https://ebird.org/checklist/S155701186

I got a super close look of a Red-tailed hawk while birding on the trail behind my grandma’s backyard!

Bolinas Lagoon – Pine Gulch: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155803300

Date: Nov. 29, 2023

Location: Bolinas Lagoon (37.9210° N, 122.6800° W), Elevation = ~ sea level

Site Description: The topography around Bolinas Lagoon is a mix of coastal plains, marshes, and estuarine habitats. The lagoon itself is a shallow water body that connects to the Pacific Ocean. It has tidal marshes, mudflats, coastal grasslands, and riparian zones. Key bird species include Long-billed Curlews, Willets, American Wigeons, etc.

Species Account: Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

The Willet is a large shorebird with distinctive markings. It measures from about 14-18 inches in length. Its plumage is black and white striped patterns on its wings and mottled grayish-brownish body. They are known for their bold foraging behavior. They are often seen probing the mudflats and shallow waters with their long, straight bills. There were many Willets in the mudflats and tidal areas on our trip to Bolinas.

Narrative:

We left for Bolinas around 8:20 AM, the drive was long, scenic, and windy. We reached around 9:30 AM and walked the trail all the way, the chilly weather was worth this beautiful view and birds. While walking back on the edge of the lagoon where all the water had reached, my whole foot got drenched in mud and nasty water. I was the first to experience the soggy feeling from my other peers🤣and they laughed at me until it happened to them💀 The second time it happened, it happened to all of us and it felt so disgusting I couldn’t help but scream🤣🤣🤣 I’m going to have lower Dr. Paul’s rating on rate my professor for not warning us to bring extra socks, and better protective shoes LOL jk! We made it back to our car alive surprisingly! We then headed back around 12 PM, I rushed to Paavani’s dorm to borrow her slides and a new pair of socks LOL!

Photos: 

I did my Merlin Meditation in my grandparent’s backyard in Pittsburg!

Crissy Field Marsh & Presidio Tunnel Tops: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154992398

Date: Nov. 22, 2023

Location:

Crissy Field Marsh & Presidio Tunnel Tops (37°48’10″N 122°27’21″W) Elevation = 30 ft & Sea Level

Site Description: 

Presidio Tunnel Tops is a national urban park space. The area is a mix of habitats, ranging from open grasslands to wooded areas. The Presidio Tunnel Tops is within walking distance of the waterfront at Crissy Field. The Crissy Field Marsh is located in the Presidio with a mix of habitats including salt marsh, mudflats, and coastal scrub. This marshland is along the SF bay and provides a variety of bird species such as Great Egrets, American Robins, California Towhees, etc.

Species Account:

Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopeterum auritum)

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large waterbird with a distinctive appearance with a black body a long, slender neck, and a yellow-orange patch on their face and throat. The wings are broad, and the bill is hooked at the tip. Juveniles are browner overall and lack the vivid facial patch. They are typically found in coastal areas, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. They’re usually perched on rocks, logs, or structures near the edge of water. When they are foraging, they can be seen swimming low in water or diving for fish. They primarily feed on fish, and usually nest on cliffs and trees. Double-crested Cormorants are present in many regions year-round, but their distribution can vary seasonally. Breeding typically occurs in the spring and summer. These cormorants are monogamous during the breeding season. They build platform nests using sticks and other materials, often in colonies with other cormorant pairs.

Narrative:

I took my luggage named Paavani for birding during Thanksgiving break in the Presidio Tunnel Tops and ended up walking to the Crissy Field Marsh. We saw so many Western Gulls and European Starlings, that Paavani and I fainted counting and keeping track of. After birding for two hours, Paavani and I saw a bunch of food trucks standing and helped ourselves to food. There were so many cute friendly little birds that Paavani had a blast feeding my meal to.

Sources:

Sibley, D. A. (2003). The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America.

eBird. https://ebird.org/species/doccor

I did my Merlin Meditation in the Presidio!

