urbpan: (dandelion)
urbpan ([personal profile] urbpan) wrote2013-02-25 09:33 am

Vacation photos in almost real time!

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The first morning of visiting a new city, I walk around and try to get a sense of what the urban birds are. They are very similar in every city I've been to--there will almost always be pigeons, house sparrows, and starlings. I was happy that in this neighborhood (Harbor City) to hear ravens croaking almost immediately. There were also a number of gulls, and some grackles. Unfortunately I didn't bring a local guide so I don't know many of the specifics. It was easy to identify these penguins I mean pigeons.

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We spent much of the day at Long Beach, where there are lots of touristy things. Dad and I appreciated the moderate temperatures and immoderate constant bright sunshine.

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There was some signage along the walkway identifying some of the creatures found nearby; I think this is a purple sandpiper--it looked and acted like a spotted sandpiper, a species I see a lot back home on fresh water.

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We ended up in a place called Rancho Palo Verde, a beautiful cliff community. People go there to look out at the ocean at whales.

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My favorite thing there was this hummingbird.

[identity profile] ruthling.livejournal.com 2013-02-25 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
the song of the Anna's Hummingbird is so distinctive you'll be spotting them everywhere. I miss that.

[identity profile] jenhime.livejournal.com 2013-02-25 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
When I was a kid, I lived in RPV for a couple of years. I loved going to the Point Vicente lighthouse to dolphin and whale watch. Haven't been back to visit in more than a decade, though...

[identity profile] asakiyume.livejournal.com 2013-02-26 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
I like that hummingbird too.

[identity profile] deathling.livejournal.com 2013-02-26 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
Oh my, I'm falling in love with CA.

[identity profile] elainetyger.livejournal.com 2013-02-26 04:08 am (UTC)(link)
great sign picture

[identity profile] detroitos.livejournal.com 2013-02-26 04:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Looks like a great time and warm.