Ruby-crowned Kinglet perched among small branches with blue sky in background

Sonoma County Birding: Riverfront Regional Park

We love Sonoma County’s Regional Parks! A fantastic one is Riverfront Regional Park, which features an easy 2-mile loop trail against a backdrop of idyllic lake scenery. We visited earlier this week, and with the spring-like weather the park was abuzz with birds. Continue reading “Sonoma County Birding: Riverfront Regional Park”

American Robin female with grassy nesting material in beak while standing on the ground in Sonoma County Bay Area Northern California

Home-Patch Breeding Bird Activity

Even the most common bird species offer a wealth of fascination if you simply tune in to the minutia of their daily lives. Breeding season is fantastic for observing behavior, as bird activity is bustling. Our dedicated home-patch birding during the pandemic has allowed us to closely follow the progression of breeding activity in our neighborhood. Continue reading “Home-Patch Breeding Bird Activity”

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)”

Hairy Woodpecker male perched on tree trunk covered in moss in Guerneville California

A Walk in Our Redwoods

We’re always attuned to the bird activity at our house, but since our beloved pup died this past October, it’s been hard to take long walks in the surrounding woods without our boy. But, needing to stay near home and away from others, we’ve mustered up the nerve to face bittersweet reminders and start exploring again.
 
Just a short walk from our front door is a county fire road that winds through the mixed evergreen forest. We very rarely cross paths with anyone up there, so it fits the bill perfectly for getting a dose of nature while practicing social isolation. Continue reading “A Walk in Our Redwoods”

Bobcat sitting in the grass in Point Reyes California

Marin County Birding: Bear Valley Visitor Center and Earthquake Trail

Last week, we ventured out for a day of birding at Point Reyes National Seashore. We wanted to do a little recon for our upcoming “Birding for Beginners and the Bird-Curious” event with the Point Reyes National Seashore Association, scheduled for November 23. Continue reading “Marin County Birding: Bear Valley Visitor Center and Earthquake Trail”

Juvenile and Fledgling Birds

New Kids on the Block – Juvenile Vocalizations

We’re firmly planted in the summer-birding-is-underrated camp. Not only does summer birding afford us the pleasure of watching young birds go from nestlings to fledglings to awkward little mini-mes, but it also allows us to investigate and document all those weird and confusing sounds. Continue reading “New Kids on the Block – Juvenile Vocalizations”