Feathered Findings: Merlin Mendoza’s Adventures in Birding
Wildlife film photographer and birder Merlin Mendoza is the real-life embodiment of Ash Ketchum, the fabled Pokémon protagonist. Rather than wielding a pokéball to “catch them all,” Mendoza relies on his manual Canon SLRs to catalog his feathered findings with his own version of the “National Pokédex.” His impassioned quest was sparked by attending the San Diego Bird Alliance’s Christmas census in 2023, and he has been on the march ever since.
Boasting an avian population with more than 520 species, it’s apropos that San Diego’s estuaries act as southbound rest stops along the migratory “Pacific Flyway.” Existing within a semi-arid Mediterranean biome, San Diego County is home to a wide array of ecosystems that support the wing span: rolling hills of chaparral that blanket the coastal sprawl; salt marshes and kelp forests that greet the mighty Pacific in the West; oak woodlands that hug Mount Laguna in the East; and the parched desert of Anza-Borrego that marks the county line. No wonder San Diego is recognized as the most biodiverse county in the contiguous United States.
Thrust into our distinct geographical landscape, Mendoza, equipped with a tripod and cable release, looks to leave no stone unturned or tree cavity unexplored. Lucky for us, he was eager to share his 35mm observations, habitat by habitat.
Woodland
Western Screech Owl (megascops kennicottii) > Habitat: Rancho Peñasquitos Canyon
Patience was a must for this bird. After 2 hours of waiting, he emerged from his hollow at dusk.
Fujicolor 400 | Canon FTB
Rufous-crowned Sparrow (aimophila ruficeps) > Habitat: Guy Fleming Trail, Torrey Pines State Park
This little fella followed me around a trail before hopping on a nearby shrub to sing hi-fidelity tunes.
Cinestill 800T | Canon FTB
Great-horned Owl (bubo virginianus) > Habitat: East County
A male owl brings back prey, a gopher pup, to his nest.
Cinestill 800T | Canon FTB
Bald Eagle (haliaeetus leucocephalus) > Habitat: Escondido
A Bald Eagle guards its nest from afar.
Kodak Portra 800 | Canon FTB
Urban/Rural
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) > Habitat: El Monte Park, Lakeside
After some rain, water pooled near a dumpster where small birds decided to use it as a bird bath.
Cinestill 800T | Canon F-1
European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) > Habitat: El Monte Park, Lakeside
While highly invasive, these birds are always a treat to watch. Often seen on powerlines or fences.
Kodak Portra 160 | Canon F-1
Red-shouldered Hawk (buteo lineatus) > Habitat: Santee
One of our more common hawk species. This one is surveying the neighborhood on the high ground.
Fujicolor 400 | Canon FTB
Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) > Habitat: Ramona
Showing displays of their namesake, these birds ride on cows to pick at any parasites they might have.
Kodak Colorplus 200 (+2) | Canon FTB
Desert
White-faced Ibis (plegadis chihi) > Habitat: Salton Sea
It's not uncommon for large flocks of birds to soar and glide near the Salton Sea. These Ibises are on their way to the wetlands at the Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge.
Kodak Portra 800 | Canon FTB
Red-Winged Blackbirds (agelaius phoeniceus) > Habitat: Salton Sea
While usually seen on reeds singing their robotic song, this flock was darting in and out of vegetation.
Lomo 800 | Canon FTB
Burrowing Owls (athene cunicularia) > Habitat: Salton Sea
I took these two images on a stretch of road. Their burrows are marked with pink flags.
Kodak Portra 400 & 800 | Mamiya Press
Coastal
Tri-colored Heron (egretta tricolor) > Habitat: Robb Field/San Diego River Mudflats
I saw this elusive heron wading in the San Diego River mudflats, while human irresponsibilities are in full display.
Fujicolor 800 (+1) | Canon F-1
Peregrine Falcon (falco peregrinus) > Habitat: Torrey Pines State Park
Torrey Pines State Park is well known for the fastest animal in the world. I saw her as she was cleaning her talons after a meal.
Cinestill 800T | Canon F-1
Common Raven (corvus corax) > Habitat: Torrey Pines State Park
Atop the state park, I saw this raven ride the winds with Del Mar in full view.
| Cinestill 800T | Canon F-1
Brandt's Cormorant (urile penicillatus) > Habitat: La Jolla Cove
Along the cove, I watched in wonder as hundreds, if not thousands, of them built nests along the coast.
Kodak Ultramax 400 | Canon FTB
As he moves forward exploring San Diego and its immersive habitats, Merlin looks ahead at the ever-changing landscape and seasons with excitement. He aspires to one day create a photography book that will encapsulate the natural wonders of this part of Southern California.
For more adventures in birding and beyond, check out the links below.
