Ruby-crowned Kinglet with black feet yellow legs perched on skinny branch with sky and ground in background

Our 10 Favorite Bird Photos From 2020

Photographing birds has never been our top priority when out birding, but we do appreciate how photographs can help enhance a memory. We’re always amazed how looking at a photo can elicit a vivid recollection of details about the observation or even the whole birding excursion itself.
 
Here are 10 of our favorite photographs from 2020, presented in chronological order. All photos were taken using a Canon EOS Rebel T2i with a 55-250mm lens. Continue reading “Our 10 Favorite Bird Photos From 2020”

Hermit Warbler female or immature perched in the sun on a branch

A Winter Warbler Surprise

When Hermit Warblers arrive in our neighborhood to breed each spring, we always have the darnedest time seeing them. The males prefer to stick to the tip-tops of the tall conifers, their presence generally undetected if not for the frequent broadcasting of song. Even less often do we glimpse a female, as they remain quiet while collecting nesting material high in the dense trees.
 
So, imagine our elation when we discovered a Hermit Warbler wintering around the house, sometimes viewable at eye-level! Continue reading “A Winter Warbler Surprise”

Spotted Towhee with tail cocked up perched on a branch in Sonoma County Bay Area Northern California

1-Mile Radius Discoveries

When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order was initially issued back in March and the county parks subsequently shut down, it became clear to us that non-essential travel was prohibited. Since we interpreted driving to see birds as sadly non-essential, we knew we had a lot of neighborhood-birding in store! Continue reading “1-Mile Radius Discoveries”

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)”

Hutton's Vireo perched on a tree branch mouth open singing

Our 10 Favorite Bird Audio Recordings From 2019

In 2019, we uploaded 609 audio recordings to the amazing resource that is The Macaulay Library. We revisited our favorites to compile this Top 10 list, presented in chronological order. We hope you enjoy them! Continue reading “Our 10 Favorite Bird Audio Recordings From 2019”