Kay and I drove to the stakeout feeder near the Rios entrance at San Elijo Lagoon in San Diego county today to try again for a lifer for Kay and a first really satisfying view for me of this goldfinch. We got there at about 9:10 after moderate traffic on I-5 south from Fullerton, and with the help of an exact street address from Laurel easily located the feeders. In short order we found up to 6 Lesser goldfinch, 3 adult males, 2 apparent females and one likely immature male. We met the homeowner, a very nice couple, and had chats with the feeder keeper/wife. She said she has kept the feeders up for maybe 25 years but this is the first year anyone but herself has ever noticed. She noted that it rained yesterday and her niger seed was a bit damp, so she changed it out and set the moist seeds to dry. Within 10 minutes the goldfinches were actively using the niger feeders, having just perched in the trees prior.
Still after nearly 3 hours and no Lawrence’s we had discussions on strategy. It was after noon, there is another likely spot only 45 minutes drive away, and decided to wait it out there. I played a LAGO recording infrequently and Kay asked me to try one more time. Bingo, a couple more birds zoomed into the tree as I played, one of which was the previously reported male Lawrence’s. We met a nice couple in the 2 prior hours as we watched. They also got great looks, and she got some photos.
We were about to leave when the homeowner came back out to chat. She had never seen the LAGO, so we waited another couple of minutes and the male returned, we loaned her binos and she got good looks. Then the bird went to the niger feeder and I was able to get what I think are good photos. I am missing my card reader for my Mac and so will add a photo once I can get them off my camera. We went to Salano Beach for a quick lunch at a snazzy looking “green” food place where it took more chewing to eat a vege wrap than I prefer. Wish I’d saved $20 and gone to Subway. I like their sandwich better, but hey, we got the goldfinch. One more target off my California to get list for this trip.
Next up is a long walk tomorrow at Bolsa Chica and then in a few days a multi-day foray into the desert with Kay to Anza Borego, the Salton Sea, Big Morongo and if accessible up Mt. Jacinto.