Date: 8/15/26 5:58 pm From: Linda Renna via groups.io <lrenna47...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Purple Gallinule and Ruff
My husband and I took our 12-year-old granddaughter to look for the Purple Gallinule at the San Joaquin Marsh this morning. The Gallinule was in the reeds on the north side of Pond C and very difficult to see. But it finally popped out into the open. That was life bird 200 for our granddaughter. And a lifer for my husband and I. Then after a quick trip to Pond 1 for some pictures of the Black Skimmers we needed for a project, we drove up to Riverdale Park. The group of dowitchers were all resting with their beaks tucked in, making it impossible to find the Ruff at first. But then one of the birds started preening and every now and then the pink and black bill would appear. Not the best look, but close up photos are clear that the bird was the Ruff. Another lifer for the granddaughter.
I would like to thank Ryan for all the work he puts in on the Rare Bird Alert. I'm sure at times he feels like he's not appreciated. So, Ryan, thanks for what you do.
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Linda Renna
Lake Forest, CA
