Osprey at the turkey trot

Thanksgiving Morning I went out to Atascadero Lake to go birding. As it happened, the Turkey Trot was going on, so there were a bunch of people in costumes (turkeys, turkey hats, a guy dressed up as a fork, etc.). It’s a fun-run event with registration fees and prizes for the best costumes; this year’s event was put on by ECHO, the coalition for the homeless, and they earned a decent chunk of change, according to reports.

But if you’re not into dressing up or running, why not go birding? You might find an Osprey or a Ring-billed Gull flying around. There are also lots of small songbirds like warblers and sparrows, and even a chickadee or two.