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Bird Profile--Birds of Orange County
Acorn Woodpecker--Melanerpes formicivorus
Allen's Hummingbird---Selasphorus sasin
American Avocet--Recurvirostra americana
American Coot--Fulica americana
American Kestrel--Falco sparverius
American Robin--Turdus migratorius
American White Pelican--Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
American Wigeon--Anas americana
Anna's Hummingbird--Calypte anna
Audubon Yellow-Rumped Warbler--Dendroica coronata auduboni
Barn Owl--Tyto alba
Barn Swallow--Hirundo rustica
Belding's Savannah Sparrow--Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi
Black Phoebe--Sayornis nigricans
Black-crowned Night Heron--Nycticorax nycticorax
Black-necked Stilt--Himantopus mexicanus
Black Skimmer--Rynchops niger
Blue-winged Teal--Anas discors
Brown Pelicans--Pelecanus occidentalis
Cedar Waxwing--Bombycilla cedrorum
Cinnamon Teal--Anas cyanoptera
Common Yellowthroat--Geothlypis trichas
Cooper's Hawk--Accipiter cooperii
Double-crested Cormorant--Phalacrocorax auritus
Eared Grebe--Podiceps nigricollis
Great Blue Heron--Ardea herodias
Great Egret--Ardea alba
Green Heron--Butorides virescens
Great Horned Owl--Bubo virginianus
Green-winged Teal--Anas crecca
House Finch--Carpodacus mexicanus
Killdeer--Charadrius vociferus
Loggerhead Shrike--Lanius ludovicianus
Mallard--Anas platyrhynchos
Mandarin Duck--Aix galericulata
Marbled Godwit--Limosa fedoa
Mourning Dove--Zenaida macroura
Northern Harrier--Circus cyaneus
Northern Pintail--Anas acuta
Northern Shoveler--Anas clypeata
Osprey--Pandion haliaetus
Red-breasted Merganser--Mergus serrator
Redhead--Aythya americana
Red-shouldered Hawk--Buteo lineatus
Red-Tailed Hawk--Buteo jamaicensis
Ring-billed Gull-- Larus delawarensis
Ruddy Duck--Oxyura jamaicensis
Say's Phoebe--Sayornis saya
Sharp-shinned Hawk--Accipiter striatus
Snowy Egret--Egretta thula
Surf Scoter--Melanitta perspicillata
Turkey Vulture--Cathartes aura
Western Bluebird--Sialia mexicana
Western Grebes--Aechmophorus occidentalis
White-crowned Sparrows--Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-Tailed Kite--Elanus leucurus
Willet--Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Wood Duck--Aix sponsa
Bird Profile--Rare Birds
American Bittern--Botaurus lentiginosus--A Rare Bird
Cattle Egret--Bubulcus ibis--A Rare Bird
Eurasian Wigeon--Anas penelope--A Rare Bird
Reddish Egret--A Rare Bird
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak--A Rare Bird
Bird Profiles--Bird Family
Wild Ducks of Orange County
The Herons and Egrets of Orange County
The Owls of Orange County
Bird Stories--Orange County
A Tale of Two Coots
Gopher Visits Alice's
Barn Swallow Nesting Time
Birding Equipment
About Binoculars
Birding Hot Spot--Orange County
Birding Hot Spots in Orange County, California
For my blog article on the Birding Hot Spots of Orange County, click the link above.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
- Rules at Bolsa Chica
- Wall of Glass
- The Birds of Bolsa Chica Versus Brightwater's Wall...
- Walking the Wall 12/23/2008
- A Walk at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
- A Study in White
- Foggy Bottoms at Bolsa Chica
- Crack o' Dawn at Bolsa Chica
- Early Morning Birding at Bolsa Chica
- Wet and Wild at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
- Breezing Through Bolsa Chica
- Up to the Mesa and Back at Bolsa Chica
- Nesting Terns at Bolsa Chica
- Taking Wing at Bolsa Chica
- Encore at Bolsa Chica
- Walking across the Bolsa Chica Bridge
Carr Park in Huntington Beach
Central Park in Huntington Beach
- Shipley Nature Center
- A Walk in Huntington Central Park East
- A Walk in Huntington Central Park West 10/15/2007
- A Walk Among the Fall Leaves at Huntington Central...
- Central Park after the Rain
- A Little Bit of Scotland in Huntington Central Park
- Quick Walk Through Huntington Central Park
- Two Days of Birding Huntington Central Park
Greer Park Lake View
Irvine Open Space Preserve Nature Center
Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California
- Birding at Irvine Regional Park
- Irvine Regional Park on Friday
- Saturday in Irvine Regional Park in Orange
Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve aka Newport Back Bay
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
- White-crowned Sparrows at San Joaquin Wildlife San...
