tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2281052779739739132024-03-14T08:57:57.225-07:00Berkeley Backyard Bird BlogNotes, Observations & Musings on Avian Sightings & Encounters, Near & FarGambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-7842164049474356952019-02-11T17:13:00.140-08:002023-03-28T11:23:02.413-07:00Wayward Palm Warbler Stirs Imagination<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPFyoJZDz7_22mnvjSEdAGCr9KqMk6jlArX4AChzs_WZd3Y2Bz0eFO1rwQjFQnsbG_nAi2aWv_af7G_m950rUqSJUKWQPN1zQ0fHMwjwxap1ermk20IZue6kRaKp1TbYxdNu7-SIxxcc/s1600/pw1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPFyoJZDz7_22mnvjSEdAGCr9KqMk6jlArX4AChzs_WZd3Y2Bz0eFO1rwQjFQnsbG_nAi2aWv_af7G_m950rUqSJUKWQPN1zQ0fHMwjwxap1ermk20IZue6kRaKp1TbYxdNu7-SIxxcc/s400/pw1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Palm Warbler spotted in Emeryville</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">My brief sighting the other day of a wayward, male non-breeding <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Palm Warbler</span></b></i> lasted a mere <i><b>10</b></i> seconds, and the thrill was quickly gone as our special guest bird soon vanished from sight.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk00iZeHjai4F6N98Gtora1DCiiXa263qJYIGDc2TrXvObI-tqvRqFSzwTz28SP6g0ghk7SW2kkPrzCn66NwF_hBuzWG78isTx65HBhR8EgDTDY59kQpu82ie08f6t_qz9TaVSr7AiPA/s1600/2019-02-06+006.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk00iZeHjai4F6N98Gtora1DCiiXa263qJYIGDc2TrXvObI-tqvRqFSzwTz28SP6g0ghk7SW2kkPrzCn66NwF_hBuzWG78isTx65HBhR8EgDTDY59kQpu82ie08f6t_qz9TaVSr7AiPA/s400/2019-02-06+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nearby White-crowned Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sounds exotic, I know, but let's not get too worked up over this little Western sub-species donning his nondescript plumage at this time of year. I wonder: does he have a friend? Is he looking for a mate, or is it too early? Was he blown off-course, like the one little soul ID'd as a <i>"vagrant"</i> in Iceland?</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskSublTDsS3S7OGPBmYgObaVfTo3HPWNIHbv51AkDH2lXocOW-05pQF-q1WEIi-vdGAc2noVZauzpwc4jpaWy0uw2Q_sORzttBjkelObhUw3kHUIicbMzDHBNcGMyaK4eMF7dX0s-7Trgy6PFJxsEwymhV2n3ZhpB0SUzjX-pegOnQ5WQBWI1i15U/s3240/1b%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskSublTDsS3S7OGPBmYgObaVfTo3HPWNIHbv51AkDH2lXocOW-05pQF-q1WEIi-vdGAc2noVZauzpwc4jpaWy0uw2Q_sORzttBjkelObhUw3kHUIicbMzDHBNcGMyaK4eMF7dX0s-7Trgy6PFJxsEwymhV2n3ZhpB0SUzjX-pegOnQ5WQBWI1i15U/w400-h320/1b%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren making an appearance</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Who knows the answers to the eternal mysteries of birds. I certainly don't. Notwithstanding, I very much looked forward to spotting the ballyhooed bird, supremely handsome in olive green vestment, with a bit o' yellow undertones and a <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Bewick's Wren</span></i></b> sort of white stripe over the alert eye.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluqenNbLF6XdALbw9c5VSNWBwaN4gLYNMQMWuwTMD5FQ8y4Wqy9R8n9UFvyTUEenPUeGdVdlrP5wvohtz-Cg_KBi9KUK-KG_7jY59O1Tb4ZOQ8AZ7mbRgf4m9YiE0cKL9sMotLwvehFtu8e6BLtRKF3YR6UlKRkrrpgZkTbOAnAKtrxWKTiF7aHHr/s1233/Palm_Warbler,_Indiatlatlantic_d%20gordon%20e%20robertson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1233" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluqenNbLF6XdALbw9c5VSNWBwaN4gLYNMQMWuwTMD5FQ8y4Wqy9R8n9UFvyTUEenPUeGdVdlrP5wvohtz-Cg_KBi9KUK-KG_7jY59O1Tb4ZOQ8AZ7mbRgf4m9YiE0cKL9sMotLwvehFtu8e6BLtRKF3YR6UlKRkrrpgZkTbOAnAKtrxWKTiF7aHHr/w400-h325/Palm_Warbler,_Indiatlatlantic_d%20gordon%20e%20robertson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">"Brown" Palm Warbler in breeding plumage (photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You must be wondering what the big deal is. Which is this: The <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Bird of the Month</span></b></i> in the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></b></i> could easily be mistaken for <i>"just"</i> an <i>"ordinary"</i> bird!</div><i>(Whatever that is!)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MtRafFBF6sEVOF8BWHPP3st_0OHcRrJoCw7k8dew5Bvtkhsh860ITXQQWHVZoqcWs9ptXE4kVnhYH2w5x7Q2x7SLlOez8Kvsf0_DV5PZqTxDfR862UC2J9r1-fhgMDRw5lQeHtao43g4yzv9fSY2BEBpg3O9nfizKA1mGv4RPlCqwK-aZTz3Ssz8/s799/800px-A_palm_warbler_tony%20clements.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="799" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MtRafFBF6sEVOF8BWHPP3st_0OHcRrJoCw7k8dew5Bvtkhsh860ITXQQWHVZoqcWs9ptXE4kVnhYH2w5x7Q2x7SLlOez8Kvsf0_DV5PZqTxDfR862UC2J9r1-fhgMDRw5lQeHtao43g4yzv9fSY2BEBpg3O9nfizKA1mGv4RPlCqwK-aZTz3Ssz8/w400-h266/800px-A_palm_warbler_tony%20clements.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Palm Warbler in spring migration (photo by Tony Clements)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Well, such is the plight of the pitifully mundane male non-breeders of the world, solitary outcasts, one and all!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD2HGAKPYwE3ueuNFazieW3VVJvtPJYFVgkGKPwNCkBMUne-q4Fv6sRw6b6zm5PuExkLwAdscasYv6eddZZZCRwnMsitlnenSUf0WV_l7zdEpVtoQXHn5JGkKBkMFctQhPBWhKZ8tWcr0DEa9cTms0wNSjpQ0IVrRfHNUlS2h54crK5SeVBMpbGlr/s800/800px-Palm_Warbler_wolfgang%20wander.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD2HGAKPYwE3ueuNFazieW3VVJvtPJYFVgkGKPwNCkBMUne-q4Fv6sRw6b6zm5PuExkLwAdscasYv6eddZZZCRwnMsitlnenSUf0WV_l7zdEpVtoQXHn5JGkKBkMFctQhPBWhKZ8tWcr0DEa9cTms0wNSjpQ0IVrRfHNUlS2h54crK5SeVBMpbGlr/w400-h266/800px-Palm_Warbler_wolfgang%20wander.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Palm Warbler (photo by Wolfgang Wander)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Including this little guy who seems to be bereft of ilk or companion, all alone in the big, harsh world. I wonder – does he get lonely being a solitary bird?</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPTscfRWGNHW67JFGgM3MEySKEpqLHI2xsWRuQc1oBxNLZ_Rg4npHYH3QhOHz9si2uxlx6KEGqISbmco4GmD0iQTy36f1SN6bWqAcitcai696KYrwRRDKkYkjEpBoFGoadqTmXJmPH5K1c9s0TpmI2qDKu0NJElGP61UBgTbSWF0f-623_rTwsEfn/s655/655px-Western_Palm_Warbler_httpwwwbirdphotoscom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="655" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPTscfRWGNHW67JFGgM3MEySKEpqLHI2xsWRuQc1oBxNLZ_Rg4npHYH3QhOHz9si2uxlx6KEGqISbmco4GmD0iQTy36f1SN6bWqAcitcai696KYrwRRDKkYkjEpBoFGoadqTmXJmPH5K1c9s0TpmI2qDKu0NJElGP61UBgTbSWF0f-623_rTwsEfn/w400-h366/655px-Western_Palm_Warbler_httpwwwbirdphotoscom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Palm Warbler (photo by http://www.birdphotos.com)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">He seems right at home, though, and happy as a lark in the surprising environs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReYFsd5sDSPrqJ9YxFnodJx3uwGSKl6h85QoX-v0rzKf_DpD4kRQtX9Ywu-1oMHy8JVhfUkpJR2XjQbhtpJ68KVUubITHdDM9x_JeFmArhKU5SIUPZmvEi1fNiR2Qv_n0v05xfBrRc_NAfg1BAP_6eJPsn1QWzl8Fhu0xMonwapBkS0_0falqt_dg/s1342/1b%20(8).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReYFsd5sDSPrqJ9YxFnodJx3uwGSKl6h85QoX-v0rzKf_DpD4kRQtX9Ywu-1oMHy8JVhfUkpJR2XjQbhtpJ68KVUubITHdDM9x_JeFmArhKU5SIUPZmvEi1fNiR2Qv_n0v05xfBrRc_NAfg1BAP_6eJPsn1QWzl8Fhu0xMonwapBkS0_0falqt_dg/w400-h320/1b%20(8).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Nuthatch peckin' for pickins</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> This insect-loving bird is completely inured to our presence </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> absent that notable tendency of fear and loathing wild animals have towards civilized humans. <i>(And vice versa.)</i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfFRnrfIwQX-yRm03wDpFMiSWclJaEnYD8BvY-gl_Jw9ilBhTkfKxmda6yKqUAbRUdVczKsSQXaBP-qxyGFZ1tk3GzbMjP9D8sBTIpLMi0L-NEb-ZWPXoh7krJeN3QZh4OrQOH5nDUkKJHVa9UfqQ5azZmrg2lZwTytQZnVJ-zucmZp2jqJ7Q7ljm/s1709/3a%20(1).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfFRnrfIwQX-yRm03wDpFMiSWclJaEnYD8BvY-gl_Jw9ilBhTkfKxmda6yKqUAbRUdVczKsSQXaBP-qxyGFZ1tk3GzbMjP9D8sBTIpLMi0L-NEb-ZWPXoh7krJeN3QZh4OrQOH5nDUkKJHVa9UfqQ5azZmrg2lZwTytQZnVJ-zucmZp2jqJ7Q7ljm/w400-h320/3a%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird taking a break from flitting about</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> So, never before having seen this particular bird, I'm game to have a chance to pad my <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Life List</span></b></i>, even if it's <i>"just"</i> the little ol' male non-breeding <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Palm Warbler</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B2naA9ZUiylI4OpShnbAZrkQ-3n9ImHBj02QUbqKcjJQLX5ovwg-QwXSomJ9aHBd9aj9h8MaYcOA4eHU_OLGiTQBG6JSkJfk55i3ucdlk8gYygqriUQYGOWW-pKxLYoSimAZqaP9Z0giFjIt-pYQRC8KcRT8N2a-7q6C-FvkGYwwbkF6dwnnj0KD/s1919/3a%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B2naA9ZUiylI4OpShnbAZrkQ-3n9ImHBj02QUbqKcjJQLX5ovwg-QwXSomJ9aHBd9aj9h8MaYcOA4eHU_OLGiTQBG6JSkJfk55i3ucdlk8gYygqriUQYGOWW-pKxLYoSimAZqaP9Z0giFjIt-pYQRC8KcRT8N2a-7q6C-FvkGYwwbkF6dwnnj0KD/w400-h320/3a%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fattened up Steller's Jay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> And now I can say with pride <i>(and no hint of prejudice)</i> that I have had the privilege of actually spotting a <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Palm Warbler!</span></b></i> Hell, I might not ever spot another in my life, unless I can get to where they're more commonly seen at the right time of year. No easy feat.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpMlNIWGLqDXmdf2UB-GVaCYKZZ7AKlFm7Du-DA2vHqFdvYgyWj4X3tf96eQiqxcvpMRkl5Yh37AAb3QpXSHBdww_hgMu11BYLfXULayGiyzwIRKwlYqTD8H_8IrrswZyDW6gf5nbVwVkwDTY2TWwozMMlTr2uPN4mT2qlnpagi2XyG8fsWkL8pp0/s1440/3a%20(3).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpMlNIWGLqDXmdf2UB-GVaCYKZZ7AKlFm7Du-DA2vHqFdvYgyWj4X3tf96eQiqxcvpMRkl5Yh37AAb3QpXSHBdww_hgMu11BYLfXULayGiyzwIRKwlYqTD8H_8IrrswZyDW6gf5nbVwVkwDTY2TWwozMMlTr2uPN4mT2qlnpagi2XyG8fsWkL8pp0/w400-h320/3a%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Some kind of Thrush in hiding</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Over the past couple of weeks, online reports surfaced of several visitations of rarely sighted birds in the <b><i>East Bay</i></b>; of particular note, a much sought after<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Summer Tanager</span></b></i> was repeatedly spotted hanging out in the urban / nature ecotone of rugged, birding hot spot of <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve</span></b></i> in the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i>; and a <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Palm Warbler</span></b></i> has been kicking up a fuss among birders in the decidedly urban setting of <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Doyle Hollis Park</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Emeryville</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBRha14cpDok7sC4kb4x0ttutGQFw4iZ9tnT5dUpR1dmzmLSNpQNShvkeLI0WqvORtz_-EMgnEF9brqKjEMYRpwF2VW-ZpIOur-lyi3IEyRzQkQ40TEgr_s8GddkX3wzprBhBufiGpLeu1sWfHYBL4q1lKZbcC1ElqXA4AEYOoZ77yQbtLLT5B50U/s1840/3a%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBRha14cpDok7sC4kb4x0ttutGQFw4iZ9tnT5dUpR1dmzmLSNpQNShvkeLI0WqvORtz_-EMgnEF9brqKjEMYRpwF2VW-ZpIOur-lyi3IEyRzQkQ40TEgr_s8GddkX3wzprBhBufiGpLeu1sWfHYBL4q1lKZbcC1ElqXA4AEYOoZ77yQbtLLT5B50U/w400-h320/3a%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />A failed attempt to make the acquaintance of the <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tanager</span></i></b> a few weeks ago resulted in my renewed determination to spot a </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> unique bird! <i>(Timing is everything.)</i> So the other day, after reading several e-bird reports, I braved early morning traffic and headed cross town to the bayside burg of high-tech / shopping mecca of <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Emeryville, California</span></b></i> . . . to see what </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i>or who</i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> I could see.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVTPSK17kcy65o7pKhYQloRaIrk_ZCQpQQFIc1yaAfhMCBI2TCc6Em2GV-ipcu8cHXufIMhxPmPpGnvSE1TkMcuPX3WuinQzqaZJ_Yvu45862iEUBQUnY04tWR8rJGg0x9MIahXbzIPjxr4SS7S-9-ApVYZpmXMzuaekSo8kEaFoxYJWC_LfAy6Yr/s2246/3a%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1797" data-original-width="2246" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVTPSK17kcy65o7pKhYQloRaIrk_ZCQpQQFIc1yaAfhMCBI2TCc6Em2GV-ipcu8cHXufIMhxPmPpGnvSE1TkMcuPX3WuinQzqaZJ_Yvu45862iEUBQUnY04tWR8rJGg0x9MIahXbzIPjxr4SS7S-9-ApVYZpmXMzuaekSo8kEaFoxYJWC_LfAy6Yr/w400-h320/3a%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Towhee peeking out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> My imagination was running wild after viewing online photos of the bird, stoking my curiosity with excitable images of a colorful, tropical-looking bird. A rarely seen bird, indeed, so went my narrative.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXmeOOUWJjZFfxhpD4qQzHB706r8KH58e4abGVT5kYu03TUg9UNlypbVvELNpwbyB7gQAI8UH_jCDpeEiU3WT4ZSAyGr_RBj9NTTI1Hl4OYXxkxAtE4c5x0VTBINCMvm_shyWul-jfqNHXFfcEX45Zc5OHpCXS0bmd5NF-wYazoeWRABXPIMklgVj/s1440/4b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXmeOOUWJjZFfxhpD4qQzHB706r8KH58e4abGVT5kYu03TUg9UNlypbVvELNpwbyB7gQAI8UH_jCDpeEiU3WT4ZSAyGr_RBj9NTTI1Hl4OYXxkxAtE4c5x0VTBINCMvm_shyWul-jfqNHXFfcEX45Zc5OHpCXS0bmd5NF-wYazoeWRABXPIMklgVj/w400-h320/4b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush sighting always exciting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> After all, a bird called <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"Palm Warbler"</span></b></i> naturally would lead one to believe it's from somewhere in <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Central America</span></b></i>, or at least hailing from semi-tropical <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Florida</span></b></i>. It turns out <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Florida</span></b></i> is indeed a winter hot spot, where they feed under the palm trees. and not in them, a feature that sets this <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Warbler</span></b></i> apart from most other warblers who tend to be tree top foragers. <i>(Betcha didn't know that one before you looked it up on the net.)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEyN5RTSb4-_e7p6Q48Q-UC5lPedV3TEGoXUpXABuoyHy8kJTMJK1f7OxzedVS54hck39OzHmjrFoKP2CBWrHVTcTGpj-eAuyQJapdUYSawuL0D6UH0s9y6oPgc9MoqFoXuEgCb2EsTKcHNJ6YPH-ppb7bI5MUT-MUtvnUYuzI8qbufwzz_Xztgxt/s1919/5b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEyN5RTSb4-_e7p6Q48Q-UC5lPedV3TEGoXUpXABuoyHy8kJTMJK1f7OxzedVS54hck39OzHmjrFoKP2CBWrHVTcTGpj-eAuyQJapdUYSawuL0D6UH0s9y6oPgc9MoqFoXuEgCb2EsTKcHNJ6YPH-ppb7bI5MUT-MUtvnUYuzI8qbufwzz_Xztgxt/w400-h320/5b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren in a rare moment of repose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />A breeding bird renowned for his brown skullcap and bright yellow under and overtones, <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Palm Warblers</span></i></b> number a dozen million or more, thriving mainly in the <i><b>East</b></i> and <i><b>Southeast</b></i>, and preferring to breed, primarily, in <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Canada's </span></b></i>boreal forests. The <i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">West Coast</span></b></i> is non-breeding territory, with <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Palm Warblers</span></b></i> distributed up and down the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pacific Coast</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">"very small numbers"</span></b></i> <i>(audubon.org)</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRbtKaxwZ1QXHZM0u618M3RjkvJwPhvK744rsHNzxeubViPb22blmkb6ZC411NL1gs0OwJ0CYQHDa2kisi4aApKhLp9iFVHcX34c6hnhaWcsYbgJRpd5N17JPikvURKzK7-L3_FxvL6nPSbN-ZoIfugaYJ6vxZCE7oBRNbFS6y0OVVLCaCVWfQynT/s1440/4c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRbtKaxwZ1QXHZM0u618M3RjkvJwPhvK744rsHNzxeubViPb22blmkb6ZC411NL1gs0OwJ0CYQHDa2kisi4aApKhLp9iFVHcX34c6hnhaWcsYbgJRpd5N17JPikvURKzK7-L3_FxvL6nPSbN-ZoIfugaYJ6vxZCE7oBRNbFS6y0OVVLCaCVWfQynT/w400-h320/4c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Robin red-breast upon gulping down a worm</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This wonderful little bird is also highly vulnerable to climate-altering, earth-raping industries <i>(peat harvesting, tar sands oil development, and logging)</i>, and according to <i><b>allaboutbirds.org</b></i>, is one of the most frequently killed species at lighted towers across the <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">United States</span></b></i>.<br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllu0CzczK4QtgzMvZ_te3hNK8tH9A8wrxShIrvOUmaQ3qWDMPje6i4UmrWXkYO1TErUwgAP29bv6bIVml23ZSBbwxCU1X4HFd6WoKRVAt2kjnQATxwpRP75N328Vi_IpRenu7xlZneUv3mkamKg-1BT2WMg9ax00J6MjboIK5lMeqtvqSb7WhF63W/s1440/5c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllu0CzczK4QtgzMvZ_te3hNK8tH9A8wrxShIrvOUmaQ3qWDMPje6i4UmrWXkYO1TErUwgAP29bv6bIVml23ZSBbwxCU1X4HFd6WoKRVAt2kjnQATxwpRP75N328Vi_IpRenu7xlZneUv3mkamKg-1BT2WMg9ax00J6MjboIK5lMeqtvqSb7WhF63W/w400-h320/5c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Looks like a Red-tailed Hawk patrolling the skies</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Nothing I can do about that, I don't reckon, but I can at least devote part of my busy morning to seeking the bird out, paying homage, connecting with his avian spirit.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsXwZXojbJfWqTVTqsoQ-ucAEzHa-s0Hsb08efIAyg1lPevXwM2Cpli9Bq2Prjb0LPS3OIx_M23RBs5RaU3CeJhVA6PeCBE0nX976gLk_6G2CHbAF4W3crcXKhYZXdGKkNasbppORzLEl08lUiutKlGkUCR9Dl0-6Q1sYc5-SsQPESNjmBrxJCifM/s1440/5e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsXwZXojbJfWqTVTqsoQ-ucAEzHa-s0Hsb08efIAyg1lPevXwM2Cpli9Bq2Prjb0LPS3OIx_M23RBs5RaU3CeJhVA6PeCBE0nX976gLk_6G2CHbAF4W3crcXKhYZXdGKkNasbppORzLEl08lUiutKlGkUCR9Dl0-6Q1sYc5-SsQPESNjmBrxJCifM/w400-h320/5e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The bird of my imagination </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> a high-toned breeding male </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> was not the bird I would see today, but I consider myself lucky to have spotted the lonesome <i>"mundane"</i> non-breeding male frequenting <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Doyle Hollis Park</span></b></i> during the past couple of weeks.<br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt77qd-K6xVJmkC-7XhLsaFIu8sg9d4B4opHddHXcKM3Zsp-xaGJO_s9q5YFA6b8pg1675dAm-68eeVgeioIzHz-1TatW0Rs4MqtTj0DjZtFZSkjYpstpUGn043tkT7iRmJb83DYHiWAz6F_wf0OllGVHhILem9YZGM8JEU0dRoLax6nyMJKNY1D0/s1440/4a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt77qd-K6xVJmkC-7XhLsaFIu8sg9d4B4opHddHXcKM3Zsp-xaGJO_s9q5YFA6b8pg1675dAm-68eeVgeioIzHz-1TatW0Rs4MqtTj0DjZtFZSkjYpstpUGn043tkT7iRmJb83DYHiWAz6F_wf0OllGVHhILem9YZGM8JEU0dRoLax6nyMJKNY1D0/w400-h320/4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Flock of Robins in trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> On arrival, of course there's not a single parking spot to be had at the <i><b>1.5</b></i> acre park sandwiched between 61st, 62nd, and Hollis and Doyle Streets, in a busy part of <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Emeryville, California</span></i></b>, home to <i>Pixar</i> and <i>Peet's</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1DxkDWktlDq9KENe8G1GJt2h-cGr7aApylgYrHuFlDGTUpKYxm08cFRKaFBeUT-G1kMNKv8U6MIywsZSvXrYvyYG3_61DAT2URVllY91LiLDg3yk3xZ5T8D5lmlfpmJImu9npGtILaOdw96QKkf0mOYN2ueiLTjI6p52etwG2ZN3ifS6ddYoQZZz/s1953/5a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1953" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1DxkDWktlDq9KENe8G1GJt2h-cGr7aApylgYrHuFlDGTUpKYxm08cFRKaFBeUT-G1kMNKv8U6MIywsZSvXrYvyYG3_61DAT2URVllY91LiLDg3yk3xZ5T8D5lmlfpmJImu9npGtILaOdw96QKkf0mOYN2ueiLTjI6p52etwG2ZN3ifS6ddYoQZZz/w400-h320/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">What kind of Thrush (?) munching down some berries</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />I soon manage to find a spot a block away, in a <i>"First Friday"</i> street sweeping zone. Of course, it was the first Friday.<br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKd2AwI9LVJhMi5I_wCnRnv3695jwRTf9auJLHIAz8a8w1pNFYdSUVo8ryxM7-L5vQG3UNB6jAKTtltpOhZGToDxXbvePBWOrgrl4ueyUg2lAEC3O_9V9JLD8vL14x1_o89t8XhM69ZpJ606cPmqXN6teU9VXGiV-nk4xBCNMa5jE-s8lS4ueXPIm/s1963/6a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1963" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKd2AwI9LVJhMi5I_wCnRnv3695jwRTf9auJLHIAz8a8w1pNFYdSUVo8ryxM7-L5vQG3UNB6jAKTtltpOhZGToDxXbvePBWOrgrl4ueyUg2lAEC3O_9V9JLD8vL14x1_o89t8XhM69ZpJ606cPmqXN6teU9VXGiV-nk4xBCNMa5jE-s8lS4ueXPIm/w400-h320/6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Townsend's Warbler alighting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><i>Eff it</i></b> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i><b>for this bird, heck yeah!</b></i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> I'll take my chances. I park in a no parking zone, and set off in my quest to see a warbler I've never seen before.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyCTqCqAjcqrzh5AaRTd1rP0QQsdvfyeZsKlvtvUNwiNWjBGzoe6c1X5zlnQp8-LW9ecADe5PPE9wAcjRldCdaKwxih6kPUYaW-QLWcb4SSuZWKjy-cXYpgIus0YlsrQxlo7z0dyHoYihiJg3L4x0B0gVN2LuWDNC4ZmoFL4ZoaYrYMWQcQ5-yBL_/s1564/7a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyCTqCqAjcqrzh5AaRTd1rP0QQsdvfyeZsKlvtvUNwiNWjBGzoe6c1X5zlnQp8-LW9ecADe5PPE9wAcjRldCdaKwxih6kPUYaW-QLWcb4SSuZWKjy-cXYpgIus0YlsrQxlo7z0dyHoYihiJg3L4x0B0gVN2LuWDNC4ZmoFL4ZoaYrYMWQcQ5-yBL_/w400-h320/7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> The little oasis is the result of an urban renewal project, a bio-diverse landscaped rectangle that has proven effective at attracting birds, amphibians, and humans, who come during lunch time for a small respite from the harsh demands of their job, who come to stroll slowly and to observe and appreciate the diversity of life thriving in this tiny rehabbed patch of earth in the middle of a busy urban scene.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4jq_dIrMJCr8msDObQW2WO-uaibsHgxI7v78xwZwAclonOmaW4Gsme3aFU12bWNhMUZN8xRhYDHiG8n9g-axA8Yrmq1673ldldJBJ8rFHPMfnXmtkNej2titOoTZ0S7DTrTKpUT_hJA/s1600/images.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4jq_dIrMJCr8msDObQW2WO-uaibsHgxI7v78xwZwAclonOmaW4Gsme3aFU12bWNhMUZN8xRhYDHiG8n9g-axA8Yrmq1673ldldJBJ8rFHPMfnXmtkNej2titOoTZ0S7DTrTKpUT_hJA/w400-h245/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doyle Hollis Park satellite image, Emeryville CA</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo courtesy of City of Emeryville)</span></span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Within seconds of my arrival, I spot <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">White-crowned</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Golden-crowned Sparrows</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">American Crows</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Pigeons</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Robins</span></b></i>, and <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Anna's Hummingbirds</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnffE3gxW-BBxoldQNNxmLLj7DoMUzH3WH7zY9ziFSiohzdE1ma4pO1ZEV8TIZ6eEyeLdBRtVKwZlmfIqHu6Iv6sLVSHLB0_M4aesuCInJaGkqawxwUF9yffcGHwF4T9v00jIcAZLdYXlM8Avbwm1NhhYwrnwTF39FnUjHE5PUCqCo6UOAsSEzteT/s1125/1b%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnffE3gxW-BBxoldQNNxmLLj7DoMUzH3WH7zY9ziFSiohzdE1ma4pO1ZEV8TIZ6eEyeLdBRtVKwZlmfIqHu6Iv6sLVSHLB0_M4aesuCInJaGkqawxwUF9yffcGHwF4T9v00jIcAZLdYXlM8Avbwm1NhhYwrnwTF39FnUjHE5PUCqCo6UOAsSEzteT/w400-h320/1b%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow reveals himself</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">But where's my </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Palm Warbler</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">?</span></span></b></i></div> </div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsicWDTEu9uCvZ7zOy4YPf_2PB4FZEa9kJeAMggjrf4Y24hof18BPiZK4tnWO6kLkE5prxB2cpW-4suxnfd5f11DdV7TqfgPfMnm8hkCuLWHeCTbag_xGfm3ZESfB1EbnFbm4LUZuZLL0/s1600/2019-02-06+004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsicWDTEu9uCvZ7zOy4YPf_2PB4FZEa9kJeAMggjrf4Y24hof18BPiZK4tnWO6kLkE5prxB2cpW-4suxnfd5f11DdV7TqfgPfMnm8hkCuLWHeCTbag_xGfm3ZESfB1EbnFbm4LUZuZLL0/s400/2019-02-06+004.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">I was lucky to see the wayward Palm Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Given the existence of vast acres of wild land and open space in the <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Bay Area</span></i></b>, with all manner of habitat to seek gainful survival strategies, it's a <i>(minor)</i> wonder and <i>(small)</i> miracle that this little ground-hopping, tail-wagging cuss, not so frequently sighted in these parts, has taken up temporary residence in <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Doyle Hollis Park</span></b></i>. <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Why?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7Ch94KS1zmtBH1slJMIpsm4bNRvj2Duo-b_zuxtuUarg4fnfJAwRQIOxdIiTjGZ6U3kOgZ5UHD3y7GcKErWIt2nTsv52Mf6QbTMu07dRxYhTMATuhzM0xJnzEKtQFOMcfF6vHo8TWsfEPm_UJ3-a2NStSijmCAGVhGgt99w64fzmFem8Awu6y-Dc/s2021/1b%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7Ch94KS1zmtBH1slJMIpsm4bNRvj2Duo-b_zuxtuUarg4fnfJAwRQIOxdIiTjGZ6U3kOgZ5UHD3y7GcKErWIt2nTsv52Mf6QbTMu07dRxYhTMATuhzM0xJnzEKtQFOMcfF6vHo8TWsfEPm_UJ3-a2NStSijmCAGVhGgt99w64fzmFem8Awu6y-Dc/w400-h320/1b%20(6).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Inquisitive Dark-eyed Junco</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In such a small slice of urban park situated amidst concrete buildings and asphalt streets? The pickins must be good, else he'd surely be headed up to the sylvan / riparian hills bordering the <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">East Bay</span></i></b> cities of Richmond, Kensington, Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, and Fremont.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jeuswfeWtsJp3J8wryxDWr91Ca3Bn9rnNHC78rgr8ZfZtE8Fg-8k74VZJbLcQzHo7a39KQyIadrrk9IlCSQkhhPbL6D6VAPtvLycrmSGKxywIs_fQ24MFisvw7Txu-v_6UzS-pPfgHxJH1VukkBgZrJEh9DSFxvVd2wohD9ZUdTaWz1g615rOQP7/s1018/1b%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jeuswfeWtsJp3J8wryxDWr91Ca3Bn9rnNHC78rgr8ZfZtE8Fg-8k74VZJbLcQzHo7a39KQyIadrrk9IlCSQkhhPbL6D6VAPtvLycrmSGKxywIs_fQ24MFisvw7Txu-v_6UzS-pPfgHxJH1VukkBgZrJEh9DSFxvVd2wohD9ZUdTaWz1g615rOQP7/w400-h320/1b%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Goldfinch brightens the day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> I'm scanning red tentacled bushes bare of leaves, glancing up into tree tops, eyeballs peeled for the elusive <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Palm Warbler</span></b></i>, all to no avail, too distracted by my worrying about getting a ticket. A brief glimpse of a <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Bewick's Wren</span></b></i> briefly fools me, and the usual suspects flit here and there: a <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>, a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">California Towhee</span></b></i>, the inevitable two or three <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Dark-eyed Juncos</span></i></b>, but no <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Palm Warbler</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiLhJeJZNYZoQNJhJEjcu0QCjgFp6oBT-85EK8PV8HjMFoEM9m-FucO_MLav3HboJhj0rMQrAM-EGLnZzxw8O7nJaEhmLOf5AxkltQ4S0dX3wMEyfWZr00tO8O9r6QgUio6Q9f2X3xeyQ21C4-7-MTu99cnR5CeXZDH6zY2QYM2ThzlkAXmiVs1ar/s1780/1b%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiLhJeJZNYZoQNJhJEjcu0QCjgFp6oBT-85EK8PV8HjMFoEM9m-FucO_MLav3HboJhj0rMQrAM-EGLnZzxw8O7nJaEhmLOf5AxkltQ4S0dX3wMEyfWZr00tO8O9r6QgUio6Q9f2X3xeyQ21C4-7-MTu99cnR5CeXZDH6zY2QYM2ThzlkAXmiVs1ar/w400-h320/1b%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sweet little Chickadee seeking cover</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> Next thing I know, a woman with a baby in tow, slung in a papoose and binos dangling around her neck, shouts over to me. It's obvious I'm searching for the <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Warbler</span></i></b>, and it's doubly obvious she's already had the pleasure of spotting him. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Hey, come over quick!"</span></b></i> I hurry the ten yards to where's she's standing and pointing out, without much fanfare, the prized specimen. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"There! See it!"</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbqgeWDv63l_tiAhiI93bGwMoRSQ91Q06NOZW4LKAUqz_8zmXUSk0muY7OtjOXgu5M5GcJuFgC1MAd8PsXPwyAyVc0GCHbvigGvwwjTXS9DmuyDXOya6r9hOIH6qEPFVQBS9CXTVfvjWr9F4bowJU34c6VTU2U-mq8l1c_-VHXJh2rtnsejTb-kBJ/s1919/5d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbqgeWDv63l_tiAhiI93bGwMoRSQ91Q06NOZW4LKAUqz_8zmXUSk0muY7OtjOXgu5M5GcJuFgC1MAd8PsXPwyAyVc0GCHbvigGvwwjTXS9DmuyDXOya6r9hOIH6qEPFVQBS9CXTVfvjWr9F4bowJU34c6VTU2U-mq8l1c_-VHXJh2rtnsejTb-kBJ/w400-h320/5d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Turkey crossing the street after looking both ways</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> Sure enough, there's the <b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Palm Warbler</span></i></b> hopping around on the ground, unfazed by our presence. I hastily snap a couple of <i>(not great)</i> photos and film a very short movie <i>(again not great)</i>, sacrificing valuable naked eye contact yes, but ultimately gratified to be able to document this historic sighting <i>(for me)</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkAZR82jByCGIDk2tTJlbgFqg9l1c4IPVYDi-8HOk2h0IUtFO_a8z9qaxgHzMXTnwr62QNMSyTNte3XaShd90zv-XkNWQRod99LrkiDDIjQkqP92CNJVJy0jfFJvEEiTRTIN3LUe8Y0CCURUhz0HThkSPR3ayAi1bh0GtYrZgYuCfc-kq7vbsAKMZ/s2046/1b%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkAZR82jByCGIDk2tTJlbgFqg9l1c4IPVYDi-8HOk2h0IUtFO_a8z9qaxgHzMXTnwr62QNMSyTNte3XaShd90zv-XkNWQRod99LrkiDDIjQkqP92CNJVJy0jfFJvEEiTRTIN3LUe8Y0CCURUhz0HThkSPR3ayAi1bh0GtYrZgYuCfc-kq7vbsAKMZ/w400-h320/1b%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Towhee swoops down to investigate</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> But before I know it, the bird quickly hops into thick ground cover, never to emerge or be seen again. At least not for the next five minutes. At least not again for me.