Miscellaneous: Local Birds

I took a walk around Spring Lake, in Santa Rosa, today for the first time in quite a while. It's a bit late for migrants passing through and a bit early for overwintering birds to be here in force, but it's always a pleasant walk and I did see some local regulars. In particular, I get some good shots of a male Common Yellowthroat, which, while not an uncommon bird, is one that's rather secretive and difficult to photograph. I also got a shot of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet showing its ruby crown – which is rather rare. 

Birds I'm Watching: California Quail (May 4, 2012)

I recently came across this handsome fellow in my garden. He was with his mate and looking very protective of her as I approached to take his picture. No chicks around yet, but we're likely to start seeing them soon.

For more about bird watching in Sonoma County, see my Website Sonoma County Bird Watching Spots.

Birds I'm Watching: California Quail Babies

I startled a male California quail this morning and set him off, exhorting his chicks to take cover. These are the first chicks I've seen so far this year. I saw only three, but heard more. They are tiny. They've probably just hatched in the last day or two. Later saw the whole brood. There are about twelve babies--for the time being. They tend to disappear--to cats, to crows, to hawks....

Lately I've seen a fair number of acorn woodpeckers trying to get seed from the feeder and the usual Nuttal's woodpeckers there as well.