Places to Bird – My Birding World

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

January 21, 2019 Elizabeth Olin Comments 0 Comment

If you’re on the way to the Oakland Airport and have some time to spare, this gem of a birding spot is the perfect place to unwind. I’ve only begun to explore this park, but every time I go, I leave with a good list of birds.

A popular spot to bird, fish, or play with kids is at the farthest parking lot after driving in. Arrowhead Marsh features grassy areas and a marsh that attracts some really cool birds.

Northern Mockingbird, MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline, 2019

Northern Mockingbirds are bountiful here. Sparrows dance all over the grass. A Burrowing Owl has made this their residence and fences were erected to protect their nesting spot. Wintering waterfowl love to hang out in the water. I recommend bringing a scope, or at the very least binoculars, to better see the Common Goldeneyes, Ruddy Ducks, Buffleheads, and a variety of grebes.

Savannah Sparrow, MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline, 2019

Eared Grebe, MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline

One of the more magical experiences for me happened just this weekend as a number of Ridgway Rails chattered all around me. I officially recorded four for my eBird checklist to be conservative, but it’s highly likely that there were many more. We were lucky enough to spot one close by, as these rails are typically shy and well-camouflaged.

Ridgway Rail, MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline

This park is frequented by locals who play with their kids, bike, jog around the perimeter, and fish. The birds seem accustomed to human presence which makes careful study of all the variety of birds easier.

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

January 1, 2019 Elizabeth Olin Comments 0 Comment

Happy New Year!

For the past several years, my husband and I have visited the Sacramento NWR on New Year’s Day. It’s a refreshing way to begin the new year. It also guarantees a substantial list of birds for anyone starting a new annual list.

Snow Geese, 2018

Located about two hours north of the Bay Area, this water refuge is a part of a complex of several national wildlife refuges. It features a six-mile auto tour. You basically slowly drive around in a car blasting the heater on your legs (in the winter) while you poke your head out of the open car window into the freezing winter air. Visitors are permitted to stretch their legs at specified locations. These are great spots to set up a scope and take a look around.

Take Off! 2018

The main attraction in the winter is the thousands upon thousands of geese. Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese easily add up to more than 10,000 on location. When they get spooked and take up flight, it is a miraculous spectacle of birds lifting into the air. The subsequent noise with a mixture of calls and beating wings is quite memorable.

Immature Bald Eagle and Common Raven, 2017

Bald Eagles are another fun bird to observe. I’ve seen immature and adult eagles fly around and interact with the other birds. They are magnificent creatures to behold as they soar across the skies. In 2017, I was delighted to watch a Common Raven attempt to steal a partially-consumed American Coot from an eagle. The raven was boldly jumping around, and nearly on, the eagle in an attempt to snatch an easy meal.

Northern Shrike, a rarity for the area, 2018

Other fun birds are present, such as all kinds of waterfowl, sparrows, pheasants, hawks, and more. We usually take at least two hours to drive through the six miles. I’ve heard that others will ride through multiple times. If you get a chance to visit, the sheer volume of birds present will leave you with a memorable experience.

Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District

October 2, 2018 Elizabeth Olin Comments 0 Comment

When one hears “wastewater treatment plant,” birding may not be one of the first activities that comes to mind. In fact, these offer a rich birding experience as a variety of birds take advantage of the ponds and plant life. You can find sandpipers, ducks, sparrows, warblers, even birds of prey. While I’m sure some sanitation plants may test the limits of stench, I’ve quite enjoyed a couple with no odors detected thus far.

This brings me to Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District located in Marin County. Admittedly I’ve only been here twice, but each time I left with a solid list of birds. Comprised of four ponds with fields all around, it offers a sanctuary for birds of all types. My favorite are the mute swans, which I didn’t know existed in California let alone in the North Bay. Since then I’ve learned that they are occasionally around the East Bay.

The paths around the ponds are pleasant with locals walking their dogs or jogging by while birders scan the area with binoculars glued to their faces. Ponds attract water fowl, blackberry bramble and fennel attract warblers and sparrows, and the trees collect woodpeckers and owls. The fields will produce white-tailed kites, hawks, turkey vultures, and more.

If you go, be sure to wear sun protection as there’s not a lot of shade and it can get warm during the summer.

Check out the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District eBird hotspot list.

My Birding World

A Bird Blog by Elizabeth Olin

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