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwRDbOuR26eiwOAZUPKp0OZZaGeGWGjuN9b5FbTTCFhjZuVETuwoH-lR4_9CqlDxWS3CdqsarplEy5e5d4ZfbNO7xyBxrBlZJiFo-rIsKgOKKAw_DhtWDyIs3cBelj7LP9KHzifkEsNoyLaTgQtnJeJev--xRshDAwtXnD-wHGQHwbvX_SnNX_fyO/s2018/5f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="2018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwRDbOuR26eiwOAZUPKp0OZZaGeGWGjuN9b5FbTTCFhjZuVETuwoH-lR4_9CqlDxWS3CdqsarplEy5e5d4ZfbNO7xyBxrBlZJiFo-rIsKgOKKAw_DhtWDyIs3cBelj7LP9KHzifkEsNoyLaTgQtnJeJev--xRshDAwtXnD-wHGQHwbvX_SnNX_fyO/w400-h320/5f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird perched on wire</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately, being parked in a First Friday <i><b>NO PARKING</b></i> Street Sweeping zone, I can't stick around and take my chances any longer, despite my longing for a more sustained glimpse of the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Palm Warbler</span></b></i>. Back at the car I'm relieved to see it was all worth the while.</span><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOzl38R9pDNHOYrhj1BMJs-Ia5911qmnilJFkBLuNtXsb0ED8GAVM_lEFA9KTEn9GBn37sHwJECrYoP3rUgOeJV8BCLtroTeOesFHdWTgKVcE0xPZo8xeWhU4DohvCgx46H6H95jTMIbVmCKI25VS3_jqL4N7EhRc2tgSSVQMRkvdqXzP8tbHlJi9/s2048/7b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOzl38R9pDNHOYrhj1BMJs-Ia5911qmnilJFkBLuNtXsb0ED8GAVM_lEFA9KTEn9GBn37sHwJECrYoP3rUgOeJV8BCLtroTeOesFHdWTgKVcE0xPZo8xeWhU4DohvCgx46H6H95jTMIbVmCKI25VS3_jqL4N7EhRc2tgSSVQMRkvdqXzP8tbHlJi9/w360-h640/7b.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch feeding in tangle of brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I was lucky to be able to capture even just .03 seconds of the elusive little guy!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/62qiXSo3Uw4" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FLEETING GLIMPSE (.03 SEC) OF PALM WARBLER</span></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-59533129295598030032018-08-11T18:41:00.458-07:002023-03-29T10:17:21.370-07:00BIRD WHISPERER: Reflections on the Magnificent Otherness of Avian Beings<span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBw-3GmYPPIlpdx4QwgnW5bdZFJI3FBsjiFZwsDY17jmkrdqgcdNOLBebayWKXDBi3E7wPPs8YfVr6rlP5RtNlZi3cz3_hBM8CU1vkwSi6AOCCi7avIEU_TVsiGCAUvJEPjm84g2FTdnNLpZM_RF628syPgzOrxczpVDxDk52IU2Ahm9JlUejYxjQ/s1919/1d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBw-3GmYPPIlpdx4QwgnW5bdZFJI3FBsjiFZwsDY17jmkrdqgcdNOLBebayWKXDBi3E7wPPs8YfVr6rlP5RtNlZi3cz3_hBM8CU1vkwSi6AOCCi7avIEU_TVsiGCAUvJEPjm84g2FTdnNLpZM_RF628syPgzOrxczpVDxDk52IU2Ahm9JlUejYxjQ/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">South Fork Yuba River still and quiet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> One day, camping on the <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">South Fork Yuba River</span></i></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">,</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> I'm roused at dawn by a flurry of bird activity – a phenomenon not wholly unexpected of a quiet mid-summer morn on the <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Be-Yuba-Ful!</span></b></i><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepj101rKLW9fbSXMvwcVAJ7jR-OESQdO4_h3bkyg5BtzOqqqe2plnJp9Abc0StQu2nmbvylM9Vu8eWsZWkBQMsDWd3sVe37bucm6pUQP-8XyOTE_go_Lqn2fJfIy90pYvzluWg8dJqMJqNJLn1m3e7Od6AiX808zgrfY7qWqTa-VSkM6nFDyih98r/s1442/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepj101rKLW9fbSXMvwcVAJ7jR-OESQdO4_h3bkyg5BtzOqqqe2plnJp9Abc0StQu2nmbvylM9Vu8eWsZWkBQMsDWd3sVe37bucm6pUQP-8XyOTE_go_Lqn2fJfIy90pYvzluWg8dJqMJqNJLn1m3e7Od6AiX808zgrfY7qWqTa-VSkM6nFDyih98r/w400-h320/1i.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Great Blue Heron</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">soaring high above the river</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">then alighting gracefully at water's edge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KHZUHqNkJ5WrG-vxFg9KCEipuc5uK-GSikp1E2hYPn-Qitc6zNt34lfgcT7jWYgu_ce9ian3JEpn3e4LYau1zk2MWGdv7y_TGr7XFBkdlLKJIi3IKJ-dMub7TkxKHgUadHMV66ozVIax02noBUd1YcsaJuypvjI4RAZC_1F6rwl_tIG-SKeY9CUs/s3658/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KHZUHqNkJ5WrG-vxFg9KCEipuc5uK-GSikp1E2hYPn-Qitc6zNt34lfgcT7jWYgu_ce9ian3JEpn3e4LYau1zk2MWGdv7y_TGr7XFBkdlLKJIi3IKJ-dMub7TkxKHgUadHMV66ozVIax02noBUd1YcsaJuypvjI4RAZC_1F6rwl_tIG-SKeY9CUs/w400-h320/2b.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Steller's Jay</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">perched leerily on rock</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">seeking crumbs from the previous night's meal</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0jtMflTLEBZ48Kfr074SYNBxIRLipxvw98IrbRWgM0R2cYBqq7Hn9A58mybs_ZAPUGdA6nNDt6u_q_IUacZ0TuhbZ-DknXda5eRRxyDqvNxV5OS4dcJg183U4dSwpVofwis9bJdtiKWWgPfxVQ-6HTHBvgtcTu9weY_X4daZ-XGpB9TsbQO7rJD9/s2027/1j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0jtMflTLEBZ48Kfr074SYNBxIRLipxvw98IrbRWgM0R2cYBqq7Hn9A58mybs_ZAPUGdA6nNDt6u_q_IUacZ0TuhbZ-DknXda5eRRxyDqvNxV5OS4dcJg183U4dSwpVofwis9bJdtiKWWgPfxVQ-6HTHBvgtcTu9weY_X4daZ-XGpB9TsbQO7rJD9/w400-h320/1j.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Mergansers</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">merry family bobbing along</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">in the mellow river current</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdTkHdz52k0AnZjZNu7Y_uFby0B591tZfG6MPDr6LNIdUDJD9R4BVyVWZjGTbBQRBzLEh2ZBSoESecEnwiam-nQnp-A7-xuT4_7HX9Uw4JpGi-TqCj-08J0kfqoCRcOnvh0XwZWIEIenpm25XY51dYJAMtZCIZm0xff41O7e9r87IfXBtISse3h0x/s1605/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdTkHdz52k0AnZjZNu7Y_uFby0B591tZfG6MPDr6LNIdUDJD9R4BVyVWZjGTbBQRBzLEh2ZBSoESecEnwiam-nQnp-A7-xuT4_7HX9Uw4JpGi-TqCj-08J0kfqoCRcOnvh0XwZWIEIenpm25XY51dYJAMtZCIZm0xff41O7e9r87IfXBtISse3h0x/w400-h320/2a.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Water Ouzel</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">John Muir's favorite bird</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">foraging of a gold-lit early morn</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">in her inimitable style</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3HmIvMNt75uYahb_akyVTw_drIZ-n0HpE9iPWEQPLRpgWRlT7ADGaeIxqSWTDcphyb5ldsrZH8_nQxNeRHaorOfd16433Lnzz0KSOWVj47-6HP6IiThO2okXMj1IoFaXOBLarRiDkSCYVH-iMtgWbEEiop1s0UxfpUmPz4uPhgcVSMuI82cVMkrY/w400-h320/2c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Canyon Wren</span><br /></span><span style="color: #660000;">plaintive trill notes</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">pitching off a rock wall</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">favorite bird of John Muir</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">and Russell Towle</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP4AOzY_zAYkMoEYYZ4AWB2a4NjM4aVFM7BBYoUMgcuG8GzMhO30eKr_75WwMgxHZ-s_ZoFykmtrGGqoaH71Pu6t_kCCwGCXnZelo6s-NsjESO_yi7ElQiNuSLnrQKa8jnPcBhbqhwdXffBtN_Pr6bS8f7iJO4AN-ZqoT-Mrq6s5dpPpChh8HbnWM/s1440/5d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP4AOzY_zAYkMoEYYZ4AWB2a4NjM4aVFM7BBYoUMgcuG8GzMhO30eKr_75WwMgxHZ-s_ZoFykmtrGGqoaH71Pu6t_kCCwGCXnZelo6s-NsjESO_yi7ElQiNuSLnrQKa8jnPcBhbqhwdXffBtN_Pr6bS8f7iJO4AN-ZqoT-Mrq6s5dpPpChh8HbnWM/w400-h320/5d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Goldfinches</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">keeping watchful eye out for</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Chickadees bombarding them</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">are they just having fun?</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQQtFjUjCGtqeDIwFBKdRcTZF2ufCgGV9uIv_5Ho_J9Rky2c2-5N6WDiFN6f9H2z9BO9HHOo2oMZmURYIU3z9xq-vjnEjdTmf7VkS4c8dzp5zNCupBiB6P2CPAV_fXPti1eg1euccbzgINtJkk5onIcxDpR1NklFTLbgksT9i3s1M6SEaIO6sOdG6/s2722/6a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQQtFjUjCGtqeDIwFBKdRcTZF2ufCgGV9uIv_5Ho_J9Rky2c2-5N6WDiFN6f9H2z9BO9HHOo2oMZmURYIU3z9xq-vjnEjdTmf7VkS4c8dzp5zNCupBiB6P2CPAV_fXPti1eg1euccbzgINtJkk5onIcxDpR1NklFTLbgksT9i3s1M6SEaIO6sOdG6/w400-h320/6a.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Trout</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">breaks limpid water's surface</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">to snag swarming gnats</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0adTYyEtjM5-kBJmFTvQx_8RF_X-oecOo2SxLU7YJb5Y_zb0JCCttBcwKZ5Yol1clsvHGPbIDJBvA2yANFGf6q7WzF9iXlTmOwrgEWSY8PVWrowy6FOwYLngJM4Rc8mKRemdOVRe_ZPd09FNeR7_onS_tw9gNcxRoOdP1j5gq4oju6RYdm5GH3cz/w400-h320/5e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Dragonflies</span><br /></span><span style="color: #660000;">bold-colored beasties</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">patrol the canyon</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">like miniature Sikorskys</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrmF5VSQfDDr9KwIlXGWtfttYbzLOMQGWtOxEmNbY7BKDuWu8G_l79s-ogeUBwao7Xj42LfE82ruLe6CfBd28ACLcukC_W9zzoKZW-QQskaLbKQ7noaS-DDIX5k5JYa7-Af5eTlOj6q7raItWFD9CBEVHRhlU8a3nSe27mjoYrDoF5vLTjElrum89/s1919/10l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrmF5VSQfDDr9KwIlXGWtfttYbzLOMQGWtOxEmNbY7BKDuWu8G_l79s-ogeUBwao7Xj42LfE82ruLe6CfBd28ACLcukC_W9zzoKZW-QQskaLbKQ7noaS-DDIX5k5JYa7-Af5eTlOj6q7raItWFD9CBEVHRhlU8a3nSe27mjoYrDoF5vLTjElrum89/w400-h320/10l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Two beautiful "chicks" in bathing pool<br /></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzcMY7RLw63YuwnshMMIJjq2TYeF7vDRn_56nGpKw2pqkRsLSmxqnTxz0HokY4n20yRhUOYgeziUrFPT2lfn5BUeIY2BUe68hfXZIuRPIt4QcXEDE4yM_AeNztzuP0Ju3_jf5XU7WlMjohkvOkP5-Y1wOTBY76IY--oiIF1DpltFBVJrcuj0GELoS/s1087/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1087" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzcMY7RLw63YuwnshMMIJjq2TYeF7vDRn_56nGpKw2pqkRsLSmxqnTxz0HokY4n20yRhUOYgeziUrFPT2lfn5BUeIY2BUe68hfXZIuRPIt4QcXEDE4yM_AeNztzuP0Ju3_jf5XU7WlMjohkvOkP5-Y1wOTBY76IY--oiIF1DpltFBVJrcuj0GELoS/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Wild mink foraging in the early morning</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And – <i>sightings of sightings!</i> – a <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">mink</span></b></i> appears on the opposite bank, foraging for crawdads in the sand. The beautiful and amazing wild animal gives me a once-over from afar, a curious nonchalant glance before scampering away to the safety of a hidden rock den</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcitR8HwHeD-tpO8cHevvc5ub4xhGdDXCWCYMXm0VxExs9iwMoVPeZmUvCesFa7i5dvYizY7uThrt1kRpDSF3ENkjgV--VZNDrLaL2TW3Q1yo-3KKPU0bWp-tsa5AdtWWL2heIlp9OllTbsuwtcnl3mW6livc0lr6k0qwbLOddSAM8Y10PkMEV2L67/s1920/3a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcitR8HwHeD-tpO8cHevvc5ub4xhGdDXCWCYMXm0VxExs9iwMoVPeZmUvCesFa7i5dvYizY7uThrt1kRpDSF3ENkjgV--VZNDrLaL2TW3Q1yo-3KKPU0bWp-tsa5AdtWWL2heIlp9OllTbsuwtcnl3mW6livc0lr6k0qwbLOddSAM8Y10PkMEV2L67/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Edenic spot for water striders</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The pristine dawning of a new day. An hour passes before breakfast even crosses my mind. The fascinating flurry of sightings sets the tone for an all-day birding and wildlife viewing marathon.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzarUqYvXWeMHFI_MEq2U0UfCAWWQ7_2i8f3XTF6lVWeG1u5Bh-XrZwZ3ePQbVoT91-MBiE9jynljilubm6QL8MoFsub9NuhaHxXNzaSP9rN8-hsof33QVaUhwp6-h1wlidfwVabOcowrQgWRg5XUoR1XFvbad_liBlaURHhMkr-0yJN9NYfTVhpkM/s3005/8232015%20(26).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2405" data-original-width="3005" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzarUqYvXWeMHFI_MEq2U0UfCAWWQ7_2i8f3XTF6lVWeG1u5Bh-XrZwZ3ePQbVoT91-MBiE9jynljilubm6QL8MoFsub9NuhaHxXNzaSP9rN8-hsof33QVaUhwp6-h1wlidfwVabOcowrQgWRg5XUoR1XFvbad_liBlaURHhMkr-0yJN9NYfTVhpkM/w400-h320/8232015%20(26).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">My trusty back-up pair of binos</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My binoculars go everywhere with me, so attached am I to them – or they to me – it's a veritable Borg-like integration of biology and technology, my cold, hard binoculars an extension of my warm soft being.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgctQFIHIVLmWCcU9kUAhRkUYWgmupeMtjmQ0ojhFkZPVKxgtreTErzZHUblgI7F3MzKWUp9bixEoOElLujiFbjOwXCmxBua_nOAcQzQ2FF8B1sDF2kUdOKu7tsWRRS3CPPaVHPAQk9HDcBU0MR2JOGxgmYQ_fPdapYaL3uWIhB2CZtrS3iiHURQze/s2048/11172014%20(10).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgctQFIHIVLmWCcU9kUAhRkUYWgmupeMtjmQ0ojhFkZPVKxgtreTErzZHUblgI7F3MzKWUp9bixEoOElLujiFbjOwXCmxBua_nOAcQzQ2FF8B1sDF2kUdOKu7tsWRRS3CPPaVHPAQk9HDcBU0MR2JOGxgmYQ_fPdapYaL3uWIhB2CZtrS3iiHURQze/w480-h640/11172014%20(10).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Barefoot birding in our local park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span><span style="font-size: medium;">From the moment I arise in the chill dawn on the sandy banks of the river, to the moment I crash under a starry firmament in my sleeping bag, from morning noon to dusk, my trusty <i>8.5 x 45 Endeavor EDs</i> are my constant companion, accompanying me up and down the rocky river bank, to and fro on ridge top hikes, even while just sitting around the sandy campsite, always, and forever, on the lookout for . . .</span><br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">BIRDS IN ACTION!</span></i></b></div></span><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_lQkzzLgCM3PdJUe-Al063B2aw4MTpnfiMrtYrqC9zDR5JvOkogIst5HGJQBr_hkefrr8Lx2mLmMLALUJTE_rqi9XALgnp9Mp85tjVkXJvDFayTKS_8FFby9xtY8xnUH-LWb4TPsiTgOrmNKVb-qFmoq_NGAvLlBK4hWF4mOYZ8dex4Tw0YUV8RB/s987/5c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="987" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_lQkzzLgCM3PdJUe-Al063B2aw4MTpnfiMrtYrqC9zDR5JvOkogIst5HGJQBr_hkefrr8Lx2mLmMLALUJTE_rqi9XALgnp9Mp85tjVkXJvDFayTKS_8FFby9xtY8xnUH-LWb4TPsiTgOrmNKVb-qFmoq_NGAvLlBK4hWF4mOYZ8dex4Tw0YUV8RB/w400-h320/5c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red Finch cooling off in streamlet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">BIRDS BEIN' BIRDS!</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1tPJbiaW12-49dl0Om9m0y9rBVBFT0ZaqcMt532jz_A90KnqZTqZWI_GmEjG0VE3js2Hd-II3rwV38itAaFYvh-funeEFi1j-RkeKYRo3MjZ0hpC0y3GHH1glrRGzTzNstF2hjxDa24FNgxEeoitIFHuTn6CChbf_onS6-3xO3rJwMoi-3bOM5Sa/s1920/1a2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1tPJbiaW12-49dl0Om9m0y9rBVBFT0ZaqcMt532jz_A90KnqZTqZWI_GmEjG0VE3js2Hd-II3rwV38itAaFYvh-funeEFi1j-RkeKYRo3MjZ0hpC0y3GHH1glrRGzTzNstF2hjxDa24FNgxEeoitIFHuTn6CChbf_onS6-3xO3rJwMoi-3bOM5Sa/w400-h320/1a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Campin' on the ril-ver!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My sleepy-eyed, coffee-drinking camping mates are intrigued. Not being birders, they grapple to understand the compelling nature of <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">"bird watching"</span></b></i> – an activity which <i>(to them)</i> must appear to be little more than endless moments of standing around craning one's neck, peering up into trees, scanning environs, or reconnoitering water's edge.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfuV_ONyDDIOJXY6vtme9gE3dAIFItLtyr-l-gwCz2A1phD_hoZeat7G9X2LHfOARVU0ZYgIwUeZkmh1F98Q67SLvvgGcu7SIpH6cNHiEjazkbOg5RTLmRd2pMRiFwjuBs8LgIQLnA0lZY87vWXVqiMJeE5694cVK5MN7a-M-G7CW_M4fJqVFerkK/s1113/1a5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1113" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfuV_ONyDDIOJXY6vtme9gE3dAIFItLtyr-l-gwCz2A1phD_hoZeat7G9X2LHfOARVU0ZYgIwUeZkmh1F98Q67SLvvgGcu7SIpH6cNHiEjazkbOg5RTLmRd2pMRiFwjuBs8LgIQLnA0lZY87vWXVqiMJeE5694cVK5MN7a-M-G7CW_M4fJqVFerkK/w400-h320/1a5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow sounding barbaric crow yawp</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the sun begins to warm things up that morning to an eventual <i><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: red;">108</span></b></i> degree day, I offer up a prayer of thankful blessings to be on the river, with breezes and shade, albeit not a lot of either, but at least the water is chill!</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsnFg9e4fl8jnLDMz6UcaqiBVSwyKWC3n-MQFe5dYUJMv3ZdIMEjPqbhk8C-6JIWVw08m2DRj-cbH0b3qcYd2GhYNBBCC_0_J3z0QXPfvF1Ie_q3dAp-T4hVknxzNmOg5bzfTHNgmnrUe2mhn9XEev1wSVl8-FI3w9n4V-k9q24onP5VilgpC_YbK/s2048/1_blog%20(44)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsnFg9e4fl8jnLDMz6UcaqiBVSwyKWC3n-MQFe5dYUJMv3ZdIMEjPqbhk8C-6JIWVw08m2DRj-cbH0b3qcYd2GhYNBBCC_0_J3z0QXPfvF1Ie_q3dAp-T4hVknxzNmOg5bzfTHNgmnrUe2mhn9XEev1wSVl8-FI3w9n4V-k9q24onP5VilgpC_YbK/w400-h341/1_blog%20(44)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Big ol' Hawk stare-down</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I carry on in full rhapsody mode explaining to my friends my intense scrutiny and illimitable devotion. What, after all, drives this obsession <i>(passionate hobby)</i>, this peculiar yearning to plumb mysteries and secrets, to want to know and understand birds, their every behavioral nuance and individualized quirks.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvukhOzcy7GxL6nB9j-stTlpyCBCchA_2h_CaJKVRJ-_hnV_S3Zo_GBO0KiLL0XKArFPfvtQE9X5sHQUkDz3lEtR3bX2YbsOm5dzgt1fKosleI1Ri2WQUqvCQTib4c2HONTyjIDEm1giDJeXZe5P_a3orDDSZT55lIoiMYx8R9C0FOGHD_BMXkFv-/s1920/1k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvukhOzcy7GxL6nB9j-stTlpyCBCchA_2h_CaJKVRJ-_hnV_S3Zo_GBO0KiLL0XKArFPfvtQE9X5sHQUkDz3lEtR3bX2YbsOm5dzgt1fKosleI1Ri2WQUqvCQTib4c2HONTyjIDEm1giDJeXZe5P_a3orDDSZT55lIoiMYx8R9C0FOGHD_BMXkFv-/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Merganser pair floating down the river</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />When pressed for more specific information about my relationship to, interest in, and knowledge of birds, a barrage of thoughts, impressions, and opinions spill out.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUj5hHQw21eOV-RsdnNBoIXt-93kq5ugVTVeMEcpymvWO92VcwDzQB2GEk1bGH1paIGxjzFIMKn4ppTbELnXwgocDVVOL9tEb1Wf0NSBhWGThQOt34ePwrnBP1dfS_lSdgox-xfrWqyO2TtbJo2VNHdt4-qX_DYmTlwxRocI0tRa--yu1nN65ORWo/s1919/1a6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUj5hHQw21eOV-RsdnNBoIXt-93kq5ugVTVeMEcpymvWO92VcwDzQB2GEk1bGH1paIGxjzFIMKn4ppTbELnXwgocDVVOL9tEb1Wf0NSBhWGThQOt34ePwrnBP1dfS_lSdgox-xfrWqyO2TtbJo2VNHdt4-qX_DYmTlwxRocI0tRa--yu1nN65ORWo/w400-h320/1a6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Venomous Coral Snake (I think!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Well, my friends, they asked for it, didn't they?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">But first, I want them to know:</span></b></i></div></div><div><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooqFONnIaEDHj64QXcR-ybPuyJs06BhyzntR3Uq_oWCV1wcPHwNPD0Mi8GGsry7E0nInuwhKhdbKeU-JSNmMzBuUsOTO723iTojOshfJHDf2Yhd3GqjpPlfgIfWBskPNQSZjg5ONEZsqo0vibn9mmxJxopgURDjb_bO4OUaQKbbj9doPVc5jOyNGY/s1919/11172014%20(23).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooqFONnIaEDHj64QXcR-ybPuyJs06BhyzntR3Uq_oWCV1wcPHwNPD0Mi8GGsry7E0nInuwhKhdbKeU-JSNmMzBuUsOTO723iTojOshfJHDf2Yhd3GqjpPlfgIfWBskPNQSZjg5ONEZsqo0vibn9mmxJxopgURDjb_bO4OUaQKbbj9doPVc5jOyNGY/w400-h320/11172014%20(23).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chickadee in for a landing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I'm no expert in avian biology and behavior.</span></b></i></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnQwIFofAjXSXUnkfy7tgrUOz_JRYlYsF4vJ6YMccADUQKQE_XknEBqstnweJj9XICrq0BsVrVcO7m3nlKuhZQldlZhFzZfNcRn_Tj-PclFpjNisY9qQGk5wxkM_F0nGK2JJ4KYRuch7ahrGOADdZZfA0ElmduJCjfbJ9TMvJskzkDFbjfdyDzqNO/s1920/5blog_9412%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnQwIFofAjXSXUnkfy7tgrUOz_JRYlYsF4vJ6YMccADUQKQE_XknEBqstnweJj9XICrq0BsVrVcO7m3nlKuhZQldlZhFzZfNcRn_Tj-PclFpjNisY9qQGk5wxkM_F0nGK2JJ4KYRuch7ahrGOADdZZfA0ElmduJCjfbJ9TMvJskzkDFbjfdyDzqNO/w400-h320/5blog_9412%20(6).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty little Rufous Hummingbird (or Allen's perhaps?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><i><b>I'm a renegade, lone wolf, rank amateur,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><i><b>willfully neglecting serious ornithological inquiry.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>(Well, for the most part.)</b></i></span></div></span><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgi7lCcOc8xH-vTZUOBHjAwLyYqeYPBvwVOdCsCXX75gR0JybarOMf8X3MPB9IqG7rRzqw9OfNRHeAs08ERdTj09247YqoKe65KHIr53aoEyQmxQdMH5eqPnth7zo8ucCjESmEsB7YCYCXsqbKdYN9l2h3omBrI5hJE6GSfhpHkcJWsFxuISHzkYfj/s2048/3b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgi7lCcOc8xH-vTZUOBHjAwLyYqeYPBvwVOdCsCXX75gR0JybarOMf8X3MPB9IqG7rRzqw9OfNRHeAs08ERdTj09247YqoKe65KHIr53aoEyQmxQdMH5eqPnth7zo8ucCjESmEsB7YCYCXsqbKdYN9l2h3omBrI5hJE6GSfhpHkcJWsFxuISHzkYfj/w480-h640/3b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Be-YUBA-ful scenes on the river!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> I'm terrible at identification, except maybe for the usual suspects, but even they can have a befuddling optics about them more often than not.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QMZwqix-Bb8X6pe4mT67tIk1EDqlumsq9QujmxMB62GRef6oHR1V1m6lVClZ3OQvG5rCX2X0XhFq_tkq1FwWOUIjCv012b88EP9CmOjuzu5vzcwUwETzuaDpGNybtfb_s-xKFVOVS2yRvX4XEhws4EVJnq8uvtuh2RJT_-7C-Ppu-5fAOKwFp1fy/s2048/10202014%20(21).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QMZwqix-Bb8X6pe4mT67tIk1EDqlumsq9QujmxMB62GRef6oHR1V1m6lVClZ3OQvG5rCX2X0XhFq_tkq1FwWOUIjCv012b88EP9CmOjuzu5vzcwUwETzuaDpGNybtfb_s-xKFVOVS2yRvX4XEhws4EVJnq8uvtuh2RJT_-7C-Ppu-5fAOKwFp1fy/w400-h320/10202014%20(21).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Acorn Woodpeckers caching their stash</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm completely remiss in hapless efforts to identify distinct vocalizations, even those of the usual suspects, who might have multiple sonorous expressions and variable tweeting songs, cries, screeches, and croaks based on different communication needs.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IBVWBvW94VUFfsd2iMSTsUNDE0Q1LgKpx4l9lv1MZWFNgqNsgwWhif5iw5w7WNLfx6McAAMR9Yu_o_ucIeDVO0XHnCwD9w2RU_gILxMKJxsGs6cczGyMJdfjP-JNIxsAg_3FaMkMYazORQA7UdVeB0z11NkHGgaOMqaGrscS9jWnVCThFwSLYiPN/s1328/8232015%20(16).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="861" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IBVWBvW94VUFfsd2iMSTsUNDE0Q1LgKpx4l9lv1MZWFNgqNsgwWhif5iw5w7WNLfx6McAAMR9Yu_o_ucIeDVO0XHnCwD9w2RU_gILxMKJxsGs6cczGyMJdfjP-JNIxsAg_3FaMkMYazORQA7UdVeB0z11NkHGgaOMqaGrscS9jWnVCThFwSLYiPN/w414-h640/8232015%20(16).jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Oak Titmouse</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">During my passionate <i>(probably overly-garrulous)</i> spiel, it dawns on me that everything I know <i>(moreso, what I don't know)</i> is informed <i>(or muddled)</i> through daily observation, honed by an intuitive sensibility born of sheer curiosity about nature's infinite variety of animate phenomena, and characterized <i>(mystically so) </i>by an ineffable spiritual connection to birds.</span></div></div></div><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdPmuEKQDA6oOgJDyR3-iRX1r4T9rpOqZgjYeA38DoA59Fyalr7m9LNoAmpBW_teYkDN5rYacemacKYJuV0GgeJYLlAUKqFpCpkDGOCXnLyhoquGMPogZOhT7pr4M3GGobduhB58ELj7auwZ97zhWfJXEBKYeY0dI0a63ZtN3HRauN9TQnRhSbS17/s1920/1a4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdPmuEKQDA6oOgJDyR3-iRX1r4T9rpOqZgjYeA38DoA59Fyalr7m9LNoAmpBW_teYkDN5rYacemacKYJuV0GgeJYLlAUKqFpCpkDGOCXnLyhoquGMPogZOhT7pr4M3GGobduhB58ELj7auwZ97zhWfJXEBKYeY0dI0a63ZtN3HRauN9TQnRhSbS17/w400-h320/1a4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">River's magic</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: large;">(My wife, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ms. Corbin</span><span style="font-size: large;">, is of the </span><span style="font-size: large;">Raven</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Tribe.)</span></span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG23IWvIL3kCfBs13WPRXwuMNAveG9SN5ZScp0qO-AG2un-OH9ZR1Qll6QamGxFSaUuHOKVAvHJWSW91dKQy6IqDnVvKQRGmitRxgCt3PYGVL4kgmAzRfQ92EbqUdp-B3V13sXUJMO4P17WfsTfFwNkhsfdOZqLC-x0UyEN7PgpwjHij8MtlXW-cF/s1440/102020144%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG23IWvIL3kCfBs13WPRXwuMNAveG9SN5ZScp0qO-AG2un-OH9ZR1Qll6QamGxFSaUuHOKVAvHJWSW91dKQy6IqDnVvKQRGmitRxgCt3PYGVL4kgmAzRfQ92EbqUdp-B3V13sXUJMO4P17WfsTfFwNkhsfdOZqLC-x0UyEN7PgpwjHij8MtlXW-cF/w400-h320/102020144%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty Sapsucker heard banging away early morning</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Thus, my love of birds is less a scholarly pursuit or focus of academic inquiry than it is a curiosity-driven passion, a naturalist-oriented approach, a poetic narrative, a sense and appreciation of birds' magnificent otherness.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd3FMSgL_AU8jdo4qxZL9TVB3rSOVnTY37sEFr9t03Ht_rA0fSnE1uqmjLyHKP8WEvxnKRD8c1eChGlBZFQqUPsyV_dfyJMhuaVplG-bjlQrQNCYHBKy9lH_UxTWqGM-fBra4DxKmHcP2azcSyxyyqHf9Tkahyw5wLsKKtvTvhFgE5A9VhJ6GRtBk/s320/6182016_%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="256" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd3FMSgL_AU8jdo4qxZL9TVB3rSOVnTY37sEFr9t03Ht_rA0fSnE1uqmjLyHKP8WEvxnKRD8c1eChGlBZFQqUPsyV_dfyJMhuaVplG-bjlQrQNCYHBKy9lH_UxTWqGM-fBra4DxKmHcP2azcSyxyyqHf9Tkahyw5wLsKKtvTvhFgE5A9VhJ6GRtBk/w320-h400/6182016_%20(7).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hooded Oriole</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Birds are arguably the planet's most highly evolved life form </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i>quite a claim!</i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> endowed with super / natural physical prowess and herculean stamina, and armed <i>(winged)</i> with ingenious survival strategies to ensure genetic propagation of individual species and their collective avian kingdom, for over a quarter of a billion years.</span></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuvyfno4DHP9yqtSm_l8z-vBnbwKmbk6xwwSHux3IqcUw8ZXK_9DRtShtYaoFDFwWFSjZDj43hxdtuyz3p8nC16ZYmISWqZrciAlrP9GdqlfokfB381N_yc3v7PgKGaenmbUS2_-56D0BajwhaAya6J5M9OBYZUL3roHTGnBYHpmRsYGoHp4dHZ7i/s1252/1a3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuvyfno4DHP9yqtSm_l8z-vBnbwKmbk6xwwSHux3IqcUw8ZXK_9DRtShtYaoFDFwWFSjZDj43hxdtuyz3p8nC16ZYmISWqZrciAlrP9GdqlfokfB381N_yc3v7PgKGaenmbUS2_-56D0BajwhaAya6J5M9OBYZUL3roHTGnBYHpmRsYGoHp4dHZ7i/w400-h320/1a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swimming in the river's golden light</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Birds are the planet's most hardy, widely dispersed and adaptable life form . . . but also among the most endangered and vulnerable of living beings. Despite their numbers, ten billion or more in total, they teeter on the brink of quick extinction and annihilation at the hands of the planet's other hardy, widely dispersed and adaptable life form . . . <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">ecce Homo</span></i></b>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sx_yqpCs7moaJDvph36FZiQJNiOZYawG5d1prdru2R3PkqWYkHk_uSn8IVJw3V0GwtbERLse8KhSghpmc-MNFAllrva1ay-FZR23B_Yp-4p_zD3YMArR-ETHOSVvEIDqJd3UkQoEDJWXVHLTDrEOJoXIXNW6A86YLSIZVel2Umb_lSaCq2-3VKLB/s1920/1a8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sx_yqpCs7moaJDvph36FZiQJNiOZYawG5d1prdru2R3PkqWYkHk_uSn8IVJw3V0GwtbERLse8KhSghpmc-MNFAllrva1ay-FZR23B_Yp-4p_zD3YMArR-ETHOSVvEIDqJd3UkQoEDJWXVHLTDrEOJoXIXNW6A86YLSIZVel2Umb_lSaCq2-3VKLB/w400-h320/1a8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swallow's nest (?) high up on cliff face</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Because birds are masters of evolutionary adaptation and variation, they've been able to exploit resources and occupy niches other animals can't.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwFUoq-0ohvP_Px6jFU5HG8VvO8zsCFZQulghN9RYFOAGlWoBmspHnaK10drdY0EaGQaaa0sS-586wFqI7Ip2uyozeDg99rpcUlY3tUgE1YzwzL96yt9SwsYPURNVfmJWplaE8FDHwvuV-r7XWySXpDbZAbyaDcZCTR6cH0k0sRC_s-_PBLGj9g0T/s1440/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwFUoq-0ohvP_Px6jFU5HG8VvO8zsCFZQulghN9RYFOAGlWoBmspHnaK10drdY0EaGQaaa0sS-586wFqI7Ip2uyozeDg99rpcUlY3tUgE1YzwzL96yt9SwsYPURNVfmJWplaE8FDHwvuV-r7XWySXpDbZAbyaDcZCTR6cH0k0sRC_s-_PBLGj9g0T/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Me and the late great Mike Elsbury in the day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Through age-old evolutionary selection processes and deeply imprinted memories of migration / homing patterns, birds reliably take up residence and frequently visit the planet's propitious and not so propitious environs.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yLQl30oay0rIHma67bnQ_ql2WZ1BH_N7QrqOCYDNg7sTy-cgVt0W9CskPmhJSyKHtDPws-HlHQNv9fBox4k3PYXhvWH34yLGke15UW6awIwzLosa004GoymWipwTTUFtfrluinZ4G015DhiALH0t01L3TltFVCLtNm1qoZNprwEHGY6IuNtpJGoo/s4032/4192014%20(9).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yLQl30oay0rIHma67bnQ_ql2WZ1BH_N7QrqOCYDNg7sTy-cgVt0W9CskPmhJSyKHtDPws-HlHQNv9fBox4k3PYXhvWH34yLGke15UW6awIwzLosa004GoymWipwTTUFtfrluinZ4G015DhiALH0t01L3TltFVCLtNm1qoZNprwEHGY6IuNtpJGoo/w400-h300/4192014%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Willow Flycatcher chicks</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">They've able to easily undertake thousand-plus mile journeys to make their temporary or permanent home any and everywhere they can find food and a mate, build a nest, and lay, hatch eggs, and nurture their brood to fledglinghood.<br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnpJ-KTs5nejHhbl99N8R2dxs_3lOfOzvOfrhzb2s0WT5jvNBai6UsU9fcBHdXyqQ_BJfbtRcATC1mRURqtEBXZicZgbJt6jxbz9fs_7D32JK23Y9SGdNy3tOM6eN6G9axuyfw81uxyr7f19MKvBjAJvEXz6NisHdWiEqsXfs03qVnp9CvNiHurGe/s1919/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnpJ-KTs5nejHhbl99N8R2dxs_3lOfOzvOfrhzb2s0WT5jvNBai6UsU9fcBHdXyqQ_BJfbtRcATC1mRURqtEBXZicZgbJt6jxbz9fs_7D32JK23Y9SGdNy3tOM6eN6G9axuyfw81uxyr7f19MKvBjAJvEXz6NisHdWiEqsXfs03qVnp9CvNiHurGe/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Supernal beauty and serenity on hidden Yuba spot</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />Birds are nonesuch creatures endowed with infinite variation and expression, capable of accomplishing seemingly impossible aerial feats of navigation, of hunting prowess, and, with their astounding size to power ratio, birds are blessed with superior technical construction acumen, such as a <i><b>6</b></i> ounce bird being able to build a stronger and more durable nest than a <i><b>200</b></i> pound man. <i>(Saw this on a Nova special!)