While they may be called the American Pipit, these little birds can also be found in Greenland, eastern Russia, and parts of northern China and Mongolia. February’s bird of the month is the American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) The American Pipit (6.5’’ long; 10.5’’ wingspan; 0.74 oz.) is the most common pipit seen in North America. In breeding season it…
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If you’re not quick, you might miss this speedy little bird as it whizzes past defending its territory from an intruder. These birds are small, fast, and territorial, but you can’t help be in awe when you see them shimmering in the sunlight. January’s bird of the month is the tiny Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)!!!!…
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Why such the long face? Because these birds are dabbling ducks and use their long bills to forge for yummy food in the mudflats. The males show colorful plumage when in flight with green, blue, white, and brown feathers that contrast with their yellow eyes and bright orange feet. Very common in the winter time…
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Shy, secretive, and rarely seen, this bird species is a unique visitor to Bolsa Chica’s Mesa coastal sagescrub habitat and cactus stands. This is the smallest thrasher in North America with a shorter bill than other species of thrashers. During the breeding season, this species almost exclusively lives in sagebrush habitat in the Mid-west, which…
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One of the largest hawk species in North America with an iconic call that is oftentimes mistaken for an eagle call (blame movies and television). This bird has a few different plumage morphs and it is the most common hawk around living in many different types of habitats. Once you get to know this species,…
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The size of a Mourning Dove, these fierce firecrackers are not what you would expect from a top predator. Well, unless you are a lizard or a large beetle. The males of the species have the most colorful plumage of all falcons. Given their small size, they are also prey for larger hunters like Red-tailed…
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Shy birds are often a photographer’s prized subject, and these birds fit that bill. You might think they are a type of woodpecker when you see their large pointy bills and hear their loud rattling calls, but these fishing experts are no woodpeckers. August’s bird of the month is the shy Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)!!!!…
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With striking large red eyes this bird would cause you quite the fright if you stumbled upon it in the middle of the night. They mostly hunt at dusk and night and rest during the day near the edges of the water. Found everywhere except Australia and Antarctica, these birds are the most widespread herons…
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A small bird that is often dangling from the end of flower stalks, this species is often seen in flocks in open habitats and gardens. These birds are seed eaters and will often be seen in a mixed flock of bird species at bird feeders. Having wheezy songs, sometimes the songs will even contain song…
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A rare visitor to Bolsa Chica, let alone this high north on the Pacific Coastline. A small sized bird compared to its resident relatives, this bird created quite the excitement in the birding world when it came for an extended stay in 2018. Having distinct plumage colors, it was not hard to spot among the…
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