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”

Gadwall male swimming in pond at Ellis Creek, Petaluma, California

PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (9/19/19)

Thursday, September 19, was the bimonthly bird survey at Ellis Creek for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). The sun rising over the wetlands at 7 AM was a sight to behold! Continue reading “PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (9/19/19)”

Juvenile and Fledgling Birds

New Kids on the Block – Juvenile Vocalizations

We’re firmly planted in the summer-birding-is-underrated camp. Not only does summer birding afford us the pleasure of watching young birds go from nestlings to fledglings to awkward little mini-mes, but it also allows us to investigate and document all those weird and confusing sounds. Continue reading “New Kids on the Block – Juvenile Vocalizations”

Snowy Egret standing in pond eating at Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility in Petaluma, California

Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (7/23/19)

Tuesday, July 23, was the bimonthly bird survey at Ellis Creek for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). The fog was burning off just in time as we set out at 7 AM. Continue reading “Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (7/23/19)”

Wrentit perched on top of brush along Willow Creek Road in Jenner, California

Sonoma County Birding: Willow Creek Road

Willow Creek Road begins in Jenner, directly beside the Russian House #1 restaurant along Highway 1 (click here for a Google Map). Driving in, the road parallels the Russian River before winding through the hills to follow the riparian area of Willow Creek. We stopped by this week to check out the birds. Continue reading “Sonoma County Birding: Willow Creek Road”

American Goldfinch perched with molting feathers at Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail, Bodega Bay, California

Sonoma County Birding: Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail

Last week, we spent a morning at the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail in Bodega Bay. This trail is a short, easy loop around seasonal ponds with views of the nearby mudflats and salt marshes. Continue reading “Sonoma County Birding: Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail”