Field Lab 3 Entry – Las Gallinas | Birds Through Fiza's Eyes

Las Gallinas – https://ebird.org/checklist/S149980120

Date: September 13, 2023

Location(s): Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District | 38°01’38.7″N 122°30’56.1″W | 5.2 ft

Site Description:

The Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop is located in San Rafael in Marin County, California. It is in a low-lying area near the San Pablo Bay. It is a relatively flat terrain with some slopes. The general habitat consists of wetlands such as ponds, marshes, mudflats, grasslands, riparian areas with willows and other vegetation, and some suburban/urban areas. Las Gallinas is known for its diverse birdlife. Some important bird species include shorebirds (Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs. Willet), waterfowl (Northern Pintail, Mallard, Northern Shoveler), raptors (Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, White-tailed Kite), Herons and Egrets (Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron), songbirds (Song Sparrow, Yellow Warbler), sparrows, and gulls (Western Gull, California Gull).

Species account: Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

Black-necked Stilt is a beautiful and elegant shorebird known for its apparent appearance. It has long, thin legs, and a long, slender bill. It has striking black and white plumage, with a white belly and neck, a black cap on its head, and long pink legs. Its red eyes and black pupils add to its distinctive appearance. Black-necked Stilts are often found in wetland habitats, such as shallow ponds, mudflats, salt pans, and the edges of lakes and rivers. Black-necked stilts are shorebirds that forage in shallow water by probing the mud with their long bills for food. They eat small aquatic invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, and small fish. With their long legs, they are able to access deeper water than many other shorebirds. Stilts often forage in pairs or small groups. Black-necked Stilts are monogamous and often form long-term pair bonds. They build nests on the ground near water, usually in shallow depressions or scrapes in the mud or gravel. Both parents take part in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.

I saw one of these beautiful birds playing in the pond. It would quickly stick their long, thin beaks into the bond, like they were diving underwater, then pop back up with a little splash. Its long legs made it look tall even though it was in the water. The contrast between their black-and-white feathers and the blue water made them stand out more. It was a beautiful moment to see a new bird like this!

Narrative:

Our trip to the Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop was a beautiful experience. I was so happy to be in a place with such beautiful scenery and nature. We set out around 8:16 AM in the morning and reached around 8:46 AM. The weather was quite warm, with clear skies, literally a beautiful day for birdwatching. I was honestly unprepared for the weather to be this warm! As we entered, we were greeted by many ducks in the ponds, geese flying, and many small chirping birds. It was amazing to see the variety in the ducks, there were so many different types. Besides the birds, it was cool to see the bushes with the berries that my classmates like Paavani could not stop eating but I was too scared to eat!🤣 The Snowy Egret was one of the highlights of my day, it was such a graceful and delicate-looking bird. As our trip continued, I truly felt more connected to nature because of the beauty of the birds and the serenity of nature. Besides the birding loop, the car ride to and from our destination was very fun, from the singing to the laughter! I am truly enjoying this class and the bonds that are being created!

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