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Pigeon Gillemont's Bluffs LbNA #41190

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:May 29, 2008
Location:
City:Los Osos
County:San Luis Obispo
State:California
Boxes:1
Planted by:Lifetish
Found by: JoySong
Last found:Jul 31, 2008
Status:Fa
Last edited:May 29, 2008
Of all the nature that impressed me while camping at the Montano De Oro state park, the Pigeon Gillemont with their bright red legs and a great squawk intrigued me the most. They come to Morro Bay in the spring to lay two eggs on nests in the precarious cliffs above the ocean. They are predominantly black birds with two splashes of white on the shoulders of their wings. And when you try to source the sounds of the growing birds in their nests crying out for more food from Mom and Dad, you will be be surprised to find that inside those black beaks is bright red as on their feet.

They are such cool birds. In water, they buoy near the sea otters and look like ducks. The box location is one of the best spots to see them if they are in town. Otherwise, you'll have to settle for the sea lions, otters or other birds constantly flitting about.

You can take the Los Osos exit off of 101 if coming from the south - otherwise go to the State park site and find your own way...http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=592 The best state park we've ever camped.

Park at the nature center or the lot on the ocean side overlooking Spooner's cove and take the Bluff's trail across the street. The box will be less than 400 feet from your car.
Once on the Bluff's trail, you'll cross a footbridge shortly to let you know you are going the right way.
At the fork bear right. You want to stay on the cliff side (remember you are looking for cliff dwelling birds).
You'll pass a Danger sign - "sheer cliff" "Stay back".
Pass the two buckets of cement holding the next railing. Then find the six posted railing that also has a brown and yellow danger sign. The last post has a rock at its base. Bingo, that's your marker.

There are plenty of day hikers, but wonderful destinations on this 5 mile trail (you only need go 400 feet) like a tidepool only another 300 feet on the path you are on. So please take care to uncover and recover when you are alone. The other two in this state park are gone. Let's keep this one alive. Enjoy my favorite trail that holds so much wildlife... as we've seen coyotes, voles, otters, pigeon gillemonts, loons, comerans, seals, kayakers and more.