Monday, December 20, 2010

Christmas Bird Count Week

I generally start my Christmas Bird Count on the day of Winter Solstice and wrap it up Christmas Eve or so. It's a nice way to wind down from the seasonal hustle and bustle and get myself back to center. The outdoors has always been a wonderful way to relax.

UPDATE : Monday 12/20/2010
This morning's walk was pleasant even though it was slightly overcast. But that didn't slow down the Sparrows or flocks of blackbirds winging south.  A male and female pair of Say's Phoebes preened as they perched on the fence posts while Lark Sparrows foraged in the cut alfalfa fields accompanied by a single jeweled Inca Dove.

UPDATE : Wednesday 12/22/2010
Weather has turned bad but a single Golden fronted Woodpecker was spotted through heavy fog. The Golden is from Mexico and Central America.


Sunday, December 19, 2010

Yellow-rumped Warbler spotted foraging.

Yellow-rumped Warbler spotted foraging along the underbrush in the early morning. 
Yellow-rumped Warblers are impressive in the sheer numbers with which they flood the continent each fall. Shrubs and trees fill with the streaky brown-and-yellow birds and their distinctive, sharp chips. Though the color palette is subdued all winter, you owe it to yourself to seek these birds out on their spring migration or on their breeding grounds. Spring molt brings a transformation, leaving them a dazzling mix of bright yellow,
charcoal gray and black, and bold white.