Woodpeckers are a delightful family of birds (Picidae) most often found clinging to tree trunks and branches while using their stiff tails to aid in hitching up and around the tree. They forage with long, stout bills by probing tree bark in search of wood-boring beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, and larvae. As omnivores, you’ll also see woodpeckers eating fruits, seeds, nuts, acorns, and catkins. Woodpeckers use their powerful bills to communicate by drumming on resonate surfaces and to excavate their nest cavities. Continue reading “Woodpeckers of the Bay Area”
Category: Bird Profiles
A Winter Warbler Surprise
When Hermit Warblers arrive in our neighborhood to breed each spring, we always have the darnedest time seeing them. The males prefer to stick to the tip-tops of the tall conifers, their presence generally undetected if not for the frequent broadcasting of song. Even less often do we glimpse a female, as they remain quiet while collecting nesting material high in the dense trees.
So, imagine our elation when we discovered a Hermit Warbler wintering around the house, sometimes viewable at eye-level! Continue reading “A Winter Warbler Surprise”
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”
25 Birds of the Redwood Forest & Russian River (Spring Edition)
Coast redwoods and douglas-firs dominate our home patch near the Russian River in Northern California. A short distance from our front door, we can view the river from above and can also access a fire road that winds through the mixed evergreen forest. With spring breeding season in full swing, we wanted to share some species we’re fortunate to observe on a typical walk. Continue reading “25 Birds of the Redwood Forest & Russian River (Spring Edition)”
Birding By Ear Lesson #3: Cooing Columbidae – Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon
In this third Birding By Ear lesson, we’ll address three members of the Columbidae family (doves and pigeons) – the Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon.
All three make similar but distinctive “advertising coos.” Each of these three sounds are most often performed by a male looking to attract a mate or defend a breeding territory, and thus, are generally recognized as songs. These three “songs” might be heard year-round, but performances peak in breeding season. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #3: Cooing Columbidae – Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon”
California Towhee: Friend of the Fox
We’ve arrived at the end of our California Towhee Week. After flooding your inboxes with all things Cal Towhee, we’re pleased to report we only lost one blog subscriber! Our last post is about an encounter that left us scratching our heads. Continue reading “California Towhee: Friend of the Fox”