Field Journal – Muir Beach Overlook & Slide Ranch

Date and Location:

09/06/23 – Muir Beach Overlook/Slide Ranch, Marin County, CA

Site Description and Conditions:

Mid 60s (deg. F) under cloudy skies; winds light and variable. Notably, the site at Muir Beach Overlook included various possible habitats, including coastal bluffs, seacliffs, forested areas with bordering large monterey cypress trees, and adjacent scrub + brush. Various trails connect these habitats and allow for sweeping views; elevation also contributed to the ease of viewing various species over the ocean. Slide Ranch, at a lower elevation, was comprised of more coastal bluff/some scattered forested areas; prime interest in eucalyptus trees that may be a habitat for the Great Horned Owl.

Narrative:

The Muir Beach Overlook was notable for the variety of habitats in the small area that was covered, allowing for a variety of species to be seen. A bobcat was also spotted eating a morning snack on arrival (very exciting). This was not the warmest day to be out birding, which may have contributed to the lack of accipiters/less raptors seen than expected (lack of thermals, etc.), but 3 Turkey Vultures and 2 Red-tailed Hawks were observed. Marine-focused species like the Brandt’s Cormorant, Brown Pelican, and Western Gull were seen with unobstructed views of many perched on large rocks at the water’s edge. A variety of smaller species were seen in scrub habitats, like the Bushtit and Wrentit, along with other common species like the House Finch, Yellow Warbler and Western Tanager. Slide Ranch was a unique location due to the eucalyptuses that were directly adjacent to less forested/scrub habitats; after scouting out a Great Horned Owl, we finally observed one…very beautiful and stoically perched in a eucalyptus tree, looking down on us.

Species Account: Bushtit – Psaltriparus minimus

A passerine in the family Aegthalidae (comprising the long-tailed tits), this is one of the smallest birds in North America with a length around 3.5 inches. Very dull, usually gray with a slightly brighter underside, stubby bill and plump, ball-like overall shape. This bird has a scratchy, quick, high-pitched call; usually found in brush habitats in Western North America. Five were seen on this trip in the brush/scrub, identifiable first by sound.

https://ebird.org/species/bushti

Home Time – Panhandle

For this week’s Home Time I chose to explore the Panhandle east of Golden Gate Park. I usually try to walk the Panhandle back and forth every day, and I’m always hearing birds along my route so I decided to spend some time identifying common species that make there way here. Many crows, ravens, and feral pigeons were observed along the route, along with Dark-eyed Juncos; these species were not shy at all and crossed my path on multiple occasions. Other common species observed included the House Finch, Chestnut-backed Chickadee and Anna’s Hummingbird. Since many of these birds were previously observed/seen again many times, it was a slightly underwhelming trip.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S155613994

Merlin Meditation – Panhandle

Within the Panhandle I focused on the Anna’s Hummingbird for this Merlin Meditation. I was taken aback by the Anna’s very loud, very scratchy, and resonant calls relative to its size; while there were only a handful here they were one of the most recognizable species due to their unique call. In my opinion, one of the most unique and beautiful birds I’ve been able to see so far in the area.