Field Journal – Rodeo Lagoon
Date and Location:
10/11/23 – Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory–Palomarin, Marin County, CA
Site Description and Conditions:
60s; cool under sunny skies; breezy. This site included multiple habitats, mostly along forested areas, connected by trails with many shrubs and trees of various sizes; heavy Douglas Fir in some locations, for example. Trails are up+downhill, connecting various small interconnected habitats. Some areas are more conducive for viewing overhead birds than others.
Narrative:
This location was different than others we have seen; more forested with very tall trees along the trails we walked through; tree canopies kept many habitats relatively cool and shielded from wind. We has the opportunity to view a netting of a Hermit Thrush, along with how netting works along field lines…was very interesting to see how birds are tagged, weighed, examined, and logged at the field station. Once again, the dedication of the birding community never ceases to amaze. Among the species observed, a common variety of perching birds such as the Purple Finch, Spotted Towhee, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, among other species like the California Scrub-Jay and some raptors/accipiters overhead as temperatures warmed gradually.
Species Account: Hermit Thrush – Catharus guttatus
A small passerine in the family Turdidae, measuring roughly 7 inches in length with a wingspan just under a foot. Medium brown with some dark spots on the breast; found in wooded areas, foraging and hopping around on the ground or through shrubbery looking for insects and berries. Beautiful songs with notable distinct introductory notes followed by flute-like descending phrases. When the bird was examined at the field station, it was remarkably small and very cooperative.
Home Time – Oakhurst, Willow Creek Trail
As this week was Fall Break, I decided to some extra birding on a trip to Madera County adjacent to the Sierra National Forest/Yosemite National Park in the town of Oakhurst. I went on two birding trips, one near the place I was staying in the hills of Oakhurst, and another on the Willow Creek Trail just north of Bass Lake. The Willow Creek trail trip was very peaceful and relaxing; was able to hear many different birds vocalize without any interference, everything was crystal clear and every note could be heard. I was able to observe many common species like the Hose Finch and Lesser Goldfinch, along with the Acorn Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker. In this area, the Mountain Chickadee appeared, much different than the Chestnut-backed seen out west in SF/Marin; these were seen with the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and White-breasted Nuthatch.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S156123381
On a second trip I walked around near the place I was staying for a few days, with expansive views of various mountainsides. I heard distinct, loud calls of the Killdeer, saw a couple of Red-shouldered Hawks flying above, along with many of the other finches, woodpeckers, and other species like the House Wren and Steller’s Jay that were seen on the other trip. I was able to see better views of the unique Mountain Chickadee, along with up-close views of the Oak Titmouse. A beautiful location to bird with the opportunity to hear every single call without interference.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S156123248
Merlin Meditation – Oakhurst/Bass Lake/Willow Creek Trail
Throughout this trip I used Merlin at various locations to see if I could pick up any unique birds since this was a much different location; higher altitudes with large, coniferous forests and mountains surrounding the area. I was taken aback by how many killdeer there were; they were very loud when vocalizing, louder than many other birds I was able to listen to through Merlin.