- Northern Shovelers Feeding Cooperatively
- An Early Morning Walk at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
Tewinkle Park -- Costa Mesa
Barn Swallow Nesting Time
Ask the OC Birder Girl
Bird #1 and Bird #2
Mallards Nesting in Parking Lots
Birding Events
The Christmas Bird Count
California Coastal Cleanup Day
What Birds Eat
What Birds Eat--Terrestrial Invertebrates
Birding Skills
Beginning Birders
Birding Code of Ethics from American Birding Assoc...
Orange County Bird Checklists
Parts of a Bird
Pishing
Wood Duck or Mandarin Duck?
Sapsucker, Which Sapsucker Are You?
How to Find a Rare Bird
Birding at Work
Northern Shovelers Feeding Cooperatively
Allen's Hummingbirds and Rufous Hummingbirds: What's the Difference?
What's That Singing in the Night?
Identifying Hawks in Orange County
White Hawk?
OC Birder Girl Birding Areas Outside Orange County
Crestline
Morongo
OC Birder Girl Bird Walk Journal
Birding at Work
Black Phoebe Visits
Early Morning Birding at Bolsa Chica
An Early Morning Walk at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
Foggy Bottoms at Bolsa Chica
The Hunt for the Cedar Waxwing
A Little Bit of Scotland in Huntington Central Park
Northern Shovelers Feeding Cooperatively
A Study in White
Two-stop Birding
A Walk at Bolsa Chica 2007
A Walk at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve 2009
A Walk at Bolsa Chica Before the Winds
A Walk in Huntington Central Park East
A Walk in Huntington Central Park West 10/15/2007
A Walk Among the Fall Leaves at Huntington Central Park
Wet and Wild at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Whistling Wintering Wigeons Are Back
White-crowned Sparrows at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
A Windy Walk at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
Central Park after the Rain
Wet and Wild at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Black Phoebe Visits
The Hunt for the Cedar Waxwing
Butterflies in Orange County
Cedar Waxwings Hanging Out
Book Reviews
Book Review: Good Birders Don't Wear White
Science
The Santa Ana Winds
Watershed--What is it?
Wetlands
Miscellaneous
Odd Ducks
Bird Walks and Nature Programs in Orange County
Ask the OC Birder Girl
Information You Might Need Before You Go Birding
Watershed--What is it?
Bird Humor
Back to the home page
78 comments:
Hello,
I really like your blog site. I am just getting into birding, and your site has shown me some interesting places to check out. If you don't mind, I have a suggestion. Could you list some equipment that you use to go birding. For instance, binoculars or photo lens and any other things that you might use. The way that I got turned on to birding is my photography background. Thanks for sharing so much useful info.
Thanks for the kind words. I am glad my blog has guided you to some good places to bird. There are so many in Southern California and in Orange County particularly to bird. We are very blessed. I love to bird and love to share it with others. Suggestions are always welcome. I do have one blog on binoculars and will be writing more on equipment. Thanks for the suggestion. And thanks for writing. Have fun birding and taking photos! The combination is awesome.
Greetings -
I am looking for a place in OC near Irvine to buy natural birding supplies. Do you have a recommendation for a birding supply store in OC that sells feed and feeders?
Dear Charles,
Although some pet food and pet supply stores (Like Petsmart and others)have wild bird food and feeders of various kinds, the best exclusively wild bird stores are the Wild Bird Unlimited Stores. There are several in Orange County. See below:
Wild Birds Unlimited Stores
http://www.wbu.com
Huntington Beach, California (3.32 miles)
Address: 19680 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648 US
Phone: (714) 963-8300
Visit their Website
Get Directions
Yorba Linda, California (14.15 miles)
Address: 17611 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886 US
Phone: (714) 985-4928
Visit their Website
Get Directions
Mission Viejo, California (16.46 miles)
Address: 24481 Alicia Parkway, Suite 1A
Mission Viejo, CA 92691 US
Phone: (949) 472-4928
Visit their Website
Get Directions
Hope that helps. Feeding wild birds is fun and offers some great opportunity to observe birds up close and personal. Remember to put the feeders near some trees or bushes so that the birds have cover to scope out your feeders. They like to make sure it is safe first. And since birds at feeders often attract Cooper's Hawks, you want to have a place for them to hide when the hawks come. Enjoy.
Karen
I'm wondering who the new birds in my backyard are. They are about the size of a blue bird. They have a brown body, black head and tail with a white tummy. They hop all about and like to kick up the leaves under the bushes. They have a hissing type of chirp sound. They are not bothered by anything, me my dog, even the coyote who came up to the glass fence. In fact they were pretty defensive when they saw him. Do you know what they are? They are cool little birds. Thanks, Steph :)
Steph,
Thanks for stopping by. My guess on this is the Spotted Towhee if you are out West and the Eastern Towhee if you are back east. Go to http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Spotted_Towhee_dtl.html
See if that is what is in your back yard. There are other birds that kind of match your description, but are either too big or have different behaviors. The Spotted Towhee is usually not this bold, buthe sure matches you description in appearance, size, and behavior. Let me know if that is the new bird in your backyard. Happy birding. :o)
Let me try that link for the Spotted Towhee again:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Spotted_Towhee_dtl.html
I added the link in the Ask the OC Birder Girl link. It won't publish in this comment section for some reason.
http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2007/12/ask-oc-birder-girl.html
Hello OC Birder Girl,
I came across your blog about the Shipley Nature Center and I was very impressed. As a founder member of the Friends of Shipley Nature Center and a past president it makes me feel good that all of our hard work is being appreciated.
