Red-winged Blackbird flying at and mobbing a perched Common Raven eating a dead rodent or mole

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”

Song Sparrow perched in spring flowers at Ellis Creek, Petaluma, California

Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (5/24/19)

Friday, May 24, was the bimonthly bird survey at Ellis Creek for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). A cloudy but pleasant morning greeted us at 7 AM. Vibrant greenery from recent rains made for a beautiful walk around the park. Continue reading “Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (5/24/19)”

Shorebirds loafing at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, quiz

Bird Quiz #3: Loafing Shorebirds

Earlier this May at Doran Regional Park, we enjoyed a variety of shorebirds in various stages of transition to breeding plumage. We watched them for over an hour as they foraged, rested, flushed from dogs, preened, scratched their faces, relocated, and loafed some more.
 
It was fun and challenging to pick apart the various species as they idled about, particularly when their bills were tucked away. So, we put together this quiz of mystery loafers! Continue reading “Bird Quiz #3: Loafing Shorebirds”

Birding By Ear Lesson #1: Spring Songs of Song Sparrow, Bewick’s Wren, and Savannah Sparrow

Tune those ears up – it’s time for the first Birding By Ear lesson! We’ll listen to three common bird songs heard throughout Sonoma County in spring and discuss song identification. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #1: Spring Songs of Song Sparrow, Bewick’s Wren, and Savannah Sparrow”

Male blue bird Lazuli Bunting perched on a branch singing at Hunter Creek Trail near Mount Rose Wilderness, Reno Nevada

Birding Trip Report: Mt. Rose Wilderness

Earlier this week, we birded two creekside areas within the Mt. Rose Wilderness in Washoe County, Nevada, southwest of Reno. The first, Hunter Creek, winds through the Wilderness along a popular trail to a waterfall. The second, Jones Creek, runs through the Galena Creek Recreation Area, located along the Mount Rose Scenic Byway (Highway 431). Continue reading “Birding Trip Report: Mt. Rose Wilderness”