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Month: December 2018

Reflections

Reflections

Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove, 2018

I started 2018 with an ambitious New Year’s Resolution: to submit a checklist of birds each day. Up to that point I was tracking the species I observed annually. Transforming this to a daily ritual changed my interaction with birds in a wonderful way. Suddenly, I was more aware of migration patterns, or lack thereof (I thought some birds were in the Bay Area for a short time only to find out that they hung out here all year). I paid more attention to sparrows as I took the time to count each one. Sometimes I was rewarded with a rare bird in the mix. My ID skills increased. I heard birds everywhere I went. I could be completely engrossed in a conversation with someone, but my attention could be quickly snatched away if I hear a bird call. That has led to some silly commentary once my discussion partner realizes that I have transformed into a statue listening intensely to bird calls.

Scarlet Tanager

Scarlet Tanager, Texas, 2018

I birded a lot this year. I often submitted more than one checklist each day. I went on trips just to go birding. The most memorable trip was a week-long excursion to Texas. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of all the new birds that I will admit I shed a tear or two. I can’t wait to write about those adventures in a future post and visit the Lone Star again.

Then this year went sour.

I faced some new and difficult challenges. The birds faced life and death situations with the various wildfires throughout the summer and fall. My inbox overflowed with dire announcements of legislation negatively impacting birds. At times it felt so hard to stay positive.

Rock Wren

Rock Wren, Joshua Tree NP, 2018

But the birds pulled through. Keeping my daily checklist offered a positive event to look forward to. I could be present with nature for at least 15 minutes a day. It was calming and rewarding.

For almost an hour yesterday, I was hunched over looking through a scope at a rare Rough-legged Hawk. It was feeding on something in the middle of a vast field. The markings on the hawk were like nothing I have ever seen before. Streaks of brown dripped through its head and breast and met in a thick, chocolatey belly band. Its tail was white with a band along the end. I was mesmerized. I was reminded of how much I have to learn. I was appreciative.

 

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret, SoCal, 2018

I have one more bird walk, one more checklist in order to complete my 2018 goal. That is 365 days of birding and over 600 checklists in one year. I have not made any goals for 2019 yet, but I’m sure it will involve birds.

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk, Redwood RP, 2018

Species Spotlight: Golden-crowned Sparrows

Species Spotlight: Golden-crowned Sparrows

Golden-crowned Sparrow, 2017

Golden-crowned Sparrow, 2017

Seet, seet, seet. I hear a high-pitched call coming from the bushes and my heart jumps for joy – our winter sparrows have arrived! I crouch down to take a peek at the activity on the ground while being careful to not disturb the birds and find one of my favorite winter sparrows: the Golden-crowned Sparrow.

Golden-crowned Sparrow, 2016

Golden-crowned Sparrow, 2016

This little, brown sparrow has a brilliant golden crown nestled in between two thick dark lines on its crown. During the winter the gold and black is turned down a notch in brightness for its non-breeding plumage, which is what we typically see in the Bay Area.

Golden-crowned Sparrow, 2017

Golden-crowned Sparrow on Broccoli, 2017

Watch for these sparrows in mixed flocks as they forage on the ground and trees for food. They are often found alongside White-crowned Sparrows which are remarkably similar but with white and black stripes down its head that looks like a skunk. I absolutely adore the songs of the Golden-crowned sparrows. To me it’s a melancholy yet sweet song that transports me to a cozy home in the winter.

My Birding Day: Coyote Hills with FBC

My Birding Day: Coyote Hills with FBC

FBC Coyote Hills, 2018

FBC Walk, Coyote Hills, 2018

I am a member of a Facebook group named the Fremont Birding Circle. Lead by local expert Jerry Ting, we participate in monthly bird walks around the Fremont area. For the month of December, we visited Coyote Hills Regional Park and explored No Name Trail down its long stretch into the bay. It is a beautiful trail that gives hikers a close-up look at various waterfowl, gulls, terns, sandpipers, and more.

Dunlin, 2018

Dunlin, 2018

We spent three hours walking three miles round trip. My personal trip was closer to four miles because I had to run back to the main part of the park to find a bathroom while the group trudged ahead. The morning was picture-perfect with a cool, gentle breeze and still water that gave a mirror-like quality to the resting birds.

American Avocets, 2018

American Avocets, 2018

We did not find our target bird (Red Phalarope) but a Glaucous Gull was spotted that day – a rarity in our area. In total the group saw 75 species that morning. Since we arrived late, I spotted 54 species which goes to show the immense diversity this trail offers. If you’re lucky, sometimes you can spot a flamingo named Floyd that likes to hang out in that area from time to time!

Great Egret, 2018

Great Egret, 2018