Your beautiful pictures and excellent descriptions serve as a wonderful travel log for anyone interested in visiting. If you're ever looking for a volunteer experience please contact us at 714 842-4772 or visit our web site at www.shipleynature.org.
Thanks again,
Steve Engel
Greetings to you, my friend.
Being a nature lover is sometimes calling for trouble, I suppose. I have a weird situation. We have moved into a house recently and have started to feed the birds in our own backyard. Initially only sparrows came to eat the feed and now the "birds relation" has expanded to Blue Jays, Pigeons etc. We love to feed as much as we can, daily.
But our neighbour is sour over our bird feeding. I am not sure why someone wants to curb the food for birds. This person is asking us not to feed birds.Is this acceptable? What are my options in this regard, may I know please? Being new to this kind of a situation, I am seeking help from the blogging world.
Please advise, at your convenience.
Thanks and have a good day.
Best regards,
tavarageri
Dear Tavarageri,
This is a question that involves both birding and relationships and possibly law.
Birding First--Unless it is against the law, it is socially acceptable to feed the birds in your backyard. It is also fun and relaxing. It feels good.
Relationship--However, as they say, my rights end where your nose begins. What is your neighbor's specific concern? Noise? Mess? Pests like insects and rats? Bird poop on his fence and patio? You have just moved into a new home and hope to live there many years I am sure. You want it to be as pleasant as possible. I would listen to his specific complaint and see what you can do to give him what he wants while you get what you want. Listening to your neighbor will go a long way toward building a good future relationship. In other words, you may have the right to feed the birds, but you may find insisting on your full rights could make you and your family's life pretty miserable.
So if you are attracting nuisance birds and lots of them, you can try changing or reducing the food you are offering and hopefully, it will change and reduce the birds you attract. Check out a wild bird food site like Kaytee or Duncraft or your local pet food store and see what food you can offer that might change the birds you attract. General wild bird food often attracts a broad range of birds including many that are noisy and downright annoying to neighbors. You may want to narrow the type of birds you attract by picking another blend of wild bird food. If all else fails, few people complain about hummingbirds. If you have them in your area, you might try feeding them. Another alternative that usually helps is to landscape your yard to attract the birds you want. This usually has less of a nuisance impact on neighbors and you get to see birds in your backyard. Having a watersource like a birdbath helps to attract birds, too.
In law, I defer to lawyers and the local government. I would check local ordinances and see if it is legal in your area to feed the birds on your own property. In a few areas it is not. If you belong to a homeowners association, you might check with them about the rules for you association.
Above all, consider your enjoyment of your home and your family before you decide what to do. Few things increase stress like feuding with a neighbor.
OC Birder Girl
Hello!
I have just started up a blog of my own, http://natureinorangecounty.blogspot.com/ . Could I add your blog to my list of important links?
Thanks!
Yes, you may post a link to this blog on your blog. Blogging about nature is always fun. Good luck and enjoy blogging about the OC.
Your site is great. I looked all over the web for a photo of the California Coot. We have them at the lake at Fairmont Park in Riverside Ca. and I never seen feet like that.
Thanks
Thanks. Glad you like the site. I think coots are cool birds. Glad the Coot Blog gave you some info on this very different bird.
Hello,
You have a wonderful birding website! Wow,this is a great site.
I have a few questions for you. I want to photograph Western Blue Birds and it looks like Mason Park is a good spot to view/photography blue birds. Do they have blur bird trails with some blue bird boxes?
What about chances of seeing them in Oct. and Nov. ?
If not, then I want to capture a Cooper's Hawk image and that's probably at a different location.
I live in Palm Springs so I just want to make sure if I can see/photograph the blue birds there.
I really appreciate your help.
Thank you. :)
Hide Takahashi
Mason Regional Park is the best place to photograph bluebirds that I know. Huntington Central Park also has bluebirds, but I have had a more difficult time with lighting and focus there. Both of those parks have Bluebird nesting boxes. The Southern California Bluebird Club at http://www.socalbluebirds.org/ is a good source. Another one is an article on Sea and Sage Audubon http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/BirdInfo/birdinfobluebirdnestbox.htm There are quite a few parks that have Bluebird Boxes: Mason Regional Park, Craig Regional Park, Mile Square Park, and Huntington Central Park to name a few. Nesting season is March through July. Although, some range maps show them here year round, spring and summer are the best months for me. As to Cooper's Hawks, the best place to find them is in places with trees and other birds like Huntington Central Park, Oak Canyon Nature Center, and El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach. But with birds, you can find them many places or go out to a place you should see them, and nothing is there. This time of year water birds are here migrating and wintering over. So Bolsa Chica, Upper Newport Bay, Huntington Central Park near the lake, or any park with a lake. Also San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Good luck with your birding and photography!
