Latest Posts
Short-Eared Owl Territory Dispute
The short-eared owl, a sentinel of open grasslands and windswept prairies, defends its domain with a quiet ferocity that mirrors the wildness of the landscapes it inhabits. In the waning light of dusk, this owl rises on broad, silent wings,…
Winter Visitor: Short-Eared Owl
Back to perch
Female Norther Harrier Huntress
The Northern Harrier is a fierce and skillful raptor, particularly the female, whose larger size and strength make her a dominant presence over marshes and grasslands. She hunts with a precision akin to that of an owl, gliding low over…
Remarkable Allen’s Hummingbird
The Allen’s Hummingbird, a marvel of nature. This diminutive bird, with its fiery plumage and iridescent throat, epitomizes the wonders of avian endurance and tenacity. Each year, as the first whispers of spring stir the northern forests, these tiny travelers…
Majestic Guardians of the Marsh: The Great Blue Heron
In the serene marshlands and along the tranquil shores of our planet, a majestic sentinel often graces the landscape – the Great Blue Heron. These elegant creatures make their homes in a variety of wetland habitats, from freshwater lakes to…
Mysterious Marsh Wren
The Marsh Wren's intricate melody serves as a call for mates and a declaration of territory. It sings with closed eyes, immersed in its own music, epitomizing the profound bond between song and survival.
Tijuana Slough NWR: The Secretive Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail
In the hushed embrace of Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), a hidden gem along the Pacific coastline, a delicate ballet unfolds beneath the watchful gaze of reedy sentinels. Here, the Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail, a creature of mystery and grace,…
Shoreline Birds at Dusk
As the sun begins its descent over the Coal Oil Point Reserve in Santa Barbara, a delicate symphony unfolds along the shoreline, echoing the rhythms of nature in the fading light. Here, the meeting of land and sea becomes a…
Endangered Western Snowy Plovers
Coal Oil Point Reserve West side of Santa Barbara December 2023 “The stretch of beach between Isla Vista and Ellwood (including Sands Beach) was designated “Critical Habitat” in December of 1999; at the time of the critical habitat designation, the…
The Plight of Sanderlings
December 2023 Santa Barbara Location: Coal Oil Reserve: Sanderlings (Calidris alba) are commonly found in coastal areas, and the Coal Oil Reserve is one of the habitats where these small shorebirds can be observed. Feeding Behavior: Sanderlings are known for…
A Song of Spring: Celebrating the Fledgling Red-winged Blackbird
In the symphony of spring, amidst the vibrant tapestry of nature’s awakening, there exists a humble yet enchanting protagonist—the fledgling Red-winged Blackbird. Join me as we embark on a journey into the world of these remarkable birds, witnessing the tender…