Tag Archives: two chicks

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I invited photographer Shari Goforth over to my place in Anchor Bay to see if she could photograph the Western Flycatcher [formerly called Pacific Slope Flycatcher] couple feeding their chicks. The nest, woven with lichen, is above an outdoor light fixture. Shari patiently sat on the deck about twenty feet away. The adults were very wary of this change of scenery and it took quite a while before their worry about Shari was superseded by their need to feed their two chicks. Shari got a series of photos and in each photo the adult flycatcher had an insect in his or her mouth, ready for the open beaks of their offspring.

The flycatcher chicks are completely silent, at least to human ears. Shari has Western Bluebirds in her nesting box in Gualala. She wrote, “Unlike your flycatchers, these chicks are not reticent! At feedings, they make a huge racket in that little box. I can hear it on the bench at least 30 feet away!”

Thanks to Shari for allowing me to share her photos with you here. The chicks fledged several days ago. I miss the adults coming and going!

Breezy and HOT today. Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer. Yep, we're having a heatwave. Head to the beach!

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Richard Custer has been watching a Raven nest near the Point Arena Lighthouse. Two chicks hatched, and the parents are busy feeding them. Look how hungry these chicks are, and notice the wing feathers coming in.

Here's a beautiful photo of one of the Common Ravens at the Lighthouse, taken by Michael Deligio a few years ago. It kind of looks like a painting!

Thanks to Richard and Michael for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Wet fog this morning has led to brilliant sunshine this afternoon.

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This photo wasn't taken on the Mendonoma coast, but inland Mendocino county. But it's such a great photo that I wanted to share it here.

Jack tells me the Osprey is bringing a bluegill to the nest. Looks like this nest holds the mother and two chicks.

The Ospreys we watch through our spotting scope are really getting big. I won't be surprised if one fledges soon.

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

As much of the country bakes in heat and humidity, we are fortunate for the fog bank that cools us off today. It's hovering right at the bluff edge. A walk at Gualala Point Regional Park felt mystical earlier today.

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Lynda Opperman and Howard Curtis noticed this tiny nest with two Anna's Hummingbird chicks inside.

This is a very good reason why you shouldn't prune bushes or trees during nesting season! Isn't the nest exquisite? The mother hummer builds it with lichen, moss and spiderwebs. The nest expands as the chicks grow because of the spiderwebs. Good planning, mother hummer!

Some years ago Siegfried Matull photographed an Anna's Hummingbird nest. Here it is with two eggs. The mother has lined the inside of the nest with feathers and other soft materials.

Here the mother is sitting on her eggs.

And here are her two chicks.

This is a wonderful time of year, bursting with new life, here on the Mendonoma coast.

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

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The chicks in the other two Peregrine Falcon nests, one with two chicks and the other with four chicks, have fledged. But a new nest was discovered recently and the chicks are at least three weeks younger than the ones that just fledged. There are two chicks in this newly discovered nest and Michael Beattie was invited to come by and photograph them.

Here the two chicks obviously are anxious to be fed.

The adult Peregrines have been taking nearly all of this year's Western Gull chicks to feed their young. It's a rough time for smaller birds with these predators in town.

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