Thanks for your comment, Hide. Glad you like the blog. I enjoy doing it.
YOU HAVE A WODERFUL SIGFHT! IN MURDY PARK AT GOLDEN WEST AND MCFADDEN STREETS I SAW A BIG RAPTOR A NUMBER OF TIMES. IT WILL PERCH ON THE BIGGEST TREE IN RIGHT FIELD, LOOKING OUT FROM HOME PLATE. IT IS A LARGE BIRD, MAYBE A SIX FOOT WING SPAN. IT HAS WHITE LEGS, A WHITE HEAD WITH A BLACK STREAK ACROSS THE EYES. BLACK FEATHERING. 10/27/08
Thank you. Glad you like the site. The bird you are describing sounds like an Osprey. They eat fish and are usually near water. Check out my post on Ospreys and see if this is the bird. Thanks again for commenting!
Hello OC Birder Girl
I really have enjoyed browsing your very informative blog. Thanks for sharing so much information. On another note...
I live on the edge of the San Elijo Lagoon in Solana Beach. CA. We have a problem with dogs being allowed in our "Ecological Reserve." Even though they are supposed to be on a leash at all times, the majority of dog owners let their dogs off the leash and thus many of them end up chasing birds, or jumping into the lagoon for a swim, scarring away bird life.
Do you have any information on how "Dogs" being allowed into a sensitive wetland affect the bird and wildlife populations?
Thanks,
Will
Will,
Pet Owners today are very attached to their pets which makes this a difficult subject for them to discuss. For some, it is like being told their children are ugly. I can understand that. I have two cats I dearly love. However, I would never bring them with me to a wildlife area. They are predators. For their own sake and the sake of wildlife, I keep my cats indoors.
When the subject is brought up, many dog owners often go ballistic attacking expert opinion and saying cats are worse and kill more wildlife. And while that is true I am sure, the subject is "Should pets be brought into sensitive wildlife areas or restricted from those sensitive areas?" Obviously pets should not be brought into wildlife areas set aside for the benefit of wildlife for at least two reasons: 1) They will upset the balance of the natural wildlife if released accidentally or on purpose whether they be turtles, fish, rabbits, hamsters, cats or dogs, and 2) Most companion animals brought into places to walk them are predator species--i.e. dogs. Although I have seen people with cats on leash both in the Huntington Central Park and oddly enough at Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve. The presence of a predator always is disruptive. People bringing dogs or cats on or off leash increase the disruption in a sensitive wildlife area. It increases the presence of predator species way beyond what is normal. It causes a more constant state of upset in the animals in the preserve in my opinion.
Have there been studies? Yes. Here is one of the latest http://journals.royalsociety.org/content/y142043307645mj2/
This is a British study and the references list other studies as well.
The fact is that although our very presence can impact wildlife, there are things we can do to minimize the impact. We can come alone without domestic animals when we go to fragile wildlife areas. We can walk and not run through wildlife areas. (I am on the conservative type, I do not believe we should jog through wildlife preserves--it is disruptive.) We should not bicycle through wildlife areas. There are studies on human activity in wildlife areas that suggests many of our recreational activities including dog walking are harmful.
The problem is that people want to do what they want to do whether it is biking through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve past all the signs that prohibit it, or let their dogs romp in the waterways even during nesting season or jogging past nesting areas. (My personal jogging beef is the insensitive joggers who thunder across the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve bridge shaking it and frightening all the wildlife because other people on the bridge and wildlife nearby mean nothing to them. The park would be a better match for them. But I digress.) People do these things because there are no consequences. If there were a fine posted for letting your dog off leash and people actually were cited, they would drive to the park to walk their dog. In Bolsa Chica where dogs are prohibited, there is limited enforcement, but it is there. There is the chance of having to pay a fine. I would say until consequences occur, you will continue to experience problems in San Elijo Lagoon in Solana Beach. Those who manage San Elijo must enforce ordinances and rules or no one will take them seriously.
You have a wonderful blog here.
I came across it through the power of google news alerts.
Thank you, Beth. Glad you like the blog. I love doing it.
I recently received a request to email someone for information on a wetlands event. I only post events which have a recognized organization with a website I can look at and assess for appropriateness. Unfortunately when I looked up the sparse information included, I found nothing on the web. I did not recognize the organization. I do not email individuals, but will be happy to link to any appropriate organization that I can verify. I reserve the right to decline to post any information.
