The Merlin is a small, powerfully built falcon known for its incredible speed, agility, and fierce hunting prowess. A fearsome hunter, this bird of prey specializes in rapid aerial ambushes of smaller birds. Historically, in medieval Europe they were used in falconry, being particularly favored by noblewomen for hunting skylarks, earning them the nickname “lady [...]
The ripening of red winter native Toyon berries coincides with the arrival of large flocks of these dazzling beauties. The elegant Cedar Waxwing sports a black mask and sleek pointed crest plus silky beige plumage tipped in waxy red and yellow. Listen for the high-pitched, trilled whistle as dozens descend from the treetops to feast [...]
Break in the multi day rainstorm provided window to conduct a solo bird survey. Variable cloudy and sunny skies [...]
Swinhoe’s White-eye is a newcomer that is rapidly making a big impact. The sprightly, diminutive songbird native to southern China, Vietnam, and Malaysia has recently established a vibrant, burgeoning presence in Southern California since being noticed in Huntington Beach two decades ago. At first there were only a few, likely arriving as a result of [...]
Thanksgiving morning started chilly and warmed nicely as birds came out in large numbers. Bright sunny skies and great views of snow covered peaks in the distance.James Kendall, Tonya Fannon (camera), Alex Curiel, Brenda and Tom Sabin (scope), Mark Singer (camera), Ann Marshall, Sheila Morgan-DeChellis (camera), with Betty Kanne as scribe [...]
