Winter/spring is often a single season along the central California coast. Our winters are usually rainy and cool. This past December it was dry with mid-month temperatures reaching 77° Fahrenheit (25°C). Instead of welcoming wet winter, autumn was not ready to release its grip.

During January and February we had weeks of wintery cool (highs in the mid-50s, around 18°C) but with little rain alternating with springtime warmth (highs in the 70s, around 24°C).  [Note to those who experience cold, snowy winters: I’m not complaining.
I know we have mild weather year round. Rain, especially lack of, is our major winter concern.]

Now in March, it rained for 10 of the 20 days before the equinox and 5 of the 5 days after. Winter finally arrived with the arrival of astronomical spring. but today the season switched again. It’s a beautiful, sunny spring day with a few clouds.

Confused? Maybe the local humans are, but not the avian fauna of Laguna Grande. Throughout this winter/spring mix up, visitors and residents have made the most of winter lethargy and springtime exuberance. Enjoy.

Red-winged Blackbird

Song Sparrow

Orange-crowned Warbler

American Goldfinch

Wilson’s Snipe

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Spotted Towhee

Fox Sparrow

Hooded Merganser