First birding walk in US

Moved to US for a work assignment. After doing some birding back in India I wanted to continue it here in America. I was told I would be travelling to California couple of months back. So started looking out on the web to find suitable birding spots and the commonly found birds in the area. Got some useful tips from Deepa too.

Since this was a long weekend I planned to walk Pentencial creek trail which is in San Jose. It is a very beautiful trail where we can see people going for jogs, walks, cycling and even the park is huge. A very good place for picnic for families too. From my house its about 2 miles. A good long walk was planned and alone too. Since the trail is filled with people there is no fear of getting lost ;-)

Started early and reached the actual trail. The first bird I saw was this beautiful Northern Bluebird. Its a wonderful colorful bird. Then came the group of House Finch. I could seem them in good numbers feeding on tall grass. Another one of those beautiful brightly colored bird. Along with them I also saw Lesser goldfinch. Few mourning doves were also seen on the way.

House Finch

Lesser Goldfinch

Mourning Dove

Near the small pond I was able to see some gulls, Rock Pigeon, Black Pheobe. Canada Goose and American coots were also present in the pond. A lone Green Heron just made a brief visit to the pond.

Green Heron

Canada Goose

Since it was getting late I decided to head back. And on the way I was lucky to see Mocking Bird, Lesser goldfinch and my most wanted bird the Humming bird :-) The humming bird was very co-operative and seemed to be enjoying the nice breeze and was seen preening itself. A very good way to end the first bird walk in a new country.

Black Pheobe

California Towhee

Anna's Hummingbird

Northern Mockingbird

Northern Bluebird

Please do correct if I have ide'd some of the birds wrongly.

List of birds seen during the day.

1. Northern Mocking Bird
2. Anna's Humming bird
3. Canada Goose
4. American coot
5. Green Heron
6. Mourning Dove
7. Rock Pigeon
8. Lesser goldfinch
9. Black Phoebe
10. Western Bluebird
11. House Finch
12. California Towhee