The Binocular Site
Newport Bay, California
This bay of Newport beach is home to several endangered birds, and a stop on the migratory journey of over 30000 other birds as well.
The Sea and Sage Audobon Society keeps monthly counts, and estimates that nearly 200 bird species nest on the bay.
Here you c an find Light-footed Clapper Rails, California Least Terns, Brown Pelicans, Peregrine Falcons, Belding's Savannah Sparrows, and Coastal California Gnatcatchers. The Light-footed Clapper Rail is perhaps the bird who feels most at home within Newport Bay, and some believe this is the only location where they can successfully breed in the wild.
The Light-footed Clapper Rail builds a nest by weaving loose grass strands around the stems of cordgrass, and the nest floats up and down with the tide. Because the cordgrass here grows taller than elsewhere, the tops of the grass can form a canopy over the nest, protecting it from birds that fly overhead.
Fenced breeding areas have been provided here for Least Terns to ensure their nests, which are dug in the shoreline, are protected. Finally, Brown Pelican and Peregrine Falcon populations have significantly increased in Newport Bay, which has helped take them back off the endangered list.
The California state bird is listed as the California Quail and you can find a checklist for birding related activities in California here.
Photo credit to Ned Raggett, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the habitat and birds you might run into while visiting Newport Bay here.If you've visited Newport Bay, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this California birdwatching location below.
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