Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli)
Amidst the crazy days we are all experiencing, there are a few reassuring signs that surround us. Early season blossoms are beginning to appear and our birds are starting to sing brightly. Spring is around the corner.
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
We all handle stress in our own ways. For me, spending time outdoors hiking and searching for birds and other life in nature brings me restorative peace. Despite the rainy or snowy weather, I have been outside daily with either an umbrella in hand or lots of extra layers. Since we are all encouraged to avoid crowds, what better time than now to put on your boots, take a hike and enjoy your own patch in the world.
Northern Flicker
(Colaptes auratus)
While you're at it, pay attention to some of the songsters you encounter. Their songs are beginning to fill the air. This is one of my favorite woodpeckers! The flicker is found across the country but with a slight coloration difference between the east and west coast birds. The west coast flickers are "red-shafted" noticeable by the male's red malars "mustaches" and their underwing feathers are red. This compares to the "yellow-shafted" flickers of the east coast who have black malars and yellow underwing feathers.
Over the weekend, we hiked on Spitler Peak trail until the ominous gray clouds filled the sky. The initial part of the trail is mainly chaparral habitat - redshank and manzanita shrubs dominate.
Bell's Sparrow (
Artemisiospiza belli)
Perfect habitat for this secretive bird. Since this male was announcing his spring territory, we could find him singing boldly on top of a redshank bush.
Spotted Towhee (
Piplio maculatus)
The red-eyed towhee is another bird usually hidden in the brush or scratching in the dirt. Early mornings are the best time to see these and other birds singing in the open.
Phainopepla (
Phainopepla nitens)
A lot of people hear the ascending "whiip" call of the phainopepla but do not recognize this visitor to our mountains. They usually pass through during spring and fall migration with few lingering in the winter. Those who do stay can be found where mistletoe berries are abundant.
Evening Grosbeak (
Coccothraustes vesperrtinus) from The Sibley Guide to Birds
I love to write about successful bird chases. A few days ago, I dashed off to find the reported sighting of a small flock of evening grosbeaks. You get to see the drawing from Sibley's field guide since I couldn't find this uncommon visitor to our area. You can see on the map where it's normal range is located. We are in the green zone which means rare sightings.
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
These were taken yesterday during a brief moment of blue skies.
Today, the gray clouds have shrouded the mountains and snow is falling. I admit I don't plan on going out today. It's much cozier being inside with a cup of hot tea writing a blog and dreaming of spring.
A huge thanks to our friends who are still going to work at the hospital and the grocery store every day!!
Wishing you all good health during these difficult days!
Photos and content by Robin Roberts
