Since my “project” to photograph fall plant colors and seeds was abruptly terminated by the closure of Los Padres National Forest, I decided instead to pursue photos of bird species that I did not have.

I had thought I had read (was mistaken) that there were Ring-necked Ducks on Lake Los Carneros, so that is where I went on October 30th. The ducks tend to keep to the middle of the lake during the day — too far away for photos, so I returned to LLC a number of times to see if they were closer at different times of the day. On each of these trips, I was surprised at the large variety and numbers of other birds, some of which I was able to photograph.

(Hutton’s Vireo - Lake Los Carneros - October 30, 2007)

On the first day, I thought I had captured a Ruby-crowned Kinglet - but it was in fact a Hutton’s Vireo. On all return visits, I heard the kinglet but was never able to get a photo - they seemed to be taunting me from the many coyote bushes around LLC. Nevertheless, each outing was great because of the variety of birds. It was very enjoyable birding and exercise.

(Redhead, male - Lake Los Carneros - November 02, 2007)

Amongst the species photographed - Ducks: Redhead, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, Wigeons, Gadwalls, Lesser (I think) Scaup - Raptors: Merlin, Kestrel, White-tailed Kite - Sparrows: Lincoln, Golden-crowned, White-crowned - and firsts-for-me: Red-breasted Sapsucker and Hutton’s Vireo.

There were many close misses - California Thrasher, Wilson’s Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Meadowlark, coyote (not a bird, I know, but one was seen near the east entrance), etc.

(Northern Flicker - Lake Los Carneros - November 02, 2007)

Now that “Daylight Savings” days are here, I will be birding mostly in areas closer to home - More Mesa, Atascadero Creek, Goleta Beach - although visits to East Beach and Bird Refuge over the holiday season are a must.

• Slideshow of Lake Los Carneros Birds