The weather in the Bay Area has been unusual the past several weeks. I’ve become so accustomed to drought conditions, and now I’m in a bit of shock with freezing temperatures leading to inches of snow on our local hills and rain, rain, rain!

I escaped the office during the noon hour to slip in a few minutes of birding between the downpours from the “atmospheric river” flowing through the skies. In a small patch of trees and grass, dozens of Dark-eyed Juncos were hopping, chirping, singing, and fighting. It was a grand meet-up of the juncos to get in food and territorial claims before the next round of wetness. I watched Bushtits with hyper energy rummaging through the bushes. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet appeared annoyed (if I may anthropomorphize) as it was continuously greeted with light rain drops produced by a towering Redwood tree. It popped in and out of its bush shaking off the sprinkles landing on its wings.

I find that birding during rainy days is a treat. If you don’t want to bird in active rain, the key is to time your outings in between storms. I’ve observed plenty of birds out and about in rainy conditions, but the party really gets started during those brief dry moments. Put on your rain gear, bring an umbrella, and enjoy the sights and sounds of a rainy day.