During a recent kayak outing, an otter family entertained us along a stretch of the Russian River. We enjoyed watching the mother hunt for crustaceans while her three pups romped and tussled along the riverbank. Continue reading “Otterly Entertaining”
Author: Miles & Teresa Tuffli
Baby Bird Out of the Nest: What to Do?
During the summer months, nestling and fledgling birds begin cropping up, and birders everywhere rejoice. It feels so special to spot a hidden fledgling, waiting for mom or dad to return with a tasty morsel. Often, a parent is nearby and may even be waiting for you to move along so it can safely feed its young. This time of a baby bird’s life is treacherous, as it hasn’t yet developed the ability to evade predators or the experience to even know what threats may be lurking about. Continue reading “Baby Bird Out of the Nest: What to Do?”
Birdwatching on the Russian River by Kayak
Last week, we headed to Monte Rio for an early morning paddle. At 6:30 AM, a layer of morning mist still covered the glassy water while the sun began to peek above the forest line. Continue reading “Birdwatching on the Russian River by Kayak”
A Sparrow Sort of Day
Last week, we birded along Sweetwater Springs Road – a dry, rocky hillside habitat dotted with oaks. Immediately upon stepping out of the car, we heard a funny jumble of vocalizations we didn’t recognize. We discovered the source to be one of two juvenile Bewick’s Wrens chasing each other around a coast live oak – listen below. Continue reading “A Sparrow Sort of Day”
Guerneville’s Dawn Chorus
Undoubtedly, taking in a dawn chorus is one of the more magical birding experiences. In the tranquil period before and during sunrise, while most of the world is fast asleep, springtime birds greet the new day with a bout of singing unmatched during the daylight hours – their voices coalescing into one large, living and breathing, euphonious symphony.
One easily accessible salve for the anxious and painful emotions we’re experiencing right now is a regular dose of the dawn chorus. With that in mind, turn up the volume (or better yet, put headphones on), close your eyes, and enjoy a few dawn chorus recordings as performed by the birds of Guerneville, California.
Continue reading “Guerneville’s Dawn Chorus”
Hungry Fledgling Steller’s Jays
Back in March, a pair of Steller’s Jays began building a nest just feet from our living room sliding glass door. Over several days, we eagerly watched as the pair engaged in construction. But, ultimately, the pair abandoned that particular DIY project – we suspected they opted to nest somewhere deeper in the dense patch of woods next to the house. Continue reading “Hungry Fledgling Steller’s Jays”