How lucky the West Coast is to harbor the vibrant Townsend’s Warbler during the nonbreeding months! Though we see this bright little jewel almost every winter day here in the mixed conifer forest, each viewing stops us in our tracks. Continue reading “Townsend’s Warbler, Winter Gem of the Conifers”
Category: Bird Profiles
Streaky Sparrows of Northern California: Song, Savannah, Lincoln’s, and Fox Sparrow
Winter is a terrific season to practice sparrow identification skills. Let’s explore how to identify the four streaky-breasted sparrows found in Northern California: Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Fox Sparrow. ** Continue reading “Streaky Sparrows of Northern California: Song, Savannah, Lincoln’s, and Fox Sparrow”
The Not-Red Red Knot Juvenile
Two weeks ago in Bodega Bay, we observed a Red Knot in its pristine, gray juvenile plumage. The Red Knot is a member of the Calidris genus of the sandpiper family (Scolopacidae). Continue reading “The Not-Red Red Knot Juvenile”
New Life in a Cooper’s Hawk Nest
Back in June, as we walked slowly up a main trail in Foothill Regional Park, a hawk swooped in and perched in an oak directly ahead of us. We ooh-ed and ahh-ed as we excitedly peered through our binoculars at the magnificent bird. Continue reading “New Life in a Cooper’s Hawk Nest”
Birding By Ear Lesson #2: Song Comparison of American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager
In this second Birding By Ear lesson, we’ll break down three easily confused songs heard during spring and summer – the songs of the American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #2: Song Comparison of American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager”
A Dining Common Raven and Some Bothersome Red-winged Blackbirds
During a recent runaround in Bodega Bay, we enjoyed a front-row seat to the drama of two Red-winged Blackbirds mobbing a Common Raven. Continue reading “A Dining Common Raven and Some Bothersome Red-winged Blackbirds”