Female Western Tanager on a branch surrounded by oak leaves

2021 Christmas Bird Count #1: Eastern Alameda County (12/17/21)

This past Friday we joined our friend Adam Cimino for his section of the 2021 Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count. We lucked out with a brilliantly sunny day for our walk along the Arroyo del Valle Trail. Over a 4-mile stretch of creekside trail, we ended up with 49 species — let’s explore some of the species we spotted. Continue reading “2021 Christmas Bird Count #1: Eastern Alameda County (12/17/21)”

Three American White Pelicans swimming in water together

Bodega Bay and a Bug Buffet

Last Friday during a break in the much-welcomed week of rains, we enjoyed a gorgeous day in Bodega Bay.
 
At Campbell Cove, we discovered several species appeared to be attracted to a particular coyote brush root. As we observed for a bit, it became obvious why — a constant stream of tiny, long-winged insects emanated from the root — a bountiful bug buffet for the birds!
 
Watch below as an Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler and a Fox Sparrow vie for a spot at the table. Continue reading “Bodega Bay and a Bug Buffet”

Lesser Goldfinch perched on skinny willow branch

February Birds

Though the area rain levels were disappointingly low in February, the flipside was an abundance of spring-like birding days. With the relaxation of shelter-in-place restrictions and beautiful weather beckoning us, we made it out several times to enjoy Sonoma County’s bird life. Continue reading “February Birds”

Red-winged Blackbird silhouette against orange sunrise at Shollenberger Park in Petaluma, California

PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger (2/18/20)

Tuesday, February 18, was the bimonthly bird survey at Shollenberger Park for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). The team was greeted by this lovely sunrise symphony, as performed by The Red-winged Blackbird Orchestra. Continue reading “PWA Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger (2/18/20)”

Turkey Vulture perched on a branch against blue sky in Pleasanton, California

2019 Christmas Bird Count #3: Eastern Alameda County (12/20/19)

A sparkling, sunny morning greeted us in Pleasanton for our friend Adam’s section of the 2019 Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count. Our team set out along the creekside Arroyo del Valle Trail to tally which and how many birds were around. Continue reading “2019 Christmas Bird Count #3: Eastern Alameda County (12/20/19)”