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4ldKgFgyASlZN7KU85gjYl9OMWPZpf3DpbBTvtZsYflZzWCtW7J5hzDZ7qGB315f_adOREj-8GRPvMFKsKxhxGAAsKQyVZQv25KOBjXnn3zTkfMPiNp9sWisatqJrBZVQddm7N4xbeSj4on6zYiBk5jmCkD1x5xOuR178dKcxImqQ8Rm3welyLhn/s3774/1abbb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="3020" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4ldKgFgyASlZN7KU85gjYl9OMWPZpf3DpbBTvtZsYflZzWCtW7J5hzDZ7qGB315f_adOREj-8GRPvMFKsKxhxGAAsKQyVZQv25KOBjXnn3zTkfMPiNp9sWisatqJrBZVQddm7N4xbeSj4on6zYiBk5jmCkD1x5xOuR178dKcxImqQ8Rm3welyLhn/w320-h400/1abbb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Urban nest from Smithsonian Gardens exhibition</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Birds are </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i>surprise! surprise!</i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> living descendants of dinosaurs, who, of course, never went extinct, but figured out a way to transform and take to the skies to survive.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qmLGZ8ONFDvr_hFuha1_F7LUhQATem_09Yg79EPfDivrAeM8Z_2YJIYuwDb69ZCska5zVANWFNTm-BCz2rlnxyP-L9xMnWMz7IBRa_hN3ghQ25UEhoSZjQa05eN-_ZcShOl_BV53jP59qXIiwsS08i-n4caZHoEvXPxtBehROnvf14N1yrzpEgvV/s3780/8a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qmLGZ8ONFDvr_hFuha1_F7LUhQATem_09Yg79EPfDivrAeM8Z_2YJIYuwDb69ZCska5zVANWFNTm-BCz2rlnxyP-L9xMnWMz7IBRa_hN3ghQ25UEhoSZjQa05eN-_ZcShOl_BV53jP59qXIiwsS08i-n4caZHoEvXPxtBehROnvf14N1yrzpEgvV/w400-h320/8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dinosaur Skull from Dinosaur National Monument</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This extraordinary evolutionary heritage of taxonomic complexity and species biodiversity, guided by tremendous stamina and cellular memory, unmatched survival strategies, and internal GPS systems that put human technology to shame, has propelled birds to global dominance.<br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvFf6FIoVfsCNowTCrizH8BQnFews5Ynid_VXnxc73VgdHsGPC8jxJcf_YfpF3gxvOsZ0U0evHJ-ewvrXjTGbAlwG6zmuHwOKWQ59Olg3WdA3mCcDb7JQGYDBmu_Kdxk_8OYVaBInoqGXg-u9uJB2I5Gw3pQIWAHnqv15COxpOLWTHwGTVvGgV6x5/s1048/1a9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="589" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvFf6FIoVfsCNowTCrizH8BQnFews5Ynid_VXnxc73VgdHsGPC8jxJcf_YfpF3gxvOsZ0U0evHJ-ewvrXjTGbAlwG6zmuHwOKWQ59Olg3WdA3mCcDb7JQGYDBmu_Kdxk_8OYVaBInoqGXg-u9uJB2I5Gw3pQIWAHnqv15COxpOLWTHwGTVvGgV6x5/w360-h640/1a9.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mink slinking away to her den</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Featuring prominently in human culture and art since the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Stone Age</span></b></i>, birds reside in our collective subconscious as auspicious and mythopoeic beings, as iconic symbols of freedom and independence, and tantalize us with their mysterious ways, elusive existence, and unfettered freedom.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9CDCLo-sYKne2pfscin0tCrtqx0zR5-VCdxX-xUuURqadwgKddPReyvfhV1CJQfJpXV-tmhK_tz2fIfu81H6oEO-9WIQKzwym9XG3MLA9TTr8ihtHr7VcvFhCBHmVxuW0puxw1ev2ExwdnEnDdiKl3Jvx5j9R26YTmIb_kXE_yFvpqFIbDUbR54V/s1919/1a11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9CDCLo-sYKne2pfscin0tCrtqx0zR5-VCdxX-xUuURqadwgKddPReyvfhV1CJQfJpXV-tmhK_tz2fIfu81H6oEO-9WIQKzwym9XG3MLA9TTr8ihtHr7VcvFhCBHmVxuW0puxw1ev2ExwdnEnDdiKl3Jvx5j9R26YTmIb_kXE_yFvpqFIbDUbR54V/w400-h320/1a11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">South Fork Yuba River near Illinois Crossing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Birds stand apart as ancient beings, here to teach us earthbound humans a thing or two about the wondrous nature of existence, the existence of nature's wonders.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUTacdYU7biRzwI9DRtUB1m418Y1ZS3VNslOBchRQEEKvO5tAmv7_nMej3_tmn0srhux12suIX1Rbf2OIcQsrXVWWXdmQVmylYYv1SyowtcoBqZwrfIFsP0YcypIi4KjuvPr8VUo08aWwACS4fguEEtb-6kwKRF-TlGzgyR_jmUwKeZuLeBpB5PoZ/s1440/1122015%20(12).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUTacdYU7biRzwI9DRtUB1m418Y1ZS3VNslOBchRQEEKvO5tAmv7_nMej3_tmn0srhux12suIX1Rbf2OIcQsrXVWWXdmQVmylYYv1SyowtcoBqZwrfIFsP0YcypIi4KjuvPr8VUo08aWwACS4fguEEtb-6kwKRF-TlGzgyR_jmUwKeZuLeBpB5PoZ/w400-h320/1122015%20(12).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Caspian Terns gathered on sand bar</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">About their magnificent otherness.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyTG5cTGQXBBr3kpNKwx3uRgVAF0wK7rjN507b0X70r8CjzkkJJdGb-Xn4SOjR-7W2Rz_Ln8ej2cULE90vYE_A8sv0ni460R-S1Bkcnik1U4FFCgdlRZzdKekaY3uNY3jy5lgcZGJd3uhErgj6st5FdcUKaYV45rvRug9O9Vu-CK0IHZ62EHiulaq/s1131/8c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1131" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyTG5cTGQXBBr3kpNKwx3uRgVAF0wK7rjN507b0X70r8CjzkkJJdGb-Xn4SOjR-7W2Rz_Ln8ej2cULE90vYE_A8sv0ni460R-S1Bkcnik1U4FFCgdlRZzdKekaY3uNY3jy5lgcZGJd3uhErgj6st5FdcUKaYV45rvRug9O9Vu-CK0IHZ62EHiulaq/w400-h320/8c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Fence Lizard soaking up the sun on hot rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here, I break rhythm to point up to a bough in a gnarled oak tree on the other side of the river for a fleeting glimpse of a <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Western Tanager</i></b></span>. A beauty to be sure, but too far away to get a decent photo.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEoPV59bXI_nSU-S0w1VyFOpg1w4QaYi9HoH0aUgoXuli-itILjJRFhRswN8_zKKv0GQWiLwicrPKJx_CsMAeJ2xyN1n4-Q4BUhX7ajpLwOwqIbaMC2mTthOqfoal07kAXpVVA-_M0rLtIO4HsTBux1ciy59bqgg1cA0pSRtWJx5noFGRumA38EmF/s644/10b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="416" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEoPV59bXI_nSU-S0w1VyFOpg1w4QaYi9HoH0aUgoXuli-itILjJRFhRswN8_zKKv0GQWiLwicrPKJx_CsMAeJ2xyN1n4-Q4BUhX7ajpLwOwqIbaMC2mTthOqfoal07kAXpVVA-_M0rLtIO4HsTBux1ciy59bqgg1cA0pSRtWJx5noFGRumA38EmF/w414-h640/10b.jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Tanager playing in the brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Seconds later, I shout excitedly, <i>"Look! A <span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Goshawk</b></span> alighting on a jagged tree snag!"</i> And, then, unbelievable, a <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Belted Kingfisher</span></i></b> whooshes downstream and disappears around a bend in the river.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1kmkDnY2BMjFEOkjoKac8E19O2BlHU6pcVAlx2cUeZooY7tBTClerEwCDHTxUfQUhqVFqO0_k8dt8XlXZjnY384-WaDymYb3egF49pu5fE6hk9OG829je4g4SfUmAQ9q6s5ydwhJUtkfwdqKJl7hEWR1bnkkWbntxZBYr8OkuIRkb7XwI9LKE_nw/s1440/1a13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1kmkDnY2BMjFEOkjoKac8E19O2BlHU6pcVAlx2cUeZooY7tBTClerEwCDHTxUfQUhqVFqO0_k8dt8XlXZjnY384-WaDymYb3egF49pu5fE6hk9OG829je4g4SfUmAQ9q6s5ydwhJUtkfwdqKJl7hEWR1bnkkWbntxZBYr8OkuIRkb7XwI9LKE_nw/w400-h320/1a13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sleeping is over-rated on the river!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My camping mates seem genuinely excited over the sightings. <i>(But they were all snoozing when I spotted the mink at dawn!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHGc96TRF7zOq8xWymswmy3XE_2-kXKyj1elaFdTO7pmahl5-UgyMs1uJ9al2T9LLKg7eapblz3jfEfjyyxoxKQ5xScfPraZAfTe-hKPoC8vvVgsd4jyayyBdkjAOB75GKgjKAopBCOV3-LaX8-m2JkFCYzp5hBoZJk0bViczyIXE08CC7Zz4RjkM/s1241/8g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHGc96TRF7zOq8xWymswmy3XE_2-kXKyj1elaFdTO7pmahl5-UgyMs1uJ9al2T9LLKg7eapblz3jfEfjyyxoxKQ5xScfPraZAfTe-hKPoC8vvVgsd4jyayyBdkjAOB75GKgjKAopBCOV3-LaX8-m2JkFCYzp5hBoZJk0bViczyIXE08CC7Zz4RjkM/w400-h320/8g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Another take on the Coral Snake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /> So, see, you don't have to be a die-hard birder to be into birds, for birds are found everywhere, in case you haven't noticed. Which, sadly, most haven't.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShgHWKM-vWnIe88QNJ1skOT0mdvCHx_Zqj96bOH06o-AqphAWchBd1_JnByl_zjatuNypFLHeTZYA5BLEuyfMdwARQGEOhc6OysKw90GhJxG24eaOzMQ0oN2w8NgPOuj6tZnPwLBv8J6TUOzhg2SkLXV5RjFSZBrq_6hyg1kM4E3g_SFLk0sTgiTT/s1883/8j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1883" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShgHWKM-vWnIe88QNJ1skOT0mdvCHx_Zqj96bOH06o-AqphAWchBd1_JnByl_zjatuNypFLHeTZYA5BLEuyfMdwARQGEOhc6OysKw90GhJxG24eaOzMQ0oN2w8NgPOuj6tZnPwLBv8J6TUOzhg2SkLXV5RjFSZBrq_6hyg1kM4E3g_SFLk0sTgiTT/w400-h300/8j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Painted striations of lichen and moss</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">With the exception of town square <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Pigeons</span></b></i>, unruly mobs of neighborhood <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Crows</span></b></i>, or <i>gansta</i> <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Geese</span></b></i> on the green, non-birder people pass the test with flying colors – ignoring birds, that is, because . . . well, they're just flighty little balls of fluff, aren't they.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_0BuWatIjbQz6t0a7guKRmEED1XFSw7vD2zaRUyx0E6kvLRdozwHp8dIfuMc4plnwJx8Y5MJY5MIVOdCiEgKfLOp8fUeLzxwz0F_5YOTirZIMamGs3RxY062i01yA3rsYVrwajXoaTrrezWMyN9IRzEvXll1Lt4lPDzeAr9ichZPbGbsM_2U4w3o/s1920/8h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_0BuWatIjbQz6t0a7guKRmEED1XFSw7vD2zaRUyx0E6kvLRdozwHp8dIfuMc4plnwJx8Y5MJY5MIVOdCiEgKfLOp8fUeLzxwz0F_5YOTirZIMamGs3RxY062i01yA3rsYVrwajXoaTrrezWMyN9IRzEvXll1Lt4lPDzeAr9ichZPbGbsM_2U4w3o/w400-h320/8h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mess of bones at river's edge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Barely noticeable blurs of fat and feathers in their quotidian comings and goings <i>(doing what, exactly?)</i>. Mere tiny animations in the busy backdrop of life, right.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ekGH-YLopgQZyw4QdvxfyLxcwCS2UoThv8pADFsw2yptVNwfZtbcovQfTxiDfIieujSZ9LL00yfa-hiUh8N2irVx123W8_gvh9cFjYW73_jwewPddU_IopW9svUcTBRuFWjO-yEgzzBVT90HKMM3jeOlObZRWl93zveLcD3EUwyFzz2zzjMlqlYQ/s1920/water%20reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ekGH-YLopgQZyw4QdvxfyLxcwCS2UoThv8pADFsw2yptVNwfZtbcovQfTxiDfIieujSZ9LL00yfa-hiUh8N2irVx123W8_gvh9cFjYW73_jwewPddU_IopW9svUcTBRuFWjO-yEgzzBVT90HKMM3jeOlObZRWl93zveLcD3EUwyFzz2zzjMlqlYQ/w400-h320/water%20reflection.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Painterly impressions on the Yuba River</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><b>WRONG!</b></i></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtf_0rqWnXYcc-7sP3lii2mCXmYbOPrXx_8hLQ4iZOb3p9CmbMcqf2NFn0pcQf3m9PmcsRIFz-nNE1Oc0IF-JbwcZvzj_kOtP3ZSt_1KrlzbXoRo_MtPtJa4GsyKFh1Vec-mTtCFMFFahYoiaRaOqpcHSucZEfTTzRlhGcGIMeiAuyd2cTgilC5yC/s1589/8q.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtf_0rqWnXYcc-7sP3lii2mCXmYbOPrXx_8hLQ4iZOb3p9CmbMcqf2NFn0pcQf3m9PmcsRIFz-nNE1Oc0IF-JbwcZvzj_kOtP3ZSt_1KrlzbXoRo_MtPtJa4GsyKFh1Vec-mTtCFMFFahYoiaRaOqpcHSucZEfTTzRlhGcGIMeiAuyd2cTgilC5yC/w400-h320/8q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bird in twisty tree</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"></span></div><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Hans Christian Andersen,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">who knew a thing or three about birds, noted:</span></i></b></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></i></b></div></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgksW_HptWaZR96Z-Lc-WV5KE-rPLO5DaY_ZXC0ryOR5SBdU0ZTKNyxguZQhqjMRlJnL76qUf8I8f5ePQWZcpx7Z7WdVS2n6wKSkS572GFeiOxA8byv4vB8n4fdrBnJ_IiW-6vQdNu_eTAT6Tk7NkBAXQwLlNvU2zYq6YTAHqGEzyDxNozf_YimSoA/s1644/9b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1644" data-original-width="1316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgksW_HptWaZR96Z-Lc-WV5KE-rPLO5DaY_ZXC0ryOR5SBdU0ZTKNyxguZQhqjMRlJnL76qUf8I8f5ePQWZcpx7Z7WdVS2n6wKSkS572GFeiOxA8byv4vB8n4fdrBnJ_IiW-6vQdNu_eTAT6Tk7NkBAXQwLlNvU2zYq6YTAHqGEzyDxNozf_YimSoA/w320-h400/9b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mom's "ordinary things"</span></b></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">"The whole world is a series of miracles,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">but we’re so used to seeing them</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">that we call them ordinary things."</span></b></i></div></i><div><span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCe9yF2uRZfd-tcgJ8KFna7WuVMru_it4v5cSwy6ueqJB_j9ZO-Tr4B5ITeZjJbaAH25vDg3SQe06Q4etO6bG2zw2OWtej20ATJ0tH8RyWHcEbOduvhioOXyHAZjX5o9dItSlGAAOYTgxTh6dwN53DTWdjjDZrLSV2BqppsHCivZQ0PVauFMNl7LM/s2048/8232015%20(12).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCe9yF2uRZfd-tcgJ8KFna7WuVMru_it4v5cSwy6ueqJB_j9ZO-Tr4B5ITeZjJbaAH25vDg3SQe06Q4etO6bG2zw2OWtej20ATJ0tH8RyWHcEbOduvhioOXyHAZjX5o9dItSlGAAOYTgxTh6dwN53DTWdjjDZrLSV2BqppsHCivZQ0PVauFMNl7LM/w400-h300/8232015%20(12).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Beetle in search of sweetness</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank goodness, we have Confucius</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">to thank for the handy apothegm:</span></i></b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Xy5pGri2Qezo75DKrpfPJoJPmhX2dRRSiYxVo0SgMnmN2DN57kMP_PW7aoHIh4yAWY_1oWhWj_HmcHpv1IpXJkaxTRjz1Ek7PgTdx_466BmMCxlgYRrBToW6WG37AYpB3w6h0bP8nS1pGyXP7DNuswgbPDhlaQlouLdeicdZe3wwBuECQgXAQmBa/s1439/1a14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Xy5pGri2Qezo75DKrpfPJoJPmhX2dRRSiYxVo0SgMnmN2DN57kMP_PW7aoHIh4yAWY_1oWhWj_HmcHpv1IpXJkaxTRjz1Ek7PgTdx_466BmMCxlgYRrBToW6WG37AYpB3w6h0bP8nS1pGyXP7DNuswgbPDhlaQlouLdeicdZe3wwBuECQgXAQmBa/w320-h400/1a14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The commonplace</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><i>"A common man marvels at uncommon things.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><i>A</i></b></span><b style="color: #b45f06;"><i> wise man marvels at the commonplace."</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJbWNpCu9KsODqr_43g3SWdvlGGZSMJJhP6W-eX323ht9Mlr1VDbU4DNlqJBaVMyr4CsjFjj4rl0ly5jQ8EBdDFZWMFcxgSuarfT4bvhrCmOuMrpSgiL534uw2YwJxohv5aY4fY6gRiABRcuJsIPkQ5Cw43sfc0kqyoZW_i_wFxA-mVOJzYXTfimm/s2048/1a12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1443" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJbWNpCu9KsODqr_43g3SWdvlGGZSMJJhP6W-eX323ht9Mlr1VDbU4DNlqJBaVMyr4CsjFjj4rl0ly5jQ8EBdDFZWMFcxgSuarfT4bvhrCmOuMrpSgiL534uw2YwJxohv5aY4fY6gRiABRcuJsIPkQ5Cw43sfc0kqyoZW_i_wFxA-mVOJzYXTfimm/w450-h640/1a12.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Prehistoric acorn grinding holes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">On a bright note, have you ever felt happy and content in a woodsy setting, or on your porch, with the birds chirping away, coming and going at your feeder?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc_fqzR2wQrrXjOyOcT5NQettPyqJXY2CyU7cdcz4wVaCsVn62_-KDwOFKIz470syF1tWJHkFm8_YP7EJcdU1fGf3ec07VmM5U5rdaRIe5wOBJov3jNEUEas6l9w6jLoR7-VsC7tYtKbXVjm5q67xqTcjllP_Ey2G2rqwSEhsWm-bo5qtIx07mAIM/s1517/1a15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="1137" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc_fqzR2wQrrXjOyOcT5NQettPyqJXY2CyU7cdcz4wVaCsVn62_-KDwOFKIz470syF1tWJHkFm8_YP7EJcdU1fGf3ec07VmM5U5rdaRIe5wOBJov3jNEUEas6l9w6jLoR7-VsC7tYtKbXVjm5q67xqTcjllP_Ey2G2rqwSEhsWm-bo5qtIx07mAIM/w480-h640/1a15.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Birdies hitting the jackpot</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well – <i>surprise! surprise!</i> – <i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">birdsong</span></b></i> changes our brains by attuning us to the innumerable but oft-overlooked mysteries around us:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTB2W6Qj24Xc-fDnLe5RDz1q9Bp3SEp2v8mPYevHNx8twzSsX_NjzXswOTITd7BxoTIoeF-psZAyC423jUIhbbgewctpyQl2EIMu5Oko3gasSCqnbzW_qTphzalYidqix62u-rJgZsP822RwoFQ89TqHCl-32KbCKxoJvf1_hnfdIlp_N56BQl9SB/s1919/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTB2W6Qj24Xc-fDnLe5RDz1q9Bp3SEp2v8mPYevHNx8twzSsX_NjzXswOTITd7BxoTIoeF-psZAyC423jUIhbbgewctpyQl2EIMu5Oko3gasSCqnbzW_qTphzalYidqix62u-rJgZsP822RwoFQ89TqHCl-32KbCKxoJvf1_hnfdIlp_N56BQl9SB/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Peaceful, easy feeling</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Nature's nuanced reminders of our</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>inter-connectedness with all things!</i></b></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuRNH498cWn_5j6YT31la7WjcFb73bLL-JvprRwV2PxMJeEx6KYfEkN9biNMctC5AvfCaNWepP-N7x6a675vGT-Sxo-9E_h_fF9qiJ0bzPT-49kPtn3JEMOxnRnFUhdBv0rwA8h84TlFzO5gtuvCrqmgjzTJapDM7qY9EfScezPVV91jjE0ry8bzp/s862/6182015%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="862" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuRNH498cWn_5j6YT31la7WjcFb73bLL-JvprRwV2PxMJeEx6KYfEkN9biNMctC5AvfCaNWepP-N7x6a675vGT-Sxo-9E_h_fF9qiJ0bzPT-49kPtn3JEMOxnRnFUhdBv0rwA8h84TlFzO5gtuvCrqmgjzTJapDM7qY9EfScezPVV91jjE0ry8bzp/w400-h320/6182015%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Surveying the world from on high</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Just being in the presence of birds, listening to their meditative melodies, has been scientifically measured to induce harmony and well-being, uplift the psyche and elevate the human spirit by stimulating neural networks that flush the brain with happiness endorphins and activating birdsong tryptamine receptors. <i>Really!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhGnAPxC4J2FkJEAj8MYBtzwBbyk2NWiWX6PM8Dl6OiudFnKE4qRqwNtz4g85gNIKztlL3DjjkbfqdspPnoYWc8EJrxpGENj7lzFx4bp9jc0ZJj5DrWVQ4aRtDtWelUXJSEQ_L49CQevNh2YsXlKI19LL5eGHANx9dTJlbXkXD_bxP0R7_VqgFRJv/s1865/8232015%20(15).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1865" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhGnAPxC4J2FkJEAj8MYBtzwBbyk2NWiWX6PM8Dl6OiudFnKE4qRqwNtz4g85gNIKztlL3DjjkbfqdspPnoYWc8EJrxpGENj7lzFx4bp9jc0ZJj5DrWVQ4aRtDtWelUXJSEQ_L49CQevNh2YsXlKI19LL5eGHANx9dTJlbXkXD_bxP0R7_VqgFRJv/w400-h320/8232015%20(15).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dragonfly holding on</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Being a devoted observer of the comings and goings of anywhere from <i><b>10</b></i> to <i><b>50</b></i> species of birds <i>(I spot thirty-three during our three-day camping interlude)</i> involves a stubborn willingness, a mindless <i>(or mindful)</i> transcendent state of being <i>(or non-doing)</i>, to stand by idly, waiting, waiting, for interminably long stretches of time . . . and for what?</span></div><div><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qwLlZm4Qua0gIWJfzlzA3nEv8XEQZSxLBAZihZLveU2IgfhdyeG_YQIDJ5pjjmSYDCx24OhEwt3XoBkPKjVuQQRm4KdOUt8YJR8gGHanloiZSP3n7ceDpu4taOKSaUm9YcBrC85tuDQ_HdiZPFRgi5msp5_BoDWc2-GHJstpYzLQN4tK_8z0v1_D/s1096/1a17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qwLlZm4Qua0gIWJfzlzA3nEv8XEQZSxLBAZihZLveU2IgfhdyeG_YQIDJ5pjjmSYDCx24OhEwt3XoBkPKjVuQQRm4KdOUt8YJR8gGHanloiZSP3n7ceDpu4taOKSaUm9YcBrC85tuDQ_HdiZPFRgi5msp5_BoDWc2-GHJstpYzLQN4tK_8z0v1_D/w400-h320/1a17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">I am NOT "just" a drab little bird!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><i>To "thrill" at another mundane sighting</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><i>of a "drab" old Towhee or Bushtit?</i></b></span></div></span><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tQsEVoBp_BPJyKqQakWu2qo9z5VgKROa9NiPFak24XN-bGJJ8Ryou8wWSbm6SWjP86OpMq1k5a2jkonjb-ASrpfSaLBWFQdm0ifr9X2f5koO5bgCRBW9lCMUsLF25oEFgN8vS-Ys79a9TCTLKif9vfgSft2apE1B9kd6l7NKixRx5hkSpFflouv1/s399/8102014%20(12).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="399" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tQsEVoBp_BPJyKqQakWu2qo9z5VgKROa9NiPFak24XN-bGJJ8Ryou8wWSbm6SWjP86OpMq1k5a2jkonjb-ASrpfSaLBWFQdm0ifr9X2f5koO5bgCRBW9lCMUsLF25oEFgN8vS-Ys79a9TCTLKif9vfgSft2apE1B9kd6l7NKixRx5hkSpFflouv1/w400-h321/8102014%20(12).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">My little Chickadee</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">But look, listen, observe closely, and long enough,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">even the drab old Towhee and Bushtit are anything but.</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3jmi1iRwEBJNevdqj4nIYPHsOv_urPmT_Ue8cf5jxJhZ1cpTYfgAB0cHHZpeW78YfHKK45b0-yNmZm-FLg9W_k44OGUfyLcPOmDeJRqGnUrAGaQWUgS_qyH-ubtaEObH7U3UuSW_rnUpujjrpkyYTih5Dk9DQMgNY8nr_9094NkKk84s8bhLqL-s/s400/5102015%20(16).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3jmi1iRwEBJNevdqj4nIYPHsOv_urPmT_Ue8cf5jxJhZ1cpTYfgAB0cHHZpeW78YfHKK45b0-yNmZm-FLg9W_k44OGUfyLcPOmDeJRqGnUrAGaQWUgS_qyH-ubtaEObH7U3UuSW_rnUpujjrpkyYTih5Dk9DQMgNY8nr_9094NkKk84s8bhLqL-s/w400-h320/5102015%20(16).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vulture on the wing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Jon Young, author of </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">"What the Robin Knows"</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">says of so-called "boring" birds:</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdZqTvkcZBMQbJiDOU1RERjlR2SVt6xnUOjk9ij9Q_YkIgLm9EfmMkcYo2QrRSVEsmGpxxnAbwsuIRWxDUrI1yOWA1JtzIbeKTMbtSsszAs0KvD7DjUKoqXpcaeYxO73UAa9_HpVev8ID3fV18Ffck4lMI_qtiQqo9y14sfh9XH0uEAt9ie9a_VVI/s1919/1c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdZqTvkcZBMQbJiDOU1RERjlR2SVt6xnUOjk9ij9Q_YkIgLm9EfmMkcYo2QrRSVEsmGpxxnAbwsuIRWxDUrI1yOWA1JtzIbeKTMbtSsszAs0KvD7DjUKoqXpcaeYxO73UAa9_HpVev8ID3fV18Ffck4lMI_qtiQqo9y14sfh9XH0uEAt9ie9a_VVI/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yuba world awakening</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><b>"When we really see and hear</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><b>and begin to understand</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><b>these and other birds,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><b>the revelations are fun, enthralling, even vital."</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigssmofiU0EPkgaNyf9sufunxhPnw8WoZhoJi8UIFXO00h3G7jNhACGUnraonhDIVjOjK7ENhJmlcMj9L6Uz8Eq5QunBvZnGyggUE3q6pnmjb4bcLn9_XIuZjQXDKPxFb0G_tvn-OeEG-ErLahOEUSYUihm1oPTUgfCs2oXv54RuaQj4ndK2_SlJ3Q/s1158/8232015%20(51).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigssmofiU0EPkgaNyf9sufunxhPnw8WoZhoJi8UIFXO00h3G7jNhACGUnraonhDIVjOjK7ENhJmlcMj9L6Uz8Eq5QunBvZnGyggUE3q6pnmjb4bcLn9_XIuZjQXDKPxFb0G_tvn-OeEG-ErLahOEUSYUihm1oPTUgfCs2oXv54RuaQj4ndK2_SlJ3Q/w400-h320/8232015%20(51).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Junco taking a dip</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A curious child-like attitude thus infuses every outing, every errand, with a spontaneous opportunity to spot and appreciate birds, to have fun, enthrall, seek out and connect with vital energies, enhancing a deep brain connection to and soulful intimacy with birds – and to the natural world.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmK2wCbzi3r5C7U1zxHAARDJxDnyLNgfznnQqMqcpyOrCTcvab0AZRnyxEKz5SEY_-VokjvPpjvMvFO-DZV6fN5-kmy9MPGmCUelHpG6z67F7EzwhhkM9WwcJFTLAHlt1XvCDT743iYYTqGgLrrpqnRT4iCPVBaUk8TWio24gMnVwS5BvAfkvpcCz/s1881/2a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1881" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmK2wCbzi3r5C7U1zxHAARDJxDnyLNgfznnQqMqcpyOrCTcvab0AZRnyxEKz5SEY_-VokjvPpjvMvFO-DZV6fN5-kmy9MPGmCUelHpG6z67F7EzwhhkM9WwcJFTLAHlt1XvCDT743iYYTqGgLrrpqnRT4iCPVBaUk8TWio24gMnVwS5BvAfkvpcCz/w400-h323/2a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Minute pebbles caught in bubble of water on leaf</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Thoreau grokked the </span><span style="color: #38761d;">down-low</span><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">low-down:</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP3gP-FNipLqPjPkKiRSrsVUTj3IxaUvHDZxfzYhvWx_FhiYtrM_P-tscaaSUl9_JRofVPzaFzncnphDTYk0PdMYsnhS_ZaNbV6ohQKAZ5sDUvfcLx9oKAPwu7jHJvl7EjTnXdF0oMR6sQvfDkc0BzAUXNntLH0Wyi3lgaLB61bP1nE8qbAWtOlyH/s1920/2a2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP3gP-FNipLqPjPkKiRSrsVUTj3IxaUvHDZxfzYhvWx_FhiYtrM_P-tscaaSUl9_JRofVPzaFzncnphDTYk0PdMYsnhS_ZaNbV6ohQKAZ5sDUvfcLx9oKAPwu7jHJvl7EjTnXdF0oMR6sQvfDkc0BzAUXNntLH0Wyi3lgaLB61bP1nE8qbAWtOlyH/w400-h320/2a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Leaves dancing in web world</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Nature will bear the closest inspection.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>She invites us to lay our eye level</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>with her smallest leaf,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>and take an insect view of its plain."</i></b></span></div></div><div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjsj11U2dRh__C7R6L-pqvkEgt_HvrEHwJydyv_6lOZIqdMR8fuw_lw2gI-TuHn-S_4MBUyKrJ07MOczafCCN8sBGwTTiNWDKTY22gazucqtay72r09uHAffq2mmAlKy5oGnq8AE4texThJ25oxsif8qSj4mpA1avBSgnveunzJvaWP8m2dQ5aJkV/s2048/2_blogg%20(6)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjsj11U2dRh__C7R6L-pqvkEgt_HvrEHwJydyv_6lOZIqdMR8fuw_lw2gI-TuHn-S_4MBUyKrJ07MOczafCCN8sBGwTTiNWDKTY22gazucqtay72r09uHAffq2mmAlKy5oGnq8AE4texThJ25oxsif8qSj4mpA1avBSgnveunzJvaWP8m2dQ5aJkV/w400-h300/2_blogg%20(6)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hummingbird at rest</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;">And, while we're at it, Hank, a bird's-eye view!</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfdImOPCarpoaNoRTOC7HhtWyAKUV68tUplGH-FHVT_cyRDZerpb7Fc2jv1bxKIBpXCPZurqDv0T80E4rZFWl8-wxhdkE1PActx0tQNI_uLN9MkEvFMfFlVyy2jCWeskN_xVXLR8t5XtwIusjrYrIKuJweMLCraBbxEAhlvozHmjhX3WEohYQeuJz/s772/1_blog%20(55)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="772" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfdImOPCarpoaNoRTOC7HhtWyAKUV68tUplGH-FHVT_cyRDZerpb7Fc2jv1bxKIBpXCPZurqDv0T80E4rZFWl8-wxhdkE1PActx0tQNI_uLN9MkEvFMfFlVyy2jCWeskN_xVXLR8t5XtwIusjrYrIKuJweMLCraBbxEAhlvozHmjhX3WEohYQeuJz/w400-h300/1_blog%20(55)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ultimately, though, what keeps the game exciting, is the hope to experience that serendipitous encounter, the holy grail of birders: the unlikely appearance of a never before spotted bird. Such synchronicity does happen, if but rarely.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCEaheqh36r0QWGN2SdvtapivonllzTyVorEvF3a1lM0QLdN261NRBYHBR6OQvdBpHMAYEzB3_Fif1VvECNFQoyjBw9jDnPIgHH7OY47SRXX5_9FOllH_8QUadnlSuVhvjKoZB4vBVEGG_Y4_OXenFkPc5RuAToGBzVV_6mIJg0xZhFh192B2RC5z/s3774/4_blog%20(65)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="3020" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCEaheqh36r0QWGN2SdvtapivonllzTyVorEvF3a1lM0QLdN261NRBYHBR6OQvdBpHMAYEzB3_Fif1VvECNFQoyjBw9jDnPIgHH7OY47SRXX5_9FOllH_8QUadnlSuVhvjKoZB4vBVEGG_Y4_OXenFkPc5RuAToGBzVV_6mIJg0xZhFh192B2RC5z/w512-h640/4_blog%20(65)_8312.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Magpies enjoying picking deer carcass clean to the bone</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Imagine the surprise of being in the right place at the right time and a rarely sighted bird appears, in living color, manifest for a few fleeting seconds!</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Lxa4nFFMjlUuO-ZSpkmkg0KGplFKVUMaYJjub_kGf7no7kzo640Qvi3yBBFwUbOs-L3GBkjSPzpIAJea3e0sz1IyPqjFvqeana4r1dRkLo_iiji_lQUGgalv7sWMCJAOp6-FkLkT4Iy-tRlxlAKMyQ9RhqdLk3N1n_xg9ofnP1NvJlJZV4quTS2e/s1152/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Lxa4nFFMjlUuO-ZSpkmkg0KGplFKVUMaYJjub_kGf7no7kzo640Qvi3yBBFwUbOs-L3GBkjSPzpIAJea3e0sz1IyPqjFvqeana4r1dRkLo_iiji_lQUGgalv7sWMCJAOp6-FkLkT4Iy-tRlxlAKMyQ9RhqdLk3N1n_xg9ofnP1NvJlJZV4quTS2e/w360-h640/1f.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>American Dipper (aka Water Ouzel)</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> When such a bird appears out of nowhere, your day is automatically brightened and enriched in a way that scrolling through images of nature and birds on a computer screen can never equal.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACH0sEF6jNywWO3Qwk5GhMY046TjQSjrxzhOd2ykTuJBTRcM2KCSoo22LVhmrud0TNMCuYNy5HD54DptNO0qjfoUsDBCLngD6OXnm1EXz_-8eVje9SvoyLMprpWh0_2JENWmRxndU1UIBHmXiiXzzn48E2Jw5uNPtfRF6hnuYKqEFvgGFrzvmb75/s1854/4192014%20(43).jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1854" data-original-width="1406" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACH0sEF6jNywWO3Qwk5GhMY046TjQSjrxzhOd2ykTuJBTRcM2KCSoo22LVhmrud0TNMCuYNy5HD54DptNO0qjfoUsDBCLngD6OXnm1EXz_-8eVje9SvoyLMprpWh0_2JENWmRxndU1UIBHmXiiXzzn48E2Jw5uNPtfRF6hnuYKqEFvgGFrzvmb75/w486-h640/4192014%20(43).jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Birds in the zone</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><i><b>(Especially my bird photos, for the most part!)</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN9wpZgxSrR8RnHtabRxJ70-IwqjBf9_pzJZQKV-rdfR2KvE4mrd2XsUOfT0rniN51VfdLcHWG6oJB1g6gV5SynCNPUJ878OYyt479b0_Kq2RsuAOabE_jR_mTEq5Epz6qD9OtTcjlm8YIGDNqwSAOdZ34gm4iWO5f-980-DRXRfuvn-ZSzcBRz0A/s2048/10a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN9wpZgxSrR8RnHtabRxJ70-IwqjBf9_pzJZQKV-rdfR2KvE4mrd2XsUOfT0rniN51VfdLcHWG6oJB1g6gV5SynCNPUJ878OYyt479b0_Kq2RsuAOabE_jR_mTEq5Epz6qD9OtTcjlm8YIGDNqwSAOdZ34gm4iWO5f-980-DRXRfuvn-ZSzcBRz0A/w480-h640/10a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Majestic nature along the river</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Even seeing a so-called common bird occasions a smile, a knowing understanding, a heartfelt sentiment, an interesting insight, a neural attuning to nature's deepest secrets and mysteries, in fact.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ns1B5yhiqiktgCx4y7xm2bkkCa7oNUKJKqdNpL1xPV-HoQtgam0UtcIlOFvITVdcK2fPsABx-Ja6zARr_599xkVCFtjvXwDaslC6pPvynJPSikyOjbgjxkOFjpX-JE23GFuwKdddM04aKM7txdEih2AcIHvyfIKt27JkfLoxO90C57eLDhKT0dCa/s1493/8o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1493" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ns1B5yhiqiktgCx4y7xm2bkkCa7oNUKJKqdNpL1xPV-HoQtgam0UtcIlOFvITVdcK2fPsABx-Ja6zARr_599xkVCFtjvXwDaslC6pPvynJPSikyOjbgjxkOFjpX-JE23GFuwKdddM04aKM7txdEih2AcIHvyfIKt27JkfLoxO90C57eLDhKT0dCa/w400-h320/8o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hermit Thrush (I imagine)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />Dare I profess that spotting a <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Prothonotary Warbler</span></b></i> or some exotic <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Madagascar </span></b></i>bird is the gratifying equivalent of bearing witness to any unseen or unknown animal, whether a <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Snow Leopard</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Orca</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Dugong</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Sun Bear,</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Sloth</span></b></i>, or <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Clownfish</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUHsy44WDv1J_jMIJG5DwWXjeDadMz-URlb-Q9dnF3I4l90c8iH2Sc2sDo89ViuYmEIxmUwi1ASsQrow_n9pg0wz25z7eINsEo4yv25oJz6YTq6guLXVzPQcH0a3ab2pb0wpCyB1B3CLruc8WG7B9RcIoAHDYVMkfGhJZWwLbudDiysic0bp9NdGo/s1440/10f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUHsy44WDv1J_jMIJG5DwWXjeDadMz-URlb-Q9dnF3I4l90c8iH2Sc2sDo89ViuYmEIxmUwi1ASsQrow_n9pg0wz25z7eINsEo4yv25oJz6YTq6guLXVzPQcH0a3ab2pb0wpCyB1B3CLruc8WG7B9RcIoAHDYVMkfGhJZWwLbudDiysic0bp9NdGo/w400-h320/10f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sun Bear (Oakland Zoo)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Size or species doesn't matter!