Despite gusty winds and unexpected freeway closures, eight determined birders enjoyed a rewarding day at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Huntington Central Park in Huntington Beach. Their persistence paid off with four rare bird encounters and lingering views of several less common species.

Highlights at Bolsa Chica included a Tricolored Heron, two Common Loons, Surf Scoters, a Rock Wren, and Red-breasted Mergansers. The day’s crowning moment came at Huntington Central Park, where Steve Ellis spotted a remarkable Canada Warbler and Jennifer located an American Redstart—both extraordinary sightings for the area.