A Four-Wren Day in Morro Bay

We recently stopped in Morro Bay (San Luis Obispo County) for a day and enjoyed the birds and critters. Let’s set the scene… As we strolled the Embarcadero, barking California sea lions and squawking Western Gulls competed for “Most Enthusiastic Welcoming Committee,” while sea otters lounged lazily in the distance. Continue reading “A Four-Wren Day in Morro Bay”

Spotted Sandpiper walking along the river's edge next to pebbles

Sit Spot on the Russian River

We’ve been visiting a sit spot along the Russian River just a 7-minute walk from our house in Guerneville. Last month, we documented several days’ worth of observations. Though this beach is a popular summer hangout, in fall and winter we usually have it all to ourselves.
 
Sit spots are the shelter-in-place version of birding. Instead of roaming far and wide in active search of our feathered friends, we instead stay put, pull up a chair, and let the natural world unfold in front of our eyes. Continue reading “Sit Spot on the Russian River”

Wrentit perched in branches surrounded by foliage

What’ve We Been Up To?

Long time, no talk, friends! We hope everyone is reading this while safe and healthy.
 
Fires are raging across the West Coast, and in August, the Walbridge Fire evacuated us from our house for a week. Residential areas of Guerneville and the surrounding towns were generally spared thanks to the herculean work of the incredible firefighters. Their tireless efforts also prevented damage to the Colonel Armstrong tree – the oldest tree within Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, estimated to be 1,400 years old!
 
Yesterday, along with the entire Greater Bay Area and beyond, we woke up to this surreal skyscape. Continue reading “What’ve We Been Up To?”

Bird survey volunteers walking on trail with spotting scope and binoculars at Ellis Creek Petaluma

PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (1/14/20)

Tuesday, January 14, was the bimonthly bird survey at Ellis Creek for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). Shortly after 7 AM, the team was greeted by this incredible pink sunrise reflecting in the ponds. Continue reading “PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (1/14/20)”

Ferruginous Hawk adult soaring in flight at Jenner Headlands Preserve

Jenner Hawkwatch

For the past three years, we’ve had the pleasure of volunteering for the Jenner Headlands Hawk Migration Project. Counting raptors with other hawkwatch enthusiasts while taking in the views from the Jenner Hawk Overlook is always a special way to spend a day. Continue reading “Jenner Hawkwatch”