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>Provenance be damned!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b><i>Charismatic megafauna, overrated!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp4WrxnTF2rVeNMHN_XG0mxhVu_afmFxOAnyW1MENWgenFMMvWi1nu27CSXDv_jIvKFfxsKqefaLrWcjzoTbUnIQFV-FT-RR4gu9JzKHrBEaCnZfFLmuYaiDmkNVp846Dv4dvPJqxpx5inRrwNT-DYvS8-cTko68HbyxwIfI9Ummc_WerRjz-ChtE/s4860/9c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp4WrxnTF2rVeNMHN_XG0mxhVu_afmFxOAnyW1MENWgenFMMvWi1nu27CSXDv_jIvKFfxsKqefaLrWcjzoTbUnIQFV-FT-RR4gu9JzKHrBEaCnZfFLmuYaiDmkNVp846Dv4dvPJqxpx5inRrwNT-DYvS8-cTko68HbyxwIfI9Ummc_WerRjz-ChtE/w400-h320/9c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bearded Barbet (Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">For who could not thrill equally at a <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Prothonotary Warbler</span></i></b> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> perhaps a once in a lifetime sighting tantamount to seeing for the first time a <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Tiger Salamander</span></b></i> or polar bear? For the common denominator is the comparative rarity of the encounter, the thrill one experiences in seeing a singular animal for the first time, not which kind of animal, or how big it was, or if you had to climb <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Himalayan</span></b></i> heights to see it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuLb2A--Am2tDgR4gRlfCcjfbzxqSRbYYr1FUz1eS47Zg8_8a4CUOlh_jq8oOe4K3bW-X-UVb1CcDGRsTI0zUfBuWkpwyPKwAyFClfP7h_Ku9dPhoQsb_p52MtDcPDt9nTGhQql0Y5H2XY64JmgKoVZ4UxdSY25fvK92XczYAzJWGIFr92HpdLRK6/s1193/10e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuLb2A--Am2tDgR4gRlfCcjfbzxqSRbYYr1FUz1eS47Zg8_8a4CUOlh_jq8oOe4K3bW-X-UVb1CcDGRsTI0zUfBuWkpwyPKwAyFClfP7h_Ku9dPhoQsb_p52MtDcPDt9nTGhQql0Y5H2XY64JmgKoVZ4UxdSY25fvK92XczYAzJWGIFr92HpdLRK6/w400-h320/10e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Orange-crowned Warbler (seen just one time in my birding days)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Such sightings – whether avian, amphibian, reptile or mammal <i>(or tree, plant, lichen, moss, fungi, and rock, for that matter)</i> – no matter large or small, finned, feathered or furred <i>(or barked, slimy and shiny surfaced)</i> – all are worthy of wonderment and apotheosis from the tiniest bird in your backyard to the biggest cetacean <i>(or tree)</i> in the world!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6PPTP6U05KtMhDjEggSsPanOQHzgBsOYMGsq8tdno0xiOv8y8K37nPKQd1WpTM52H5XCL9AsfzF5-WWPhnLnQ2JrZbMeBut0TrC9VJ24-C4z1cBJiZNQwVhu_Gi2nUURhdwALyQLlIWk1rulRfNjGXEpNfgN9T43tm88c5AwmPl-8VWnnvzcTKN3/s1440/8b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6PPTP6U05KtMhDjEggSsPanOQHzgBsOYMGsq8tdno0xiOv8y8K37nPKQd1WpTM52H5XCL9AsfzF5-WWPhnLnQ2JrZbMeBut0TrC9VJ24-C4z1cBJiZNQwVhu_Gi2nUURhdwALyQLlIWk1rulRfNjGXEpNfgN9T43tm88c5AwmPl-8VWnnvzcTKN3/w400-h320/8b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yuba River camping (always smoke-free of campfires!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My camping mates <i>(still enthralled)</i> are not sold. Well, I guess you have to be a biased and impassioned birder to ascribe to such a <i>(hyperbolic)</i> sentiment . . .</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6vq3CTz7wuIsDcoXs0hkA_5jGTp4anZ_5eH5r_9wNT-MsJp1BDB0AONYVZ3Wv2Yt3wSdlmSMIHZi5rHZrfAGZPxCMr4fpQeWeYNkuaC5y3z_p5Hd8We8IS7T6L8dMlVgSDzQCNKafNE9S_MzVZHWq5IBHzR1Pv3vuYZRVcmXPSRha-G6ayTeqwPg/s1580/9a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6vq3CTz7wuIsDcoXs0hkA_5jGTp4anZ_5eH5r_9wNT-MsJp1BDB0AONYVZ3Wv2Yt3wSdlmSMIHZi5rHZrfAGZPxCMr4fpQeWeYNkuaC5y3z_p5Hd8We8IS7T6L8dMlVgSDzQCNKafNE9S_MzVZHWq5IBHzR1Pv3vuYZRVcmXPSRha-G6ayTeqwPg/w400-h320/9a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Band-tailed Pigeon high up in tree</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Keep in mind, such profound revelations are not strictly reserved for once in a lifetime sightings of rarely seen birds, for even a pair of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Banded-tailed Pigeons</span></b></i> roosting on a high tree branch down the street <i>(previously a woodlands sighting only)</i>, or the random urban appearance of a <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">White Dove</span></b></i>, or a <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Brown Creeper</span></b></i> feeding her very tiny little ones, hidden deep in the barky crevasse of a <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Redwood</span></b></i> in a local park, will do to augment the day's magic and pageantry.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mxrrK68O2lVTLZMhOioyiDXzTNAUaIGpykDHOTpVyVoj5VH6AxGL1EmMh6-C_mky6HIzMsKIwzm52gEuob8e_opRH-Qx4iT15Ai230sGlXm5fh4mS0NHVRFDAttvvcIfehplLwIGu-utRsFCuwUXshAa9vVbrbXLpQFCbAEjtqbm5kFKeHobd_TD/s366/4_blog%20(69)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mxrrK68O2lVTLZMhOioyiDXzTNAUaIGpykDHOTpVyVoj5VH6AxGL1EmMh6-C_mky6HIzMsKIwzm52gEuob8e_opRH-Qx4iT15Ai230sGlXm5fh4mS0NHVRFDAttvvcIfehplLwIGu-utRsFCuwUXshAa9vVbrbXLpQFCbAEjtqbm5kFKeHobd_TD/w400-h320/4_blog%20(69)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Brown Creeper gathering up nesting material</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;">But when news of a particularly striking wayward bird gets around, people freak! They will flock from hundreds or thousands of miles away on the drop of a dime to travel to the ends of earth, for the off-chance of spotting the bird. This reeks of fanaticism <i>(and elitism)</i> <i>(and passion)</i> – and for what?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdiBuSTn11kwfKrgMXIGSITv4vAwoIBDcxxsFsEJl-IlWwjuzqOIFuZH5fR4pdTCFrMeMNvFVQAJdGZC7mvn899N0klbiz0_SCfq7LQCp7N8SL3midwSCDREriABUytnZ937pAQBkyp_tWAoxDi7NtiKoDS4Q9NJZ-AIabd0cZmSVL0AJANzOlHHe/s2048/8e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdiBuSTn11kwfKrgMXIGSITv4vAwoIBDcxxsFsEJl-IlWwjuzqOIFuZH5fR4pdTCFrMeMNvFVQAJdGZC7mvn899N0klbiz0_SCfq7LQCp7N8SL3midwSCDREriABUytnZ937pAQBkyp_tWAoxDi7NtiKoDS4Q9NJZ-AIabd0cZmSVL0AJANzOlHHe/w360-h640/8e.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Flowers popping up in dry earth</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Bragging rights, mainly, but deep down, we birders know it's the thrill of the <i><span style="color: #444444;">"chase"</span></i> <i>(right word?)</i>, the hope of <i><span style="color: #444444;">"bagging"</span></i> <i>(wrong word?)</i> that rare bird to check it off your <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Life List</span></i></b>. But it also goes back to my earlier point of partaking in a special visual encounter / spiritual communion, with a singular, heretofore unseen creature of the earth.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei-YsswX5nXh13pyScShr7dVNT-tbVP7JilCiC_eL6GqJQ0fSbnCNC1ziu8qKwMK9LVWY7wn0NfCjAxyth3st1fbzWuBUyC60lhKUx41uRB7732AopcG6bDFsN8EF5RSEeySEkKj7PtPAfAdhV97l0HxNT0Sp40Tb1bGiRCgvpR-fIQCJSseXTiv0/s640/6232014%20(43).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei-YsswX5nXh13pyScShr7dVNT-tbVP7JilCiC_eL6GqJQ0fSbnCNC1ziu8qKwMK9LVWY7wn0NfCjAxyth3st1fbzWuBUyC60lhKUx41uRB7732AopcG6bDFsN8EF5RSEeySEkKj7PtPAfAdhV97l0HxNT0Sp40Tb1bGiRCgvpR-fIQCJSseXTiv0/w480-h640/6232014%20(43).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Egret on the prowl</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">Birds fit the bill. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIu0xurYpXPi34S0fR_YCYjHPe9LXumuUHgAuJFbhZCSepakB-EQzZqSsCWjJx4WuJLwqs9JkTr73T_zzdGvKcNVgbkZWDZJJ_46sLySQBb5FB1bCFLEJbtHLlBWBlkhIfEZA_gvL0tjrSJfSrzV4zbi-tDpiXtVtfCo27vwSr_7f6iSLdo_dsyZr/s1488/11a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIu0xurYpXPi34S0fR_YCYjHPe9LXumuUHgAuJFbhZCSepakB-EQzZqSsCWjJx4WuJLwqs9JkTr73T_zzdGvKcNVgbkZWDZJJ_46sLySQBb5FB1bCFLEJbtHLlBWBlkhIfEZA_gvL0tjrSJfSrzV4zbi-tDpiXtVtfCo27vwSr_7f6iSLdo_dsyZr/w400-h320/11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Even the butt-ugly Buzzard</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All this standing around and waiting about in silent Zen moments of patient nature gazing is, or should be, prime time for inward reflection and focus on the minutiae of nature's hidden <i>(but in plain sight)</i>, and little <i>(but oh so grand)</i> miracles.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksbHb9Zrx4eqn4y__RPqfqNiMEZWeJW2T6RNj1H4p_3Aol72GgCdJo6gRMp27DaG1AGfR90AUmba1L9syeMxx-SvErqaTgfbxp15XwTpZ2zOCKnJ0zVPj6LwmgFKFFx7TEkzmpM7YKNVEmLAthnvuhDm4ya1mXsywbs0nJGfdEgWtmZBaNcI6reL5/s1919/10g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksbHb9Zrx4eqn4y__RPqfqNiMEZWeJW2T6RNj1H4p_3Aol72GgCdJo6gRMp27DaG1AGfR90AUmba1L9syeMxx-SvErqaTgfbxp15XwTpZ2zOCKnJ0zVPj6LwmgFKFFx7TEkzmpM7YKNVEmLAthnvuhDm4ya1mXsywbs0nJGfdEgWtmZBaNcI6reL5/w400-h320/10g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rocky, jagged cliffs rising above the Yuba River</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The sacred and sublime imbuing your world, an ephemeral moment of <i>"contact"</i> in an intimate connection with a sentient being. <i>(Even though you know the bird is completely absent of such feelings or "connections" but that doesn't matter one bit.)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt94s0eMopwHMgroDSudJt3FKVQNVPJ2XmmEK62UrWetEjMmbDX22hzHW79IS0UOCI-S8aOhBB3tcmlkd0B7iiSmHyXaSIbYNXu8TBMPURNPMDQB8Vrz_neneR0x48cdM8HdpWqqMT1dWakLWdb87OZKgBk_h6T9rXZOLQttdyXw7US-t7Qdi3Px0k/s1125/8102014%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt94s0eMopwHMgroDSudJt3FKVQNVPJ2XmmEK62UrWetEjMmbDX22hzHW79IS0UOCI-S8aOhBB3tcmlkd0B7iiSmHyXaSIbYNXu8TBMPURNPMDQB8Vrz_neneR0x48cdM8HdpWqqMT1dWakLWdb87OZKgBk_h6T9rXZOLQttdyXw7US-t7Qdi3Px0k/w400-h320/8102014%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird seeking nectar</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> But, ah, to espy a little <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Titmouse</span></b></i> or <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hummingbird</span></b></i>, only to see him flit away, gone forever, renders that tiny insignificant event no less sacred in the scheme of things, all things being sacred.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOJEuzBYCWkMSw0FnX6Qgi6lY2xK41Vk-pU3HPBC3LFCSIv4989mw3nYYPyUwGhoD9Yi_q2CHPl_ok32pABtTotB56JWp_B3mYrfjGxCASMDxnxEryZ9WMNk6-Xq7iPZ7FFFNybcpOK93DfKGDqAFPsKwMZpwYRuCDRi-bZ_sCmJZMk0DanUGH4HM/s1740/4242016%20(16).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOJEuzBYCWkMSw0FnX6Qgi6lY2xK41Vk-pU3HPBC3LFCSIv4989mw3nYYPyUwGhoD9Yi_q2CHPl_ok32pABtTotB56JWp_B3mYrfjGxCASMDxnxEryZ9WMNk6-Xq7iPZ7FFFNybcpOK93DfKGDqAFPsKwMZpwYRuCDRi-bZ_sCmJZMk0DanUGH4HM/w400-h320/4242016%20(16).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White Dove if I've ever seen one</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, birding is an activity best done as a solitary pursuit <i>(or with other birders)</i>, because such a dilatory hobby tends to put you at risk of being left behind by hiking partners not so into birding. And for what? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxhG6nl4s4p7f_wEk_INGuqCpMx8U26jCJ0TCDmlIbuDgYAK__VtULqyjb4qiBUQbWuRTHReCG9Zh0nrbNDivYCbSydg12nXDa9C_vSb3TCwxMzbMxBZuv7tG3jZBp_ZFYJupN_i9od0sePKA9lRGUDd5akaWQwEBipyvrx_Ff2AQo2dh3zhCBuwJ/s4294/10h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3436" data-original-width="4294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxhG6nl4s4p7f_wEk_INGuqCpMx8U26jCJ0TCDmlIbuDgYAK__VtULqyjb4qiBUQbWuRTHReCG9Zh0nrbNDivYCbSydg12nXDa9C_vSb3TCwxMzbMxBZuv7tG3jZBp_ZFYJupN_i9od0sePKA9lRGUDd5akaWQwEBipyvrx_Ff2AQo2dh3zhCBuwJ/w400-h320/10h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lazuli Bunting: NOT seen a zillion times!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><i><b>A fleeting glimpse of a bird you've seen a zillion times,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><i><b>that's what!</b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3E19cWwR7l1KEjUnqBVukEOsstzAoWtYlIt963-MRnkkD_7gIZIjWgx-wEV8jBieoqlsowgQ8RUrdpkVci5CDNPBJsvvlcaMXaFbYWaW7bEpNfMBSzc-bsKoFg4kSArVJNXqaYggpcksY406vIO1ZyOiIn4-dIILw4IiqiN1voALYEwPopM6H-4S/s1768/1g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="1768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3E19cWwR7l1KEjUnqBVukEOsstzAoWtYlIt963-MRnkkD_7gIZIjWgx-wEV8jBieoqlsowgQ8RUrdpkVci5CDNPBJsvvlcaMXaFbYWaW7bEpNfMBSzc-bsKoFg4kSArVJNXqaYggpcksY406vIO1ZyOiIn4-dIILw4IiqiN1voALYEwPopM6H-4S/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ants busy dissecting dragonfly</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">But so what!</span></b></i></div><div><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJRPQFsqzdDdO7SxKug0-C4xIi_t7st1-Cz1-Ju5036QhNwVNNNksFUZufbXMyzimJOUJ80lQqz818uuZoVneT7Fzwj0S23jpGpH7v3Ddk804fIxOdFqt-EHxF_Fny6dYOvqYFy1YmShs700bZxdVsj8l0iANTaTqgoUsiaCFE02S57_LCFGMRi-8/s1919/12102013%20(17).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJRPQFsqzdDdO7SxKug0-C4xIi_t7st1-Cz1-Ju5036QhNwVNNNksFUZufbXMyzimJOUJ80lQqz818uuZoVneT7Fzwj0S23jpGpH7v3Ddk804fIxOdFqt-EHxF_Fny6dYOvqYFy1YmShs700bZxdVsj8l0iANTaTqgoUsiaCFE02S57_LCFGMRi-8/w400-h320/12102013%20(17).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay hunkering down</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Because, in truth, any glimpse of any bird, no matter how fleeting, or mundane, or repetitious, or common, is a precious thing – there may come a day when birds no longer exist, driven to extinction by humanity's careless stupidity and greed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9RhpDXMQrx59HRGwOevd4WCRrtYnCalKUdctrRuecCjeJdRroTgux5RMVn1VYtuZAzbpBUTzPuS85fiml-Vx1asrW0xInFO1RjUOm2T0PhCRlzHk9CGlF1CXL0RFojJ2WrezIhHV3BZLzmMba5GLjqFdDVowZnGm3vSrKgJuAvbsVti5_knv4tj0/s1115/8i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1115" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9RhpDXMQrx59HRGwOevd4WCRrtYnCalKUdctrRuecCjeJdRroTgux5RMVn1VYtuZAzbpBUTzPuS85fiml-Vx1asrW0xInFO1RjUOm2T0PhCRlzHk9CGlF1CXL0RFojJ2WrezIhHV3BZLzmMba5GLjqFdDVowZnGm3vSrKgJuAvbsVti5_knv4tj0/w400-h320/8i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-legged Frog on the river (I think)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>And then what?</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Well, we won't be around either, in that case.</i></b></span></span></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw73UjhSi1KsrLS-JYz95mO1ZDD3QCFOWqHobGe_alTGT1uTtn-YeI6z7FwoevIsIenyjWPcQISoeSsaFreJy_fwp3VIYqfxXFZIbwl0cXso5lA_0_xv8LVzJWqmEPaatXtQ8o2Hk94t5AT9N-jEd7gbjgJ0ywUe1RS45yJfdLq8PRUu50RaOhOyju/s1440/3c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw73UjhSi1KsrLS-JYz95mO1ZDD3QCFOWqHobGe_alTGT1uTtn-YeI6z7FwoevIsIenyjWPcQISoeSsaFreJy_fwp3VIYqfxXFZIbwl0cXso5lA_0_xv8LVzJWqmEPaatXtQ8o2Hk94t5AT9N-jEd7gbjgJ0ywUe1RS45yJfdLq8PRUu50RaOhOyju/w400-h320/3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Captivating beauty on the Yuba River</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Birding, I let my friends know, is not just something you'll find me doing when out and about in nature, here on the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Yuba</span></b></i>.</div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFGyBs5rGIPHIPa-ShfZue_5agHvwsPHGAIk1z5_12xcSZDDA_lJ0rOhmmgqUUO0T_OQ61ZEkt6pJo4qQUk7cpCtRLMEv7WUiqxNHx8IdZ6ZazYyI_qShMaqk_ya86PM3zJ5D3xrRPvfv38Wkx2O5f9qTljB0TnBn3B5ynV9mQe33kAswcqyECfo1/s2048/3_blog%20(33)_71112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFGyBs5rGIPHIPa-ShfZue_5agHvwsPHGAIk1z5_12xcSZDDA_lJ0rOhmmgqUUO0T_OQ61ZEkt6pJo4qQUk7cpCtRLMEv7WUiqxNHx8IdZ6ZazYyI_qShMaqk_ya86PM3zJ5D3xrRPvfv38Wkx2O5f9qTljB0TnBn3B5ynV9mQe33kAswcqyECfo1/w400-h300/3_blog%20(33)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Kite</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'm equally content <i>(and passionate)</i> looking for birds just standing on my porch or hanging out in my overgrown backyard, as I am hiking the <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">High Sierra</span></b></i>, patrolling birding hot spots at <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Point Reyes National Seashore</span></b></i>, or lolly-gagging in bird-rich <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mount Diablo State Park</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR2Td8wqgMRz71cLnY2nu2N5ex8M0m381c-Fq05EMQ636fPPQyvsVdGRU3VMR86J0V3vyCvNUZXDOhmDMxlaFH8bZRSGqoOkxPjcY4wM0ARb4KeOVmjVCY0pXVQtmoy_SEfHS-lLrXEAN3IHtB39EQlKYXtSczA0CFtn8i7ijjijA2ByvHhWNRaiX/s1440/11172014%20(46).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR2Td8wqgMRz71cLnY2nu2N5ex8M0m381c-Fq05EMQ636fPPQyvsVdGRU3VMR86J0V3vyCvNUZXDOhmDMxlaFH8bZRSGqoOkxPjcY4wM0ARb4KeOVmjVCY0pXVQtmoy_SEfHS-lLrXEAN3IHtB39EQlKYXtSczA0CFtn8i7ijjijA2ByvHhWNRaiX/w400-h320/11172014%20(46).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Urban birding: Cedar Waxwing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">David Lindo</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">, </span><span>author of</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">"Tales From Concrete Jungles"</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">effuses:</span></span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsh1UG2XtXjdNFRGnp7dR0As7LpRkYcvYkmC7kXDBDtSm4BhtqI6Vn4VnCCSwqRNoTvb-i5hSrkHcDf8hItNlxV4lROsV3Spikqv9mu22mEj6O_zVCf4PadZv7BTsGWXDBCBeQo6pPwMMGn1UxRDDTl3_gK7dimXtQqYH92SPWZY0awS9-JP_YCAVq/s374/12102013%20(14).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsh1UG2XtXjdNFRGnp7dR0As7LpRkYcvYkmC7kXDBDtSm4BhtqI6Vn4VnCCSwqRNoTvb-i5hSrkHcDf8hItNlxV4lROsV3Spikqv9mu22mEj6O_zVCf4PadZv7BTsGWXDBCBeQo6pPwMMGn1UxRDDTl3_gK7dimXtQqYH92SPWZY0awS9-JP_YCAVq/w400-h320/12102013%20(14).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-shouldered Hawk spotted in city park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">"There is not a day when I don't marvel at the nature</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">that surrounds me in my urban environment . . .</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">when you start to see the urban world as a habitat with cliffs, woodland, marshes, lakes, rivers and scrubland,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">that is when you start to see birds."</span></b></i></div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9QRlR12F4mm8ritUblcp53ZeWioh1w2zakvlfc-u1KVTlKY7tUrkfWvmG1XCQaZQ8dMDS-wWHOXFdjA_aGsuGgS2kFGFlmoVmsflftzi6ONKPDN5o5v7uIwECS2NTIXnUjpfxym0Et-qD9NrSL74lb_3FQ8fXJ0C0gqbeGq2BnL6vxL_VoP84jzo/s1440/8232015%20(36).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9QRlR12F4mm8ritUblcp53ZeWioh1w2zakvlfc-u1KVTlKY7tUrkfWvmG1XCQaZQ8dMDS-wWHOXFdjA_aGsuGgS2kFGFlmoVmsflftzi6ONKPDN5o5v7uIwECS2NTIXnUjpfxym0Et-qD9NrSL74lb_3FQ8fXJ0C0gqbeGq2BnL6vxL_VoP84jzo/w400-h320/8232015%20(36).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finch found his sweet spot on 108-degree Yuba day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Because birds, by their very nature, force us to closely inspect our most intimate surroundings, they are a conduit to connect us to, and bridge the gap, of earth and sky and spaces between.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCj1r0oDgDpWFvNp0lajU3PYUBSFA-6pBvQDS5WpFsejfpH4xQ6TM2fIrFS0dHdXOhrEZjH2sDW4_uDxS4YxwcIQgpXMgCEpf6zyhMYh7ZvnG8RlYxoqeAko2rOyi4TaQptFjEfOPHzKwMRDkE6VSdkanLTusug2af5kLX0bIZ-8z18tsPY0_2Lx1/s1440/8p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCj1r0oDgDpWFvNp0lajU3PYUBSFA-6pBvQDS5WpFsejfpH4xQ6TM2fIrFS0dHdXOhrEZjH2sDW4_uDxS4YxwcIQgpXMgCEpf6zyhMYh7ZvnG8RlYxoqeAko2rOyi4TaQptFjEfOPHzKwMRDkE6VSdkanLTusug2af5kLX0bIZ-8z18tsPY0_2Lx1/w400-h320/8p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Quail on the trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Among their dazzling talents, have you ever noticed their superb eye-claw coordination, how they're able to fly into a bush at top speed and manage to expertly dull their momentum and clasp onto a branch without missing a beat.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8Mq4HYavICMYSjhGDtMGAIW6myuEKb4_cfHsNdg7EN5O3AGoHFdRLczG5xki-znvc5NFXNxLDMIcSPYevgjwuHq55SB2XNjWNkiCRI7gg6VNhWXJyeAzMDZbt3UQrNb1Zh2dJ-Hcb2QbhzakayFWVcaVX8r91z398J7Jn_61B4QNRKca_yvk2eHL/s2130/6302013%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2130" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8Mq4HYavICMYSjhGDtMGAIW6myuEKb4_cfHsNdg7EN5O3AGoHFdRLczG5xki-znvc5NFXNxLDMIcSPYevgjwuHq55SB2XNjWNkiCRI7gg6VNhWXJyeAzMDZbt3UQrNb1Zh2dJ-Hcb2QbhzakayFWVcaVX8r91z398J7Jn_61B4QNRKca_yvk2eHL/w400-h320/6302013%20(8).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hunkered down Hawk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Ever see a bird stumble?</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUNcbU3jXxOeQ1WD9AarDGdC0mQeWUvrmjk-dqJt4vPjaimgB-phd3bEGkOVtHx0H9AavuPyhPgM1f_vv97b5OHCFfG0QODiD49iY5_W1Rm61K-iUFnLso6cIXeMNieNIXzUARhKfGCM-ZdFDuLdJtY71BagdqdgVTb6GO7is-XyGAvf47HXIvlhc/s1440/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUNcbU3jXxOeQ1WD9AarDGdC0mQeWUvrmjk-dqJt4vPjaimgB-phd3bEGkOVtHx0H9AavuPyhPgM1f_vv97b5OHCFfG0QODiD49iY5_W1Rm61K-iUFnLso6cIXeMNieNIXzUARhKfGCM-ZdFDuLdJtY71BagdqdgVTb6GO7is-XyGAvf47HXIvlhc/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yuba green water world</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />Birds are masterful aviation and navigation control experts. Except, of course, when they fly headlong and unsuspecting into ill-designed wind turbine blades or invitingly reflective skyscraper windows or sucked into jet engines. They're no match for outsized bird-dangerous human technology.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_okjKprOmqQNnKlM9JLDNZKMWdB5D-qE0Z405Jy412y3aclqw1jNnTsPy9FObUt_n3NPCIGhw_pabASLfSJlDFwj_GwK74MIG-nEukYoLBZ5Ti6jILYLDdEghXGZouXDCnPbCiUhOCLwDxXqLswCznVrOzeMO4BhkP1glXG7YBchoxJ2QfHtooN2/s1321/8k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_okjKprOmqQNnKlM9JLDNZKMWdB5D-qE0Z405Jy412y3aclqw1jNnTsPy9FObUt_n3NPCIGhw_pabASLfSJlDFwj_GwK74MIG-nEukYoLBZ5Ti6jILYLDdEghXGZouXDCnPbCiUhOCLwDxXqLswCznVrOzeMO4BhkP1glXG7YBchoxJ2QfHtooN2/w400-h320/8k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch doing something</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />The art of birding can be a frustrating activity, if you let it, if the pursuit of knowledge and identity certification is your chief goal.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKFOov57kmL4W5JSo3rAzhvWNHpBa4JvuxbIHkneMryn46YvtI7CN4zB39NMvWNFZlCkIOp0C-lRvX2tsZkoxKnmcMuwGJHbXPUj9_Tt3LJKbyikKHVO5H1ZA4DxXTPa45qqFOxTSa9nb5Fx8Y1Km-_2ppbfUN26QiDRhE1-OD0E6g2IYtbx0beRU/s1867/10302013%20(11).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1867" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKFOov57kmL4W5JSo3rAzhvWNHpBa4JvuxbIHkneMryn46YvtI7CN4zB39NMvWNFZlCkIOp0C-lRvX2tsZkoxKnmcMuwGJHbXPUj9_Tt3LJKbyikKHVO5H1ZA4DxXTPa45qqFOxTSa9nb5Fx8Y1Km-_2ppbfUN26QiDRhE1-OD0E6g2IYtbx0beRU/w400-h320/10302013%20(11).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lark Sparrow with distinctive look</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Because more often than not, you're left with the feeling of being denied, blanked, shut out of such-and-such a bird's microcosmic existence in some dense shrubbery or in a high cluster of boughs, or foraging out on distant mudflats, never to know what bird it was, where it disappeared to, what its intent was, or its thought <i>(instinct)</i> process.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHtglwrUa4DzS0PFd-u_v4VvDTFMGYdyaB04y3aaQ4l4Mbjx6JD4H73UWfkBkDfSO_j0-OMfxTT2QZA8pcpPYLVicOaEMtY3x3yj91mftMP103CTA5PSNYF9jBzU-6_lffFnWEeFIRWdyuzvSZUbd4HEe445HPYA1TBGAw16FRp5pmfeBYhSb4toq/s1054/10i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="593" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHtglwrUa4DzS0PFd-u_v4VvDTFMGYdyaB04y3aaQ4l4Mbjx6JD4H73UWfkBkDfSO_j0-OMfxTT2QZA8pcpPYLVicOaEMtY3x3yj91mftMP103CTA5PSNYF9jBzU-6_lffFnWEeFIRWdyuzvSZUbd4HEe445HPYA1TBGAw16FRp5pmfeBYhSb4toq/w360-h640/10i.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ducks, Coots and Whonot</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Because more often than not, you're left standing there to be content only to hear a plaintive cry, a longing twill, a beautiful song of presence, or a screech announcing something of great import – but what? – for a breeding partner, a territorial challenge, or merely to sing a song for sheer joy, as the case may be.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAYq6aReasNHNOzB7xBfSEzX_2IuwJqNiJKbnD4HdpDp66q0kfjHypm4CXoBrpKq96uVowU4TTm9VvKrOkYBNQnZiZMxsQaa5ZoGGO9dH7KaH3cuBUuBqkpnhfpRKpndglAnM1zETD6DXwwfXhVeVkjbdzVohIwvvACDrbeudpVfB0uI_H-957RHC/s1380/10k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAYq6aReasNHNOzB7xBfSEzX_2IuwJqNiJKbnD4HdpDp66q0kfjHypm4CXoBrpKq96uVowU4TTm9VvKrOkYBNQnZiZMxsQaa5ZoGGO9dH7KaH3cuBUuBqkpnhfpRKpndglAnM1zETD6DXwwfXhVeVkjbdzVohIwvvACDrbeudpVfB0uI_H-957RHC/w400-h320/10k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">River stones</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">So, any burning, yearning desire to know something of what makes birds tick, requires some serious lucubration poring over academic tomes and reference guides. I prefer to follow <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Walt Whitman's</span></b></i> advice:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABMVEncgO9dC7hNK03VSk-TRprP7VuySmzCuif0D6XMjKodd7fGqZYMWcOf4yaxew6sZfVLOb_MLQBDTOWJKgQsWQ6CeSerMx_uErFZy3joxuOqHPssyc42fAdpUZL0HGKJHRIReFUNmRXllFnl7rzHd_1HcWJK14-psW2OVifellN7zGk6eNFNPP/s1795/7132014%20(10).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1795" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABMVEncgO9dC7hNK03VSk-TRprP7VuySmzCuif0D6XMjKodd7fGqZYMWcOf4yaxew6sZfVLOb_MLQBDTOWJKgQsWQ6CeSerMx_uErFZy3joxuOqHPssyc42fAdpUZL0HGKJHRIReFUNmRXllFnl7rzHd_1HcWJK14-psW2OVifellN7zGk6eNFNPP/w400-h320/7132014%20(10).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chipmunk munching on wild berry</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">"You must not know too much or be too precise or scientific about birds and trees and flowers and watercraft; a certain free-margin , or even vagueness – ignorance, credulity – helps your enjoyment of these things."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnk3mq3Ozr2q1Wyx4ggF3qatq6CxFzzJMgmLcbE6EBmEuZsOvSCXsjdJrMYYA_dppEjP5Y-uJxt_0JdO2KZARyF_UcC9R--bvcY9J3olGNHlZ__SdvxesAWBIO78JCpz6byyO1lTSL-wErwS_68rMG51aorTQ2qPd0mcWzN8wMOmb0OzlRpqEQiecW/s1440/2_blogg%20(33)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnk3mq3Ozr2q1Wyx4ggF3qatq6CxFzzJMgmLcbE6EBmEuZsOvSCXsjdJrMYYA_dppEjP5Y-uJxt_0JdO2KZARyF_UcC9R--bvcY9J3olGNHlZ__SdvxesAWBIO78JCpz6byyO1lTSL-wErwS_68rMG51aorTQ2qPd0mcWzN8wMOmb0OzlRpqEQiecW/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(33)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black Phoebe resting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></b></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Amen, Walt.</span></i></b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYilryiSEHl2lqkWWcuRthzXHGFsym-Qo4rK13l_aW1XsNEJMPQzqC6j62o3KU9Felji4NfviWX8z_GgH_1HTcyf720TVFGtd-zx_PNuVTfM_wiHLHNPUmJKMUIxBkC0phTIGQ8uxSOYAhBCTyJUr4FRldsZhlulcH68ZiPTVOUpCkHCLO0aS_Ky9s/s3394/1ab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3394" data-original-width="2715" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYilryiSEHl2lqkWWcuRthzXHGFsym-Qo4rK13l_aW1XsNEJMPQzqC6j62o3KU9Felji4NfviWX8z_GgH_1HTcyf720TVFGtd-zx_PNuVTfM_wiHLHNPUmJKMUIxBkC0phTIGQ8uxSOYAhBCTyJUr4FRldsZhlulcH68ZiPTVOUpCkHCLO0aS_Ky9s/w512-h640/1ab.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Some bird's clutch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Eric Berne</span><span style="color: #7f6000;">, a Canadian psychiatrist, echoed </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Whitman's</span><span style="color: #7f6000;"> sentiment:</span></span></b></i></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi0eUgS1iXeCCgj9eDOpmTD7yg7dbUVgvQ4kxcaIwF6eO56eKM0BKJcbU-nHWiV0wPpKGe9uLOGlxbnmTIfeOJ29SKYJhV3Z0fnbqjbwZh2hbQIrH-Pc5kFlyiCeuC_DCFPp_DKmgH2ODIBRD3i0zuJ4F0raH64wu4G141A4oXiil_clm_SOgQDRG/s1781/8l.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi0eUgS1iXeCCgj9eDOpmTD7yg7dbUVgvQ4kxcaIwF6eO56eKM0BKJcbU-nHWiV0wPpKGe9uLOGlxbnmTIfeOJ29SKYJhV3Z0fnbqjbwZh2hbQIrH-Pc5kFlyiCeuC_DCFPp_DKmgH2ODIBRD3i0zuJ4F0raH64wu4G141A4oXiil_clm_SOgQDRG/w400-h320/8l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Towhee</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">“The moment a little boy is concerned</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">with which is a jay and which is a sparrow,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">he can no longer see the birds or hear them sing."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDOgAfTTUI0MCXVkscHNLedoQq44WzwPKY-jb86RxA8N7Mvmv4KRUUca_lscWScFiaQYuiYT_9K4B_4YVsOgeqpckMciOYaD5oSwQkJzJ1DVZj0H0u9TBWOp58VvzEZDoQSzbcF-cCsRXNpDKkL7GSltefBA2ObQulaMUdLI63FrTskPh0kg2s_p_/s1440/8d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDOgAfTTUI0MCXVkscHNLedoQq44WzwPKY-jb86RxA8N7Mvmv4KRUUca_lscWScFiaQYuiYT_9K4B_4YVsOgeqpckMciOYaD5oSwQkJzJ1DVZj0H0u9TBWOp58VvzEZDoQSzbcF-cCsRXNpDKkL7GSltefBA2ObQulaMUdLI63FrTskPh0kg2s_p_/w400-h320/8d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Napping in the shade on a hot Yuba day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />In the process serving up a zen lesson urging us in metaphoric language to become more present / more in the moment to fully take in one's surroundings without mental distractions and over-analytic thinking and perceptions about nature.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIK0Vet8H92Ne5ozAri5Nn6bBY8Q_ahyCLflqo5jHpbKbZ5saMN4h59fMX-rNx0QlnCe7E5FfY1TndEHBbyhn1JBehzWZYQtIJmf_Z-6rWTuJrozgjGQq6jq6XMVp6w4gI95o9mR70MCDArV8ChGcOu4C6twyiEQ0jSVEyGHwyQ5cp0QYRsh_iFhW/s1440/8f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIK0Vet8H92Ne5ozAri5Nn6bBY8Q_ahyCLflqo5jHpbKbZ5saMN4h59fMX-rNx0QlnCe7E5FfY1TndEHBbyhn1JBehzWZYQtIJmf_Z-6rWTuJrozgjGQq6jq6XMVp6w4gI95o9mR70MCDArV8ChGcOu4C6twyiEQ0jSVEyGHwyQ5cp0QYRsh_iFhW/w400-h320/8f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Weirdness of Mother Nature seen in bizarre dragonfly</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> In other words, slow down, stop, even, and don't just see, but look; don't just hear, but listen. Even put down your binoculars and set aside the viewing scopes. No pens, smart phones with instant bird app knowledge at your fingertips.