For the most part, I link to established organizations and do not publish events except in unusual and exceptionally worthy circumstances. People requesting I mention their event should remember that to make a decision I would need to know:
1) Who and what type of organization is actually sponsoring the event.
2) The purpose of the event.
3) The nature of the event.
4) Be able to look at an established website of an established organization and see information about the event.
5) It must be related to birding and birds in Orange County or nearby.
Then I could consider if that event is appropriate for my blog and determine if it is something I feel comfortable promoting. Without that basic information, I regret that I cannot even evaluate the appropriateness of publishing an event or the appropriateness of encouraging people to attend.
If anyone is interested, I saw a Black-crowned Night Heron making home at Laguna Lake in Fullerton, even accepting small fish tossed to him by a couple fishermen..
Hi,
I am not sure if there is anyone I can talk to about this but I figure this might be a good place to start. I have lived in Midway City for about 15 years. We have lots of wildlife here even though we're in the middle of nothing but city...(Huntington Beach & Westminster, CA.) Possums & raccoons are common and so are owls and, I believe, Cooper's Hawks...at least where I am. I am very concerned for the birds because there is a County project coming up that is going to require the removal of (to the best of my knowledge) many of the old growth parkway trees! My two 50-60 yr old Sycamores included. I know I USED to have a nest at the top of one of my trees that, during some trimming in the past, the remains of were removed. I don't believe it had been used too recently but since I don't know much about those things, I don't know if that was a bad thing or not. I was assured that it was OK to do so.
Anyhow, I'm sorry this is so long but I don't know if there is anything that can be done (I doubt it but I can hope) and who to go to. If you have any ideas, they would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
"I am very concerned for the birds because there is a County project coming up that is going to require the removal of (to the best of my knowledge) many of the old growth parkway trees! My two 50-60 yr old Sycamores included."
To answer this first. I would urge you to find out first what the project is and who is doing it. You might start with the County of Orange since Midway City as far as I know is unincorporated and governed by the county. Contact them as ask them about the project and express your concerns. If after speaking with the parties involved in the projecr, you feel there is cause for concern and you have not been heard, I would urge you to contact Sea and Sage Audubon. Or contact them first if you prefer. The Sierra Club might be another good organization to contact. Also the California Native Plant Society since chances are this is a California Sycamore.
Your second question. "I know I USED to have a nest at the top of one of my trees that, during some trimming in the past, the remains of were removed. I don't believe it had been used too recently but since I don't know much about those things, I don't know if that was a bad thing or not." As far as I know, removing an old, unused nest is not a crime as long as it is not during breeding season for that bird. Raptors nest early in winter. Other birds may nest in Spring and into the summer. See Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/Birdscope/Spring2008/FAQs_nests.html#Remove
Hey OC Birder Girl,
I recently got some great shots of the Wood Ducks and the Mandarin Ducks at Irvine Regional Park. I have one photo that I can't identify. I'd like to email you the picture for your input. What email address can I send the photo to?
Thank you,
Paul in Orange
Shelby, check out my birding hotspots. You will see a lot of places to bird, but I would also strongly suggest joining Sea and Sage Audubon. They have lots of opportunities to learn, field trips, lectures, activities. You won't find a better group in the OC for birding in general.
Paul, you can put it up on Flicker or something like that and I will look at the link. The other common duck at Irvine Regional Park lake is the Ring-billed Duck. Check my post for photos http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2009/03/irvine-regional-park-on-friday.html or this post http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2009/02/birding-at-irvine-regional-park.html and you may see your bird.
Hello OC Birder Girl.
I just found your site and have enjoyed it. I am just now starting a blog about backyard birding. (I'm a beginner here in Yorba Linda) May I link your site to mine in the future. I am Yorba Linda backyard birders.
Thank you for so many of the birding locations to visit.
Olivia,
Thank you for your comment. I do enjoy blogging. Lately it has been a challenge and I am a bit behind. Good luck with your blog. I will have to check it out. Feel free to put a link up to my blog. Glad you like the links. Thanks again, Olivia.
Hello,
I was wondering if there is a good local store that carries a good variety of binoculars and spotting scopes to try? I have seen some good reviews on the alpens and would love to try them. However, I don't know if I should save my money for the more expensive Zeiss or Leicas as those are currently not in my price range?
thanks,
Jake
Pretty interesting site you've got here. Thanx for it. I like such topics and everything connected to them. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.
Truly yours
Rather interesting blog you've got here. Thanks for it. I like such topics and everything that is connected to them. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.
Best regards
My son has photographed a bird in Newport Beach that we cannot identify. It looks like a duck or goose but it is not in Birds of OC book or the North American Birds book. Can I send the photo to some one to identify?
