Some Birds from San Luis Obispo County

We recently visited San Luis Obispo and had the opportunity to do some birding. Our hotel was directly beside the bird-rich Laguna Lake, so we didn’t have to go far for birds. Moreover, for an auspicious start to our first morning, this gorgeous Red-tailed Hawk greeted us from the hotel parking lot!

Continue reading “Some Birds from San Luis Obispo County”

A Day at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve (Los Angeles County)

Last month, we found ourselves in Los Angeles County with a day to spare for birding. Why were we in LA County, you might ask? Continue reading “A Day at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve (Los Angeles County)”

American Coot chick running on the ground with its tiny wings spread toward an American Coot adult

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”

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”

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”

Merlin perched on a branch at Cloverdale River Park

Sonoma County Birding: Cloverdale River Park

With 54 Regional Parks in Sonoma County, there’s so much to explore. We visited Cloverdale River Park for the first time recently, and enjoyed a mellow walk along the riparian forest trail. Continue reading “Sonoma County Birding: Cloverdale River Park”