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyaQBczI3PX2g7vRxBlZd8Ih2WM0xcw5mcMLdtpabEQZ1mL7SStW0g7djfgz2_eCJHRIwgaV4Bfun7Y_KUYdCl4eVDLNHVQ7eHW30DfQ18DCQKPLL28-r4TVb2BeGECKK-evSnGPGXJXy9ctGbgfVVY-hvaA3IvFUHkRAetS13WA17gz8zjiCOFLc/s1586/8n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1586" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyaQBczI3PX2g7vRxBlZd8Ih2WM0xcw5mcMLdtpabEQZ1mL7SStW0g7djfgz2_eCJHRIwgaV4Bfun7Y_KUYdCl4eVDLNHVQ7eHW30DfQ18DCQKPLL28-r4TVb2BeGECKK-evSnGPGXJXy9ctGbgfVVY-hvaA3IvFUHkRAetS13WA17gz8zjiCOFLc/w400-h320/8n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fledgling Pacific-slope Flycatcher</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Just you and the birds, alone, on equal footing.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2jZnt7o9lv2r7Loo9cl7VP3eRB0EIw2RkUopuHJkYnCMzSb49ijt5ZuegtRv5CQvO32ek5j-8RzmUjhg8X8ipoDOKa4eEBkaowdsMCkQxKu8B4fxq4aYr_svp2EEXUczttG8rndHEvVjYtKLynwgZCkfFZOZxZknwL65jSxzH0KnZ_xcMjI64Y5_/s4032/1abv.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2jZnt7o9lv2r7Loo9cl7VP3eRB0EIw2RkUopuHJkYnCMzSb49ijt5ZuegtRv5CQvO32ek5j-8RzmUjhg8X8ipoDOKa4eEBkaowdsMCkQxKu8B4fxq4aYr_svp2EEXUczttG8rndHEvVjYtKLynwgZCkfFZOZxZknwL65jSxzH0KnZ_xcMjI64Y5_/w480-h640/1abv.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cactus Wren nest</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Because birds are an enduring mystery, we may never know everything about them, try as we might to plumb the scientific depths of their tweeting presence. And knowing too much, as <b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Walt</span></i></b> cautioned, would probably suck the mystery out of our love affair with birds.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk-gZvHl3iNdJiC7P_Dncdx5ESIRH1Ig5VybEn-kwrTAhHO--7o1GYyxlhffa7xAiDrgtUfxb6QqBmNhanoYawCdv7uTnyiO59V7gJtCew7nrd_twnxsPEmw6W6A3NUHIQo4hF0_1N5SH5PeNgim5bhimHrKeHimRGcquRWpwLeEfiJJe2DP4anNI/s1920/10j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk-gZvHl3iNdJiC7P_Dncdx5ESIRH1Ig5VybEn-kwrTAhHO--7o1GYyxlhffa7xAiDrgtUfxb6QqBmNhanoYawCdv7uTnyiO59V7gJtCew7nrd_twnxsPEmw6W6A3NUHIQo4hF0_1N5SH5PeNgim5bhimHrKeHimRGcquRWpwLeEfiJJe2DP4anNI/w400-h320/10j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mother Goose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>Lindo exhorts:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5_1xHllKTYgXC9mvKLRA3qT6f_9Tc9O5ItUpKir9bQA4E30lKUlQwKWL2wdj-YVxXYPtRzlXlwNOy-ofo9tnJ3cTBWaKnn1wGn1IZu1NtXpn3L7Fi3Ht2V1zvv6ObbPUj3Wx3cJxkfFCw1ivIZCB9XqngWu2RUofnDtfiwDepQPiVCATNAlsFqpL/s2157/9192017%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1725" data-original-width="2157" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5_1xHllKTYgXC9mvKLRA3qT6f_9Tc9O5ItUpKir9bQA4E30lKUlQwKWL2wdj-YVxXYPtRzlXlwNOy-ofo9tnJ3cTBWaKnn1wGn1IZu1NtXpn3L7Fi3Ht2V1zvv6ObbPUj3Wx3cJxkfFCw1ivIZCB9XqngWu2RUofnDtfiwDepQPiVCATNAlsFqpL/w400-h320/9192017%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Kingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i><b>"Go ahead and fall in love.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i><b>The birds will love you back unconditionally and will continue</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i><b>to fascinate you until you draw your last breath."</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohkc5xHIma_Ng41KmMI_-cQYTT3j0TvGMWb3ibm3K9zNSVOKBLROYALg8F66kgT7bhEm0tnWyx_mM9oUUd_ep5lxy-GSwhwjFIDFeJpr8SRf4jAftV8VLA_-CZjTucgKMIJEcREh0I4YnIdejJ_zt0_vJHxobpmk36F9WsLN7TaD4EjWJ7aAGkB_9/s1553/4_blog%20(83)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1553" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohkc5xHIma_Ng41KmMI_-cQYTT3j0TvGMWb3ibm3K9zNSVOKBLROYALg8F66kgT7bhEm0tnWyx_mM9oUUd_ep5lxy-GSwhwjFIDFeJpr8SRf4jAftV8VLA_-CZjTucgKMIJEcREh0I4YnIdejJ_zt0_vJHxobpmk36F9WsLN7TaD4EjWJ7aAGkB_9/w400-h320/4_blog%20(83)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose in painterly pose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></i></span></div><div><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Extraordinary Ordinary Birds:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkcNAbn_ZNswT-5f2o5JguzygfMDrG87tUSdTk2JIz_R47MSt-iYSoJgrcZlbVJrbUyvKpJz84wyilmGBEBjiAwRMC8UWBcnenC_48EPkizyy1gjuTSQrtuvc4T-BmzExJpIOFdqXjiKkR1nafUQ2u6h0DOFwFN4wogSiUw_Dnhbb4BJnNq4oo-Kd/s1984/8232015%20(40).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="1984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkcNAbn_ZNswT-5f2o5JguzygfMDrG87tUSdTk2JIz_R47MSt-iYSoJgrcZlbVJrbUyvKpJz84wyilmGBEBjiAwRMC8UWBcnenC_48EPkizyy1gjuTSQrtuvc4T-BmzExJpIOFdqXjiKkR1nafUQ2u6h0DOFwFN4wogSiUw_Dnhbb4BJnNq4oo-Kd/w400-h320/8232015%20(40).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The never-ending pursuit of sweetness in life</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our fellow inhabitants on our one and only <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Earth!</span></b></i> Let us embrace birds, respect them, admire them . . . not murder endangered ones for selfish pursuits of the palate, or kill them with negligent and unthinking uses of horrific poisons, or allow uncontrolled feral and pet feline menaces to stalk and brutalize and maim them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yAkTDZPfVc07Q79QW3E5nt5W_iRWt1YOBi2gfvxKEGsU4xsqCgaUYqwVPCIbaRTLbPIA5S2fin7iomtfsYBGry63-dJYC5Gt6QCQFI7ggPyFl3WzSz0Vbws3kjGOqs8eesAUAJ9u1HCJebZZVSjGWne0u1wa8S2yL9-uLiLrbNyWlKk5UFnCzwt_/s3397/10m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2717" data-original-width="3397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yAkTDZPfVc07Q79QW3E5nt5W_iRWt1YOBi2gfvxKEGsU4xsqCgaUYqwVPCIbaRTLbPIA5S2fin7iomtfsYBGry63-dJYC5Gt6QCQFI7ggPyFl3WzSz0Vbws3kjGOqs8eesAUAJ9u1HCJebZZVSjGWne0u1wa8S2yL9-uLiLrbNyWlKk5UFnCzwt_/w400-h320/10m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Unknown demise of unknown bird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>Why do I love birds and their magnificent otherness?</b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQZAwJjd1eRyBsUTHg6K5hjscx4cbHTxGLPhk3YIwTHnb5I0Z7c0WqCimqFTZx_oTo1rXqCR-08hZ_EuDV_5CFQhHABfe94DdpH2TbbhGUc611q0O0TwdDmmjvHKslPJLTplhYEP-k9ythA3QFyZhvSmVoDtsCTrOVrxRHi4FwdhUDHmXaS-Lk45W/s4860/11272013%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQZAwJjd1eRyBsUTHg6K5hjscx4cbHTxGLPhk3YIwTHnb5I0Z7c0WqCimqFTZx_oTo1rXqCR-08hZ_EuDV_5CFQhHABfe94DdpH2TbbhGUc611q0O0TwdDmmjvHKslPJLTplhYEP-k9ythA3QFyZhvSmVoDtsCTrOVrxRHi4FwdhUDHmXaS-Lk45W/w400-h320/11272013%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wild Turkeys fanning out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>By now, I've come to realize</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>a lengthy essay is unnecessary,</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>giving way to a few choice words:</b></i></span></span></div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZQOl7JvIwis2C4UvMM8nWL3K0Nbhzl0PtJed7871Abl3v2fLsYJY1kwylTEYTntPzEBGfdLJLl95wN5lMGB3Fr6GvDRMkOA2plrt9qNceEgur1A3nGyTS92twWLjDmuD_z3dCIYseSEU0q88dCdBjWgIAaedZxBL9cRPJYIWllwo9Mu-JxhaiE3C/s1095/8m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="971" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZQOl7JvIwis2C4UvMM8nWL3K0Nbhzl0PtJed7871Abl3v2fLsYJY1kwylTEYTntPzEBGfdLJLl95wN5lMGB3Fr6GvDRMkOA2plrt9qNceEgur1A3nGyTS92twWLjDmuD_z3dCIYseSEU0q88dCdBjWgIAaedZxBL9cRPJYIWllwo9Mu-JxhaiE3C/w355-h400/8m.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Regal Osprey</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">BIRDS:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Who know no bounds.</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8oOPt9MBAZoxWKhpnGWe-cYK1-UUrAwSzK4W_kax2ODWCHu34x80LUzVT7P8nwexI75zZ40ZiwxUKBEgjas5lYOmkULxl1qoNGRK2IOnuHIKuYEaDG9U3zWWojfiL5HgofEwhdC4sB7qKGHOA30NhB-6N_68WxREJQSi4OU-F0Iw7vwddyimW_I3/s1440/10c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8oOPt9MBAZoxWKhpnGWe-cYK1-UUrAwSzK4W_kax2ODWCHu34x80LUzVT7P8nwexI75zZ40ZiwxUKBEgjas5lYOmkULxl1qoNGRK2IOnuHIKuYEaDG9U3zWWojfiL5HgofEwhdC4sB7qKGHOA30NhB-6N_68WxREJQSi4OU-F0Iw7vwddyimW_I3/w400-h320/10c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lovey Dovey birds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">BIRDS:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Who are confined by nothing.</span></b></i></div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblPvLDOFX8MijxC2lF3FD4LmP7mZkXdJl_v7iOEmjTvyiQpA2i6LFLn6z7SWQFklmHAzyzMXaybL9-9wuoR686f0alMi8IsJPyizPWpuI9rvF7j33LcNzTHk9bxJyhNcUMi88N1SOKc_saxNNK4F01xhBlbByHnpPOaDlnVwx4fxaWbIyIuPdDZI1/s1071/10d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1071" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblPvLDOFX8MijxC2lF3FD4LmP7mZkXdJl_v7iOEmjTvyiQpA2i6LFLn6z7SWQFklmHAzyzMXaybL9-9wuoR686f0alMi8IsJPyizPWpuI9rvF7j33LcNzTHk9bxJyhNcUMi88N1SOKc_saxNNK4F01xhBlbByHnpPOaDlnVwx4fxaWbIyIuPdDZI1/w400-h320/10d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler cooling off in small spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">BIRDS:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Who trespass without obstacle or concern.</span></b></i></div></span><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXOSbF9Zt0jMEs30phImoR8WKlDEVIqczl8nF-m9EM9623jCPb8YBYWnff-juFBGB-pNoiXm8KekkRWViM_fhRNU3zdTO0AtFyfrYWp9gZC4cbEvYIDkR670hp7X39qrTKMfwSBrndqlyDe2Wm_akxkWQFI0oV3a0UfNwvDKv3qkaZiwEkmObl1vW/s1920/7312014%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXOSbF9Zt0jMEs30phImoR8WKlDEVIqczl8nF-m9EM9623jCPb8YBYWnff-juFBGB-pNoiXm8KekkRWViM_fhRNU3zdTO0AtFyfrYWp9gZC4cbEvYIDkR670hp7X39qrTKMfwSBrndqlyDe2Wm_akxkWQFI0oV3a0UfNwvDKv3qkaZiwEkmObl1vW/w400-h320/7312014%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron hunting in small pond</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">BIRDS:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Who go where they damn well please.</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjLJsf8DLIhJ5Ri7LmETAnbATAvvQyz_wRNpY0cm4xPK_ZwWhX_ncgF8rVcMtvU6nrhegJvkABjTLhpXvh4LOsUIS1z9fvJv0OPXmk32YBrE5CSvS-TVXTIzzF2IVVJ69KqIyfdXt95mN96xXTHvNP8oDQo9IDUuOaPbV78lKYM91r02l7d65myWi/s1536/11202014%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjLJsf8DLIhJ5Ri7LmETAnbATAvvQyz_wRNpY0cm4xPK_ZwWhX_ncgF8rVcMtvU6nrhegJvkABjTLhpXvh4LOsUIS1z9fvJv0OPXmk32YBrE5CSvS-TVXTIzzF2IVVJ69KqIyfdXt95mN96xXTHvNP8oDQo9IDUuOaPbV78lKYM91r02l7d65myWi/w300-h400/11202014%20(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vulture spotted in the forest<br /></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">BIRDS:</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Who rule the roost!</span></i></b></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrCT4bCXmtJOrQ-8-4PYhgzVjF85ZrYH7Ssom8BQh-84QuQo5hMwZOhb3JyoZyEQaEWd21Azzr_2OyUsw0X_fcX1gF5OqxVBRV-yV0KM33xN9AESR5FE_B2LdcZOr-5_wlSKx_itMU8RPE2KGOOY6j7pt-YqNeXu7AzaoQexhsRouKHInHGHvrc8l/s2048/2_blogg%20(18)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1755" data-original-width="2048" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrCT4bCXmtJOrQ-8-4PYhgzVjF85ZrYH7Ssom8BQh-84QuQo5hMwZOhb3JyoZyEQaEWd21Azzr_2OyUsw0X_fcX1gF5OqxVBRV-yV0KM33xN9AESR5FE_B2LdcZOr-5_wlSKx_itMU8RPE2KGOOY6j7pt-YqNeXu7AzaoQexhsRouKHInHGHvrc8l/w400-h343/2_blogg%20(18)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crows</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">LONG LIVE BIRDS!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>LONG LOVE BIRDS!</i></b></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGoe5I3acusj7tcGkPZQmg_eP7V8nPTCeeMQukxc3g1yiK9Lz4THiFq8TjbYifSps4rwmaynudGTROKUepLelYKHf_gM-3d_tKZ8xNRevS7W0p1Nl7V1BPe-PW7VKKZq9s7QzYb2ONO6DUXVS08x0YWmqs4s-xXF-BrT_d6EOcYxwfVTtPokLai_h/s1961/8s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="1471" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGoe5I3acusj7tcGkPZQmg_eP7V8nPTCeeMQukxc3g1yiK9Lz4THiFq8TjbYifSps4rwmaynudGTROKUepLelYKHf_gM-3d_tKZ8xNRevS7W0p1Nl7V1BPe-PW7VKKZq9s7QzYb2ONO6DUXVS08x0YWmqs4s-xXF-BrT_d6EOcYxwfVTtPokLai_h/w480-h640/8s.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Cut-out art</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">created by</span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7;">Ora Lora Spadafora McGuire</span><br /></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read about the many splendored wonders and appeal of observing birds</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">at berkeleybackyardbirdblog:</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>POETIC INSIGHTS & ESSAYS ON OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS</b></span></a><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGx42lncDnkh02hZb59RGMM2GJtGbex7abzuzUNgNNlRlgcjJxfU7VmYZoTM5DrlHU3E-SoXaf969RSDNqbGQwaf1exuKN4yl5PyXFnzh5m1RPiV_f-9UEjodZ1eAEd_M-J2U-sPsTVPI8klOiMxIbFcXMEqjg7Wl_eI7yuMfhjBtaUSgkJzfIqUU/s1152/2e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGx42lncDnkh02hZb59RGMM2GJtGbex7abzuzUNgNNlRlgcjJxfU7VmYZoTM5DrlHU3E-SoXaf969RSDNqbGQwaf1exuKN4yl5PyXFnzh5m1RPiV_f-9UEjodZ1eAEd_M-J2U-sPsTVPI8klOiMxIbFcXMEqjg7Wl_eI7yuMfhjBtaUSgkJzfIqUU/w360-h640/2e.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Caspian Terns</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">swooping over sand dunes</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">at Abbotts Lagoon</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read two posts from Gambolin' Man about his adventures and memories</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">of hiking, camping and exploring the South Fork Yuba River:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2008/07/sierra-nevada-foothills-halcyon-summer.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>HALCYON MEMORIES DOWN ON THE "RIL-VER" (2008)</b></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2008/09/california-gold-country-escape-to-south.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CALIFORNIA GOLD COUNTRY: AIN'T NO WHERE LIKE THE YUBA! (2008)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI6fpo4UJFKFoRNsM2Auoyf5OMI9THZe7HnnLqKLsMgyqiv1HPc7zrlkjWcT1APA4_8jeeLSq46JPjRLVO0cZ2BbLwIMB9swEkNTS4NMjFjVKqW5Q7tueYbnYWXKDsJ_0-T3kvBdA5hobaJsHdqJNLavePWG4tg1fsAfTsjNizQv5AO4O2uWl5vH_/s1995/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="1497" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI6fpo4UJFKFoRNsM2Auoyf5OMI9THZe7HnnLqKLsMgyqiv1HPc7zrlkjWcT1APA4_8jeeLSq46JPjRLVO0cZ2BbLwIMB9swEkNTS4NMjFjVKqW5Q7tueYbnYWXKDsJ_0-T3kvBdA5hobaJsHdqJNLavePWG4tg1fsAfTsjNizQv5AO4O2uWl5vH_/w480-h640/2d.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">South Fork Yuba River</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">near Devil's Slide area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-54310178823223098722017-12-24T11:26:00.235-08:002023-03-28T11:36:46.701-07:00A First Glimpse of the Burrowing Owls Taking Up Residence @ Albany Plateau<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r2IEGqcQb_p-7xrPVzw_rZjZQnCsoswPc3ZyNh950Gn5cCsRltT1N1cydvMujn8RbUZo4xzdgvhTviI5-mzkHVsyxka8Ug4NB8F3r_ZSNdr2S5ggPszAWLNSRdt0_Iixu3QZBKGs07U/s400/best_2017-12-13+255.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Placid Burrowing Owl eyeing things casually</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r2IEGqcQb_p-7xrPVzw_rZjZQnCsoswPc3ZyNh950Gn5cCsRltT1N1cydvMujn8RbUZo4xzdgvhTviI5-mzkHVsyxka8Ug4NB8F3r_ZSNdr2S5ggPszAWLNSRdt0_Iixu3QZBKGs07U/s1600/best_2017-12-13+255.JPG"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At the edge of <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">San Francisco Bay</span></i></b>, a nondescript parcel of land has been reclaimed and set aside as protected habitat for a <i>"species of special concern."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEMn60-bNxeMWkiHgMqc2jPfa4IzKwrNK-E8o5fmBTuuXAVR39QkD3xV2-OnJ3BM7ViYYRxYusY3mS2pXv9Yqu1cB79Xn8HtcxnWliy0Hjv0j05sCETQK5Py3HumNDLYAFXuI-NK9vHwFTgWxnyKRlKAzpPZIQjl6iVEWqApbaDRO_vjfzgApQPGV/s281/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEMn60-bNxeMWkiHgMqc2jPfa4IzKwrNK-E8o5fmBTuuXAVR39QkD3xV2-OnJ3BM7ViYYRxYusY3mS2pXv9Yqu1cB79Xn8HtcxnWliy0Hjv0j05sCETQK5Py3HumNDLYAFXuI-NK9vHwFTgWxnyKRlKAzpPZIQjl6iVEWqApbaDRO_vjfzgApQPGV/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Berkeley shoreline's Upland Meadow area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Today, I'm hoping for my first ever glimpse of the elusive</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">Burrowing Owl</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs7t_hVt8u5ebFOnCtHRnwbnWNDNPH-3cXhqrscvscysq7FMp7B2WmbdoUaJZXBUwtOgJCEiwdwN5Jcmu7jxLtceVXsA-YWWrP9l8h2ylByrTygJKZ7uXffGTI3EPzsFwjcPKSOYFZ8hjWXeJHpChDjlSBhBs5u2WdNTSkawcY04-FRyBjo8Dst34/s300/1j.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs7t_hVt8u5ebFOnCtHRnwbnWNDNPH-3cXhqrscvscysq7FMp7B2WmbdoUaJZXBUwtOgJCEiwdwN5Jcmu7jxLtceVXsA-YWWrP9l8h2ylByrTygJKZ7uXffGTI3EPzsFwjcPKSOYFZ8hjWXeJHpChDjlSBhBs5u2WdNTSkawcY04-FRyBjo8Dst34/w480-h640/1j.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Burrowing Owl emerged from artificial burrow (tunnel)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> A frequent visitor to these parts, I'm attracted by the bounty of natural beauty and potential bonanza of bird sightings to be had. <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Say's</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Black Phoebes</span></i></b>, ground-feeding <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Sparrows</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Finches</span></b></i>, low-flying <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Raptors</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Egrets</span></i></b> and <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Herons</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Gulls</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Vultures</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Crows</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Starlings</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hummingbirds</span></i></b>, and an amazing proliferation of shore and wading birds.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFRMeaJp_65nHGtJfxU6w3gLUTBcwk2j0oobwyseax-auM3KE8eaCYHxYZlYGBjNLvw1wIOmn3BA5hwB6IgJYtNoGGiUoXfpjrvpP2M1rJsi6Y9bBDdtZ-NSijXw3QRgXKcQSidJ7JTgBKrnahaOZ2DBhDOXFHw5fQhKGUSd4fJ8Plw35EtCNxe21/s374/1d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFRMeaJp_65nHGtJfxU6w3gLUTBcwk2j0oobwyseax-auM3KE8eaCYHxYZlYGBjNLvw1wIOmn3BA5hwB6IgJYtNoGGiUoXfpjrvpP2M1rJsi6Y9bBDdtZ-NSijXw3QRgXKcQSidJ7JTgBKrnahaOZ2DBhDOXFHw5fQhKGUSd4fJ8Plw35EtCNxe21/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Egret prowling and hunting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>But I've yet to spot a resident <span style="color: #990000;">Burrowing Owl</span> . . .</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i> . . . until the other day.</i></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjQoMxAQ0yJczpOnaFhPRe2KPHbJioWdFfPCt6gUEpPlAqnIWfc5c_CPUNBp3jUQ3qxpyJP9HLVYCmsjeEe-hfrxv5dwy2V8FS9BiWwbpEa0PsKyk2TeuD4mH9dscT_r_sZ_CEVvlcMiazddb6m1eZtQ-dQeUaWLIqcGMHRKUjoTE4ig7TSg9JgSS/s399/4_blog%20(64)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjQoMxAQ0yJczpOnaFhPRe2KPHbJioWdFfPCt6gUEpPlAqnIWfc5c_CPUNBp3jUQ3qxpyJP9HLVYCmsjeEe-hfrxv5dwy2V8FS9BiWwbpEa0PsKyk2TeuD4mH9dscT_r_sZ_CEVvlcMiazddb6m1eZtQ-dQeUaWLIqcGMHRKUjoTE4ig7TSg9JgSS/w400-h320/4_blog%20(64)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Osprey keeping eye out for a fish out of water</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Circling the perimeter of the <i><b>8.1</b></i> acre fenced off meadow, I stop to observe an area around one of the three artificial burrows installed by biologists, when I become aware of subtle bobbing movement and swiveling action. Sure enough, a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Burrowing Owl</span></b></i> signaling his presence, albeit barely noticeable, with only the top half of his head visible above the grassy rise of ground.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IJ7GDzMhGrMG4U8FhNUYpaXGOJcKLU854opCSlx1hSumjI__ATgiV-z6xFGMRtnhuUWNzRcL6iC2a417z-zlsOHtFvkL87xORQDdMZJvxxicdTDO7-YjLu2NFc-dGku1GAcezZLSV7ctCXxlJGn0dc2dmCcWiKjZCU75S2spkLuAcfy28f7fy_6Z/s1440/4_blog%20(93)_8312.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IJ7GDzMhGrMG4U8FhNUYpaXGOJcKLU854opCSlx1hSumjI__ATgiV-z6xFGMRtnhuUWNzRcL6iC2a417z-zlsOHtFvkL87xORQDdMZJvxxicdTDO7-YjLu2NFc-dGku1GAcezZLSV7ctCXxlJGn0dc2dmCcWiKjZCU75S2spkLuAcfy28f7fy_6Z/w400-h320/4_blog%20(93)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gull with odd coloring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm unable to capture a good image while keeping a steady bead on the tiny raptor, hard to discern in the wavy grass. I relocate up and down the length of the protective fence for a better vantage point, snapping a hundred useless photos, never once getting a full monty snap of the long-legged and indubitably wise <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Owl</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvjccAE-TpP0BTuAJyRFn5DvUQSiDDpalYj7ohbiV6yYLzCmYWKUEta72ThpjxcK-KTRrgWu1SjIuAtW40IDTzQ0bW7JMkDmMLja0t9RhF_8S-_I553sfaupwjAMrLaWbpKeR9dObZb0EHaCRneV74mXZ49UzboYZxycMeo5xEdzh_ZiM0rMnrdVF/s1553/4_blog%20(83)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1553" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvjccAE-TpP0BTuAJyRFn5DvUQSiDDpalYj7ohbiV6yYLzCmYWKUEta72ThpjxcK-KTRrgWu1SjIuAtW40IDTzQ0bW7JMkDmMLja0t9RhF_8S-_I553sfaupwjAMrLaWbpKeR9dObZb0EHaCRneV74mXZ49UzboYZxycMeo5xEdzh_ZiM0rMnrdVF/w400-h320/4_blog%20(83)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose in colorful triptych</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">At one point, I concoct a hare-brained scheme to man-handle a heavy garbage can from fifty feet away. I drag it over and maneuver it in position to get up on the rim for higher viewing. I hoist myself up in a delicate dance but at the last second the can tilts and I slip awkwardly into its fetid contents.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9Olqlbz66lqoe6GJEVs4MyRzgYkX-_3w9eQaNoeeQ2_qEZ7LtWZ_V1P-yrZaqHGcwPEVBGKoenkH6F__xLupyBDNZGEqYg8B4zbJUatWrbgE7DSbkrN0kMM2lWd5GMbKv9VKELVO03k-JsaKraWqHFO4F79_vTnU96cB2AYUL0HCmRhqN2RrB8w4/s300/1g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9Olqlbz66lqoe6GJEVs4MyRzgYkX-_3w9eQaNoeeQ2_qEZ7LtWZ_V1P-yrZaqHGcwPEVBGKoenkH6F__xLupyBDNZGEqYg8B4zbJUatWrbgE7DSbkrN0kMM2lWd5GMbKv9VKELVO03k-JsaKraWqHFO4F79_vTnU96cB2AYUL0HCmRhqN2RrB8w4/w300-h400/1g.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">One-legged (?) Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chagrined, and thankful I’m not injured while birdwatching, I abandon that idea, and return to eye level observation, hoping my silly, unnecessary antics didn’t disturb the <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Owl</span></b></i>. But there he remains, resolutely perched on the ground, well concealed, silent and patient, and, I swear, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kvqE2s2SsK56myWbW-uj5a5QPxX_ycSUbaeS-CXj7vuAvpWJDDZnhGb6s2SYvYKxgAnwkgTH55k5XnmLuf7MUCHba186kbMUHNna1UEl-N5BsaUQwF2HTdKjHV4Dl6am7V71Qkq7476zTpACf2jbPV7O2rWfePNMRZsLg4ASxC9_A3W_osjeTHzI/s400/11292014%20(4).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kvqE2s2SsK56myWbW-uj5a5QPxX_ycSUbaeS-CXj7vuAvpWJDDZnhGb6s2SYvYKxgAnwkgTH55k5XnmLuf7MUCHba186kbMUHNna1UEl-N5BsaUQwF2HTdKjHV4Dl6am7V71Qkq7476zTpACf2jbPV7O2rWfePNMRZsLg4ASxC9_A3W_osjeTHzI/w400-h320/11292014%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Upland Meadow in rehab phase</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> Once a dumping ground for 1960s-era construction detritus, more recently a homeless encampment of some seventy permanent dwellers, now cleared out, the <i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Albany Bulb</span></b></i> has blessedly transformed into a protected wildlife refuge and shore bird sanctuary, as well as haven for nature lovers and dog companions.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FJhnGRHNEwLCRHNhdn89jkxxW3X1OemxVSjeczbZOKTqOChDpbCKmczkHI2asrE0xngo0rUF43cxi155NYc5GPDzNlJdiyLPxqyPEyqEh8TRePhvM7hWHJVqNRNxfu3ZUbhQUlHeaT4QtiT9hzqqh-0LMDW4FaYEtJWFfbgFm5fxvSXWi4M-MZi4/s281/4_blog%20(71)_8312.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FJhnGRHNEwLCRHNhdn89jkxxW3X1OemxVSjeczbZOKTqOChDpbCKmczkHI2asrE0xngo0rUF43cxi155NYc5GPDzNlJdiyLPxqyPEyqEh8TRePhvM7hWHJVqNRNxfu3ZUbhQUlHeaT4QtiT9hzqqh-0LMDW4FaYEtJWFfbgFm5fxvSXWi4M-MZi4/w400-h320/4_blog%20(71)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">European Starling pair</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This gem of open space is the result of the City of Albany and State Park and <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">East Bay Regional Park District </span></i></b>agencies working in unison to preserve and protect the last remnants of upland meadows, marshes, and bay / riparian zones in the heavily populated and industrial <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></i></b>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR88GCjXM6CBd2hAuzLharolaZs5qqALMrEjW4fgCoV0Y4Fz5hWJeyTVStFfNmL2BXli7wQ8D_OdG60hAq4CWsUjCtqlUZp0rS9ZN1euTQU8YIp8vuJ7UNRMZQ7u27NY8xV-bFxomwRaIsaWMUONGfq4d02ptV8TMdBvgd1hctWtf54c0I4Jrdrqv/s375/1n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="375" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR88GCjXM6CBd2hAuzLharolaZs5qqALMrEjW4fgCoV0Y4Fz5hWJeyTVStFfNmL2BXli7wQ8D_OdG60hAq4CWsUjCtqlUZp0rS9ZN1euTQU8YIp8vuJ7UNRMZQ7u27NY8xV-bFxomwRaIsaWMUONGfq4d02ptV8TMdBvgd1hctWtf54c0I4Jrdrqv/w400-h319/1n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Purple-headed Hummingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Every day of the year, rain or shine, free of charge, people come to <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">McLaughlin Eastshore State Park / </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Albany Bulb</span></i></b> to escape the urban pressure cooker, to hike and take in unobstructed million dollar views of <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">San Francisco</span></i></b>, the <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden Gate Bridge</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Mount Tamalpais</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Angel Island</span></i></b>, and the Marin Headlands.</span><br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc4u2l9gyD6m59BLMNjcoace-BdCU8KXhP9jh9fQ6j-EKTkU5_WzL4bx5lDTEQI1T9E3iSfPb4_tiao9tuIBwiSDtWaSdk4ftmv_0GoYI4InDAak92XLndn3LnRF2ozV4K8toKeK_57G_qjAqJNy7KKKCIAI6LzY1zrsQJczKNxJOOpqggHuiz02J/s368/1b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc4u2l9gyD6m59BLMNjcoace-BdCU8KXhP9jh9fQ6j-EKTkU5_WzL4bx5lDTEQI1T9E3iSfPb4_tiao9tuIBwiSDtWaSdk4ftmv_0GoYI4InDAak92XLndn3LnRF2ozV4K8toKeK_57G_qjAqJNy7KKKCIAI6LzY1zrsQJczKNxJOOpqggHuiz02J/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">San Francisco skyline viewed from Albany Bulb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't get much better than this . . . </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">. . . for humans . . . </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">. . . or <span style="color: #b45f06;">Owls</span>, both I daresay:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nVcgnLmYm5QrLYfprxnfkTyQWUXvNnfx7agxnMTL8BDOCJwYAcY7ve5LcQ5fLZYBgBahQopP1XZf54ATpxxa1JxBxMKMt4kEbqbNhY8wsZbeA9iGkyXoIECYVuTkb7Qkw3R84YK0JyDZFj1PpXox0XR8RJBt2UEIN_9OoUKov2zGSp35ruq-jhEa/s400/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nVcgnLmYm5QrLYfprxnfkTyQWUXvNnfx7agxnMTL8BDOCJwYAcY7ve5LcQ5fLZYBgBahQopP1XZf54ATpxxa1JxBxMKMt4kEbqbNhY8wsZbeA9iGkyXoIECYVuTkb7Qkw3R84YK0JyDZFj1PpXox0XR8RJBt2UEIN_9OoUKov2zGSp35ruq-jhEa/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Friends of a feather flocking together . . .</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></b></i></div></span><br /><span><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Species of special concern.</span></b></i></div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwwUIfUPtQ8MDDAI0aGVIRB2uA7W3qZGmdiYebRkaHqRwU2M7TFi-W3Is6g07u5HAL-CPPNBUX5a40bIHPqpkDJEUmnDMQGpHbh1FJzjcGD3NkkWFGy4I_vA1AajNLiTKiHC8RW05Ntqpdcr4FD3MXGBERj3bq-FtWXk4bdGfRr-1vIEZEuYlOpoT/s1440/3_blog%20(31)_71112.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwwUIfUPtQ8MDDAI0aGVIRB2uA7W3qZGmdiYebRkaHqRwU2M7TFi-W3Is6g07u5HAL-CPPNBUX5a40bIHPqpkDJEUmnDMQGpHbh1FJzjcGD3NkkWFGy4I_vA1AajNLiTKiHC8RW05Ntqpdcr4FD3MXGBERj3bq-FtWXk4bdGfRr-1vIEZEuYlOpoT/w400-h320/3_blog%20(31)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Kite huntress</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The <span style="color: #783f04;"><i><b>Owl </b></i></span>refuge </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> officially known as the <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Albany Plateau Burrowing Owl Mitigation Project</span></i></b> – resulted from construction a decade ago of the <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gilman Street Playing Fields</span></b></i> – disruptive activity that spooked the <b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Owls</span></i></b> enough to flee for years from nearby nesting grounds.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1CWtjlUsST_5Fd5piCKkP2Y2nMYa8DgDwZN1Qe58NtrdZRzVXgn695YfP3dCGgCMdF1jbmHePWZV515Z3vHQJtJAduO6pUQDzskQyVKrFsrfWlaiFp40DQt_Xaw-ttYhx8fUB7_I5zdQb3E16fVkKPf850ORg3vkZ7s8dFWFWUp-YYrp62rV7MLG/s1920/11292014%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1CWtjlUsST_5Fd5piCKkP2Y2nMYa8DgDwZN1Qe58NtrdZRzVXgn695YfP3dCGgCMdF1jbmHePWZV515Z3vHQJtJAduO6pUQDzskQyVKrFsrfWlaiFp40DQt_Xaw-ttYhx8fUB7_I5zdQb3E16fVkKPf850ORg3vkZ7s8dFWFWUp-YYrp62rV7MLG/w400-h320/11292014%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cormorants gathered on guano-splattered rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Threatened worldwide, <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Burrowing Owls</span></b></i> face long odds of survival against degraded quality / disappearing habitat. In the <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Bay Area</span></i></b>, where they once were common enough denizens, their numbers have significantly diminished as coastal dune / marsh / bay shore habitat has been reduced to tiny, fragmented parcels on the ragged edges of sprawling development.