This past Friday we joined our friend Adam Cimino for his section of the 2021 Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count. We lucked out with a brilliantly sunny day for our walk along the Arroyo del Valle Trail. Over a 4-mile stretch of creekside trail, we ended up with 49 species — let’s explore some of the species we spotted. Continue reading “2021 Christmas Bird Count #1: Eastern Alameda County (12/17/21)”
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. Continue reading “Bodega Bay and a Bug Buffet”
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is a wonderful 580-acre park adjacent to the University of Nevada, Reno. Among many other features, the park hosts The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Continue reading “Rancho San Rafael Regional Park”
More Dawn Birding
After experiencing such a magnificent dawn chorus at Santa Rosa Creek Trail, we craved more dawn birding! The following day, we arrived at Sweetwater Springs Road at 5:13 AM just before first light.
The special “dawn song” of a Western Wood-Pewee greeted us – a reward for waking before the sun. As with many other flycatchers, the dawn song is typically reserved for a short period before sunrise and sometimes at twilight. Continue reading “More Dawn Birding”
Dawn Chorus at Santa Rosa Creek Trail
Last week, we rose extra early and headed out to enjoy the incredibly rich dawn chorus at Santa Rosa Creek Trail. We arrived at first-light and captured this dawn chorus recording at 5:40 AM – about 10 minutes before sunrise. Feast your ears on this magnificent avian symphony! Continue reading “Dawn Chorus at Santa Rosa Creek Trail”
Spring Birding at Santa Rosa Creek Trail
Last week, we enjoyed a wonderful and warm day of birding along Santa Rosa Creek Trail. Wildflowers have popped and the trees are relieved to have begun re-leafing. Continue reading “Spring Birding at Santa Rosa Creek Trail”