Joy of Birding at the Garden

It's stormy today with much needed rain with wind and lightning in Southern California. All this moisture will be wonderful for the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, California. Formerly Quail Gardens, it is a hidden jewel of southern California located in this northern  city in coastal San Diego County. It doesn't matter what season you are visiting these wonderful grounds or if it is sunny or cloudy.  It is a joyful place that will transform your cloudy mood to one of serene optimism encouraged by perfumed exotic flowers and fantastic colorful displays of flowering trees and shrubs covering every corner of this fabulous place. 

Here are a few photos I took the other day just before our big rain storm. A resident Green Heron is usually very cooperative posing for a shot for anyone with a camera. Just go to the large lily pond located in the bamboo forest in the northwest part of the garden. Approach slowly and quietly and you will surely spot this handsome heron. 

 

The "green"  part of the Green Heron.

Most likely, you will see an appearance of a Red-shouldered Hawk at the Garden. They are also one of the garden's resident birds.This one passes overhead.

This could be a courtship flight with lots of vocalization going on.

Western Scrub-Jays are also found in the garden.

A female Anna's Hummingbird is always a welcome sight when taking shots of beautiful orange blossoms. 

A female Allen's Hummingbird defends her territory near the Floss Silk Tree. 

A Lesser Goldfinch is looking for breakfast. 

The male has the black crown with beautiful buttery yellow plumage on neck, chest, and belly. 

 

Nice frontal look.

He finds some tasty-looking seed pods on a rosemary plant.

A beautiful peach colored coral tree attracts a female Allen's Hummingbird. Another wonderful day for a walk through the gardens and I am feeling energized and inspired to go home and do some spring planting in my home garden!

Have a great week everyone!