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPykkbk-yBJooEM7wRlLScTTnRwgm76pw_3h9Co4p66PFzCbnoGIaLU67EZNsCCnB2WFEjB0DbmXh4nC4kVl237rHAofQfJO7xziVmmcYmZ_BM2mcTe01M6OEFIBosx3s5JsJM9m00ZL2wZWi5lO_XwcWd-sxKAMYTPMRdpMS7HvstwnHOEAwhvcxU/s1919/152013%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPykkbk-yBJooEM7wRlLScTTnRwgm76pw_3h9Co4p66PFzCbnoGIaLU67EZNsCCnB2WFEjB0DbmXh4nC4kVl237rHAofQfJO7xziVmmcYmZ_BM2mcTe01M6OEFIBosx3s5JsJM9m00ZL2wZWi5lO_XwcWd-sxKAMYTPMRdpMS7HvstwnHOEAwhvcxU/w400-h320/152013%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Who knew a Pigeon could be so . . . pretty!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sadly, the <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Owls</span></i></b> have been driven from their native land, forced to seek a new home. They face a constant threat of becoming irreparably endangered. <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">California's</span></b></i> population of <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Burrowing Owls</span></i></b> continues to decline at <i><b>8%</b></i> a year.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFv1IrvkuTiwVRUlOeVE1d8nAy9u8kFhSxJQv5f1o2G5B4u5ub2I1UAv2RNGOCMLkjLHttfLkn6RO5HJ-kstGAK6TsEreVJSruuAwTO3PvFjYiy3kr0K2cj4XOJ8UK9W8gLdqA-BcBHPWB1o8bHQL5Pf6Ho17c4NShbS-w4NYJrGcG2GCv8-rhj5w/s1440/11112%20(24).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFv1IrvkuTiwVRUlOeVE1d8nAy9u8kFhSxJQv5f1o2G5B4u5ub2I1UAv2RNGOCMLkjLHttfLkn6RO5HJ-kstGAK6TsEreVJSruuAwTO3PvFjYiy3kr0K2cj4XOJ8UK9W8gLdqA-BcBHPWB1o8bHQL5Pf6Ho17c4NShbS-w4NYJrGcG2GCv8-rhj5w/w400-h320/11112%20(24).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ducks and Goose feeding in channel in mudflats</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For years, I've been on the lookout hoping to spot a <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Burrowing Owl</span></b></i>, whose current residency is largely overlooked by most visitors hiking and exploring <i><b>20</b></i> acres of trails, in unique environs encompassing <b><i>2,262</i></b> acres of land and water, along <i><b>8.5</b></i> miles of shoreline.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvwrHGVh99frIOp3rNkXVAV_kqBxOPOWZU2ZAmhv_8uQaJ6qkVGqXXXkGJUJpklRPoYCiHVIC5ZBTEWaih3gWwOtGmTMMriO4q4XhQiyyyH0nfNVVbuffVzv7QOo35oe3ZzQEDpqh8ulquDXhwHUqGD8PQpXXc_pJP9l1YN4siRZJpKUk4kMpBRUN/s935/4_blog%20(84)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="935" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvwrHGVh99frIOp3rNkXVAV_kqBxOPOWZU2ZAmhv_8uQaJ6qkVGqXXXkGJUJpklRPoYCiHVIC5ZBTEWaih3gWwOtGmTMMriO4q4XhQiyyyH0nfNVVbuffVzv7QOo35oe3ZzQEDpqh8ulquDXhwHUqGD8PQpXXc_pJP9l1YN4siRZJpKUk4kMpBRUN/w400-h320/4_blog%20(84)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Northern Mockingbird in bold repose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But even if people are aware of the <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Burrowing Owl's</span></b></i> presence, like me, chances are rare of ever spotting one, because of their reclusive nature and camouflaged makeup, and generally inadequate to poor observational skills of most humans.</span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88UC2TiCRJzqbp4BtBLlO2RBsUZBqBiwLIYXhhU4jz6Y8Lr4GrS4TBJWeNc2J04WZu4gPwAhEXskv6GHbpWERvBWfrCYF1BSAd_xEU6wYmmhY4eFDcK_7yFeJJTShnsDEMVBsi2nVs-3uxpsN6qcdv3N9TgKSc2IsN91fzh1_LIgV7x4c0ebMPzvA/s400/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88UC2TiCRJzqbp4BtBLlO2RBsUZBqBiwLIYXhhU4jz6Y8Lr4GrS4TBJWeNc2J04WZu4gPwAhEXskv6GHbpWERvBWfrCYF1BSAd_xEU6wYmmhY4eFDcK_7yFeJJTShnsDEMVBsi2nVs-3uxpsN6qcdv3N9TgKSc2IsN91fzh1_LIgV7x4c0ebMPzvA/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sanderlings gathering at water's edge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">I'm no exception.</span></i></b></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX-1ISPNw6Ojbz1wYP3u1qmvrwOY0l-hSipuSNnos_C28Hy-5R71y74WOo0o4bRSELCre50AlEgg6XLbhnyNkhvzgzV5bfUtxsSD7AuChA_rrcntSU0YjRirP5WW5Kbit3rXRulBBoImoN9fBlwM5DtW20EZuubuVrr_xZE7Id7irzrvQ4FFt_L57/s262/1m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="262" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX-1ISPNw6Ojbz1wYP3u1qmvrwOY0l-hSipuSNnos_C28Hy-5R71y74WOo0o4bRSELCre50AlEgg6XLbhnyNkhvzgzV5bfUtxsSD7AuChA_rrcntSU0YjRirP5WW5Kbit3rXRulBBoImoN9fBlwM5DtW20EZuubuVrr_xZE7Id7irzrvQ4FFt_L57/w400-h321/1m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Whimbrels and whatnot flapping about</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">In an ongoing quest to pad my ornithological <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Life List"</span></b></i>, it's somewhat gratifying to learn that coming up empty visit after visit hasn’t been a question of bad timing but a matter of time . . . the time it's taken for the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Owls</span></b></i> to zero in, after years of no-shows, on the <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Albany Plateau</span></i></b> as a desirable place to settle in for a few months and (re)establish once regular patterns of winter overing.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmPOcgwHsY0SLZ1_DKE9GiNPgUARah4yDb8U4DPVGgcOAtiKXQrYoC49nLpfuIb-aYJnRt9v6sWBOuYmzujhmRC5xh5_nvwZF2u8VgLxRoFUBzeMipmPEkztwI1ABykkRfHycxP61Bfz3lIOP6-xpOjZO447CQHOqCydik83T4IERfk4VT7XHdpiM/s400/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmPOcgwHsY0SLZ1_DKE9GiNPgUARah4yDb8U4DPVGgcOAtiKXQrYoC49nLpfuIb-aYJnRt9v6sWBOuYmzujhmRC5xh5_nvwZF2u8VgLxRoFUBzeMipmPEkztwI1ABykkRfHycxP61Bfz3lIOP6-xpOjZO447CQHOqCydik83T4IERfk4VT7XHdpiM/w400-h300/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Codornices Creek at journey's end in San Francisco Bay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The hope is that the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Owls</span></b></i> will return here, year after year, like homing trout or other wild creatures who find their way back to familiar places.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVeTVcaHF3AzqkTHQlgiDKrVyi51QpsCm5e4R-g313ybTM9AuUPUsuC-udniQjSt4a0cPetRNhvBnH6AOsWB_BDs82iTr90iyfg58bRK_3E2v5qHqT4bQDz7bg0D8EFJRs7Z8QH8fjuO_wY0r1qBpGw3bO3AG3SlVmHUR96BkpVluHyNCSJMUCd-M/s272/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="272" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVeTVcaHF3AzqkTHQlgiDKrVyi51QpsCm5e4R-g313ybTM9AuUPUsuC-udniQjSt4a0cPetRNhvBnH6AOsWB_BDs82iTr90iyfg58bRK_3E2v5qHqT4bQDz7bg0D8EFJRs7Z8QH8fjuO_wY0r1qBpGw3bO3AG3SlVmHUR96BkpVluHyNCSJMUCd-M/w400-h319/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Isolated stretch of Bulb shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The presence of resident <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Burrowing Owls</span></i></b> on the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Albany Plateau</span></b></i> denotes a healthy inter-relationship of several keystone species able to thrive in a balanced competition of survival in limited range. After years of unsuccessful attempts to attract the fastidious birds, as of several days ago the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Burrowing Owl</span></b></i> community numbers, pitifully, but hopefully, just three individuals.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FTX5yw5hChSD5WVVMkiqpE9LqbN1ueIjrWg_5HicjsY-LKwj1f-ikTaFfmtPYlsPMF3ocExPiwslP5-TKAzbvt-rTv8bMz-CQZ6WNsmWZqCd0KcHzOtBczNXcFfOGimcNbV42c80SRxFyE8EYW72_BD_DrI6KU7uXBsnPaHW_ndBrkRv7l49h7_M/s399/6_blog%20(26)_92412.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="399" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FTX5yw5hChSD5WVVMkiqpE9LqbN1ueIjrWg_5HicjsY-LKwj1f-ikTaFfmtPYlsPMF3ocExPiwslP5-TKAzbvt-rTv8bMz-CQZ6WNsmWZqCd0KcHzOtBczNXcFfOGimcNbV42c80SRxFyE8EYW72_BD_DrI6KU7uXBsnPaHW_ndBrkRv7l49h7_M/w400-h346/6_blog%20(26)_92412.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch in the weeds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Three vulnerable <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Owls</span></b></i> who have to fend off sneak attacks from <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Red-tailed Hawks</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">White-tailed Kites</span></i></b>, and kamikaze <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Great Horned Owls</span></i></b>; perhaps coyotes and feral cats; and, not least, endure the indignities of <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Great Egrets</span></b></i> competing with impunity for scarce meals within spitting range of their burrows.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-urQ7_GNmR0X-zQzS132zbVbp_8yUn2yJtL60KUGrb-XgAhuvQ2Bdm3G4WHNkqQpdVna3ZOpdEu6DHqnCE1J8J5Qfms2O5FhVcfwgrXOoaO3kQEgJbo5Ru8QbaLjYBwvswQ3F1tQ0SLlQTRCIwlap6EceWQ6UakmarpDcd_fzqFVOvYjNzNN82ZNB/s2048/3_blog%20(33)_71112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-urQ7_GNmR0X-zQzS132zbVbp_8yUn2yJtL60KUGrb-XgAhuvQ2Bdm3G4WHNkqQpdVna3ZOpdEu6DHqnCE1J8J5Qfms2O5FhVcfwgrXOoaO3kQEgJbo5Ru8QbaLjYBwvswQ3F1tQ0SLlQTRCIwlap6EceWQ6UakmarpDcd_fzqFVOvYjNzNN82ZNB/w400-h300/3_blog%20(33)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Kite beauty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Continuing around the perimeter of the fenced-off meadow, I encounter a woman strolling by, laden with binoculars and a big zoom lens camera. We exchange pleasantries and begin chatting immediately about the obvious.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lF3aM_jUxYYyJhe0bQVKjjo7VTiR0POKBY1VA44gV8e_6E3Y6q4x5tzX3QI3SA7jb_2YG87et7rWxC-3GLaQ5AuR8FqpNe_gf0JVTiwWbSbYQKWd23ByTjR1M9k_7MlfmEcZsOc4Pr4GpRr_x2lbANRSUlgdy1xVBwZQX4p7oZtI1YiU7rYTEnfN/s2048/7252014%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lF3aM_jUxYYyJhe0bQVKjjo7VTiR0POKBY1VA44gV8e_6E3Y6q4x5tzX3QI3SA7jb_2YG87et7rWxC-3GLaQ5AuR8FqpNe_gf0JVTiwWbSbYQKWd23ByTjR1M9k_7MlfmEcZsOc4Pr4GpRr_x2lbANRSUlgdy1xVBwZQX4p7oZtI1YiU7rYTEnfN/w400-h320/7252014%20(6).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-crowned Night Heron grooming himself</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her name's Mary and she's a docent with the park system, spending hours a week monitoring <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Owl</span></i></b> habitat and educating people about the history of the <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Owl</span></i></b> breeding project and off-leash dog dangers.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI0SGFCYT9k7Dy1AWhWOS182i4fZLSQfe8vX1CW1zQoj5LVxnBiz-gQmKxnwzmozTInLVVTUQS-F_5p-oCOisUEnNDUdlEWDJhNL2QB9rLyNy2sLoHgXS7wE6MapDeZUTw-1rykUNGp6rWGObMT8mRizNAgA-njNEb5v_qpfoQTneN3f8PEz55l1g/s1468/152013%20(10).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI0SGFCYT9k7Dy1AWhWOS182i4fZLSQfe8vX1CW1zQoj5LVxnBiz-gQmKxnwzmozTInLVVTUQS-F_5p-oCOisUEnNDUdlEWDJhNL2QB9rLyNy2sLoHgXS7wE6MapDeZUTw-1rykUNGp6rWGObMT8mRizNAgA-njNEb5v_qpfoQTneN3f8PEz55l1g/w400-h320/152013%20(10).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty Finch feeding on seeds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She points across to the south section of the meadow, saying she's spotted an <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Owl</span></i></b> there a few times recently, once flying up and around, in pursuit of insects, or maybe just to do something, be active, who knows, inject a jolt of fun in their otherwise stolid days of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Zen</span></b></i>-patient stillness.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaol1RNI3dzeQ7vFB9_OGs_W77fDPGPp3VF8V57DQ9z9pdx3Pciw_zV-T-exROr54ui0U8cti2ZaEXQIaxYFpo8BG1u0aPjGLlIWkpNLvkepk2w1LGF5YM_9Wtq52oMXS4wE-GX-dTblY16_Ya9CKfCbHIoay1zJ7OUwIETgubmgZh-Ty0J2Fnsj8y/s300/6302013%20(18).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="300" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaol1RNI3dzeQ7vFB9_OGs_W77fDPGPp3VF8V57DQ9z9pdx3Pciw_zV-T-exROr54ui0U8cti2ZaEXQIaxYFpo8BG1u0aPjGLlIWkpNLvkepk2w1LGF5YM_9Wtq52oMXS4wE-GX-dTblY16_Ya9CKfCbHIoay1zJ7OUwIETgubmgZh-Ty0J2Fnsj8y/w400-h319/6302013%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Snowy Egret being a Snowy Egret</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I agree to meet Mary over there shortly. Ten minutes later, with my original <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Owl</span></i></b> still fixed in place – nary a look at the torso and legs – I see Mary signaling me from across the meadow – her cue that she's spotted an <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Owl!</span></b></i> I race over and position myself up against the fence, my silly little point and click camera at the ready. </span><br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNST_i3ykqEvnlcGp-AF6hXp-_1MuzDq5oJxuwJAHeskvY31-OSOjwJb29Fr58J-ADMMO8UuskbyBwFg2xyRvM4HPUxxXlXCW_eNq21N2_wyadcrAosMBKFM19nLCNdsMIpTHKA7eat5_4IMrvwkSQlVvFE27Bv3QWhu7uN8N7Gp1hZ8bvUZk3QTe9/s399/10302013%20(17).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="319" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNST_i3ykqEvnlcGp-AF6hXp-_1MuzDq5oJxuwJAHeskvY31-OSOjwJb29Fr58J-ADMMO8UuskbyBwFg2xyRvM4HPUxxXlXCW_eNq21N2_wyadcrAosMBKFM19nLCNdsMIpTHKA7eat5_4IMrvwkSQlVvFE27Bv3QWhu7uN8N7Gp1hZ8bvUZk3QTe9/w320-h400/10302013%20(17).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pelican glaring down</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> Despite Mary's instructions on where to look, I'm having trouble spotting him. I put down my binos but still can’t zero in on the bird, confounded by his uncanny ability to blend in and disappear into tall golden grass, a huge survival strategy to thwart his pecking order predators – and me from seeing him!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL6Z8Njn96GFSbHK7-qGw8ZBHFGb20LLUO8vDJfRAGjVKlM7qBCvpKLcQadw-YvVKP_IoVok3sW2STrZg9V-Yqo5BD4jntd114j0QoY4jbC2tG411QiiHB_WMn2-ETwhH3vd6L_1q93HpHM8-qPwBYkrWdTYE6RvrZ9Ro3GkBb4U5LVUx6nBH_Org/s300/1e.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL6Z8Njn96GFSbHK7-qGw8ZBHFGb20LLUO8vDJfRAGjVKlM7qBCvpKLcQadw-YvVKP_IoVok3sW2STrZg9V-Yqo5BD4jntd114j0QoY4jbC2tG411QiiHB_WMn2-ETwhH3vd6L_1q93HpHM8-qPwBYkrWdTYE6RvrZ9Ro3GkBb4U5LVUx6nBH_Org/w300-h400/1e.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Egret encroaching on Owl habitat</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Patiently, Mary points out again where to train my binos, and finally I hone in on the sandy fellow, perched on the ground in calm repose about twenty feet distant, looking contentedly around in seeming nonchalance, yawning, even. No doubt aware of our presence, wonder what he thinks of all the human hubbub.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhki7a0tITxXzDRFN3D7Q1eRmmWd9N4RfWmw42Ev5a6MSXPjYzNXfOPzVVseRu1M5BMmfq3zqx7ND1jPezLHQqK0x7qUkrYbBhLvGfWBbBChLJ9QYFNF78Dm7DC4VIujtYFtNkAc84dhha4CwN52bsdt0U6v7QOava9yAsDNScOGVHFYuJdKgqmhuZ/s2383/11112%20(42).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2383" data-original-width="2383" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhki7a0tITxXzDRFN3D7Q1eRmmWd9N4RfWmw42Ev5a6MSXPjYzNXfOPzVVseRu1M5BMmfq3zqx7ND1jPezLHQqK0x7qUkrYbBhLvGfWBbBChLJ9QYFNF78Dm7DC4VIujtYFtNkAc84dhha4CwN52bsdt0U6v7QOava9yAsDNScOGVHFYuJdKgqmhuZ/w400-h400/11112%20(42).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Bittern looking out from reedy marsh</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, probably nothing, he's a wild animal in his restored native habitat, intuiting a sense of security and unstressed comfort level, waiting for nothing, but also possessed of a look that would strike, asp-like, if need be, or in a whir of a flash duck down his long burrow to escape a dive-bombing </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Cooper’s Hawk</span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCONbT6OSTUGTfncYx9OdfO5JqmU_8uhWl6WnTGvctItoiujhq8VQlq2V0NqqNzu_Yo9LGWRnH9k7LVz-0sPNVlTwD_W9lB3nZ5WgOTDHv_8oWp1JcV57sOPno99xLm8cOk-7Kk70mJi7ubgUF227HKzDuOrEtljYuFGeeLYmFTR2X75dUDQwZxWS4/s281/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCONbT6OSTUGTfncYx9OdfO5JqmU_8uhWl6WnTGvctItoiujhq8VQlq2V0NqqNzu_Yo9LGWRnH9k7LVz-0sPNVlTwD_W9lB3nZ5WgOTDHv_8oWp1JcV57sOPno99xLm8cOk-7Kk70mJi7ubgUF227HKzDuOrEtljYuFGeeLYmFTR2X75dUDQwZxWS4/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Shorebirds feeding in mudflats pool</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I praise Mary's <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Owl</span></i></b>-spotting ability, a masterful sighting, I tell her, adding ninety-nine percent of people would never have espied the <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Owl</span></i></b> who is now, of course, ground perched quite visibly. I say it's like hunting for chanterelles, and Mary nods and laughs knowingly.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9b2Kmrf-tS6tm_c4ahPqEuxZbLkgdvwi7pWj5QVZGQmkBPNOqJRzud8gDjZYXeIM5B6Fg4wXAyfrGIV9RKYSjUOROIEPFUUBTy48VuLIgVk1OFVR6ghLqsLegHlGohihtwuPgqlZFW5a2ilF2oNaBy-a_eBJ57jkbtKbJQFt4SQ68gRsOzFvnsaO/s400/11202014%20(33).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9b2Kmrf-tS6tm_c4ahPqEuxZbLkgdvwi7pWj5QVZGQmkBPNOqJRzud8gDjZYXeIM5B6Fg4wXAyfrGIV9RKYSjUOROIEPFUUBTy48VuLIgVk1OFVR6ghLqsLegHlGohihtwuPgqlZFW5a2ilF2oNaBy-a_eBJ57jkbtKbJQFt4SQ68gRsOzFvnsaO/w400-h320/11202014%20(33).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay looking mighty fine</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">With such a knowledgeable person at my behest, I have a million questions for her while we delight and observe the <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Owl</span></i></b> for another fifteen minutes. Here is what I learn from Mary. </span><br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYN8Q2Pw4v8E0JDx1ADMWwQYfp87Q6CwUQxXVxOBrpv6879qvyHkTDFbKE9Y8M5g5R_7VSakKcIXmGSrKU9fhP62Ok4OI_Aa-Q-RrmFs3gjsivZVtMDoJvPuEPf0IfgHQRccF3xBY2g-FodL-xdHx1IFb-WYGxwOE_PMcpBx3HvZI1IrfFsxJ_tl0h/s1440/11172014%20(30).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYN8Q2Pw4v8E0JDx1ADMWwQYfp87Q6CwUQxXVxOBrpv6879qvyHkTDFbKE9Y8M5g5R_7VSakKcIXmGSrKU9fhP62Ok4OI_Aa-Q-RrmFs3gjsivZVtMDoJvPuEPf0IfgHQRccF3xBY2g-FodL-xdHx1IFb-WYGxwOE_PMcpBx3HvZI1IrfFsxJ_tl0h/w400-h320/11172014%20(30).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pie-billed Grebe plying murky waters</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Do <span style="color: #783f04;">Burrowing Owls</span> nest together?</i></b></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSaq4cHxMvIz1hG3wW4_F43IC2yHpeMmwDsyqdJNEYDvVrPNp9BMBeocCHjxm3p7E0l3rmU4ZfGeU0OffA7iw-svUT60EnRZSWhC9Nlf5lsVlRRimVnhS33U24IG7LP1rJrKf6xDZAeMruWAajYEqcj9Jctm46iBkhMERZQKNTFGv_ivN136VKdSA/s281/1o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSaq4cHxMvIz1hG3wW4_F43IC2yHpeMmwDsyqdJNEYDvVrPNp9BMBeocCHjxm3p7E0l3rmU4ZfGeU0OffA7iw-svUT60EnRZSWhC9Nlf5lsVlRRimVnhS33U24IG7LP1rJrKf6xDZAeMruWAajYEqcj9Jctm46iBkhMERZQKNTFGv_ivN136VKdSA/w400-h320/1o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">SF Bay shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Normally, they nest colonially in burrows, </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">but here they seem to be solitary dwellers.</span></i></b></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vHO2qjiZssLZbc-c3V9amGyviFh4RWYrlgZiwoZma6QGD6nYw6he4pN9ow0XC-8PSlLcq-TlTYQCwtZEA-Qrc-nAJyN26fUzGbUQ9qcrFULeAOegnrLjsaFFCZ-HivVSXJDSHeobZU72GaePreaGDQQwg2LOhLwi_9gMJnSpU7PohkAIEJMVYwrb/s1883/12102013%20(21).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1883" data-original-width="1413" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vHO2qjiZssLZbc-c3V9amGyviFh4RWYrlgZiwoZma6QGD6nYw6he4pN9ow0XC-8PSlLcq-TlTYQCwtZEA-Qrc-nAJyN26fUzGbUQ9qcrFULeAOegnrLjsaFFCZ-HivVSXJDSHeobZU72GaePreaGDQQwg2LOhLwi_9gMJnSpU7PohkAIEJMVYwrb/w300-h400/12102013%20(21).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Porch adornment in Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Burrowing Owls</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> here year round?</span></span></i></b></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqp4es23lYLOuO00b-k1qeWoekDIZt4tEo-7Z0NSlpbKG_XUgf7iP2I0Due6e46g2oAXlvZdbjdjyUaBFNYJXolg1hiBv7RF0HqV_iFlW05d1uYkHrW5k9VGNivjJDWYHuH1vzAyj-mmX3NtarBaHhl0acARWoXreNLASNiyssOABf69bdnLB778g/s1440/4_blog%20(94)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqp4es23lYLOuO00b-k1qeWoekDIZt4tEo-7Z0NSlpbKG_XUgf7iP2I0Due6e46g2oAXlvZdbjdjyUaBFNYJXolg1hiBv7RF0HqV_iFlW05d1uYkHrW5k9VGNivjJDWYHuH1vzAyj-mmX3NtarBaHhl0acARWoXreNLASNiyssOABf69bdnLB778g/w400-h320/4_blog%20(94)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Heron (or Great Egret) stalking in evening gloam</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>They winter over here before heading up</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>to the <span style="color: #b45f06;">Rockies</span> and <span style="color: #38761d;">Montana</span> and <span style="color: #741b47;">Idaho</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>for summer breeding time.</i></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwyRSpSkrgGxeS4p1o3e5BDB-6AkEW5oIGTv7HnQvIKrLPgFsL1puvPYJp2DPnisuVud4E-sZfWpDoRa9cVXuoyOJo_RCuVC-hhKEhlAvkorYTxc91GPUH98wafyPTLaxKF7mh_SCTTql7ttIt8W0-50VcyERgIH3o37gcifjeCWChGoWlWumAWQs/s1919/12102013%20(17).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwyRSpSkrgGxeS4p1o3e5BDB-6AkEW5oIGTv7HnQvIKrLPgFsL1puvPYJp2DPnisuVud4E-sZfWpDoRa9cVXuoyOJo_RCuVC-hhKEhlAvkorYTxc91GPUH98wafyPTLaxKF7mh_SCTTql7ttIt8W0-50VcyERgIH3o37gcifjeCWChGoWlWumAWQs/w400-h320/12102013%20(17).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay in squat mode</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where else do <span style="color: #674ea7;">Burrowing Owls</span> nest?</span></b></i></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEB7_RwdMGKkwFBiIcIRmVeHSeH0m3RMkiZ7Y7v8XgAzLlAbxiRHWAhba3mfgvG2aCl0BRck7bBvamfrZjP25aYz0e3eacqkJwTWR6NxgkmG8UHYXQfpKQOmWrR80Gvk1SUhOlAQQY_PJPGA2E45X6wad_ueTuDoCDmcCIHLfTaQIi5OtcsjB8tIH/s375/1h.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="375" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEB7_RwdMGKkwFBiIcIRmVeHSeH0m3RMkiZ7Y7v8XgAzLlAbxiRHWAhba3mfgvG2aCl0BRck7bBvamfrZjP25aYz0e3eacqkJwTWR6NxgkmG8UHYXQfpKQOmWrR80Gvk1SUhOlAQQY_PJPGA2E45X6wad_ueTuDoCDmcCIHLfTaQIi5OtcsjB8tIH/w400-h319/1h.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tunnels set up for the Owls to seek refuge and breed</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><b>The <span style="color: #783f04;">Owls</span> were once wide-spread in <span style="color: #990000;">California</span>.</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><b>The <span style="color: #351c75;">Bay Area</span> is one of four primary <span style="color: #660000;">Burrowing Owl</span> nesting areas.</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><b>Locally, they can be spotted at <span style="color: #38761d;">Cesar Chavez Park</span></b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><b>(a year ago one was found, shockingly, dead on a park bench);</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline;</span></b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><b>and a few other surprising places:</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Shoreline Park</span> at Mountain View </b></i></span></span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>and North San Jose;</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility</span>.</span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uSZRMsJWdZ4VzQPvk89xngB9k3PwL6F29Q_33WFyCOJnaHMDDhXlbyAahMK4xgHzy5ZH9ZdlFpSvyxDrIyugFVcOMYyRzJzuIfAhnMXCALmAl_yL2WgMJX6H2JAvSe7yAKWgZYPKKPwEUsVnc7pQIQpHrCqoH0S8NK4yAlb5Dxe7xKPlKTSZTaoA/s1440/2_blogg%20(33)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uSZRMsJWdZ4VzQPvk89xngB9k3PwL6F29Q_33WFyCOJnaHMDDhXlbyAahMK4xgHzy5ZH9ZdlFpSvyxDrIyugFVcOMYyRzJzuIfAhnMXCALmAl_yL2WgMJX6H2JAvSe7yAKWgZYPKKPwEUsVnc7pQIQpHrCqoH0S8NK4yAlb5Dxe7xKPlKTSZTaoA/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(33)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black Phoebe resting on rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When did </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Burrowing Owls</span></span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">first arrive at the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Albany Plateau?</span></span></span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCJVFFlOZe7IxJp81bO1Azf8sn-BqnSfOjhVNqXLNcBm3y5zJ6Nvmtd-f7q2jquQ09K0qWsEYMz2XXzatbWp_PmLiJQm8PEg6P7ujs_FCnDiM5ItkyoNxSpRqv-Bz5ejNCQT8U2u1R2z3btT1Xsp5tFhRb8JStUIOAujrwLzH2KQIh4zh90UrSP2e/s374/1k.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCJVFFlOZe7IxJp81bO1Azf8sn-BqnSfOjhVNqXLNcBm3y5zJ6Nvmtd-f7q2jquQ09K0qWsEYMz2XXzatbWp_PmLiJQm8PEg6P7ujs_FCnDiM5ItkyoNxSpRqv-Bz5ejNCQT8U2u1R2z3btT1Xsp5tFhRb8JStUIOAujrwLzH2KQIh4zh90UrSP2e/w400-h320/1k.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Burrowing Owl at ease</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">After a decade of futility,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">with perhaps a single solitary sighting a few years ago,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Burrowing Owls</span><span style="color: #444444;"> have been spotted since January 2017.</span></b></i></div></span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig71_RhUk3mtBVBw4rSrLaQClYv8VZjt3VK6vvAom9K6YDI3I1F_lJMWMTpEvQIY-oWV3a15_Pxz4IdYXT4LCc8tTWr_6uwHVqo0JgBbSvKHsgYFjCzgpcO9pf_FZS7rn7AoSdQvAZthKZlZ8Je8TEF8zg0po9MYuW2a-Y9Hxox1HelVUdaR-0CEsf/s1329/6302013%20(29).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig71_RhUk3mtBVBw4rSrLaQClYv8VZjt3VK6vvAom9K6YDI3I1F_lJMWMTpEvQIY-oWV3a15_Pxz4IdYXT4LCc8tTWr_6uwHVqo0JgBbSvKHsgYFjCzgpcO9pf_FZS7rn7AoSdQvAZthKZlZ8Je8TEF8zg0po9MYuW2a-Y9Hxox1HelVUdaR-0CEsf/w400-h320/6302013%20(29).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gull flying off above a Western Grebe</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">How safe is the </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">Burrowing Owl</span><span style="color: #274e13;"> enclosure?</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></i></div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzZ3s8SGwvDUQybNjoYiXFMkVFCyGSKAb6X0i7OAcamSKmVBbThxypp9JtquZt5Bnkst9xj0jnRgdyPl3cpUF4bifMgKyzNQHRBQpRdE55K5kr_tdp-MdeL7ovacCZhBBELRvdaAsg23hTSLo369yztmNpSRbHozlgBt_zGAfS5BHW7iJlUuypgWp/s400/1c.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzZ3s8SGwvDUQybNjoYiXFMkVFCyGSKAb6X0i7OAcamSKmVBbThxypp9JtquZt5Bnkst9xj0jnRgdyPl3cpUF4bifMgKyzNQHRBQpRdE55K5kr_tdp-MdeL7ovacCZhBBELRvdaAsg23hTSLo369yztmNpSRbHozlgBt_zGAfS5BHW7iJlUuypgWp/w300-h400/1c.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Albany Plateau enclosed for Burrowing Owl habitat</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">The protective membrane of a hole-ridden fence has been reinforced to prevent off-leash dogs from getting in, but this is mere mitigation against other existential hazards – hungry coyotes and feral cats, disease, pollution, and being prey of bigger, badder-ass raptors on the hunt.</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3DLUGroiM0G4crhmlpbMcSRIbx7DZQwjVgCsf0PmbuzYDsPx1eKum8Zj0ucPOiPPwwzbtI_gWJ_kz8oS05DrDSHtpKWBpTa87f-2Tjy4RNvDXU15ocPeNeWWU51cG7VXWAQ0XgXaTSa4hFyqSJVlJ-cI3T3090UO6oeJZAmnLDUkC15p4o82Edbo/s1124/11112%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="617" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3DLUGroiM0G4crhmlpbMcSRIbx7DZQwjVgCsf0PmbuzYDsPx1eKum8Zj0ucPOiPPwwzbtI_gWJ_kz8oS05DrDSHtpKWBpTa87f-2Tjy4RNvDXU15ocPeNeWWU51cG7VXWAQ0XgXaTSa4hFyqSJVlJ-cI3T3090UO6oeJZAmnLDUkC15p4o82Edbo/w352-h640/11112%20(8).jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Heron (or Great Egret) in painterly pose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Do <span style="color: #b45f06;">Burrowing Owls</span> dig their own tunnels?</b></i></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIeSD0esfotY9LF11-V7FwO_y0iJY1Axj2y-36EL29d-1_WArpm6EMpUBiKEiFNzpkYoXcnGEreKPkjWj1LnpPS6-CpcyLaloLH_COgssMiiW6SlJGSFpdwKKQc3pEMtIxB0Y5zI2iu9TW_GsXlXl6KC0zrc-RtE4rRBaQUdcbolTrzc8bwE3u1yD/s4320/152013%20(33).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIeSD0esfotY9LF11-V7FwO_y0iJY1Axj2y-36EL29d-1_WArpm6EMpUBiKEiFNzpkYoXcnGEreKPkjWj1LnpPS6-CpcyLaloLH_COgssMiiW6SlJGSFpdwKKQc3pEMtIxB0Y5zI2iu9TW_GsXlXl6KC0zrc-RtE4rRBaQUdcbolTrzc8bwE3u1yD/w400-h320/152013%20(33).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Congregation of shorebirds feeding in nutrient-rich mudflats</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Not unless they don't have to! Smartly, they prefer to let groundhogs (prairie dogs) and squirrels (and the Park Service) do the work for them! Partly why populations are in decline is because of exterminations of groundhogs and squirrels, loss of habitat, and persistent drought.</span></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5TECZP_cQ4fbwzKjeD4AwOi8Qdwi75huW6BBAFe1uEPgYcieUCpRz0bEm6HTHEbwraloCqzPLszpJciYtPgFXxvXJ5g7d7EsGH-JBPxBnvVTMv7SMAlivkfpmgiTIt74R-hoksoYjL5-OmfF3XyLzu4yVKbkWuezL1T-blNYSlw4AgEqJ0j0V_xz/w400-h288/152013%20(16).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Diving Crow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">What is the future of the </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Burrowing Owl</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"> population at the Albany Plateau?</span></b></i></div><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00CO0V7PWH_Pnrp335c77CDx4j-qvkI0c19TB-h21PxjA9F9Xs3g_j3PVttKZF-sZUMlRFAf871PzJj1whGVPTK5Oymgrm0FouO5x9JsVbEpHBTuNyKLxioUdqyIy8Ooyp4Ws7lJYlsTQW1-G1bk-pn6kCLnyF8r1O-hxeFiagFJvaqc5LxsgU5an/s1243/152013%20(32).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1243" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00CO0V7PWH_Pnrp335c77CDx4j-qvkI0c19TB-h21PxjA9F9Xs3g_j3PVttKZF-sZUMlRFAf871PzJj1whGVPTK5Oymgrm0FouO5x9JsVbEpHBTuNyKLxioUdqyIy8Ooyp4Ws7lJYlsTQW1-G1bk-pn6kCLnyF8r1O-hxeFiagFJvaqc5LxsgU5an/w400-h320/152013%20(32).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Grebe out for a swim</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The significance of their appearance</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">is a landmark victory of conservation efforts.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">We have every reason to believe</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">the <span style="color: #783f04;">Owls</span> will continue to winter over here.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">For now, there are just three,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">but they seem to be hardy individuals,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">and the area could sustain up to a dozen of the birds . . .</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">but only time will tell for the fate of <span style="color: #783f04;">Athene cunicularia</span>.