Marvin,
I would suggest that you check these three posts. If neither of these show you the bird you are looking for, you can post and Flicker or something similar and send me the link. I will take a look at it and tell you what I think. Here are the links--Wild Ducks-- http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2007/12/wild-ducks-of-orange-county.html and Odd Ducks http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2007/12/odd-ducks.html and Wood Duck or Mandarin Duck is another post that might help http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2007/10/wood-duck-or-mandarin-duck.html. An outside link that may be of help is from Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds. In their bird guide, you can check for birds by name and shape. For this great resource, click here http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search.aspx.
Hi,
Great site!
Is there anything we can do to protect a tree that a horned owl is in in Pacific Palisades?
The house has just been demolished and they are getting ready to take down the trees.
The owls have been in these trees for years and lasy night we heard one still hanging around even though jack hammering has been going on non-stopped for days.
Thanks,
Rick
Well, if the owl is nesting, it is my understanding--and I am not a lawyer--that it is against federal law to cut down a tree with an active nest in it. It is a bit late for owls to be nesting so this is a long shot for the owl, but not for other birds who might be nesting in the trees. It is nesting season. Challenging the tree felling on the basis of the birds nests they are destroying might at least give you a little time, and it might save a few birds. Try to get the name of the company doing the felling of the trees or the owner of the property if you can. Here is a link to the US Fish and Wildlife's discussion of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act http://www.fws.gov/pacific/migratorybirds/mbta.htm
The Migratory Bird Office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service is located at the Pacific Southwest Regional Office in Sacramento, Calif.
Tel: 916-414-6464.
I also would suggest you contact your local Audubon Society. The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society covers Pacific Palisades and might have some experience with the area and some suggestions. Here is the link. http://smbas.atspace.com/ I don't know if you can do more than slow the process down, but I hope it at least gives you some options. The owl may well relocate regardless of what occurs since the habitat is changing so much. Good luck and I hope there is an answer for you and your owl. Let me know what happens.
Hello,
I have a question??? I cannot remember ever hearing birds tweeting all night long!!! Seriously it's like from Midnight to all day. They quite some about mid day, but then start up again at midnight. I think I'm going to loose my mind!! Don't get me wrong the birds are magical to watch in the fountain during the day, but I'm at my wits end. IT's been a week of sleepless nights, and earplugs cannot be worn else I'll sleep through the alarm clock.
Can you explain this? What kind of birds are these, and is it a migratory thing?
Thanks,
Audry
Audry, thank you for your question. It is one I am getting often and so I made your question and my answer a post. See my answer http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2010/05/surviving-spring.html
I am relocating from (East Coast 2006, India, Cameroun, China, Canada before that) Oakland, going to San Fernando Valley area and really happy to have found your blog. You will be at the top of my list as I get used to my beautiful new area.
I really enjoy your blog and videos.
I'm starting to bird in my backyard at yorbalindabackyardbirders.blogspot.com. Please stop by.
I'm new at this so please bear with me. Your pictures and information are very informative and you've done such a good job.
Please stop by at my blog and drop a line. Thank you for sharing.
Hi OC Birder Girl,
My name if Olivia and I absolutely enjoy your blog. It is very educational and so informative.I'm just starting a simple backyard birding blog at yorbalindabirds.blogspot.com. May I connect your link to my blog? Well I actually already have it on there but wanted to ask you first before I continue. I'm just sharing my backyard birding experiences. It's so much fun.
Again, your blog is excellent and thank you for all the reference material. It sure helps when looking for new places to discover nature. :)
Olivia, thank you for your kind words. Of course, you may link to my blog. You have made a good start. I love the Western Bluebird pictures! Good luck and happy blogging. Yorba Linda is a beautiful place to bird.
I am about to take a group of ten year old scouts around Ballona and the Marina in Marina Del Rey. Any good tips for a simple bird ID guide I can get for them. I am looking for something like 25 most common birds they might see. Much more than that and I think the detail will drown them. Any ideas ?
thanks
Darryl, I think rather than a guide, a card with the shore birds would be a good choice. Mac's Field Guide To California Coastal Birds has a wall chart. Or you may want to print a few off the website. You are likely to see Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, Ring-billed Gulls, Osprey, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Marbles Godwits, Willets, Northern Shovelers, Mallards, Cinnamon Teals, Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, American Coots, Turkey Vultures, Double-crested Cormorants, Pied-billed Grebes, Eared Grebes, Western Grebes, Forster's Terns, Ruddy Ducks,Brown Pelicans, White Pelicans, Killdeer, Black Phoebes, Common Yellowthroats, and much more. Sometimes local nature centers sell the cards or you can get them on Amazon. Locally, here in Orange County, you can buy them at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, and sometimes at the nature center in Bolsa Chica. Wild Birds Unlimited in Torrance may have cards or small guides. Here is their website http://torrance.wbu.com/ Always call first to see if they have small guides or cars. Good luck and have a wonderful time with the kids.
