At any rate, I am starting to get acclimated and hope to get some more outings in. One of our "weekends", (I am off Sunday and Mondays now), we went to Bolsa Chica wetlands area. We chose this garden spot because my son, Austin, is their newest Restoration Director there. He has moved into a condo with a couple roommates nearby and can literally jog to work.
We were able to spend a couple of days with him at his work while he showed us around. He was able to take to Rabbit Island, a place that is restricted in access for humans, and limited access to coyotes, raccoons, and other creatures that eat eggs and such. It is only accessible on very low tide days.
Austin used the company truck to drive us out to the island access point, after putting a wooden "bridge" in the bed. At the location, Austin tied a rope to one end and laid the bridge across a small inlet so we could cross onto the island. It was a little unstable but did the trick. Mom wasn't too excited about the bridge but she made it across.
(Austin in his office)
(Austin showing Mom how to use the bridge)
Austin showed us the majority of his work he has planned for the next couple months is the eradication of invasive non-native plants such as the ice plant that is pervasive along the coast. It looks like a very large job. He has plans to work with volunteers and the California Conservation Corps to accomplish this goal.
He also has several types of native plants growing in specially made plant boxes behind their main office. Once they are viable, and the invasive species are removed, he can use these to restore the natural plant balance to the area. Another long term and rather tedious process, but highly worthwhile.
(plants growing protected in large boxes behind the main office at Bolsa Chica Wetland Area)
While we were wandering around with Austin explaining all the biology and his goals, we saw several birds of interest. There was an Osprey that gave us some good looks. Buffleheads, Great Blue Herons, Whimbrels, Curlews, Willets and many other peeps were plentiful. We briefly saw a Reddish Egret in one of the ponds as well. We also saw a Kestrel or two and possibly a Merlin on a wire. I was able to snap a shot of a White Tailed Kite perched low to the ground in the marsh as well.
(Bufflehead)
(Our cooperative Osprey)
(White Tailed Kite)
(Great Blue Heron)
On the second day we went up to Long Beach and visited our oldest son, Taylor, and he took us to one of his sites he is working to restore. Near this site is a place where warm water is released from a power plant. This warm water has attracted large sea turtles in some numbers. It is very exciting to see them rise to the surface for air, then slowly disappear into the green water. Some are four to five feet across their shells.
(Turtle head out of the water, taking a breath)
It was a great two day adventure with our sons. Taylor was also able to make it down to Huntington Beach (Austin's place), for dinner on both nights so it was a good family time. It is these kinds of weekends that make it all worthwhile.
(Taylor and Andi talking while I was taking pictures of turtles. I was told I had just a few minutes more then we had to leave. Aaaah, isn't that cute.)
