The sun shone through the clouds yesterday morning instead of expected rain, so off we trekked to one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California...which is essentially in our backyard! Back Bay is a birder's paradise where we saw several photographers, joggers, cyclists and school groups enjoying this ecological reserve. According to the local visitors guide, Back Bay has seen 35, 000 birds at once during the winter migration season. Sensitive and endangered species include: the burrowing owl, the California gnatcatcher, Belding's Savannah sparrow, the peregrine falcon and so on.
While there, we sited: sandpipers, hummingbirds, snowy egrets, cormorants, blue herons and others we do not know the names of off hand.
The aroma of the area was reminiscent of Kim's greenhouse at Moondance Organic Gardens back home. It came from the sage scrub and grasslands that grow on the bluffs and throughout the area. It took my breath away. I felt right home here... I look forward to enjoying long walks and bike rides here often. The boys enjoyed it also as they did there thing looking at plants, birds and bugs...dancing along the pathways with their beloved sticks...leading the way with Willow at their side...
We were concerned to see a lot of garbage in the water... it was very obvious and we wondered about where the source of this garbage originated. So, when we returned home, we contacted The Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends to ask questions and see if there were programs available or if we could help. Rita tells us that when there is heavy rainfall all the debris from the surrounding, 150 acre watershed, comes into the Bay. Typically, they do a big clean up in September and otherwise try to stay on top of it as much as possible. This non-profit group runs programs and has an Interpretive Centre that we plan to go to. They have an age-appropriate after school Conservation Club in January, that we plan to go to, as well as other events that will provide more insight and information about the Bay. I will keep you posted on what we learn!
