The Blackbird

The female blackbird that was injured in December lost her left foot February 12. Relieved from this burden by spontaneous amputation, she now joins the other blackbirds for feeding, and seems to be doing better.

When seriously injured, wild birds will avoid the normal social activity of the flock.

The Rain

The county had more than the average amount of rain this winter, much of it cold. It is surprising how the birds stand outside sleeping in the weather all night. Monday shows how the sparkling raindrops form beads on her back.

Small animals must suffer greatly because of the cold rain storms. It always seems that late winter and early spring is the time that most die from starvation or disease.

The Sparrows

Near the end of February, the sparrows are once again singing their unique song that identifies them with the marina. The last five notes are distinctly musical and easily recognized. Other sparrows a short distance away sing a different tune.

Habitat Loss

Vegetation removal around the yacht basin began last fall to coincide with winter migration. New growth started to return, probably helped by the above average rainfall. This is just the sort of tender young shoots that the birds like.

Some of the new growth appears wilted for an unknown reason.

The Port of San Diego employs contractors who use pesticides and herbicides. Port of San Diego Search for "Herbicide" results. RoundUp Herbicide is used in the parks.

None of this has had much effect since so few coots have returned on migration this winter.

Many people may miss the blue and yellow flowers that would bloom every year this month.

By the end of February, everything is dead around the marina.

The Sea Lion

A large sea lion appeared in the yacht basin a few times in February. All the birds are terrified and run away in horror. None of the birds were harmed, but there are plenty of fish in the marina to feed this monster.

The Gulls

Gulls play on the flagpole in the early morning when nobody is around.

The gulls can seem to be destructive birds, and the following short movie illustrates this:

Bad Gulls

The Others

In spite of continued use of the Bromadiolone poison bait, a live squirrel was seen at Chula Vista Bayside Park. A rabbit appeared on Marina Parkway by the Chula Vista Marina View Park in February.

Wild Coots

By the end of the month, eighteen wild birds are fed every night. They are all starving, don't get much to eat, and make a great amount of stress for Beaky and Monday. They overrun the borders of Beaky's territory. As he tries to fight them off, they ignore him, so he gets little to eat for his efforts.

Only a few days before migration begins, birds are fighting over crumbs. They are nervous and excited, trying their wings by spattering across the water.

It would be nice to mark these birds some way to show that they were faithful companions over the winter, but dealing with a bird banding association would be problematic. And there are dangers of injury in banding. However, I am left with the whimsical but factual knowledge that each bird's brain retains a permanent image of my face.

Nesting

The osprey have been busy this spring catching fish in the marina, and carrying them to their nest across the street. No babies have been heard yet. When chicks hatch, their loud peeping can easily be heard from the parking lot.

The Herons

The Blue herons have been working hard on their nest in a pine tree by the boat ramp. No chicks have been seen yet.

Stupid Sign

Why are boaters worried about disestablishment of this state agency?

Governor Proposes Eliminating Department of Boating & Waterways

The picture shows only a vague understanding of what a boat looks like, and most who got their MBA in the past 30 years know that offending and insulting decent people with these signs is not helpful.

Big Picture:

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This wild female migrant is one of a few females this winter. It is unusual to have more than one female coot in the marina.