Bald Eagle adult perched on a thick branch against green foliage

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”

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)”

Collage comparing Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon all in California

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”

2019 Christmas Bird Count #1: Santa Rosa (12/15/19)

It’s CBC season!!!!
 
We kicked off the season this past Sunday with Redwood Region Ornithological Society’s annual Santa Rosa Christmas Bird Count. Gloriously clear skies awaited us – a complete and welcome contrast to last year’s ultra-rainy count. Continue reading “2019 Christmas Bird Count #1: Santa Rosa (12/15/19)”