Hello,
I just found your blog and thought I’d let you know about the bird lover’s hotel of Morro Bay. We recently redesigned our hotel so that our hallways are lined with Audubon prints, our rooms include trail maps and info on local birds, and our lobby features giant bird books. We also have a few pairs of binoculars that guests can borrow.
We just want to spread the word to fellow bird enthusiasts. You can follow us on facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174181835954358#!/pages/La-Serena-Inn/132522693427168
And if you don’t already have plans, Come on down for the Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. It’s happening next weekend.
Have a good day,
Nick Powell
La Serena Inn
Hey there,
I just spent 2 hours trying to identify a duck that was on my pool this morning.
Your site has the only pictures of a female wood duck, so the mystery is solved.
Thanks for great pictures.
Many mallards have stopped to rest and feed here over the years but I never saw the wood duck before.
John B.
Gilbert, AZ
Glad my blog was helpfulin identifying the female wood duck. Ducks can be challenging. Thank you for stopping by, John.
Greetings from the Atlantic Coast,
'll be visiting in Laguna Hills Aug. 23-30.
Don't think I'll have a car; would love to join other birders/bird walks, don't see any Sea & Sage listed for that time.
Would also love any pelagic excursions.
Might you be able to suggest contacts?
And locales not far from Laguna Hills?
Many thanks!
Yael, a Brooklyn birder
Yael, thanks so much for visiting. Always love to hear from New Yorkers. My family is from New York. There are many great birding places near Laguna Hills. Here is a great link for areas near Laguna Hills http://www.lagunacanyon.org/parks.html Crystal Cove is a great area with a mix of hills and back country trails and great shore areas to bird. Check out their calendar for activities. http://www.crystalcovestatepark.com/ Here is another link http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ And another http://www.ocparks.com/lagunaniguelpark/ Here is a more ocean based site http://www.ocean-institute.org/programs/index.html and another http://www.lagunabeach.com/activity.html and http://www.balboapavilion.com/ One more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Pier There is a Laguna Hills Audubon Society Serving Here is the site http://www.lagunawoodsvillage.com/article.cfm?id=864 The site lists contacts Len Gardner (581-6940) or John Andes (206-9659) for more information. Happy birding. Let us know how your trip turns out.
How do I bird with camera without appearing creepy or stalkerish? I am serious.
A n00b birder here.
Well, birding in general requires some discretion. Birders have developed some basic birding ethics can help us all avoid the creep factor. Seriously. Respect other people and their property. Don't point binoculars or cameras at people or their windows or yards unless you know them or have their permission. Don't stick your camera over walls to take pictures of birds on people's property without their permission. If you see someone eyeing you suspiciously, talk to them, tell them you are a birder, and ask if they have seen any interesting birds in the area. People are often very willing to talk with birders. Taking bird pictures in parks and wildlife areas cuts down on the creep factor. Most people catch on fairly quickly if you are pointing your camera at birds and will even ask you what birds you are seeing. Usually, it is the person with a camera in a residential area that makes people wonder what they are photographing. Binoculars also cause suspicion in residential areas. So as in real estate, in birding it is often location, location, location. So relax, go to nature areas and snap birds without fear of being misunderstood. If all else fails, we can all use the old standby--a birding t-shirt. Hope that helps. Enjoy birding and your camera! Thank you for your question. For further reading check out The Birding Code of Ethics from The American Birding Association http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2007/09/birdin-code-of-ethics-from-american.html
I received this request:
"is there any way I can get at least 2 hummingbirds from you for a release at my sisters funeral for her daughters.. that is her absolute favorite.."
Danielle, first of all, I am very sorry for your loss. However, I do not have hummingbirds in my possession as I am not a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Even if I were, I would not be allowed to keep them as pets or to release them at any occasion. Hummingbirds are protected by federal law and cannot be used in that way. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss, and I hope that you do find another meaningful way to honor your sister's memory.
Hello,
I will be visiting Irvine in early April next year. Would the Wood Ducks be still present at Irvine Regional Park? Is there a good location in OC that I can find the Yellow-billed Magpie.
Thanks for the info
Mountain Man, Wood Ducks are present year round in Orange County, and do nest here. They can be seen at several of our Regional Parks including Irvine Regional Park,Craig Regional Park, and Yorba Regional Park. They also occasionally show up at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, and other locations in Orange County. On the other hand, the Yellow-billed Magpie is very, very rare in Orange County with only one sighting back in 2006. If you want to take a day trip or overnight trip to Santa Barbara County, you can see Yellow-billed Magpies in Santa Barbara County check out this link http://ca-ccbt.info/birds/ybma.htm It is fairly common there all year. I hope that helps. Enjoy your visit to Orange County, CA. Thanks for stopping by.