</span></i></b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCC2IbbVRabarFfEr1f71ypNF81pu3IyC74ucbMszUF94bJ1bLhK3Sipm5TCSZODRPzAVbAUoJJ6c6umuLxg-XqBcQhjd9-uPJseYWQo6rVC79mmfW26WcqOPoBAfp2w-mTvi08sMTf0I7LyVsn2Y2aeppkYhgIJAOjceeZfgzOLcdDE3KvUnSRxG/s334/1p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCC2IbbVRabarFfEr1f71ypNF81pu3IyC74ucbMszUF94bJ1bLhK3Sipm5TCSZODRPzAVbAUoJJ6c6umuLxg-XqBcQhjd9-uPJseYWQo6rVC79mmfW26WcqOPoBAfp2w-mTvi08sMTf0I7LyVsn2Y2aeppkYhgIJAOjceeZfgzOLcdDE3KvUnSRxG/w400-h320/1p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Owl in burrow (courtesy of Wiki Commons)</b></i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: red;"><b>Read more bird-related essays from Gambolin' Man's bird blog</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: red;"><b>about Albany Bulb & the San Francisco Bay shoreline:</b></i></div><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/birds-galore-at-albany-shoreline-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDIN' @ THE BULB (2014)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/avian-sanctuary-and-nature-refuge-along.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FABULOUS BIRDING @ THE SF BAY SHORELINE & STATE PARK (2015)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/albany-bulb-redux-and-geese-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">INSATIABLE BIRDING @ THE BULB ALWAYS A JOY (2015)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGIMjW9iebJoJ2LgEhmT7HpgNh4K8zVh1s_ZylYTIilAO4eOSnmx6gI6bv0EAbLZq_tkMOrsAwz1POWlaUl2thAV6HboTCjD84fl1RDs0MpoWzepkEIuo1IhSIu-OSFpDaEfSaw3Q9kUjJ4AsVHuuYcMt7dIdJyoa89K2NCkS8zZWx19AqVxP1xMC/s400/2a.jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="345" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGIMjW9iebJoJ2LgEhmT7HpgNh4K8zVh1s_ZylYTIilAO4eOSnmx6gI6bv0EAbLZq_tkMOrsAwz1POWlaUl2thAV6HboTCjD84fl1RDs0MpoWzepkEIuo1IhSIu-OSFpDaEfSaw3Q9kUjJ4AsVHuuYcMt7dIdJyoa89K2NCkS8zZWx19AqVxP1xMC/w552-h640/2a.jpg" width="552" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Pelican</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">coming in for a landing</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Check out Gambolin' Man's post on Albany Bulb @</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/11/albany-bulb-nature-sanctuary-outdoor.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB IMPRESSIONS (2009)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeeyzGE51lllU3BQmcw4HpHn0BfSovFRWQiMB7zaU9OfN7nRCq-r-UTn-aZI2Mm5nA3kx3o38eg1kVhVuJDCyRL-puve7jfmiwUHk5M9tYx7FgfEC_s3qGkfEycmVCmctMx_q6ivGE3pokwVGLRFIPuAIjHFn2aENqfRHhNe7E1tol9bAFjrMd-Ce/s1363/3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="907" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeeyzGE51lllU3BQmcw4HpHn0BfSovFRWQiMB7zaU9OfN7nRCq-r-UTn-aZI2Mm5nA3kx3o38eg1kVhVuJDCyRL-puve7jfmiwUHk5M9tYx7FgfEC_s3qGkfEycmVCmctMx_q6ivGE3pokwVGLRFIPuAIjHFn2aENqfRHhNe7E1tol9bAFjrMd-Ce/w426-h640/3d.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Feeding on surreal mudflats</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: red;">Check out Gambolin' Man's FLICKR albums on hundreds of BULB landscape, art and birding scenes:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsknBNXct" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB LANDSCAPE SCENES</span></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsknBNHne" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB ART & SCULPTURE SCENES</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskj4XzCr" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB BIRDING & WILDLIFE</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82iiWs-lOfYU7Rj6GgaLZ8Xg3MO1V__ffP_0Hl_ZwxBBcJaWaMonRUYvAW2tJFzMw_S3qYag-C2WnniOSiZub9tP2WPqbfgGUf27-CQE9m05JV37lmz2EFOIzK_89tcG6Il5HwQ82a47Zhmj5gZu-JEtsvwjhAHZ1SUebQ5YbT6od0H4hG0K0v5zR/s320/2b.jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82iiWs-lOfYU7Rj6GgaLZ8Xg3MO1V__ffP_0Hl_ZwxBBcJaWaMonRUYvAW2tJFzMw_S3qYag-C2WnniOSiZub9tP2WPqbfgGUf27-CQE9m05JV37lmz2EFOIzK_89tcG6Il5HwQ82a47Zhmj5gZu-JEtsvwjhAHZ1SUebQ5YbT6od0H4hG0K0v5zR/w512-h640/2b.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Black-necked Stilt</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in search of a tidbit</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Take your choice of 46 live-action videos of various birding & outdoor adventure scenes from Albany Bulb & shoreline areas @</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9fJxt8ue3E_k6SieEAsuXE_" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDS BIRDS & MORE BIRDS @ THE ALBANY BULB & SHORELINE / PARK AREAS (Through the Years)</span></b></a></div> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BgpYZ-RTDX4" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BURROWING OWL @ ALBANY BULB</span></b></a></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiDYZ5xlEs7LnHmBfM5ByvOdfmyd2IuK_Paodv-i_HGAFf1RX0gEFni2lV7ML_NvUWxg34ezBp_QM747yijLxAYDDVhnuYtlvcQpJ2043sMSh4-XYsk04STRRyM1a9tGoB4noDcXnGEcFZftdt4tODjpVx2sAyvI5fo0XFW60hBt3tbnpts2UDugq/s300/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiDYZ5xlEs7LnHmBfM5ByvOdfmyd2IuK_Paodv-i_HGAFf1RX0gEFni2lV7ML_NvUWxg34ezBp_QM747yijLxAYDDVhnuYtlvcQpJ2043sMSh4-XYsk04STRRyM1a9tGoB4noDcXnGEcFZftdt4tODjpVx2sAyvI5fo0XFW60hBt3tbnpts2UDugq/w480-h640/2d.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Snowy Egret</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">on the hunt</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></span></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-46856875275086593192017-09-19T18:14:00.082-07:002023-04-01T14:15:41.274-07:00Just How Common Is a Black-throated Gray Warbler . . . ?<span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIcYBwy1wLn3U0qJQ8BiyyoUhxEfKv3LOeucxQ87CFn4CIiyhR-j3nmQOnl3aGorh538NsXemdhBEyTu0IYqfCruLivTN7F8fIQzVD0FlqdPTLtlJX2oPdnXHhPmYNjge_YJ8Tj35qVQsvvwkWl6RgqYcRRuQ9iNNKO0ijE0_HIqV6Ql1rBlRA4lc/s1435/1b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIcYBwy1wLn3U0qJQ8BiyyoUhxEfKv3LOeucxQ87CFn4CIiyhR-j3nmQOnl3aGorh538NsXemdhBEyTu0IYqfCruLivTN7F8fIQzVD0FlqdPTLtlJX2oPdnXHhPmYNjge_YJ8Tj35qVQsvvwkWl6RgqYcRRuQ9iNNKO0ijE0_HIqV6Ql1rBlRA4lc/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler spotted in Mortar Rock Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">. . . in the Bay Area?</span></b></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrq6lPw8nFqGvhYPifyGtXpNJeDQUmoY8cm5fqTM_o_WpNMpB9PB9G7-iK2K2xtR59e8CrsmakN0crbeqUBQXNWKOndHvA8EYaVJ00ZqxcFWt7JwMpJg5JL5PQ3vUi-oCXeizDVzrA4U1HWKK_10EGLglkecsUuViNhqEy09z-paF2xnWnWwf2xAe/s2048/1b1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrq6lPw8nFqGvhYPifyGtXpNJeDQUmoY8cm5fqTM_o_WpNMpB9PB9G7-iK2K2xtR59e8CrsmakN0crbeqUBQXNWKOndHvA8EYaVJ00ZqxcFWt7JwMpJg5JL5PQ3vUi-oCXeizDVzrA4U1HWKK_10EGLglkecsUuViNhqEy09z-paF2xnWnWwf2xAe/w480-h640/1b1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Indian Rock Park tree/rock symbiosis</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">. . . at this time of season?</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKKbctu52YfUgXhUd8KmRulS7NIAyi3qz7UI0l1e7xTtOfy5pzT7aCSaLBMN2fpbWUwfjo1sDbv6v3QdRoNeJm1yvU_0L8hwKHvEnuwCF32_VPFtHR08E_tVLmMlZAlqbxiCQFb9GWt7zLw6xKG5du2C0LllEkmdLkOB8IiFr416lsw3ouhOuVKxm/s838/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="838" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKKbctu52YfUgXhUd8KmRulS7NIAyi3qz7UI0l1e7xTtOfy5pzT7aCSaLBMN2fpbWUwfjo1sDbv6v3QdRoNeJm1yvU_0L8hwKHvEnuwCF32_VPFtHR08E_tVLmMlZAlqbxiCQFb9GWt7zLw6xKG5du2C0LllEkmdLkOB8IiFr416lsw3ouhOuVKxm/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler espied at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I put the question to the</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">EBB_Sightings Yahoo Group:</span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cxdSSsETxLuRz3UzbGkI9GQXbtd1LZ8JNwZ6ZL3828iSLlmCAYGMyHw6JvdVoIIWLcuG-ACcEwjAMPZzVQgHYTOM8fvzmp6PlcchfsUabNIYIULl-1UlA_LMZnbwaMhoEFzZeposdwCnYQwCfv856orM1nHUlLpP-OYBGr4Ccojx6WiOUlzWjmT4/s1440/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cxdSSsETxLuRz3UzbGkI9GQXbtd1LZ8JNwZ6ZL3828iSLlmCAYGMyHw6JvdVoIIWLcuG-ACcEwjAMPZzVQgHYTOM8fvzmp6PlcchfsUabNIYIULl-1UlA_LMZnbwaMhoEFzZeposdwCnYQwCfv856orM1nHUlLpP-OYBGr4Ccojx6WiOUlzWjmT4/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mortar Rock Park in Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><i><b>"I was fortunate to see a Black-throated Gray Warbler</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><i><b>at Mortar Rock Park in Berkeley the other day.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Audubon page says the bird is widespread and common.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I've only seen this bird one other time,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve a couple of years ago.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Does anyone see a Black-throated Gray Warbler commonly?"</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EEKUWIAC2sErvbbC9m0gkbF4hfz10K9vnKkTfwVtlqjqdEfZaokLh18MyDDhaZJz1DAsSsJXZY7l58VVAUPZZJezspnODKKQ7w2-oNE647hw02HhkCxU-TgDKJeCLoorJtmVedmemcD58dJ0N1-LWZu3nRaAHICW9_rWNKQKRi6Evy2NkJLXkl7u/s3611/5blog_9412%20(18).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2889" data-original-width="3611" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EEKUWIAC2sErvbbC9m0gkbF4hfz10K9vnKkTfwVtlqjqdEfZaokLh18MyDDhaZJz1DAsSsJXZY7l58VVAUPZZJezspnODKKQ7w2-oNE647hw02HhkCxU-TgDKJeCLoorJtmVedmemcD58dJ0N1-LWZu3nRaAHICW9_rWNKQKRi6Evy2NkJLXkl7u/w400-h320/5blog_9412%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">108-year old Interior Live Oak in Berkeley is perfect BtGW habitat</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">I fielded three responses:</span></i></b></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5y7Nns-xc30h9cNqnUvVTdA_lboh0eLUfT_0Z18cSXRVsO7HVY8oiqpjR8EdozOtv3GTauueAz-ImzearPb2AzZ3CTucgT2o1i12bxBPIyZeZYnLGlq3ngrOVjlhSraT3L1Y5325pWEP-KlJXt2pfSrJLc0meBotIPc7Vz7KZKKAQ1Aedq6BCPhT/s1920/1b22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5y7Nns-xc30h9cNqnUvVTdA_lboh0eLUfT_0Z18cSXRVsO7HVY8oiqpjR8EdozOtv3GTauueAz-ImzearPb2AzZ3CTucgT2o1i12bxBPIyZeZYnLGlq3ngrOVjlhSraT3L1Y5325pWEP-KlJXt2pfSrJLc0meBotIPc7Vz7KZKKAQ1Aedq6BCPhT/w400-h320/1b22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Judi S.:</b></i></div></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">"I think they are more often seen around here</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">during fall and spring migration.</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">I saw 2 together in Wildcat about 10 days ago."</span></b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hl8Pu9bMxsdr8Qy39GtYICj-6rXUyTafIbT2MDi3POdnJwZAJuQsCrK7cD3l6c7fCFN9FaOKNZuOEqiCL73WQ3eOr_bSkiwjqNxqgS7a8VPsn7Z2snxO4dA--dghTqJixh6ZLaoRTsenKIhuM9-KQBbiaXR4PLiuJzn7VZ80cypZlol8453UlbUI/s1642/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hl8Pu9bMxsdr8Qy39GtYICj-6rXUyTafIbT2MDi3POdnJwZAJuQsCrK7cD3l6c7fCFN9FaOKNZuOEqiCL73WQ3eOr_bSkiwjqNxqgS7a8VPsn7Z2snxO4dA--dghTqJixh6ZLaoRTsenKIhuM9-KQBbiaXR4PLiuJzn7VZ80cypZlol8453UlbUI/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler at Indian Rock Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Makes total sense. I wonder if those two are her only sightings? The adult female I saw was accompanied by a male consort, who largely stayed hidden, barely affording a flitting glance. But it ups my total to three, actually!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVf6yCDMjr2GMjz943TepVsUBoxBFlONXSv50wysb2nO0PS_Vcf523e8mYmROnkV158BRcYJSfvIJ43JcU3-5px55u-MhPnrbCVgo2IfG6TakXvxU6qgrlBQ7X1Ro4eZyDcyDHpbpA2gwNYqDz2FBVAp6R2xXNmktiATctEQLarz3tC3fLXfIEGOd/s1919/1ca.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVf6yCDMjr2GMjz943TepVsUBoxBFlONXSv50wysb2nO0PS_Vcf523e8mYmROnkV158BRcYJSfvIJ43JcU3-5px55u-MhPnrbCVgo2IfG6TakXvxU6qgrlBQ7X1Ro4eZyDcyDHpbpA2gwNYqDz2FBVAp6R2xXNmktiATctEQLarz3tC3fLXfIEGOd/w400-h320/1ca.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Robin reposed at Mortar Rock Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>j ellis:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i><b>" . . . only occasionally during migration.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i><b>SF Botanical Gardens, Coyote Hills RP</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i><b>and Ardenwood Farms RP in Union City</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><i><b>is where I see them this time of year."</b></i></span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x4henM7yXhpJqJVzvk9d4AoFF0jHiJ8Ia8LjAt6mJFICqKAONInS0OjhExg73WT5sKYXevte54ZrXXv_wCYSOUTuD3RYQqqDnQp1oO-FH0Wg-PgCUdZ1vxTuL9rku9-I9R_GjbyXi84o7rQg-_FOrkZawlgNp_K5vDPH7Sx5BSWIEcolXXJGIbTp/s1425/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x4henM7yXhpJqJVzvk9d4AoFF0jHiJ8Ia8LjAt6mJFICqKAONInS0OjhExg73WT5sKYXevte54ZrXXv_wCYSOUTuD3RYQqqDnQp1oO-FH0Wg-PgCUdZ1vxTuL9rku9-I9R_GjbyXi84o7rQg-_FOrkZawlgNp_K5vDPH7Sx5BSWIEcolXXJGIbTp/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> So <b><i>j</i></b> seems to spot them fairly frequently, depending on migration patterns, and specific locations in the</span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bay Area</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiZp3OcPIqHD5Bhme3yO6vzAGdRgfV4JpaxXouT4i2e2QS22NMrFjSq1lXkSEmFM9ydRw9SMvnl0Zni-B1ehbY5PRFcqBSHiAjfoPvPPkdxQm2dymSiTsnb01Xs95EJ8Vm8icE8HNcTyjRzahgMhFi1cszNxY0OeB186dZzCXEu3kaHr7SvjMyIoC/s1152/1d1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiZp3OcPIqHD5Bhme3yO6vzAGdRgfV4JpaxXouT4i2e2QS22NMrFjSq1lXkSEmFM9ydRw9SMvnl0Zni-B1ehbY5PRFcqBSHiAjfoPvPPkdxQm2dymSiTsnb01Xs95EJ8Vm8icE8HNcTyjRzahgMhFi1cszNxY0OeB186dZzCXEu3kaHr7SvjMyIoC/w360-h640/1d1.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Descending stone-cut staircase at Indian Rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kay L.:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>"Black-throated Grays may be common and widespread somewhere;</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>but certainly not in the Berkeley area.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Don't know which Audubon page you're referring to;</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>but I'd tend to distrust the distribution comments</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>for any species unless the site is specific to a fairly narrow area.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWfCXmuxD9_w-sQKhfCJR_3EbUAdHRE8A6nGITl-HxNxRgLhjIeMqG27UrOBYzTLZrb3-O8aPpA6PrSlhVuOfdSG-WZwbHkSCSNb5IOhfOgM052QDcaiwpDNtl-Wf2Y5FgZCcuVi-FOtC49XIRgcLxbihO8wlcHx6jqwcajBEbQt8lQcFx9BPNIw8/s1318/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1318" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWfCXmuxD9_w-sQKhfCJR_3EbUAdHRE8A6nGITl-HxNxRgLhjIeMqG27UrOBYzTLZrb3-O8aPpA6PrSlhVuOfdSG-WZwbHkSCSNb5IOhfOgM052QDcaiwpDNtl-Wf2Y5FgZCcuVi-FOtC49XIRgcLxbihO8wlcHx6jqwcajBEbQt8lQcFx9BPNIw8/w400-h308/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler (1st ever sighting)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><b><i>(For example, if the site were focused on birds of the East Bay, and had comments on frequency or distribution, I'd be inclined to trust it more than a similar site that talked about all of California, or the whole United States.) FYI, neither the Alameda or Contra Costa County Breeding Bird Atlas show any indication of 'widespread' or 'common'. Like you, and me, I think most Bay Area birders consider it a treat to see one of these birds."</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjturaF_lY-JJwSnt7B0wz4U-ClkM0uQcQAPTs0BoMFwD4C6v7z0wknNF3bj4l6Neb3_KdnHjuadpIUIFmXsBCps3HRxdFr1yuNTqWWpAC-V8HTNiTDqI3P69pF1a5xipMKGHlIQo4CWcf96v80FliHKxaUkGkTZgfcedfd64H0oPJlc-oA1GHFDDI_/s1321/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjturaF_lY-JJwSnt7B0wz4U-ClkM0uQcQAPTs0BoMFwD4C6v7z0wknNF3bj4l6Neb3_KdnHjuadpIUIFmXsBCps3HRxdFr1yuNTqWWpAC-V8HTNiTDqI3P69pF1a5xipMKGHlIQo4CWcf96v80FliHKxaUkGkTZgfcedfd64H0oPJlc-oA1GHFDDI_/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />So, based on my small sample size, the jury is out: <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Black-throated Gray Warblers</span></b></i> tend to show up semi-<i>(ir)</i>regularly in the <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></i></b>, but rarely in <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Berkeley</span></b></i>. If lucky and diligent, and of course with specific timing, the birds might be seen a handful of times during the spring and fall migration periods.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC18XTSq9KLQmIYLAALSLPpVUS_k9SvNSztOr3LtNkIUUDiY1rE-4CKl3vOa7cToM6ETGtEciinJzHSwkLSkoyZ9XbC_O9xzRhSm81YE1rOOJXQsVOeBdEG7wpgAYKlc5A_ZFN1Ycb3zTmh4RaZJpeq_8OtlZzHbrDnEjqxjfntdm7MChvFcMzHTxK/s756/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC18XTSq9KLQmIYLAALSLPpVUS_k9SvNSztOr3LtNkIUUDiY1rE-4CKl3vOa7cToM6ETGtEciinJzHSwkLSkoyZ9XbC_O9xzRhSm81YE1rOOJXQsVOeBdEG7wpgAYKlc5A_ZFN1Ycb3zTmh4RaZJpeq_8OtlZzHbrDnEjqxjfntdm7MChvFcMzHTxK/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Black-throated Gray Warbler (terrible photos!)</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My tally over the years = a grand total of two sightings, three birds. So, which is greater? The odds of me being in the right place at the right time, on two occasions? Or, the odds of me either being or not being in the right place to not spot them?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX14Hx6kDHd6JCOP0eIla0CiuPziSfQPwF0n3QnXHfD88HZLzIxTpThkTM4i2wkPNC-XglJn_uhrR_spB9SPsKHZPHTC5CuJePpaGwJ7fodjDvqH1vma5PIodPe0Ig-_0PyJkZ6Yf1X09ulcUzUJJCtiqNJyvFEgfkNQ0Up9diYU63-nL4cnP2Vu6e/s2157/1a21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1725" data-original-width="2157" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX14Hx6kDHd6JCOP0eIla0CiuPziSfQPwF0n3QnXHfD88HZLzIxTpThkTM4i2wkPNC-XglJn_uhrR_spB9SPsKHZPHTC5CuJePpaGwJ7fodjDvqH1vma5PIodPe0Ig-_0PyJkZ6Yf1X09ulcUzUJJCtiqNJyvFEgfkNQ0Up9diYU63-nL4cnP2Vu6e/w400-h320/1a21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Kingbird (?) seen in Big Bend National Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The latter, for most certainly, I've been in many places at the right time, but, possessed of poor timing, I simply have not spotted more of the <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">B-t Grays</span></i></b>, or any number of other so-called rare birds passing through the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Berkeley</span></b></i> area during spring or fall migration – such as the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Northern Waterthrush</span></b></i> or <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Western Kingbird</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispSbafnDvcTLYbVltIqY3mN_KC4nspEmxMCbaB-dnD_LQTPi_MmYvXXq5Ceu3YkYDSWSkMyXGr_sOxInSJPr1KfHAtt7bE9liTWFDQWa5sMvMhvWfsL1DvejXlQ--Gn_hedSnCfWGBCZm5gdLU7LobcMJeW5e08olIxXPSYS_4QV_2RapC9PKoGml/s1919/132014%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispSbafnDvcTLYbVltIqY3mN_KC4nspEmxMCbaB-dnD_LQTPi_MmYvXXq5Ceu3YkYDSWSkMyXGr_sOxInSJPr1KfHAtt7bE9liTWFDQWa5sMvMhvWfsL1DvejXlQ--Gn_hedSnCfWGBCZm5gdLU7LobcMJeW5e08olIxXPSYS_4QV_2RapC9PKoGml/w400-h320/132014%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Redwood trees in Codornices Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">eBird's Occurrence Map</span></i></b> for <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Black-throated Gray Warblers</span></i></b> is an animated gif map that distributes their presence in accordance to preferred breeding locales, like a kaleidoscope of movement over time, through the seasons during different times of the year when they move to and fro to take up residence in Douglas Fir, Juniper and Pinon Pine in the desert <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Southwest</span></i></b>, as well as the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sierra Nevada</span></b></i> and the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Pacific Northwest</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAmoMCDY3beknm0Juk9LnBe-wxnFNwcrYPq303b8ZitaTsML3BBryyzMLLv5jTmZnA99mr1L9DOWK3vbtx-rzPZjb57FKPlVVSGTNsPxk5IosgzhPI1qNAdaOrWBqHrtv7EWo8NDznO1h6DB2czqtWYn1mxZPA-cwieiOOq_SNt7x0F5RXSaMoGbE/s600/Dendroica_nigrescens_on_rock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAmoMCDY3beknm0Juk9LnBe-wxnFNwcrYPq303b8ZitaTsML3BBryyzMLLv5jTmZnA99mr1L9DOWK3vbtx-rzPZjb57FKPlVVSGTNsPxk5IosgzhPI1qNAdaOrWBqHrtv7EWo8NDznO1h6DB2czqtWYn1mxZPA-cwieiOOq_SNt7x0F5RXSaMoGbE/w500-h640/Dendroica_nigrescens_on_rock.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo courtesy of Bigdeazy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Evidently, they're common <i>avidenizens</i> of <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">North America</span></i></b>, but to see them in the <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bay Area</span></b></i>, and especially in <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Berkeley</span></i></b>, I have to side with the always-knowledgeable <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Kay L.</span></b></i>, for birder enthusiasts, it is special to spot one of these pretty, and fairly rare, birds.</span>
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbiY5exLwdQ_b-i2SimY1ebd8xc8FXJazkGq0EO1yeuBzAsFhxAw9kXEL7VB2B-dSSfEks0wDa1iAyOX7QEaDaGDU5pXB7zRxzatW2sXy44vfw2meG6jiVMFsZOfXjgT25dxHOYhTkKQYinoKOamswtNVjUHytZyiduKbtZ7W8HaQYzFZCdW9aE2v/s1152/1a11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbiY5exLwdQ_b-i2SimY1ebd8xc8FXJazkGq0EO1yeuBzAsFhxAw9kXEL7VB2B-dSSfEks0wDa1iAyOX7QEaDaGDU5pXB7zRxzatW2sXy44vfw2meG6jiVMFsZOfXjgT25dxHOYhTkKQYinoKOamswtNVjUHytZyiduKbtZ7W8HaQYzFZCdW9aE2v/w360-h640/1a11.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Birding in the city parks</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read about another first (or rare) sighting</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">of a passing-through or perhaps year-round</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Bay Area resident Warbler:</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/hermit-warbler-sighted-in-tilden-park.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FIRST TIME SIGHTING OF HERMIT WARBLER (May 10, 2015)</span></b></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdRuv3jxsBOUnGdj7jN4fExfl3JO6ahjsmKeVblUOPTLv7afjPoIToavKoCWud1z22PcjGumBKea7zTDZY8_mJkXaZhrDoXFmyOsIKH1wMHLMnPQigYojk29R1c-EKK2FqQ5uwulIX_rg6u0ZcHo7rtSOAjknJSWNFJCF4lB9D_ow-6MyjAvP9sGQ/s1535/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdRuv3jxsBOUnGdj7jN4fExfl3JO6ahjsmKeVblUOPTLv7afjPoIToavKoCWud1z22PcjGumBKea7zTDZY8_mJkXaZhrDoXFmyOsIKH1wMHLMnPQigYojk29R1c-EKK2FqQ5uwulIX_rg6u0ZcHo7rtSOAjknJSWNFJCF4lB9D_ow-6MyjAvP9sGQ/w480-h640/2a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Pretty Robin</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-50286690697089732332017-07-09T16:33:00.120-07:002023-04-01T12:47:52.508-07:00Black-headed Grosbeaks & Avian Delights Await in Tilden Nature Area<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPo0ycwAJc6S95ieZdeHfiNbfZPZqhKNpxCMJn0cT4XNRACgGYxlagPdwYiBkmmLTlnUQM9aWHRDWTJvf10lepUq0g0zSma7AMV7OKWtou7cj_0aKSD83HUWAl-Cib-jVE_pVYfv6JzgyrlzW2NEK7GJ9PRrJVz4HvlUclG3erS6ARcpYLvTEHvU-/s1310/a4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPo0ycwAJc6S95ieZdeHfiNbfZPZqhKNpxCMJn0cT4XNRACgGYxlagPdwYiBkmmLTlnUQM9aWHRDWTJvf10lepUq0g0zSma7AMV7OKWtou7cj_0aKSD83HUWAl-Cib-jVE_pVYfv6JzgyrlzW2NEK7GJ9PRrJVz4HvlUclG3erS6ARcpYLvTEHvU-/w400-h320/a4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Grosbeak in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> All season long, I've been enchanted by the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"drunken Robin"</span></b></i> arias of our old pal, the <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Black-headed Grosbeaks</span></i></b>, whose vocal emanations euphoniously fill the sweet air with high-pitched whistles and squeaky chips.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmcwmodOSaI6TS9HP8oSMNSGKFm_panxVaJ1zrWgM5GNwF0LMG3aoQ4yq3yJQ5s2ls649lyHumVnTcM0x6SZqfDQPdAf5ZnceuB8-4uh6UNbKwlh_B-1cPsiUMPLLgkf-VFbaE3p64QQrxuTP45wmvVv5ezdj6sdNpsRauRQfnRYzbNO5TbsvRg-N/s3703/a2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2963" data-original-width="3703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmcwmodOSaI6TS9HP8oSMNSGKFm_panxVaJ1zrWgM5GNwF0LMG3aoQ4yq3yJQ5s2ls649lyHumVnTcM0x6SZqfDQPdAf5ZnceuB8-4uh6UNbKwlh_B-1cPsiUMPLLgkf-VFbaE3p64QQrxuTP45wmvVv5ezdj6sdNpsRauRQfnRYzbNO5TbsvRg-N/w400-h320/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed (juvenile) Grosbeak in Bell's Canyon, Utah</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Roosting and feeding high up in hidden tree tops, whistling away while they work and play, these big-billed birds go after insects, seeds, berries, whatever they can get their beaks on, whenever and wherever the pickings are ripe.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJRYfYhcG5jUpU9G0kd5FXHL7jEzoBGajoY09W0im92pIz_knQqLyTWFxncA7lKUpYDzXKD_UDzpqu7_1gu4ZPbNS7MqrG3mZSzEO2fI-r9gN1-HIkerKsK5Ym6UT_bv9r499OBJOuuM720eEIfx9xIxTRp7xgrZwbN46Q5YEHDQW8b77iSWbZvnb/s1919/a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJRYfYhcG5jUpU9G0kd5FXHL7jEzoBGajoY09W0im92pIz_knQqLyTWFxncA7lKUpYDzXKD_UDzpqu7_1gu4ZPbNS7MqrG3mZSzEO2fI-r9gN1-HIkerKsK5Ym6UT_bv9r499OBJOuuM720eEIfx9xIxTRp7xgrZwbN46Q5YEHDQW8b77iSWbZvnb/w400-h320/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Grosbeak in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Currently, they seem to be feasting in the rich sylvan and riparian environs of the <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i>, a gem of the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">East Bay Regional Park District</span></b></i> system of urban/wild parklands.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAeot8sET9mJGqItBDC6pRlD_4tnbf9VVqXPKzBAnkDNFlNrLeLFIJ_Ip6t2coa4BFa-bPO7H70T0PIacrpHswF7vrq0E6nTaTlFqiM3SEgB6L7mxB121MEsvPXe8KmgS5hlmdNfQPmUWi_5CBacBySeCRGlxwOOSmZUtzZhFc2l2DpCqFaZG5dzU/s2046/a3.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAeot8sET9mJGqItBDC6pRlD_4tnbf9VVqXPKzBAnkDNFlNrLeLFIJ_Ip6t2coa4BFa-bPO7H70T0PIacrpHswF7vrq0E6nTaTlFqiM3SEgB6L7mxB121MEsvPXe8KmgS5hlmdNfQPmUWi_5CBacBySeCRGlxwOOSmZUtzZhFc2l2DpCqFaZG5dzU/w400-h320/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Grosbeak espied in high tree tops</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I tend to associate sightings of these birds with springtime, not the middle of summer. <i>(Not that I even see them all that often.)</i> Well, birds are known to come and go at their whim, depending on so many factors, influenced by so many variables – it must make their tiny heads spin.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZ7JtaHh0kjodd13pzsP8Rew1RdFaTF0gug3tX7-3BTjB9f5ZHdIxfaKoaPdDU7-xy9V4CbjRZJD76yAhyM5Zq6A7M_j3tpRdumuTputmC05s73e6PSoPEkBxVk4K37hFklViRWMe1pmJGkeTP7eVmTyuHp6sGRrqjtG_Br_Lcwj1EhbBmFqX8Cvj/s3240/c2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZ7JtaHh0kjodd13pzsP8Rew1RdFaTF0gug3tX7-3BTjB9f5ZHdIxfaKoaPdDU7-xy9V4CbjRZJD76yAhyM5Zq6A7M_j3tpRdumuTputmC05s73e6PSoPEkBxVk4K37hFklViRWMe1pmJGkeTP7eVmTyuHp6sGRrqjtG_Br_Lcwj1EhbBmFqX8Cvj/w400-h320/c2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lushly forested area along Blue Gum Trail where Grosbeaks flocked</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Luckily, their bird brains have devised very successful survival strategies spanning unfathomable millions of years, going back to the dinosaurs, who, actually, did not die out as commonly presumed, but evolved into – you guessed it: <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">BIRDS!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFUgiw5WgqMu9Xi5vrWTDinBB_LJDGc1P0x1OudgY8ZL-1zWwIWwIzQSMAedYSpjgIkDyJ8uKB81Xwws3QyBmmWe-GCgbWKyKcwK3-WvdQeEpJEd7yX9LbLju0qxoXsbYM2nRDu2_8PjiDmgKfRzxb6vVDxdODjFPFZ4qs6PsCpmmT-p-KVTTlnyx/s1757/a6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1757" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFUgiw5WgqMu9Xi5vrWTDinBB_LJDGc1P0x1OudgY8ZL-1zWwIWwIzQSMAedYSpjgIkDyJ8uKB81Xwws3QyBmmWe-GCgbWKyKcwK3-WvdQeEpJEd7yX9LbLju0qxoXsbYM2nRDu2_8PjiDmgKfRzxb6vVDxdODjFPFZ4qs6PsCpmmT-p-KVTTlnyx/w400-h320/a6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">First sighting of Warbling Vireo in Tilden Nature Area<br /></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, as luck and timing, and circumstance and forbearance, would have it, the black-headed birds have eluded me this season . . . until just the other day.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31T-qF-toukVynCd5FIqLm2PcKRbjoBo0yMBS0z9tN1hWciHGw7PQ8Zho82ArW8POIHgft6VTA0H-PTCH5JUP9jnv4IngCIEXX6KLUsfvk0QlMg58mlxKpDfP33TwKlRNLQTPjXj-K-irDybLY8KhvzvT2qExHr5mu6TZPHDdv3DdHUe6xqA9l0CR/s2048/a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31T-qF-toukVynCd5FIqLm2PcKRbjoBo0yMBS0z9tN1hWciHGw7PQ8Zho82ArW8POIHgft6VTA0H-PTCH5JUP9jnv4IngCIEXX6KLUsfvk0QlMg58mlxKpDfP33TwKlRNLQTPjXj-K-irDybLY8KhvzvT2qExHr5mu6TZPHDdv3DdHUe6xqA9l0CR/w360-h640/a1a.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake drying up in summer drought</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Moments before, I had honed in on my first <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Warbling Vireo</span></b></i> in two years, obsessed with a playful pair darting in and out of a clump of fragrant bushes springing up on a tiny islet created by <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Jewel Lake's</span></i></b> diminished mid-summer water.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBIDOdS33s3IsyDzNrH8_bXJwPzVCMGzvm6s52FDSpMoVS9HTeEuLiNtaeioHrOB8hNXp5ZDalP6T8H6sLTzqFLKX1eWQ-FmU3J5uMUhV4Mrcj6GyNzNeUSpcmN7aiIQ8gexrBv9PBv0PRG9uRDhDlMSJ2otGkjGpn0RDvcR5uBpyRoaBXg98WUt4/s1440/d1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBIDOdS33s3IsyDzNrH8_bXJwPzVCMGzvm6s52FDSpMoVS9HTeEuLiNtaeioHrOB8hNXp5ZDalP6T8H6sLTzqFLKX1eWQ-FmU3J5uMUhV4Mrcj6GyNzNeUSpcmN7aiIQ8gexrBv9PBv0PRG9uRDhDlMSJ2otGkjGpn0RDvcR5uBpyRoaBXg98WUt4/w400-h320/d1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black Phoebe</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hanging on precarious stems, the handsome birds were in seed heaven sampling the bounty at hand – competing with a bold trio of <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Lesser Goldfinches</span></i></b> and a whirling dervish of an adept insect-snatching <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Black Phoebe</span></i></b>.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PmqojFJZVVVkDcvcAFT8lggGiMgX6H5sogJOlOy9bHRV4pbkQ4lKmC3kTtir04Bw9WFXLPjhnvgGsWMLBOf8X2f6AdjkAUddjcZe_aa0Dsab9Bg4D51emigNsOnM1Kb0zL3ra7VIyn7EXau_vsh3nwiVOs4ZM85qzjFD1IdGHuIhWyhbl6yyACG9/s1351/a9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PmqojFJZVVVkDcvcAFT8lggGiMgX6H5sogJOlOy9bHRV4pbkQ4lKmC3kTtir04Bw9WFXLPjhnvgGsWMLBOf8X2f6AdjkAUddjcZe_aa0Dsab9Bg4D51emigNsOnM1Kb0zL3ra7VIyn7EXau_vsh3nwiVOs4ZM85qzjFD1IdGHuIhWyhbl6yyACG9/w400-h320/a9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo near Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With the characteristic white stripe above the eye, and a distinctive song and call set, the <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Vireos</span></i></b> are otherwise drab in appearance, but I get excited every time I see one, because <i>(in my estimation)</i> the birds are noteworthy for their occult and furtive ways.