Adult Cooper's Hawk perched near nestAdult Cooper's Hawk perched near nest

New Life in a Cooper’s Hawk Nest

Back in June, as we walked slowly up a main trail in Foothill Regional Park, a hawk swooped in and perched in an oak directly ahead of us. We ooh-ed and ahh-ed as we excitedly peered through our binoculars at the magnificent bird. Continue reading “New Life in a Cooper’s Hawk Nest”

Birding by kayak on the Russian River in Monte Rio, California

Sonoma County Birding: Russian River by Kayak

Quietly floating on the Russian River is one of our favorite ways to spend a summer morning. Birding by kayak offers a whole other dimension of the bird world, and gives us a front row seat to bird life we may otherwise miss out on. Continue reading “Sonoma County Birding: Russian River by Kayak”

Collage of male American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager

Birding By Ear Lesson #2: Song Comparison of American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager

In this second Birding By Ear lesson, we’ll break down three easily confused songs heard during spring and summer – the songs of the American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #2: Song Comparison of American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager”

Female Red-winged Blackbird feeding fledgling in a bush at Shollenberger Park in Petaluma, California

Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger Park (6/20/19)

Thursday, June 20, was the bimonthly bird survey at Shollenberger Park for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). Cloud coverage and distant fog greeted us, making for a beautifully moody setting. Continue reading “Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger Park (6/20/19)”

Red-winged Blackbird flying at and mobbing a perched Common Raven eating a dead rodent or mole

A Dining Common Raven and Some Bothersome Red-winged Blackbirds

During a recent runaround in Bodega Bay, we enjoyed a front-row seat to the drama of two Red-winged Blackbirds mobbing a Common Raven. Continue reading “A Dining Common Raven and Some Bothersome Red-winged Blackbirds”

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)”