Backyard Birdbath Video

Good news! My backyard birdbath is getting even more visitors now than it did in the heat of summer! Here are a few of our feathered friends enjoying a sip of that cool California H2O...

Let's go birding!

 

Spontaneous Birding ~ September Bird Sightings

It was a cloudy day in the valley. A thunderstorm had blown through the night before, bringing with it some chilly temperatures to help combat the lingering September heat. Then, an impromptu decision had us hopping in the car and making our way to our local wildlife refuge. We hadn't visited in several months due to the sweltering triple-digit temperatures of summer and I was excited to see if any fall migrants had arrived in our little corner of the Pacific Flyway yet.

Savannah Sparrow

There wasn't as much water as I had hoped, but there were still plenty of bird sightings to satisfy this happy-go-lucky birder. A few Red-winged Blackbirds greeted us on the auto tour and we saw dozens of dragonflies zipping around the reeds and over the marsh grasses. In my opinion, clouds make for some of the most interesting photos and my camera eagerly clicked away, capturing the beautiful landscape of the Sacramento Valley.

And then, we spotted a group of raccoons! We've seen them before at the refuge, but this time we were treated to a rare sighting. To our astonishment, one of them was blonde! It took us a minute to realize what we were seeing and before we knew it, they quickly disappeared into the thick vegetation. We scrambled to capture some video of this unexpected sight, but their cat-like agility foiled our attempt at a viral-worthy recording. Oh, how wonderful it would have been to get a photo of that cute little golden face peeking through the greenery!

Our proof of this remarkable sighting is a lousy screenshot of its retreating backside 😞 
(Watch the full video below)

But there was lots more to see! A gaggle of Snow Geese congregated in the middle of the road, so we took the opportunity to stop and watch the Snowy Egrets forage for food in the wetlands. Several White-faced Ibis had the same idea, along with a lively group of Long-billed Dowitchers. A trio of Black-necked Stilts called out in alarm, bopping excitedly. Deciding we weren't a threat, ("It's just the bird paparazzi," I imagine them saying with a roll of their eyes) they quickly went back to searching for food, gliding through the water with their long pink legs.

I was delighted to have a Familiar Bluet damselfly pose for a photo before realizing that there were countless more in the area enjoying the foliage. A flash of orange caught my eye and I zeroed in on a new-to-me butterfly. Turns out, it's called a Fiery Skipper. A delightful name for such a spirited butterfly.

On a nearby log, a Western Pond Turtle basked in the sun, while a backdrop of blooming Common Teasel and Saltmarsh Aster filled my viewscreen. There were more plants in bloom than I expected after such a relentless summer and I was happy to see the cheerful yellows of Western Goldenrod and Water Primrose. The beauty and resilience of nature never ceases to amaze me!

After lingering at the viewing platforms, we continued through the auto tour. A Snowy Egret posed for a photo and then surprised us with what I can only describe as the precursor to regurgitating a pellet perhaps? Earlier this year, I posted a video of a Great Blue Heron doing something similar and I'm still gobsmacked that we were in the right place at the right time to witness this curious behavior twice.

Sometimes, spontaneous outings end up being the most memorable, and I can definitely say that was the case today. Every time I reconnect with nature and spend a few hours with our local birds and wildlife, my heart gets a bit happier and my soul feels pleasantly nourished. And then, when I sort through all the photos and video we took, I get to relive that joy all over again...

Let's go birding!

 

Black Phoebe Fun Facts

Let's celebrate the beauty of the

Black Phoebe...

The Black Phoebe is a medium-sized flycatcher.

They live year-round in the western United States and down through Central and South America.

Phoebe (pronounced “fee-bee”) comes from the short, high-pitched, whistled call they make.

Their song consists of two alternating phrases and can be heard from both sexes, but is more commonly sung by males.

They are usually found near near a water source because they use mud to build their nests and water attracts the insects they eat.

It frequently flicks its tail up and down, a characteristic of the flycatcher family.

They dart out from their perch to catch insects in mid-air.

Males and females look the same. Their plumage does not vary seasonally.

Juveniles have brown feathers that darken as they age.

In Greek mythology, Phoebe is the Titan goddess of intellect and prophecy.

The oldest Black Phoebe on record was at least 8 years old.

Black Phoebes are territorial, monogamous, and pairing may last for up to five years.

I treasure all of my Black Phoebe sightings!

Do you have Black Phoebes in your area?

Let's go birding!

 

The Black Phoebe

Let's celebrate the beauty of the Black Phoebe...

Happy birding!

 

Snowy Egret Fun Facts

Let's celebrate the beauty of the

Snowy Egret...

Snowy Egrets are native to North, Central, and South America.

We see them year-round in the Sacramento Valley.

They are social birds and often forage in groups.

During the breeding season, adult Snowy Egrets develop long, wispy feathers on their backs, necks, and heads.

In the late 1800s, populations were decimated due to the popularity of their plumes in fashion. Thanks to the work of concerned citizens in the 20th century, reforms were passed and protections were put in place. Populations have since recovered.

They eat mostly aquatic animals, including fish, worms, crayfish, frogs, insects, and crustaceans.

While feeding, they stir up prey with their feet.

Sometimes they stay perfectly still and wait for prey to swim by.

Snowy Egrets can be found in wetlands and tidal marshes, as well as ponds and mud flats.

And sometimes showing off their acrobatic talents on rural backroads...

They nest in colonies, called rookeries, often with other herons and egrets.

Snowy egrets are monogamous, meaning both males and females have only one partner.

They can live up to 17 years. The oldest recorded one lived to be 22 years and 10 months old.

I am grateful for all of the beautiful Snowy Egrets that have posed for my camera lens...

Do you have Snowy Egrets in your area?