Warblers are generally recognized as the tiny, flashing, colorful jewels of the forest. They are typically few in number and often artfully conceal themselves until the male decides to dramatically reveal his presence in vibrant song. Each species of warbler has a unique, memorable song that signals his arrival, his presence, and his intention. The [...]
The predicted high temperatures for today warranted a start an hour earlier than usual. Lena Hayashi, Betty Kanne (eBirder), Dave and Sharon Telford, Nancy Kappelmann, and dear Jim Kendall, who just returned from a month-long trip to Finland, came out to a partly foggy morning. While forming at the HB Dog Park parking lot, we [...]
The Common Yellowthroat is a year-round resident of the Urban Forest, found regularly near the low-lying creek-side pathways.This diminutive wood-warbler is just 5 inches in length and flits around secretly, staying low near dense shrubs and marshy areas. In springtime the male announces its presence vibrantly with a remarkably loud rolling wichity wichity witchity wich [...]
It was a cold, overcast morning at the Urban Forest. Temperatures never rose past the mid 50’s with the slight chilling breeze. Surveyors were: Lena Hayashi, Betty Kanne (eBirder), Debra Gala, Dave and Sharon Telford, and Jim Currie. Birds were quiet and few except the House Finches, adults and juveniles, flocking together. It was a [...]
A highly anticipated harbinger of spring is the March/April arrival of the male Hooded Oriole, with its brilliant golden-yellow plumage and its noisy whistles and staccato chatter. The vibrant yellow hood with striking black mask has earned this slender member of the blackbird family its well deserved name. The male is soon followed by receptive [...]
