American Coot chick running on the ground with its tiny wings spread toward an American Coot adult

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is a wonderful 580-acre park adjacent to the University of Nevada, Reno. Among many other features, the park hosts The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Continue reading “Rancho San Rafael Regional Park”

Pink sunrise landscape reflecting in ponds with duck silhouettes

PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger (10/29/20)

Thursday, October 29, was the bimonthly bird survey at Shollenberger Park for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). The group gathered early, and the soft pink sunrise did not disappoint!
 
As with all survey mornings, a bevy of Red-winged Blackbirds declared “Good morning!” from the tules. As the sun rose, hundreds emerged en masse – here’s what it’s like to be beneath one of the emerging flocks. Continue reading “PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger (10/29/20)”

Lesser Goldfinch juvenile perched on branch at Shollenberger Park, Petaluma, California

Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger Park (8/20/19)

Tuesday, August 20, was the bimonthly bird survey at Shollenberger Park for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). The team set out at 7 AM into a cool and cloudy morning. Continue reading “Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger Park (8/20/19)”

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”

Sonoma County Birding: New Year’s Day at Ellis Creek

January 1 is traditionally a big birding day, as many birders are eager to re-start their year lists. We spent an afternoon with some of our favorite county birders exploring one of our favorite county hotspots, Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility in Petaluma, California.
Continue reading “Sonoma County Birding: New Year’s Day at Ellis Creek”

Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Survey at Shollenberger Park (12/11/18)

This past Tuesday was the monthly bird survey at Shollenberger Park for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). Continue reading “Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Monthly Survey at Shollenberger Park (12/11/18)”