Right next to Pescadero Beach, which I visited before, there is also a wetland area with established trails. With its mix of estuary, coastline, and wetlands, it seems like an excellent spot for wildlife observation. Unusually for this stretch of coast, there’s also free parking available. I decided to revisit for the first time in a while. It’s about a 20-minute drive south from Half Moon Bay.
On the sandy beach facing steep cliffs, a few anglers can be seen here and there. I wonder what they’re aiming for.Almost immediately upon arrival, the Belted Kingfisher I had hoped to see here appeared, though unfortunately, I could only spot it from a distance.Brewer’s BlackbirdBlack Oystercatcher, which I also saw in Alaska.The rocky formations here are also interesting. In the distance is a Western Gull.Canada Goose standing on a fallen tree. In fact, the trail in the wetland mentioned in the title was closed for construction, so this time I explored the surrounding area instead. The banks of Pescadero Creek, which flows alongside the trail, also seem promising. There are many fallen trees, perhaps carried there by flooding.Caspian Tern, which I haven’t seen in a while. With its bright bill and large build, spotting one always feels like a bit of a win.Northern HarrierWalking along Pescadero Creek, I likely came across a Mallard with ducklings.These are larger but walking in a line, so they’re likely a family as well. Common Merganser. It’s widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and appears the same as those seen in Japan.Another Mallard family. This group is even larger than the previous one, perhaps a different brood.Great Blue Heron staring intently into the grass.Along the coast, flocks of Brown Pelicans flying in formation are a common sight.A lone Common Merganser.I was able to get quite close to the Black Oystercatcher.Brown Pelicans taking flight.Heermann’s Gull and Brown Pelicans.
