I visited Coyote Hills for the first time in a while. As always, it was lively with walkers, cyclists, families, and birders. But since the area is spacious, it’s nice that you can observe without being too disturbed by others passing by.
Wild Turkeys usually stroll around leisurely in groups. Coyotes are supposed to inhabit this area, so I wonder how the turkeys avoid being preyed upon. Apparently, they can actually fly away when they sense danger—though I say “apparently” because I’ve never seen them do it myself. The flock here doesn’t seem very afraid of humans.My first sighting of a Wilson’s Phalarope, a relatively small sandpiper. Judging from eBird reports, I’ve seen most of the species commonly found in nearby areas over the past year, though there are still new encounters to be had at certain spots like Coyote Hills.I’m impressed that they can see insects so clearly while flying at such high speed.Barn Swallow.Mallard.A Mallard landing dramatically on the water.Green-winged Teal.Mourning Dove — a small pigeon whose walking movements are more quick and twitchy compared to a Rock Pigeon.California Towhee.My favorite, the White-tailed Kite. Unfortunately, the rising heat shimmer from the ground made it hard to get a clear shot, but after dozens of photos I managed to capture one fairly sharp image.It circled nearby, occasionally hovering. It seemed unbothered, yet when it passed directly overhead, it definitely checked me out.Hovering again. I’ve often seen it hover repeatedly and dive into the grass, but I’ve never actually witnessed a successful catch. What exactly are they eating, I wonder?Since they’re present year-round, I’ll keep observing them.
