Collage comparing Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon all in California

Birding By Ear Lesson #3: Cooing Columbidae – Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon

In this third Birding By Ear lesson, we’ll address three members of the Columbidae family (doves and pigeons) – the Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon.
 
All three make similar but distinctive “advertising coos.” Each of these three sounds are most often performed by a male looking to attract a mate or defend a breeding territory, and thus, are generally recognized as songs. These three “songs” might be heard year-round, but performances peak in breeding season. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #3: Cooing Columbidae – Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon”

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)”

Close up of Wild Turkey face at Olompali State Historic Park

2019 Christmas Bird Count #2: Cheep Thrills (12/19/19)

Last Thursday, we joined Rich Cimino and Janet Bodle of Yellowbilled Tours at Olompali for the 2019 North Marin Cheep Thrills Christmas Bird Count. Continue reading “2019 Christmas Bird Count #2: Cheep Thrills (12/19/19)”