Tag Archives: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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Pigeon Guillemots lay their eggs in crevices or small cavities in rocky cliffs or islands. There are two known Pigeon Guillemot nests on Gualala Point Island. Craig Tooley recently photographed this pair.

Pigeon Guillemots by Craig Tooley

These two are in breeding plumage. Non-breeders have mostly white heads and white underparts. Notice their bright red/orange feet! They are only found in the northern Pacific Ocean.

Adults are busy feeding the young in their rocky nest. We hope to see them fledge in the days to come.

To hear their calls, here is the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pigeon_Guillemot/sounds

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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So much bigger than Brown Pelicans, American White Pelicans have been seen floating near the mouth of the Russian River. Janet Tervo recently photographed a flock.

American White Pelicans by Janet Tervo American White Pelicans by Siegfried Matull

The photo above was taken by Siegfried Matull, showing a White Pelican in flight.

To hear the sound of these birds, here's a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_White_Pelican/sounds

American White Pelicans breed inland and travel to the coast to overwinter. It seems a little early for their appearance but the first of them have arrived.

Thanks to Janet and Siegfried for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Paul Brewer trained his camera on an Anna's Hummingbird and this is the result.

Anna's Hummingbird feeds by Paul Brewer

Anna's Hummingbird by Paul Brewer

Anna's Hummingbirds are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. To hear their call, here's a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/annas_hummingbird/sounds

To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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Black Oystercatchers nest on the Mendonoma Coast. Robert Scarola recently photographed an Oystercatcher with two eggs.

Black Oystercatcher with 2 Eggs by Robert Scarola

These eggs have hatched and fledglings have appeared. Here's a photo by Craig Tooley of fledglings.

Black Oystercatcher with three chicks by Craig Tooley

There are three chicks with this Black Oystercatcher. Can  you spot them?

These birds are quite noisy, even when flying. To hear their call, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_oystercatcher/sounds

Thanks to Robert and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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The male Goldfinch in his breeding plumage is a joy to see. Chris Grossman photographed a pair. The female is on the left and it looks like they are gathering nesting materials.

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), Mendocino County, California

American Goldfinches are the latest songbird to breed. They depend on thistle seed and have to wait to see how abundant it will be.

Rick and I have lured them to a thistle feeder and we enjoy seeing them during the spring and summer. Pine Siskins also join them at the feeder, along with a clever Acorn Woodpecker now and then.

To hear the song of a Goldfinch, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_goldfinch/sounds

Thanks to Chris for allowing me to share his photo with you here.