Today I wanted to spend time in GGPark. And because this was my last chance for Naturing in SF for a bit, I wanted to go somewhere with possible migrant birds as Fall Migration is kicking into gear. So I went to the Chain of Lakes.

But I took over 200 photos. Had to look through them all. Then upload to iNat. And now I don’t have much time except for some highlights…

Chain of Lakes Garden was very special today. In addition to seeing a Townsend’s Warbler taking a bath, I got to also watch THREE Umber Skippers duking it out, a Hermit Thrush (always love them), and a lovely moment of watching A BUNCH of American Robins indulging in the bird bath to drink water together.

Oh, and I was able to follow along as an Anna’s Humminbird made its way through seemingly each and every Sandrose Mallow at the Garden. I could watch them drink for hours. HOURS, I SAY.

North Lake was very quiet until I rounded the South corner on my usual clockwise route. Many Black-crowned Night-Herons with some juveniles, a Western Flycatcher that I really wished I’d gotten better photos of, and a Cross Orbweaver ohsoveryclose to the path that I’m certain a kid will run into it at some point!

And then I got to Mallard Beach, where many Mallards were. But a smaller female version was hanging out with them. That was no female Mallard! But a female Green-winged Teal! So small and cute compared to the Mallards, who often harrassed it. But nowhere near as much as an American Coot that snapped at it. Even a Ring-necked Duck was in the distance. And Red-winged Blackbirds were calling from the reeds.

Near the end of my North Lake Loop, a Vireo of some kind (Warbling Vireo, maybe?) was bopping about, but I only got crap photos. I think a Brown Creeper even tried chasing it away at some point??

And since it’s been a while since I saw any Great Horned Owls of the East, I ended up in the usual spot around sunset in hopes of at least hearing one.

And, I did.

While I was feeling that I’d come up empty handed, as I heard nothing leading up to actual sunset time, just after sunset or so I heard a HIGH HOOT in the distance. I had spotted a GHO feather over near the Owl Nursery, but a recent iNat observation made me think I should wait near the base of Lila’s Hill.

But once that HIGH HOOT came out from the direction of the Owl Nursery, I booked it over there. And waited. And waited. No second hoot. But I got lucky and caught sight of a GHO flying over the Owl Nursery Trail and land.

Found a spot to see it better, and at one point it looked up so I could see its eyes. And I knew it was Ma Owl. With her off-centered left eye. I was so glad to see her. To see she’s alive. And continue to wonder how she sees the world now. Still on her own, as far as I could tell. But still owning her place in the East.

And then she soon flew off to the North and out of sight. It was getting quite dark, so I did not get a decent photo. Just proof of her eye. But I was able to have a moment with her. Grateful each and every time.