Violet-green Swallow fledgling sitting on the ground with yellow gape

Baby Bird Out of the Nest: What to Do?

During the summer months, nestling and fledgling birds begin cropping up, and birders everywhere rejoice. It feels so special to spot a hidden fledgling, waiting for mom or dad to return with a tasty morsel. Often, a parent is nearby and may even be waiting for you to move along so it can safely feed its young. This time of a baby bird’s life is treacherous, as it hasn’t yet developed the ability to evade predators or the experience to even know what threats may be lurking about. Continue reading “Baby Bird Out of the Nest: What to Do?”

Juvenile Rufous-crowned Sparrow perched on top of a fence post with green background

A Sparrow Sort of Day

Last week, we birded along Sweetwater Springs Road – a dry, rocky hillside habitat dotted with oaks. Immediately upon stepping out of the car, we heard a funny jumble of vocalizations we didn’t recognize. We discovered the source to be one of two juvenile Bewick’s Wrens chasing each other around a coast live oak – listen below. Continue reading “A Sparrow Sort of Day”

American Robin female with grassy nesting material in beak while standing on the ground in Sonoma County Bay Area Northern California

Home-Patch Breeding Bird Activity

Even the most common bird species offer a wealth of fascination if you simply tune in to the minutia of their daily lives. Breeding season is fantastic for observing behavior, as bird activity is bustling. Our dedicated home-patch birding during the pandemic has allowed us to closely follow the progression of breeding activity in our neighborhood. Continue reading “Home-Patch Breeding Bird Activity”

Spotted Towhee with tail cocked up perched on a branch in Sonoma County Bay Area Northern California

1-Mile Radius Discoveries

When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order was initially issued back in March and the county parks subsequently shut down, it became clear to us that non-essential travel was prohibited. Since we interpreted driving to see birds as sadly non-essential, we knew we had a lot of neighborhood-birding in store! Continue reading “1-Mile Radius Discoveries”

25 Birds of the Redwood Forest & Russian River (Spring Edition)

Coast redwoods and douglas-firs dominate our home patch near the Russian River in Northern California. A short distance from our front door, we can view the river from above and can also access a fire road that winds through the mixed evergreen forest. With spring breeding season in full swing, we wanted to share some species we’re fortunate to observe on a typical walk. Continue reading “25 Birds of the Redwood Forest & Russian River (Spring Edition)”