Shorebird Marsh Overlook: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154534230

Marta’s Marsh: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154534229

Date: November 15, 2023

Location: 

Shorebird Marsh Overlook (37°56’00.7″N 122°30’55.9″W)

Marta’s Marsh (11°00′N 75°45′W)

Site Description:

The Shorebird Marsh Overlook had a view of a coastal landscape, with marshy areas and open waters. The topography is generally flat. The habitat is primarily marshland, featuring a mix of saltwater and freshwater elements. Key bird species include various shorebirds like egrets, herons, and sandpipers.

Marta’s Marsh has tropical surrounding with vegetation around and freshwater habitats . The topography includes areas with open water, dense vegetation. The general habitat led to tropical wetlands, aquatic vegetation, etc. The marsh had bird species like Least Sandpipers, Song Sparrows, etc.

Species Account:

Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus)

Ridgway’s rail, previously called California Clapper Rail, is a medium-sized marsh bird that is about 13-19 inches in length. They have a long, curved bill, a cinnamon-brown plumage on the neck and breast, and olive-brown upper parts. The underparts are grayish with dark streaks. They have short wings and a short upturned tail. They are typically found in coastal marshes. They are observed in dense vegetation where they can forage for food. They are primarily carnivorous and feed on small invertebrates. These rails are monogamous during the breeding season

Narrative:

We left for Corte Madera around 8:20 AM and got to the Shorebird Marsh Overlook around 8:45 AM. It was a pretty chilly day but we got to see many shorebirds. After an hour, we went to Marta’s Marsh which was pretty closeby. The first thing I saw were the European doves just chilling. As we continued to walk, it started drizzling, it felt super nice. We saw more shorebirds like the Buffleheads while walking there. Before we were about to leave, we saw a Peregrine Falcon flying behind European starlings. We were all super excited on this whole trip for our In-n-Out trip after!

Sources:

• Sibley, D. A. (2003). The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America.
• eBird. (https://ebird.org)

I went birding at Holly Park!

https://ebird.org/checklist/S154942426

I did my Merlin Meditation on campus in the USF Garden!

https://ebird.org/checklist/S154401817

Date: November 8, 2023

Location: Pacheco Pond (38.0774″N, -122.531″W)

Site Description: Pacheco Pond is a freshwater pond located in Novato, California. The pond is surrounded by various habitats such as open grassland, oak woodland, and riparian forest. Oak woodlands make a variety of trees and shrubs which provide good nesting sites for various birds. Some key bird species include Great blue herons, Green herons, Mallard ducks, Lesser yellowlegs, Black-necked stilt, etc.

Species Account: Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)

The Semipalmated Plover is a small-medium-sized shorebird with a round body around 18-22 centimeters in length. Its plumage is characterized by a pale, sandy brown on its upper body and a white underbelly. The face has a black mask around the eyes and a white forehead with a single dark breastband. Its legs are partially webbed, hence its name “semipalmated.” They are usually often spotted in coastal habitats, and seen foraging along the water’s edge on sandy beaches, mudflats, etc. Their primary diet includes small invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans. They are also known for their extensive migration patterns. They are very social and form flocks often during migration. Their mating system is involves monogamous pairs. They were seen far off in the pond.

Narrative:

We left campus around 8:25 in the morning, I felt bad since I was late due to traffic and the whole class was waiting for me. Anyways, the weather was fairly warm with a nice breeze. On the drive there, we saw a peregrine falcon perched on a pole – poor Sunaina couldn’t see her favorite bird! We reached around 9:03 AM. The pond and the nature was pretty to see. The first bird we saw, we were unable to identify it since it was pretty hard to see the face clearly. As we continued to bird, we saw many beautiful shorebirds. I was hoping to see a bald eagle but hopefully next time!

Sources:

https://ebird.org/species/semplo

Pacheco Pond

Photos:

I did my birding at Oyster Point Marina in San Mateo!

https://ebird.org/checklist/S154268813