I mentioned a few days ago that you don’t necessarily go to Cabrillo National Monument for the birds. It is justly famous for the view out over San Diego, and out to sea…as well as the dramatic cliffs and tide pools at the tip of Point Loma where it meets the Pacific. And, for history buffs, there is the whole story of Spanish exploration and settlement, the monument to Cabrillo himself, and the interpretative materials in the Visitor Center, as well as a little military museum showing how the point was used during two wars, and the old Point Lomas lighthouse to explore. But the fact is that I almost always find enough birds there to fill in the moments between scenic views. And lizards too. Lots of lizards.

This Red-breasted Nuthatch was in the little grove of pines just down the hill from the lighthouse. It was well back in and the light was not the best, but I managed a few shots at the long end of the zoom.

Nuthatches are such interesting birds. You have to admire their agility as they maneuver their way up and down the tree, as often upside down as right side up.

Though this bird appears to be going about its business, it was certainly aware of us watching it.

Canon SX50HS. Program with iContrast and Auto Shadow fill. –1/3EV exposure compensation. f6.5 @ 1/125th and 1/160th @ ISO 800. Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and sharpness.