Saw a group of Brants today

I have identified about 30 species so far and today I got my first glimpse of a Brant. Brants are a small member of the goose family with a jet black head and a cool white ring around the neck. Geese have an elegant vibe that distinguishes them. Bird books don't get into vibes but they are definitely there.

 

On a clear day you can see for miles!

I did a 6 mile round trip today which is the distance from my house to the end of the Ballona Creek path just beyond the Playa del Rey bridge and back. From the end of the rocky point I had a crystal clear view of the snow capped San Gabriel mountains to the East, Catalina Island to the South, and Point Dume to the North. When you are birding you can use your binoculars for long distance viewing as well.

What kind of skateboard should you get for optimal birding?

You want to get a basic "street board". That is the kind with an upward slope on both ends. Usually about 8" wide by 32" long. If you don't care about fancy artwork you can get a basic plain wood deck for about $20. Basic metal trucks are about $20 each. The most important detail is the wheels. The Ballona Creek path is made of pretty rough asphalt so you want to get soft wheels. Softer wheels will slow you down a bit but they give you a MUCH smoother and more comfortable ride when the ground is rough. Hardness is measured in "duro" and you want to stay in the upper 70's. My wheels are 78. Most skate shops will let you pick your component parts and they will build it for you right there for no extra charge.

Why go birding on a skateboard?

This is the first in a series of posts designed to encourage birders to try skateboarding and skaters to try birding.

• You can cover more ground when you are on a skateboard. Typical birding is done on foot which restricts you range of territory on a given outing. More territory = more birds!
• Compared to biking, the slower speed of a skateboard allows for optimal bird surveillance while you are in motion. 

How it all began

I have been living blocks away from the Ballona Creek Wetlands in Los Angeles for 15 years. I have jogged, walked and biked on the creek on and off for years, and have always enjoyed the urban oasis that it provides, especially since the city began allowing the foliage to flourish unfettered by fears of fabled floods. After a lackluster mid-life attempt at surfing, I sought a similar thrill that was easier to pick-up and required less gear and planning: skateboarding of course. Coincidentally, around the same time that I got a skateboard, I finally ordered the field guide to Southern California coastal birds that was always checked out from my local library. The final ingredient was already in my closet: a killer pair of binoculars that I had purchased for a trip to the Anza-Borrego desert in hopes of spotting the elusive Big Horn Sheep. I was ready to go!