More Mesa and Santa Barbara Bocanic Garden’s Today

Posted on by Ed

This morning I decided to check out More Mesa while I waited for the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s to open at 9 AM and was blown away by the extent of this mesa, right overlooking a huge piece of the coastline just south of Goleta, and north of Santa Barbara. It is really impressive. Birding was enjoyable if not great, and I was happy to see another cool place in the neighborhood. A few photos and the checklist.

Hooded Orioles all over
Hooded Orioles all over

Practicing in-flight photos - Hooded Oriole
Practicing in-flight photos – Hooded Oriole

At the Botanic Gardens I saw a Perigrine Falcon soaring with a Turkey Vulture, and enjoyed the gardens and the walk. Got nice looks at a Pacific slope flycatcher in bright fresh fall plumage. A few photos:
27846721246_91c29faf61_z
27804780341_1276e57698_z

Red-shouldered hawk.
Red-shouldered hawk.

Also got in touch with my nephew Mic who is going to join me on the Santa Barbara Island boat tomorrow. I’m excited about that.