Morro Bay & Lake Piru

Morro Rock stands 576 feet overlooking harbor, dunes and beach.

Once part of a volcanic chain known as the Morros.

Juan Carbrillo in 1542 named the Rock for it's dome like structure.

In 1587, this area was claimed for Spain.

The Rock covers 50 acres at it's base in spite of being quarried for breakwaters.

This monolith is a nesting refuge for Peregrine Falcons.

This female is one of the two pairs currently claiming this rock as their own.

    This Peregrine is one of the other pair on the west end of the Rock

This area with it's harbor, boat tours, fishing and surfing draws a large crowd

including numerous Cairn builders.

The star attractions the social, fun loving Sea Otters, sometimes napping.

Or eating Abalone.

Or looking cute and curious (people watching).

A Kelp anchored family, tagged adult and white-faced pup.

A fishing Great Blue Heron, although close overlooked by majority of visitors.

Adult White-crowned Sparrow

Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow

 

Eastern Fence Lizard

Beach Flowers add color to the scenery.

Townsend's Warbler

Over 300 Long-billed Curlews use this beach area

Curlews landing in and around dog walkers and surfers.

Curlew fluffs to realign feathers.

Probing for Mole Crabs

Pulls Mole Crab to surface

Juggles Crab

to align for swallowing

Close your eyes and swallow!

Bill cleaning time - life of a Long-billed Curlew

Marbled Godwit

And a few Whimbrels

Picturesque Lake Piru Recreation Area, a shrinking reservoir nestled in the Los Padres National Forest

is where we camped for five days,

Campground Sunset

A new dawn for exploring,

Western Grebe

Clark's Grebe

Drove 5 miles on narrow, rough mountain road to Pothole Trail looking for Mountain Lion and Bear,

saw neither, but plenty of bear sign.

Such as Bear scat filled with Western Walnuts,

obviously not digestible but a great cleanser.

White-tailed Kite perching near the shoreline

and flying.

Lawrence's Goldfinches, a rare treat

Lark Sparrows on only green grass in the park

Male Nuttall's Woodpecker

Surprise of the park - Lewis's Woodpecker

Honey Bees collecting pollen

Honey bees searching for water at lawn sprinkler for honey production.

Coyote, one of the pair running across the brown grass.

We are now at Northridge for October at Walnut RV, visiting our son Travis and his wife Tina

and our missionary friends Joel & Marie.

Love & Prayers,

Ty & Ida Baumann