Song Sparrow perched in spring flowers at Ellis Creek, Petaluma, California

Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (5/24/19)

Friday, May 24, was the bimonthly bird survey at Ellis Creek for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). A cloudy but pleasant morning greeted us at 7 AM. Vibrant greenery from recent rains made for a beautiful walk around the park. Continue reading “Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek (5/24/19)”

Shorebirds loafing at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, quiz

Bird Quiz #3: Loafing Shorebirds

Earlier this May at Doran Regional Park, we enjoyed a variety of shorebirds in various stages of transition to breeding plumage. We watched them for over an hour as they foraged, rested, flushed from dogs, preened, scratched their faces, relocated, and loafed some more.
 
It was fun and challenging to pick apart the various species as they idled about, particularly when their bills were tucked away. So, we put together this quiz of mystery loafers! Continue reading “Bird Quiz #3: Loafing Shorebirds”

Birding By Ear Lesson #1: Spring Songs of Song Sparrow, Bewick’s Wren, and Savannah Sparrow

Tune those ears up – it’s time for the first Birding By Ear lesson! We’ll listen to three common bird songs heard throughout Sonoma County in spring and discuss song identification. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #1: Spring Songs of Song Sparrow, Bewick’s Wren, and Savannah Sparrow”

Ash-throated Flycatcher at Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County Birding: Sonoma Valley Regional Park

We visited Sonoma Valley Regional Park for the first time last week with our friend Malcolm. The lovely 202-acre park in Glen Ellen features oak woodlands, meadows, open grasslands, and riparian areas along Black Canyon and Sonoma Creeks. Continue reading “Sonoma County Birding: Sonoma Valley Regional Park”

Pileated Woodpecker in the redwoods, Guerneville, Sonoma County, California

Sit Spot & Ridge Exploration

Sitting in one spot to observe birds is an activity – or rather, an inactivity – we find rewarding. Not only does it immerse us in our natural surroundings, but it tunes us in to the ebbs and flows of bird life. A few weeks ago, we sat quietly in our neighborhood woods to watch and listen to the birds. Continue reading “Sit Spot & Ridge Exploration”