Day Trip to San Luis Rey Mission

It's always fun to go birding to a new spot that you haven't been before.  You can see what kind of bird subjects are around as you explore the area and get an idea of where the hot spots may be.  This week, Eve and I decided to check out the San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside, founded in 1798 by Padre Femin Francisco de Lasuen. The Mission was named after St. Louis IX , King of France in the 13th century.  Because of the large size of the Mission, it has been nicknamed " the King of Missions".

Arriving early at the Mission, the marine layer was still thick but we were hopeful that the sun would break through quickly and the day would be good for birding and photos. Eve took a few shots with her phone. Here is what we saw as we approached the driveway. 

We decided to check out the western end of the Mission grounds and found an unlocked gate leading to an area that may have been used as a place for bathing, laundry and other water-related needs. Another great photo by Eve with her phone. 

Eve got a shot of this beautifully carved stonework that may have been used for opening the water supply. 

 

I was startled by a close encounter with a Red-shouldered Hawk that came near looking for prey.

 

This cute little rabbit may be what he was looking for...

 

 A very vocal Red-shouldered Hawk flies above alerting to something. 

Sure enough, an intruder Red-tailed Hawk that has flown into the Red-shouldered territory starts a minor confrontation. 

The large Red-tailed Hawk decides to leave the area.

 

A beautiful group of Matilija Poppy gets my attention.

Also the attention of may bees collecting pollen. 

 

As we explore the grounds of the western side of the mission, an ever-present Black Phoebe accompanies us. 

Always curious and as my friend Ms Parkinson calls them "the in-your-face bird".

 

There were an abundance of Western Bluebirds on the Mission grounds. We made our way to the south east side and this beauty was spotted chasing after insects on the lawn.

 

Got one!

 

He also kept an eye on our movements through the grounds. 

 

A nice close look. 

More insects foraging on the lawn. 

 

He stood still long enough for a close-up shot.

 

We walked around the back of the Mission to see if we could find where the San Luis Rey riverbed was but only found private houses and this flycatcher on the nearby wire. (I will need help to get a positive ID on this beauty. )

 

Coming back to the center of the Mission grounds, we found a beautiful Koi pond loaded with huge fish. 

 

There was a posting on the edge of the pond that said their no. 1 predator was Raccoons. 

This guy stayed towards the bottom of the pond but you still can see the beautiful markings of these giant Koi fish. 

 

As we were admiring the Koi fish, a bright yellow streak flying into a tree next to the pond caught my attention. A male Hooded Oriole makes an appearance!

He checks the berries and as he hears my camera clicking, he decides to fly off. 

Back to photographing the giant Koi fish. 

Look who's checking on us again... the beautiful Western Bluebird perches above the fish pond. 

He sure is watching what we are up to. 

Another surprise gust at the fish pond... a Townsend's Warbler makes a quick appearance. 

And we have a quick visit by an Orange-crowned Warbler too. 

Delighted with all the birds we have seen we decide to walk behind the Church and visit the cemetery but this Nuttall's Woodpecker catches our attention. Eve had been hearing him for quite a while and finally spots him in a beautiful pine tree.

He is busy looking for something to eat. 

They probe between the cracks in the bark and use their long tongue probing for insects. 

 Looking...

He sees me clicking away with my camera but appears comfortable with my presence. 

What a beautiful bird. 

 

Looks like he spotted something. 

 

He uses his beak like a forceps and pulls out a nice bug from the tree bark.

 

He got a nice batch in this crevice. 

He gathers his bugs in his beak but doesn't eat them... must be gathering food for his youngsters. 

 

A close look at his beak full of bugs. 

He finds more bugs. See his tongue searching the crevice of the bark... 

Loaded with food.

 

He takes a quick look around and leaves the area. Probably to the nest to feed his hungry nestlings. 

We head towards the Cemetery and I spot this beautiful artwork. This is "Rachel Mourning" she is grieving for her lost children. 

As we approach the cemetery, I spot a pair of Western Bluebirds. The male really shows the blue coloring. 

He flies to a headstone and gives me a great opportunity for this unusual shot. A perfect way to end our trip to the San Luis Rey Mission.

This photo is dedicated to all the men and women that have served and the ones that are now serving our Country. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice and many are still with us. A huge "Thank You" to all that served and are serving as we celebrate our country's Memorial weekend. 

Wishing everyone a peaceful day of remembrance. Have a great weekend everyone!