Three American White Pelicans swimming in water together

Bodega Bay and a Bug Buffet

Last Friday during a break in the much-welcomed week of rains, we enjoyed a gorgeous day in Bodega Bay.
 
At Campbell Cove, we discovered several species appeared to be attracted to a particular coyote brush root. As we observed for a bit, it became obvious why — a constant stream of tiny, long-winged insects emanated from the root — a bountiful bug buffet for the birds!
 
Watch below as an Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler and a Fox Sparrow vie for a spot at the table.


 
We speculated that the Fox Sparrow must sit at the head of the table, as it dominated the free feeding station the entire time we watched.

Fox Sparrow peering into coyote brush root among grass
Fox Sparrow
Fox Sparrow perched on top of coyote brush root among grass
Fox Sparrow

This adult White-crowned Sparrow was able to get some bites in too though.

White-crowned Sparrow perched on top of coyote brush root among grass
White-crowned Sparrow (adult)

Nearby, a young White-crowned Sparrow perched atop the scrub.

White-crowned Sparrow juvenile perched on top of skinny branch against blue sky background
White-crowned Sparrow (juvenile)

This shy Spotted Towhee made only a couple passes at the bug dispenser.

Spotted Towhee standing on the ground
Spotted Towhee

Though it didn’t frequent the bug buffet, this Hermit Thrush chup-chup-ed from the brush and eventually appeared out in the open too.

Hermit Thrush perched among skinny branches
Hermit Thrush

Down on the small sandy beach at Campbell Cove, we discovered 13 Black Oystercatchers having a preening party!

Multiple Black Oystercatchers preening on a sandy beach
Black Oystercatchers

Who else did we encounter around Bodega Harbor???
 
The most unexpected sighting of the day was a Black Scoter (female or immature) mixed in with a large group of Surf Scoters on the north side of the harbor.

Black Scoter female swimming among a flock of mostly Surf Scoters, a Ruddy Duck and a Greater Scaup
Black Scoter w/ a Greater Scaup, Ruddy Duck, and many Surf Scoters

This lone Pelagic Cormorant cruised the harbor’s edge. Check out the bulge in its neck — perhaps it just downed a tasty meal?

Pelagic Cormorant swimming in water
Pelagic Cormorant

We came across three American White Pelicans languidly swimming and scooping in unison.

Bodies of three American White Pelicans floating in the water while their heads are submerged
“Look ma, no heads!”
Three American White Pelicans swimming in water together, two with bills open in the water
American White Pelicans

This Great Blue Heron did its best impersonation of a Jack-in-the-box toy.

Great Blue Heron standing in front of a rock with water in background
Peek-a-blue!

Further down the harbor, another Great Blue Heron showed off its majestic profile.

Great Blue Heron standing erect a the edge of a body of water
Great Blue Heron

Here’s one of a handful of Eared Grebes that dotted the water.

Grebe swimming in water
Eared Grebe

On our drive home, we lucked out and spotted this gorgeous intermediate-morph Red-tailed Hawk — a great capper to our fantastic Bodega Bay runaround!

Red-tailed Hawk

15 thoughts on “Bodega Bay and a Bug Buffet

  1. Hi you two…miss seeing you. Wonderful rain and bird activity indeed. I think your bugs must be termites. They always come out for the first rain and this a glorious rain.
    Hoping all is well 💕

  2. I’d been missing hearing about your birding escapades! I’m so glad you had such a wonderful day at Bodega Bay, and I’m grateful you shared it with us in your inimitably informative, humorous, and engaging way. Blessings to you both!

  3. Bug dispenser! : D
    Thank you two so much for sharing this. A bright spot amidst kind of a stressful day.
    You’re reminding me to get outside now : )

  4. How nice of you to share your «gorgeous day in Bodega Bay». It’s good for me up North-East to view a selection of birds from California as migrating birds from northern Canada are leaving for the winter. Cheers !!!

  5. Saw you guys in my ‘hood the other day. The night before, a barred owl was hooting it up! Great post. Thanks for sharing and keep them coming!

  6. Great blog, as always. Fabulous photos.. It was fun seeing you guys today on the W. Co. Trail….it will be interesting to check your list to see what I missed!

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