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”

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”

Turkey Vulture perched on a branch against blue sky in Pleasanton, California

2019 Christmas Bird Count #3: Eastern Alameda County (12/20/19)

A sparkling, sunny morning greeted us in Pleasanton for our friend Adam’s section of the 2019 Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count. Our team set out along the creekside Arroyo del Valle Trail to tally which and how many birds were around. Continue reading “2019 Christmas Bird Count #3: Eastern Alameda County (12/20/19)”