Tag Archives: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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The migration of birds is a wonder when you stop to think about it. They fly great distances twice a year. Aleutian Cackling Geese are flying to southern Oregon where they will feed, rest and get ready for the next migratory stage, flying to the Aleutian Islands. Sara Bogard recently photographed a flock passing by the Point Arena Lighthouse Peninsula.

In the early 1970’s, these birds numbered only 350 and were on the endangered species list. The story of their comeback is an inspiration. Today there are over 170,000 Aleutian Cackling Geese to delight birdwatchers of all ages.

To listen to their "cackling" call, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cackling_Goose/sounds

Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

It's sunny with many passing clouds, breezy and cool. 61.35 inches of rain so far at Rick's and my place! We always considered 50 inches a normal rain year.

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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!