Field Journal – Las Gallinas

Date and Location:

09/13/23 – Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, Marin County, CA

Site Description and Conditions:

65-75 deg. F, steady warming under sunny skies; winds light and variable. The site at Las Gallinas included several habitats, including multiple adjacent shallow bodies of water/swamp flats bordering meadows. Trails connect these bodies of water and allow for sweeping views with flat land and visibility well over five miles in all directions.

Narrative:

This site was notable for its sweeping views of multiple bodies of shallow water, allowing for unobstructed sightings of numerous species. The weather was very seasonable and warm, with full sun for the majority of the trip. Perching birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl were observed at this location. Without moving more than a quarter mile, one could observe finches like the House Finch, large flocks of Canada Goose, multiple raptors like the Northern Harrier, Turkey Vulture, and Red-tailed Hawk, and large numbers of swifts flying above. After walking through trails to view the multiple shallow bodies of water that followed, a large number of shorebirds and waterfowl were observed in groups. Notably, these included common species like the Mallard, White Pelican (great views), Snowy Egret, and Great Egret. The elusive Sora was spotted as well; the phrase “quail on the trail” was introduced on this trip.

Species Account: Great Egret – Ardea alba

A white heron in the family Ardeidae, this is a striking, beautiful, long-necked bird, standing in some cases up to 1 m tall, commonly found in shallow waters where it slowly stalks prey. Bright white, with dark black legs, distinctive yellow bill (in the Americas). This bird is usually mixed in with other egrets and herons in similar habitats.

Home Time – Lands End, GGP (North Lake)

On September 18, I made my first of multiple birding voyages at Lands End. Absolutely breathtaking views of the coast with multiple trails looping through the cliffs with many different plant species, including a striking amount of monk’s cress (Tropaeolum majus). Many species seemed to congregate around these areas making for close-up views of Anna’s Hummingbird, multiple finches and sparrows with numerous, constant vocalizations. The variation in species led me to come back to this trail on future occasions. Views of the ocean below yielded good looks at cormorants and pelicans, many perched on large rocks.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S156122550

On September 25, I explored North Lake, part of the GGP Chain of Lakes. The ducks and waterfowl here were very friendly, very photogenic, and approached me as if they wanted a snack or just a good Instagram photo. I was able to get some good looks at Mallards, the American Coot, cormorants, as well as numerous perching birds along the trail. Multiple other birders were seen on the trail. These two trips (Lands End, North Lake) encouraged me to return due to the diversity of species found and ease of identification.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S156122775

Merlin Meditation – Lands End

Due to the numerous vocalizations heard at this location, I decided to take some time to stop and listen for different birds at a trail looping through Lands End; the song of the Brown Creeper was notable along with the Anna’s; I paid extra attention to the Brown Creepers’ very distinctive loud, high pitched calls and longer songs.

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.