Tag Archives: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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I love flickers and see them often alongside the road where I live in Anchor Bay, near a neighbor's spring box. These woodpeckers feed mostly on the ground as they eat ants,  beetles, and other insects. Paul Brewer caught a male Northern Flicker in flight, a beautiful sight to behold.

To hear the call of this bird, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Flicker/sounds

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

It's clear and sunny today, with a quiet ocean. That means great visibility for spotting Gray Whales on their northward migration.

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Ron Bolander was at the right place - right outside his home - when he spotted this Hermit Thrush. And the little thrush was headed straight for a ripe berry with his or her beak wide open.

What great timing by Ron to catch this Hermit Thrush stepping forward for a meal!

Hermit Thrushes have a beautiful song. I always listen for the first trills early in the morning as we get closer to spring. You can hear the song at this link at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hermit_Thrush/sounds

Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

It rained hard Sunday morning but it cleared up for the afternoon. It was then sunny and cool. Clouds began piling in in the late afternoon as more rain is headed our way!

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Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers can be difficult to tell apart. Diane Hichwa identified this woodpecker Michael Reinhart photographed as a Hairy.

Here's what Diane said about how to ID a Downy versus a Hairy:

"The white down the back is indicative of a Downy OR a Hairy.

The white outer tail feathers with NO black dots tell me it is a Hairy.

(D for downy and D for dots).

Also the bill length to head width says bigger Hairy."

Here is a photo of a Downy Woodpecker, taken by Craig Tooley, for comparison sake.

Hairy Woodpeckers have a quiet "cheep" call which you can hear at this link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hairy_Woodpecker/sounds

Thanks to Mike for allowing me to share his photo with you here. And thanks to Craig for allowing me to show his photo here also. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

0.60 inches of rain overnight, sunny and mild today. Another smallish storm coming in Saturday afternoon/evening.

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American Robins seem to like spending the winter here. While they are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast and much of the United States, there seems to be more of them here during the winter months. Jon Shiu recently photographed one of these beautiful birds.

It looks like the setting sun is reflecting on the reddish chest feathers - beautiful!

In the spring, Robins have a beautiful call. You can listen to it at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/sounds Listen to the West Virginia recording below the photo. That is close to what we hear on the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Jon for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

Clouds moved in today, and it feels like it could sprinkle a bit. It's pretty cold too, as it didn't reach 50 degrees today. I know, I know...but it's cold for the Mendonoma coast!

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Rozanne Rapozo caught this American Kestrel just as it landed. It's fun to see its wing feathers and tail feathers extended. Kestrels use their long tails for balance.

Craig Tooley found this Kestrel staring down a Northern Flicker.

Kestrels are North America's smallest falcon. They eat insects and other small prey. They have an unusual call, rather excited notes, and you can hear it here at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/sounds

Thanks to Rozanne and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

It's been cold here, it was 37 degrees this morning. As we take a break from the rains, passing clouds bring beauty to sunrises and sunsets. There is little wind and the ocean is calm. In other words, an exquisite, lovely day here on the Mendonoma Coast.