I saw either a Rufous or allen's hummingbird at costa mesa fairview park
It was doing a flight display and this bird during the time I watched did Three "J" dives
my question is during the Allen's flight display will they only once do the "J" dive or will they do it a number of times
The Allen's will display numerous times. Most likely it is an Allen's since they breed in Orange County and the Rufous does not. For more, see my post on Rufous and Allen's Hummingbirds. http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2009/03/allens-hummingbirds-and-rufous.html
Hi OC Bird Girl,
I'm travelling about once a month to Irvine for work. I can't stay weekends, but I do have time in the early AM and evening to do some birding. Any recommendations on locations I can easily bird during those times? I stay at the Wyndham near the Santa Ana airport or at the Marriott in Foot Hill Ranch. I am mostly hoping to see western specialties. Thanks for your help.
Hi:
My wife and I saw this wildly colored duck (a pair actually) when we visited Balboa Park in San Diego. I am trying to identify the species, have never seen anything like it. Here are some pics of the male:
http://www.californiakingmedia.com/balboa_park/
Any clues as to the identity would be helpful. I've checked the Audubon site and several other duck-specific resources, no one seems to know.
Cheers,
-- Symon Michael
Symon, it is a male Mandarin Duck. Looks like he is banded. Check my post on Mandarin Ducks. http://ocbirderca.blogspot.com/2010/04/mandarin-duck.html Mandarin Ducks are native to Asia, but are escapees in the United States. They are relatives of our native Wood Ducks and sometimes can be seen hanging out together. Both are perching ducks. The females look very similar. Hope that helps. Thanks for stopping by.
I received this question. Reposting without the signature:
We have a Cooper's Hawk stuck in our building in Santa Ana.
Santa Ana Police/Animal Services came out and said there is nothing they can do.
He has been in here for two days.
He continues to try to fly thru glass windows that do not open. I have opened all the doors to our two story building but he will not go towards them. Is there anyone out there that can help?
Thank you,
D C
Santa Ana, CA
D.C., I suggest you contact the The Orange County Bird of Prey Center at (949) 837-0786. They may be able to help you. Let us know how things work out with the your Cooper's Hawk.
I've watched a single Ferruginous hawk in a populated area of (upper) Orange County for months. Is their a specific person at Audubon in Orco that I can notify? What would they do? I'm concerned about it not being disturbed.
I'm glad I came across your blog, and its content was the deciding factor on only contacting you with my query. Thank-you! Greg
Greg, you can report birds seen to Orange County Birding which is a Yahoo group. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/OrangeCountyBirding/info
Thanks for stopping by.
Karen: Just moved back (after 10 years on never-a-quiet-moment Golden Lantern, Dana Point) to a serenely tranquil apartment complex in Lake Forest. Serrano Creek ravine and its lengthy parkland across the road (where I lived before); acres of undeveloped land alongside the apartments on this side. Delighted to spot a Cooper's Hawk (I believe) three times in the last few days. First time was a flash of striped grey zooming into the trees. Spotted twice since in same vicinity. Anything I can do to keep it around?
There is not a lot you can do. The environment seems to be a fit for the Cooper's Hawk for now. The only thing to remember is that they do not like to be disturbed when nesting and will bomb dive intruders on occasion. So if they nest, keep a respectable distance to avoid disturbing them, and having to run for cover. Thanks for stopping by. Hope the Cooper's Hawk sticks around for a long time.
Hi - I live in Seal Beach - a neighbor has a hummingbird nest with 2 babies in it. They are planning on painting her building Tuesday - we live in Condos. I worry the paint overspray or the workers will either kill the babies or chase the mother away. Is there a way to relocate the nest so Mom will stay close and they will be safe from the paint & predators (crows etc)
Wantmore3663@yahoo.com
The best advice on baby birds comes from animal rescue organizations. We have a wonderful one in Orange County called Songbird Care & Education Center. You can contact them through their website http://www.songbirdcareandeducation.org/home.html or at vicki@songbirdcareandeducation.org
or (714) 964-0666. Good luck.
OC Birder Girl
I had a request from an ornithology student for a bird checklist from Irvine Regional Park. I do not have one, but I suggest contacting the park, and requesting one. Here is the address, phone number, and email for the park:
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6835 or (714) 973-3173
irvinepark@ocparks.com
Hope this helps. OC Birder Girl
We have, about 1000 or more, geese that fly over our home in Chino Hills. They leave the area every morning and return every evening. We are new to the area and are extremely curious about what type of geese these are? And where do they go every morning, and where do they come back to every night?
I'm really hoping you can give us some insight?
Thank you
Thanks for stopping by, Penni. My guess would be Canada Geese. Usually they head out for the golf courses, parks, and any other grass covered area which also has a lake. While we do have other types of geese including domestic and exotic species, the huge groups of geese are usually the black-and-white Canada Geese. Thank you for your question.
Hello OC birder girl,
I'm not an experienced birder but I think I've been seeing a lot of the western bluebirds in Corona del Mar at Bayside Drive Park. They always seem to be out and about around noon.
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