Golden-crowned Sparrow perched on a branch with green lichen with gray background

2021 Christmas Bird Count #2: Santa Rosa (12/19/21)

Last Sunday was Redwood Region Ornithological Society’s annual Santa Rosa Christmas Bird Count. The day was cold and overcast, but thankfully without rain.
 
We began at sunrise at one edge of our territory, deep along a forested stretch of St. Helena Road. At first, we could only hear the water rushing through Mark West Creek — but our ears pricked up at the sound of our first bird of the day — two Pacific Wrens calling loudly. Continue reading “2021 Christmas Bird Count #2: Santa Rosa (12/19/21)”

Lesser Goldfinch perched on skinny willow branch

February Birds

Though the area rain levels were disappointingly low in February, the flipside was an abundance of spring-like birding days. With the relaxation of shelter-in-place restrictions and beautiful weather beckoning us, we made it out several times to enjoy Sonoma County’s bird life. Continue reading “February Birds”

Red-winged Blackbird silhouette against orange sunrise at Shollenberger Park in Petaluma, California

PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger (2/18/20)

Tuesday, February 18, was the bimonthly bird survey at Shollenberger Park for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). The team was greeted by this lovely sunrise symphony, as performed by The Red-winged Blackbird Orchestra. Continue reading “PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger (2/18/20)”

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)”

Collage comparing Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Fox Sparrow with streaky breasts

Streaky Sparrows of Northern California: Song, Savannah, Lincoln’s, and Fox Sparrow

Winter is a terrific season to practice sparrow identification skills. Let’s explore how to identify the four streaky-breasted sparrows found in Northern California: Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Fox Sparrow. ** Continue reading “Streaky Sparrows of Northern California: Song, Savannah, Lincoln’s, and Fox Sparrow”