Yosemite and Mono Lake

 On September 21st we arrived in Yosemite National Park. The first thing we did there was a four mile round trip hike up to see the Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoia trees. The hike covered some decent elevation and was a bit strenuous going up. Coming down was far easier.

On that hike, Dan gamely carried his long lens in case birds we had never seen before mad an appearance. I just took my binoculars.

That trail and the over two hours we were on it did not disappoint. 

A Hermit Thrush was the first bird we saw on the dusty trail:

 

We saw several woodpecker species...

Downy Woodpecker:

 

Hairy Woodpecker:

Pileated Woodpecker:

Acorn Woodpecker:

 

And White-headed Woodpecker:

 

The last two species were life birds for us and that is always a huge thrill despite our aching feet when we were through with the uphill/downhill climb.

On September 22nd we drove east out of Yosemite, admiring the gorgeous granite formations, mountains, and lakes. Speaking of lakes, north of Lee Vining, California we headed to Mono Lake, and alkaline lake that is gradually shrinking and a haven for birds and the saline water is full of brine shrimp. 80% of the California Gull population breeds there.

 

We birded the County Park, that borders the northern part of Mono Lake. It's an oasis of green with a boardwalk that goes out toward the lake in the marsh. Since the lake has receded so dramatically the boardwalk end is quite a ways from the lake shore. On that path we saw another life bird: The Lesser Goldfinch (male).

Nothing lesser about this songbird who let us know his presence with a lovely song.

The lakes edge produced migratory waterfowl that we have seen back east but it is always a thrill to see these birds like American Avocet, Willet, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot.

Back in the park we saw migratory White-crowned Sparrows and another life bird, the Red-beliied Sapsucker:

Mono Lake, particularly County Park, is popular with birders and we can certainly see why!