[All photographs copyright, Gary Nunn 2013] – The Muirlands neighborhood of La Jolla has many impressively well wooded gardens providing food and cover for myriad good birds. Streets such as El Camino Del Teatro, La Cumbre Drive, Solymar Drive, and Inspiration Drive can all be productive turning up good finds. I made several visits over the last couple weekends discovering Western Tanagers, Summer Tanager, Hermit Warbler, Mountain Chickadees, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, and what seems to be endless inquisitive Red-breasted Nuthatches. Another good find was a shy “Slate-colored” Fox Sparrow buried in deep cover under a hedgerow. This area is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area, for example after a dawn seawatch from Point La Jolla is a good plan, by 9 am the temperatures are rising and insect activity picks up drawing out activity in the birds.
Western Tanager – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Western Tanager – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Summer Tanager – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Summer Tanager – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Summer Tanager – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Summer Tanager – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Red-breasted Sapsucker – La Jolla Muirlands 06 Jan 2013
Mountain Chickadee – La Jolla Muirlands 06 Jan 2013
White-breasted Nuthatch – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Hermit Warbler – La Jolla Muirlands 13 Jan 2013
Gary you are an excellent photographer!
Hey thanks Peter! Tanagers just love those subtropical fruits – Brazilian Cherry or Plum from the rainforests!
The fruit the Summer Tanager is eating is Surinam Cherry, Eugenia uniflora. According to the Sunset Western Garden Guide, the fruit is good for jams and jellies.
Hey Tom, agreed it is some kind of Eugenia for sure. The size and shape of the fruit looks a bit different, round and smooth, maybe it is a type of Eugenia known as Brazilian Plum? I may grow one of those in my yard – amazing draw for tanagers, four sitting in the tree!
Nice birds right in our neighborhood and great photos. John
Hey thanks John, almost subtropical in the Muirlands around those streets! Worth checking if you looking for a nearby spot to bird.
Gary, I really like your blog I find it educational and interesting. Keep it going. -Tito
Hey thanks Tito, appreciate the positive feedback! Winter birding doldrums a bit right now, I need to get out and find some good new birds!