA County species. I think that qualifies me as an intermediate birder. Sometimes what is notable is not the rare bird, but what is missing. While there have been a high number of 'rare' vagrants showing up this year, I think some of the numbers of common birds are down. Where are all the American Pipits? There were several places I would see large flocks locally in winter, but I don't think I've seen a single one in Long Beach this month.

After so many years of bird surveys at the Los Cerritos Wetlands, one would think there is nothing surprising. Yet this month we were surprised by the level of the water. This was the most water we have seen on the property. November is known for very high tides, and the area does have tidal water, but this was remarkably high. It was quiet, in terms of birds. We did have a Northern Flicker which elicited some discussion as to sub-species. I have concluded that it is an intergrade. Hybrids are a cross between two species. Intergrades are between sub-species. We also saw a very healthy looking coyote. "Nice Doggie".

I had a wonderful trip with two friends to the Salton Sea for three days/two nights. The number of birds was amazing, particularly the literally multiple thousands of Snow Geese. I have a link to some highlight photos below. For a more extensive write-up, I refer you to our trip report in eBird. https://ebird.org/tripreport/85183

In honor of Thanksgiving, I drew a turkey portrait in colored pencil. They are very colorful. I also made some colorful cat art. I continued making art at a more enjoyable pace than last month. A friend gave a demo of art journaling techniques at Rancho Los Cerritos. A most enjoyable talk. I sketched the tree behind him while listening.
 

Happy Nature Walks.

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Watch the slideshows or click on the links to look through at your own pace. Links open in a new tab.

Local Stuff:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_nov_2022    Los Cerritos Wetlands:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/hellman_nov_2022

Salton Sea Highlights:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/best_of_salton_sea_nov-2022