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD4wn3BHEbp7k8gPOjliyLTKXgwO3CxOJuTay8aY9zHBX17kWY_BjCyJ8r4XZEz_RGfuHpVfK87m_gWQwaoH-OMUc2kVCYVnpTyd7fQjzjUJZhBv5Zk2k3Yg_MGnoQ-R45wRVsN_dKEpHHsmMKpzvakIZYY_Dp73KaBt5nnSBYLGolrCnGx-tMIXk/s1440/a10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD4wn3BHEbp7k8gPOjliyLTKXgwO3CxOJuTay8aY9zHBX17kWY_BjCyJ8r4XZEz_RGfuHpVfK87m_gWQwaoH-OMUc2kVCYVnpTyd7fQjzjUJZhBv5Zk2k3Yg_MGnoQ-R45wRVsN_dKEpHHsmMKpzvakIZYY_Dp73KaBt5nnSBYLGolrCnGx-tMIXk/w400-h320/a10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler in on the action</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Except, of course, when they're not shy to show themselves.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNX9tv549asA25xCN0jYiooc80oAWbK9y-yiQqiBHA6mlKoVCp-YUVpvrbiHaQtq2NcSetyj_88EM39JNbBHYnyyvr-r578bYelP90Tqki25Rn5GH7xSi4iVDDA-e9qxjxgq_xUxwQtcW__YFNmfxU5MdNySjMq7M4fH3XOkTFExms69B5IHy0YzAR/s1860/a7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNX9tv549asA25xCN0jYiooc80oAWbK9y-yiQqiBHA6mlKoVCp-YUVpvrbiHaQtq2NcSetyj_88EM39JNbBHYnyyvr-r578bYelP90Tqki25Rn5GH7xSi4iVDDA-e9qxjxgq_xUxwQtcW__YFNmfxU5MdNySjMq7M4fH3XOkTFExms69B5IHy0YzAR/w400-h320/a7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo showing self</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">But even then (as you can see),</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I'd be lucky to snap a decent photo.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnb4rdxo_dBCE7Dqmea_m1h4QEpMZ-7ryGogodr9-QO95BjWOFWbzxTBkBXhZjBuiZ9eO-aLyL1OFoKk2qQWednUYQReubvD_y3jfOqarvMqD7OEQHF_2Kk_HNV-Cm8BglwqrCK5qIs5DuQye21MFQfjrTZ-MXkLaeUDU7D-cpvhWDV3AYWbSCiJG/s1307/a5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnb4rdxo_dBCE7Dqmea_m1h4QEpMZ-7ryGogodr9-QO95BjWOFWbzxTBkBXhZjBuiZ9eO-aLyL1OFoKk2qQWednUYQReubvD_y3jfOqarvMqD7OEQHF_2Kk_HNV-Cm8BglwqrCK5qIs5DuQye21MFQfjrTZ-MXkLaeUDU7D-cpvhWDV3AYWbSCiJG/w400-h320/a5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Grosbeak stretching out<br /></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>As I was delighting in watching the pair, I heard a ruckus in a nearby tree, looked up and instantly was rewarded with prime views of two low foraging <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Black-headed Grosbeaks!</span></b></i> A couple of males only, no female in sight, these boys meant business as they scrounged for caterpillars and cicadas and mantises and who knows what all from their tree top domain.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVqhYHnm6P8jPezvKKXNW2JYxqkUkd9J3aHyI7SSb97Hjg-scA03_sPhJIsKazMdr0jqZmjjZC7hjUC6IcQQ4WhdG6d7SosMwgwLfCKykXwm49b6QWF14t49Dc1k1Sgc4qShA1GFmuD6t2IAwGhG5fyhpQH7H7Cir-6m09NVb_W4BwmNeQKZg7TmM/s1469/a8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVqhYHnm6P8jPezvKKXNW2JYxqkUkd9J3aHyI7SSb97Hjg-scA03_sPhJIsKazMdr0jqZmjjZC7hjUC6IcQQ4WhdG6d7SosMwgwLfCKykXwm49b6QWF14t49Dc1k1Sgc4qShA1GFmuD6t2IAwGhG5fyhpQH7H7Cir-6m09NVb_W4BwmNeQKZg7TmM/w400-h320/a8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Townsend's Warbler dropping in to liven things up</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">They hung around for a minute or so, then vanished into the thick forest surrounding <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Jewel Lake</span></b></i>. With its towering trees, bountiful canopy and dense understory, the birds have so much cover in which to hide and stay out of sight from anyone or thing intending to do them harm.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVIfLZXGYD3J6PTIvwvQcVbRsZW3XIYzvaIEhJ4Q_kBOpzXgqWDj9gwnnTDoEDI78RfybbeN6C9qA6NRxkzalZCk1jovts_q8Wt1VMAE4QeazEtkgCZOpzn3mxxxQfXJprzV9APHR1gG_vhAKMDfaAvxLJFz6WAzEEwDrGCOqBPhaDl4OvRPTLYoX/s2048/d10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVIfLZXGYD3J6PTIvwvQcVbRsZW3XIYzvaIEhJ4Q_kBOpzXgqWDj9gwnnTDoEDI78RfybbeN6C9qA6NRxkzalZCk1jovts_q8Wt1VMAE4QeazEtkgCZOpzn3mxxxQfXJprzV9APHR1gG_vhAKMDfaAvxLJFz6WAzEEwDrGCOqBPhaDl4OvRPTLYoX/w360-h640/d10.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake overflowing after big rain</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>Now, who would that be?</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Probably that little </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">Kestrel</span><span style="color: #444444;"> that just flew by!</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxN5LeeORCoLC5Qcip32xM5h_rfRHxGiBqD9mkpLpWD6bzCHi17W6rpryT_qZ9epUXsDCYhBGhIwJSO5Cc-cFT9iBc5AUnFpSNvo1MTXzLlSm-IxBtm2xmX3opDTT0yZa91DrES1-3PwWVCnShHVOkRQyCOoRDfBEh2znX2nxIJF5ga5VKDhYb7Z9/s1886/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="1886" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxN5LeeORCoLC5Qcip32xM5h_rfRHxGiBqD9mkpLpWD6bzCHi17W6rpryT_qZ9epUXsDCYhBGhIwJSO5Cc-cFT9iBc5AUnFpSNvo1MTXzLlSm-IxBtm2xmX3opDTT0yZa91DrES1-3PwWVCnShHVOkRQyCOoRDfBEh2znX2nxIJF5ga5VKDhYb7Z9/w400-h320/e1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Kestrel</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">WHIZZZZIP!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqHju-o_Qg2DeCVir03GhJOep3LnPGt8SdfKbQM6P51rod5qT9pOuK6AhN8yNH6qOPmPO6MC_JSvBBsxhDpw40PYT__rcJquvy1Aw5a_edVi-LFPcB8b5T4Uj6IAS6bDEF5xR0mNAih-kyFIsRgEuo2jnnMO8DdoyW9JJWN8PonpE8C2fqMRuoPxq/s1461/d5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqHju-o_Qg2DeCVir03GhJOep3LnPGt8SdfKbQM6P51rod5qT9pOuK6AhN8yNH6qOPmPO6MC_JSvBBsxhDpw40PYT__rcJquvy1Aw5a_edVi-LFPcB8b5T4Uj6IAS6bDEF5xR0mNAih-kyFIsRgEuo2jnnMO8DdoyW9JJWN8PonpE8C2fqMRuoPxq/w400-h320/d5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Raven caught a bat to munch down!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">First time I've spotted a <span style="color: #134f5c;">Kestrel </span>at <span style="color: #38761d;">Jewel Lake!</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What evanescent beauty,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">this supreme hunting machine!</span></i></b></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiChWDzivE7Tlo-Z5FuJHALi_oeKUzhHtwUPkWPJsnKpyW5LODY5j6GpJHRScNKYvLMB-z0clLNbXral7kURkcnHdauMOJ0HX0iBXjDyr_PNDUJDJLC8R6kPVVSjnKtzpPnIk704KDBPJITgHUKmA4PhQNEz3kdtTym_fURLt9tZQUSzb7IJJp0eQ5/s1440/b2.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiChWDzivE7Tlo-Z5FuJHALi_oeKUzhHtwUPkWPJsnKpyW5LODY5j6GpJHRScNKYvLMB-z0clLNbXral7kURkcnHdauMOJ0HX0iBXjDyr_PNDUJDJLC8R6kPVVSjnKtzpPnIk704KDBPJITgHUKmA4PhQNEz3kdtTym_fURLt9tZQUSzb7IJJp0eQ5/w400-h320/b2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron eyeing a fishy or froggy</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> In our protected nature preserve on the doorstep of <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Berkeley, California</span></b></i>, birds often are comfortable enough to just hang out in plain sight, like that <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Great Blue Heron</span></b></i> across the way I spotted flying in.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz9dEDCJ6SSSN_99Jbe4CaV_WYZgTRVgwpQOMblIDthIpyyK4WnAnvVJRch7_IpIcSIacL8TJ9tVGZPvpq4DcSZ8YrRScX8yilYNgA87X7tihHkb_6YnesLfMzew9qoCHzoOk76NXwqMcD9s4PhmMWkEpoX9NcNo0XSdH_bwGP9QcST2QfqvBPhKq/s1920/d8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz9dEDCJ6SSSN_99Jbe4CaV_WYZgTRVgwpQOMblIDthIpyyK4WnAnvVJRch7_IpIcSIacL8TJ9tVGZPvpq4DcSZ8YrRScX8yilYNgA87X7tihHkb_6YnesLfMzew9qoCHzoOk76NXwqMcD9s4PhmMWkEpoX9NcNo0XSdH_bwGP9QcST2QfqvBPhKq/w400-h320/d8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Eucalyptus trees reflected in Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Attracted to the deep watery reflections from the other side of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Jewel Lake</span></b></i>, I was headed over that way and nearly botched the whole thing before stopping suddenly, a few feet away, to admire the <b><i>Heron</i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFOYJP-Ufl6OkJT3GVMrNE5SiYL74SpLowc47a9rThqh9nhn-GLpa9ELZ2Y2p8uhX4tuPDbYcFGEkc9Y9haAUQ8XfStQxCM2dSrmdox8cVJNxBXsNnuWyEk4CQIaZQwF_-o54wCBB_nJeAFs8v9bklNz4Z-rfFAncV6M1Pw7Lxl9nlvj4uQez_wTN/s1920/b4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFOYJP-Ufl6OkJT3GVMrNE5SiYL74SpLowc47a9rThqh9nhn-GLpa9ELZ2Y2p8uhX4tuPDbYcFGEkc9Y9haAUQ8XfStQxCM2dSrmdox8cVJNxBXsNnuWyEk4CQIaZQwF_-o54wCBB_nJeAFs8v9bklNz4Z-rfFAncV6M1Pw7Lxl9nlvj4uQez_wTN/w400-h320/b4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A beautiful aquatic hunter ensconced at lake's edge amid psychedelic rippling patterns, frozen solid in a crouch stance, elongated neck curled and resting on the wide body, intense, beady eye fixed on something in the water.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSQ8UR69TP7fb1sJFXI1OTuqjeaCGbBOWlVeAIyoxtofC6T9fEhBTWAE2MFMJiGGquCLqlkKSbN21g9WtTFb5obf5WVvYCCXNwtjC4Hq_tWpUfBnWZ44Ekzu1wz-nEiWZcxZiVGSQa0ZieRElxaDUwZ0vBMX4rXmBcGENuC3oc5CC8IrC3mqEUZMw/s2048/d6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="2048" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSQ8UR69TP7fb1sJFXI1OTuqjeaCGbBOWlVeAIyoxtofC6T9fEhBTWAE2MFMJiGGquCLqlkKSbN21g9WtTFb5obf5WVvYCCXNwtjC4Hq_tWpUfBnWZ44Ekzu1wz-nEiWZcxZiVGSQa0ZieRElxaDUwZ0vBMX4rXmBcGENuC3oc5CC8IrC3mqEUZMw/w400-h296/d6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Turtles sunning on log at Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Eventually, tiring of his motionless stance, or unfavorable prospects, he unfurled his body, flapped his big wings and flew off in a straight low trajectory across the lake to gracefully land on an opposite sandbar to test the waters there for some – grub?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PfGmkouw12xM6aLhlK8Bh0GIsr75tINxzUbw-Ucb45qTPz2peNlNIPmtA3FUUr08SHU6i8kp82f0MUdJ3FrOaKt4WYAXC7kfwnkK3WFfuYZmAoZhOHbd_Rs1WcqjD-UpzEM-3_0LeP5od5Y_2C59dhEm93NGQ_hHgDIJgsQyB4Stau6Fmpz5_C3f/s2125/b1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="2125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PfGmkouw12xM6aLhlK8Bh0GIsr75tINxzUbw-Ucb45qTPz2peNlNIPmtA3FUUr08SHU6i8kp82f0MUdJ3FrOaKt4WYAXC7kfwnkK3WFfuYZmAoZhOHbd_Rs1WcqjD-UpzEM-3_0LeP5od5Y_2C59dhEm93NGQ_hHgDIJgsQyB4Stau6Fmpz5_C3f/w400-h320/b1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron ready to take off</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />And then there's the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Swainson's Thrush</span></b></i> I first heard, then espied, in <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Gorge</span></b></i> early one morning last week. I think it was my first ever sighting of the pretty avian songster.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4brALeu60TbsDvcZyugU-SheWL3IJhX1Ul7CaauTEcHy7aaiVjR25lh-be1ty1BwB6H5fOlkNf8Rre5u41MiPSsJFwSGSbV8TsXEBJmQ3jjCPKFFl8TSTq6bfG6YUoJgI0X6oOV5KA9_Naf4K3W9TcKvym9wCOWEAYyyFOSRBqDJUiWSVhct6P-N2/s900/Swainson's%20Thrush_vid_Moment%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4brALeu60TbsDvcZyugU-SheWL3IJhX1Ul7CaauTEcHy7aaiVjR25lh-be1ty1BwB6H5fOlkNf8Rre5u41MiPSsJFwSGSbV8TsXEBJmQ3jjCPKFFl8TSTq6bfG6YUoJgI0X6oOV5KA9_Naf4K3W9TcKvym9wCOWEAYyyFOSRBqDJUiWSVhct6P-N2/w400-h320/Swainson's%20Thrush_vid_Moment%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swainson's Thrush?</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Take a look at the video link below (singing!)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b><i>and these frame shots and see what you think.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgOG_Wn-dGKCdS2eCUWNlRqGrPuyioY3v7hab7Ek75-O_7i5U_tCJp_E_j4khKZGGDY9iQNAdri-PqoQbVhUMo3c8BKOZopCzLECDdBLONcT2JTNvXfjqbvIDOZhQotvB7FWw2LKMODuWOfJ-xNUkelHSFFjI0r8cbBHXqj6o9rFzrEqiahpjxVeL/s900/Swainson's%20Thrush_vid_Moment(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgOG_Wn-dGKCdS2eCUWNlRqGrPuyioY3v7hab7Ek75-O_7i5U_tCJp_E_j4khKZGGDY9iQNAdri-PqoQbVhUMo3c8BKOZopCzLECDdBLONcT2JTNvXfjqbvIDOZhQotvB7FWw2LKMODuWOfJ-xNUkelHSFFjI0r8cbBHXqj6o9rFzrEqiahpjxVeL/w400-h320/Swainson's%20Thrush_vid_Moment(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swainson's Thrush?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Gorge</span></b></i> area is a hot zone for spotting all the birds you don't normally see: <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Golden-crowned Kinglets</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Grosbeaks</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Wilson's Warblers</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i>, and now, finally, at long last <i>(true?)</i>, <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Swainson Thrush</span></b></i>.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-nXNpDkKwYeftlTTnWj-Aqz7Hij8kaSQf_anwGuBv7ePnW7Utrb17QoyRx8fq5prYm3uzfyyJzVbaAnL2lO92kAz_63ZHsyrZEFpZ8tc_cd6iFc3be4O1Lp0pOdb6uX1biT8jzIHMz7Lsu8283AyDimvBTjudzdJ7l93dhCYrU1wlqH4TZHYZuty/s1919/d7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-nXNpDkKwYeftlTTnWj-Aqz7Hij8kaSQf_anwGuBv7ePnW7Utrb17QoyRx8fq5prYm3uzfyyJzVbaAnL2lO92kAz_63ZHsyrZEFpZ8tc_cd6iFc3be4O1Lp0pOdb6uX1biT8jzIHMz7Lsu8283AyDimvBTjudzdJ7l93dhCYrU1wlqH4TZHYZuty/w400-h320/d7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake overflowing after big rain</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I want to believe it so badly!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Maybe I'm fooling myself!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZArUPUwxDgreNI-ZSoiz7af1OdUyhKT3-1e9tlNDX-76RkrzZ3NpCfiFfd53207Flg12paGmvA1q75tf560qoFtt0DTGESBSVCuM0_mTa494AaSvouhdBz1-ZBuk2msejyRTZRmsPSyKfaDK8vpkKvG81DXycvJbBF5nXRc1wUDuQYaiwRGA7W4F0/s1919/a12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZArUPUwxDgreNI-ZSoiz7af1OdUyhKT3-1e9tlNDX-76RkrzZ3NpCfiFfd53207Flg12paGmvA1q75tf560qoFtt0DTGESBSVCuM0_mTa494AaSvouhdBz1-ZBuk2msejyRTZRmsPSyKfaDK8vpkKvG81DXycvJbBF5nXRc1wUDuQYaiwRGA7W4F0/w400-h320/a12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swainson's Thrush or just another bird in the brush?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">What a vocal little creature just absolutely singing his heart out to draw attention from a suitable mate. Or maybe the little guy was just singing to unleash to the world his sweet, melodic madrigal of pure love and joy.</span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdrDeBprN1y73KuZc57k7LYo1Bxbg-PGq9OIxQqCRbza0tkutfr-otr7RenoTIiRlp-A7JCSpb3KLyq0wrHnKKiApvJE9gGHYD2BCnr2PQi5-LFaOcRa4q2yY65RVNVA_ZyBtBjwjVTX-ky_RKE8uGXiRdFMb3-otHGFyhvWb7hdn_ALpHKx4ApaM/s1920/d11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdrDeBprN1y73KuZc57k7LYo1Bxbg-PGq9OIxQqCRbza0tkutfr-otr7RenoTIiRlp-A7JCSpb3KLyq0wrHnKKiApvJE9gGHYD2BCnr2PQi5-LFaOcRa4q2yY65RVNVA_ZyBtBjwjVTX-ky_RKE8uGXiRdFMb3-otHGFyhvWb7hdn_ALpHKx4ApaM/w400-h320/d11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black Phoebe on hunt for insects<br /></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><i><b><span>If you're looking for a quick, quiet get-away</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #444444;">in the </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Berkeley Hills</span><span style="color: #444444;">,</span></span></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><i><b><span>you'll always find your dream spot</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #444444;">in the </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tilden Nature Area</span><span style="color: #444444;">.</span></span></b></i></div></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5ESu7mU2S0yIsAV5717jhDMZGuwiSlFWSeiO19azC6qApuSbyHrVIVgBRInlEP1DpFfhK3zCSWy1JwUqwC6m3Pc6BBGdO0RzhmWqXRLXqlww0NmJ_KrxBWXxMGqkBRiq80n7QAY3T7QtReevxj3WRFq9JcW4oyXTrrQ9EXGJPP1p1K-qW5SXtmfx/s1920/d9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5ESu7mU2S0yIsAV5717jhDMZGuwiSlFWSeiO19azC6qApuSbyHrVIVgBRInlEP1DpFfhK3zCSWy1JwUqwC6m3Pc6BBGdO0RzhmWqXRLXqlww0NmJ_KrxBWXxMGqkBRiq80n7QAY3T7QtReevxj3WRFq9JcW4oyXTrrQ9EXGJPP1p1K-qW5SXtmfx/w400-h320/d9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Diverse splendor, beauty and serenity found in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i>In a pristine ecological setting,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i>simple but stunning beauty</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i>disguises itself in pedestrian scenes,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i>and small miracles abound</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">but remain hidden in plain sight</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">.</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuZnFkvENGjfOsw-KFQmMoPuhKm_fD6wTkEEFqqqLlIXIHforQC-PxYCIP48wGsTYkI2eICk1zpqxwQ2tJPlEClOlD5Q14qhqgjb2q10uLiKDluRdLapG3F_afCE-xzI-NMBKsxkyMczjoJAgm1O3xByhuFONDN8WteeZdJA0fDkPvaFVdRYN-uXx/s1440/d4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuZnFkvENGjfOsw-KFQmMoPuhKm_fD6wTkEEFqqqLlIXIHforQC-PxYCIP48wGsTYkI2eICk1zpqxwQ2tJPlEClOlD5Q14qhqgjb2q10uLiKDluRdLapG3F_afCE-xzI-NMBKsxkyMczjoJAgm1O3xByhuFONDN8WteeZdJA0fDkPvaFVdRYN-uXx/w400-h320/d4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-backed Chickadee motionless for one second</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>I'm always adding</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>to the many blessings counted</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>apart from the birds</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i>t</i></b></span><b style="color: #134f5c;"><i>o add to my ever growing Life List.</i></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Gz8Y7v9e_AxDrBOZ8KgKULnKG0TlvBdmUc2mWyZA8wHgtNXlxWE2tgxSJMi_7rm3xeodmpH5H8FE7tHTRMVRM7smY_Fo2say6P0jT39gPb1yZbvp-fF_atbSBNuHUo6-J4BvaWBUIqLPFpYNq9eNGLOzUY-ZOjwSxFn453I76_wwoCE-P0MqkTc/s1536/b3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Gz8Y7v9e_AxDrBOZ8KgKULnKG0TlvBdmUc2mWyZA8wHgtNXlxWE2tgxSJMi_7rm3xeodmpH5H8FE7tHTRMVRM7smY_Fo2say6P0jT39gPb1yZbvp-fF_atbSBNuHUo6-J4BvaWBUIqLPFpYNq9eNGLOzUY-ZOjwSxFn453I76_wwoCE-P0MqkTc/w480-h640/b3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Great Blue Heron</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">on the lookout for a tasty meal</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Read more essays from Gambolin' Man</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">on birding in beautiful & hidden Wildcat Creek & the Watershed,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">along with a link to all bird posts at his backyard bird blog:</span></b></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/of-insignificant-but-titillating.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDS BEIN' BIRDS ON WILDCAT CREEK (September 4, 2012)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/ecce-ave-prime-time-bird-watching-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>PRIME TIME BIRDING IN THE BERKELEY HILLS (June 3, 2014)</b></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/more-insatiable-birding-in-berkeley.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">INSATIABLE BIRDING IN THE WILDCAT CREEK WATERSHED (June 23, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/one-fine-day-of-birding-at-jewel-lake.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">JEWEL LAKE BIRDING (July 25, 2014)</span></b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/of-unexpected-additions-to-my-life-list.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FIRST SIGHTINGS DOWN ON THE CREEK (October 20, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/birding-delights-jewel-lake-wildcat.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MORE "CAN'T GET ENOUGH" BIRDING IN TILDEN NATURE AREA (November 17, 2014</span></b></a>)<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/year-round-birding-jewel-lake-tilden.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">YEAR-ROUND BIRDING IN TILDEN PARK (March 24, 2015)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">POETIC & INSIGHTFUL ESSAYS ON OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS</span></b></a></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnySjeR3LzIUg_Z0G2xPcVAA1iFSGAyuogqRUgE0ICYgIn0w9r0piT0pwA8QNo4rgCxahRzscVaIUZDKmGHG3KOgrk9jaY8K9Jf5_vFDELiKcDqCsQrp173W5enAELhCXWYhS69yF6iradoHuGzM9XCTi_9bJSPS5GAqPSzxeNFIs7iExtFX1YdFi/s1536/1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnySjeR3LzIUg_Z0G2xPcVAA1iFSGAyuogqRUgE0ICYgIn0w9r0piT0pwA8QNo4rgCxahRzscVaIUZDKmGHG3KOgrk9jaY8K9Jf5_vFDELiKcDqCsQrp173W5enAELhCXWYhS69yF6iradoHuGzM9XCTi_9bJSPS5GAqPSzxeNFIs7iExtFX1YdFi/w480-h640/1d.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Mary walking</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in Tilden Nature Area</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">after a rainy day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Read more of Gambolin' Man's shout-outs</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>on the simple wonders & charming splendors of Wildcat Creek Watershed,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Wildcat Creek, </b></i></span><i style="color: red;"><b>Wildcat Gorge Trail, Tilden Nature Area & Tilden Regional Park:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2006/02/wildcat-creek-watershed-backyard.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>BACKYARD EXPLORATIONS DOWN ON THE CREEK (2006)</b></span></a></div><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2007/12/bay-area-hiking-best-of-2007-gambolin.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CALL OF THE WILD IN OUR BACKYARD (2007)</span></a></b></div><br /><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2008/02/tilden-regional-park-replenishing.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">TILDEN TRANSFORMS IN BIG RAINS (2008)</span></a></b></div><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/10/wildcat-gorge-trail-seeking-wonders-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WILDCAT GORGE TRAIL IN THE MUD & DRIZZLE (2009)</span></a></div><br /><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2010/04/east-bay-regional-park-district-hidden.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SPLENDOR DOWN UNDER IN WILDCAT'S BACK STRETCHES (2010)</span></a></div><br /><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/03/tilden-regional-park-humble-little.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SEEKING OUT TILDEN'S AMAZING (HIDDEN!) (EPHEMERAL!) WATERFALLS (2011)</span></a></div><br /><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2013/02/regional-parks-botanic-garden-native.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AN INTIMATE LOOK AT WILDCAT CREEK IN THE BOTANIC GARDEN (2013)</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiaryHMrUiRwTjghFrLZBcbRtrLyLFLhbp6dA4XvOc5Da7n0_uMm0qZ0bFbqGJ64c_255iB_Ji6JuDKgvNxw3u0MhhB9IduUAop0il11GGqS9rGruTohbzCptuQbUrTpGyH3sluS9Ch09K28grAc6sYl--PQgAgZ7gdTu3dThG-fpU_DRw4fXv4pP/s2048/1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiaryHMrUiRwTjghFrLZBcbRtrLyLFLhbp6dA4XvOc5Da7n0_uMm0qZ0bFbqGJ64c_255iB_Ji6JuDKgvNxw3u0MhhB9IduUAop0il11GGqS9rGruTohbzCptuQbUrTpGyH3sluS9Ch09K28grAc6sYl--PQgAgZ7gdTu3dThG-fpU_DRw4fXv4pP/w360-h640/1c.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Wildcat Creek</span><br />magical reflections</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #2b00fe; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Enjoy dozens of live-action scenes</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>of a special birds, creek & watershed in the Berkeley Hills:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9e7MnSnVIO1Z0ZZlp6yPC71" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SPLENDORS OF WILDCAT CREEK & WATERSHED</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9dzReVtw7ZR7tKzOcP6AxZY" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SMALL MIRACLES ABOUND IN TILDEN REGIONAL PARK</span></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aXr1RjXDpjZrDrxykPuHdlrmZc4OPhxle5TqnrIdYrGWry3HPMQXGalGoZOu9Piz89-tWo5ymxAt9vR2qvwtQkKtqMln2wFj_Rv_Vr_fbeUd9r6_2zg4t_ZPpbrxUrdulLhRx54PT1F-Aa9pk7Tj7kJ2nPKMDScxtgTGT50Glig_ICjfUWK2FJFE/s1536/1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aXr1RjXDpjZrDrxykPuHdlrmZc4OPhxle5TqnrIdYrGWry3HPMQXGalGoZOu9Piz89-tWo5ymxAt9vR2qvwtQkKtqMln2wFj_Rv_Vr_fbeUd9r6_2zg4t_ZPpbrxUrdulLhRx54PT1F-Aa9pk7Tj7kJ2nPKMDScxtgTGT50Glig_ICjfUWK2FJFE/w480-h640/1b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Wildcat Creek</span><br /><span style="color: #800180;">in</span><br /><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-83799686111828629912016-06-18T16:20:00.768-07:002023-04-04T11:20:36.778-07:00MOUNTAIN TALKS: Storytelling Moments, Experiences & Encounters with "Extraordinary Ordinary Birds"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8jw8_1q14p2cNNZy2kjDS3MNaaTZUhulEd94_eLxGtgXw-0eEsf6rudiwCAR4Aha9ZD1HRr1NCBVsICxCEbRknF7QK9sshKX6-tMIgUdEsATYhc0D2m321IyY19TFHRIdxdN19tvPcKehRjclOeMU4DXTeIbFkrlVcDFzw4VFRwY1fVAsK2N43WX/s1024/1l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8jw8_1q14p2cNNZy2kjDS3MNaaTZUhulEd94_eLxGtgXw-0eEsf6rudiwCAR4Aha9ZD1HRr1NCBVsICxCEbRknF7QK9sshKX6-tMIgUdEsATYhc0D2m321IyY19TFHRIdxdN19tvPcKehRjclOeMU4DXTeIbFkrlVcDFzw4VFRwY1fVAsK2N43WX/w480-h640/1l.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay begging for a crumb on Yosemite hike</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">May 25th, 2016</span></i></b>, I was honored to be the <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">kickoff speaker</span></b></i> for a new monthly lecture series <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">(MOUNTAIN TALKS)</span></i></b> hosted by the <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Volunteers in Parks Program</span></b></i> <i>(VIPP)</i> of <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Mount Diablo State Park</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t9ltwjkabzEu3SkUiYJ4vSWbYYoVo2m-u1pcKzUwItlq-4DLUPnYjIOzuG3Ao0P_09_qu0OLWGtKCYG9noUEP7b1JMRLEcDPK9wC2S20LO6toYGxROLJZV1BRPFFuofnYj12FNg_BwGOpIh_XZjpydHepWpQ6xHorCmRFIKy0tTo51kT3X0n-Uff/s400/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t9ltwjkabzEu3SkUiYJ4vSWbYYoVo2m-u1pcKzUwItlq-4DLUPnYjIOzuG3Ao0P_09_qu0OLWGtKCYG9noUEP7b1JMRLEcDPK9wC2S20LO6toYGxROLJZV1BRPFFuofnYj12FNg_BwGOpIh_XZjpydHepWpQ6xHorCmRFIKy0tTo51kT3X0n-Uff/w320-h400/1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inaugural Mountain Talks presents the Bird Watcher / </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Word Botcher</span></b></i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>A distinct honor!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikISc0AKwTW-crehOQeJmMdgPTxjqnHhSxW1K5ctohxHWJRw9bPRgIUdsJK_zLdd_dn4CXJRRbQxam_XjlIzeG5UM9kYe_8oBy535KKHknvouWOCVpljURCDTEgxgXdPtLS04j4mXvy6iLQnZfierQLqVme9KtUFIUzTkGLE6lOCI2QzvNSI612bIQ/s1581/4e%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikISc0AKwTW-crehOQeJmMdgPTxjqnHhSxW1K5ctohxHWJRw9bPRgIUdsJK_zLdd_dn4CXJRRbQxam_XjlIzeG5UM9kYe_8oBy535KKHknvouWOCVpljURCDTEgxgXdPtLS04j4mXvy6iLQnZfierQLqVme9KtUFIUzTkGLE6lOCI2QzvNSI612bIQ/w400-h320/4e%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Big ol' Crow on log at Limantour Beach</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Conceived, produced and facilitated by Park Docents <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Anastasia (Staci) Hobbet</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Jenn Roe,</span></i></b> <i><b>MOUNTAIN TALKS</b></i> intends to speak to <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">"our hearts and minds"</span></b></i> monthly on topics related to our great and cherished <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Mount Diablo</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuPoy9K_6W-e9q3lGCseruZZO6YkZ01E4sjo9v7BAAvjXMutOQB6pQRGL76xYjALmaTn-59B9Ue5B_srhA97421yZ-SH6NexlgzwAe21_rdO2_ckJ58USs5qIlPW_sb5B0HR6OSTyhe34wCdqi1tbbRvaFs_MwypLrQjxL1pmYGIcOZQOsmIxI66t/s3780/1a3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuPoy9K_6W-e9q3lGCseruZZO6YkZ01E4sjo9v7BAAvjXMutOQB6pQRGL76xYjALmaTn-59B9Ue5B_srhA97421yZ-SH6NexlgzwAe21_rdO2_ckJ58USs5qIlPW_sb5B0HR6OSTyhe34wCdqi1tbbRvaFs_MwypLrQjxL1pmYGIcOZQOsmIxI66t/w400-h320/1a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">In Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">the great mountain is called</span></span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Tuyshtak:</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">"at the dawn of time"</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOv0ceVXAwjBGSihdUbeoZAw5ZIphWn5vc1z6Fg6BZh28RamoS1UFf7ksXN_8d37BzYbHCYzhUJszvpLlw_P929Uv0aVI7B04ZPZ4zHidc1qNV-clMG8R9A3-mrGOo_Nf80KthJdmxF-9qcRxEdcW78QlaEfB6BVlrWKQnp8ckVOkzF8ES38rPHO8E/s1440/4e%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOv0ceVXAwjBGSihdUbeoZAw5ZIphWn5vc1z6Fg6BZh28RamoS1UFf7ksXN_8d37BzYbHCYzhUJszvpLlw_P929Uv0aVI7B04ZPZ4zHidc1qNV-clMG8R9A3-mrGOo_Nf80KthJdmxF-9qcRxEdcW78QlaEfB6BVlrWKQnp8ckVOkzF8ES38rPHO8E/w400-h320/4e%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">Gulls</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">gathered en masse</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">McClures Beach</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>At first blush, I blushed. <span style="color: #990000;">Moi?</span></b></i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob8JwEv-z6QNEGvtfVmKRyxPcMKyvtmgeydHkR-nyX9RMiSpdM_kfQsFtewrCTHkjtYp4b5QNA12vM6j8_0Zws_k3xhMZbtTyKMNIhUjC-58s3m5YI77yJ0sZ_gtCEGA0TkMVuW08pz605zlaJQJ0bE3Kx9Hqu1LIigo5u2NvAEVQ4liiDOUovrIy/s1024/4f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob8JwEv-z6QNEGvtfVmKRyxPcMKyvtmgeydHkR-nyX9RMiSpdM_kfQsFtewrCTHkjtYp4b5QNA12vM6j8_0Zws_k3xhMZbtTyKMNIhUjC-58s3m5YI77yJ0sZ_gtCEGA0TkMVuW08pz605zlaJQJ0bE3Kx9Hqu1LIigo5u2NvAEVQ4liiDOUovrIy/w512-h640/4f.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Far-off photo of Bald Eagle atop electrical pylon in the Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>What do I know?</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;"><b><i>A lot about very little.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>And very little about a lot.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>Especially when it comes to being</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>precise and all-knowing about birds.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_I2Gbz7UlmheirI57ymz3sr-5GshIIDJ8Bx9VZgrARBzm8Jr_iD7mJ2_ncxnuHTNHTfBNkn7Gsila7u1Hk-QraN_WStrSOjteoHsCVBdXnKb5nNcpxnyxTURg0cnyJJirmAJgyTwFHDS8-NtgeZNPGy0tSV8NdT503TDBRbdF9_X-RZPs6JUf5K3/s1176/4g%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1176" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_I2Gbz7UlmheirI57ymz3sr-5GshIIDJ8Bx9VZgrARBzm8Jr_iD7mJ2_ncxnuHTNHTfBNkn7Gsila7u1Hk-QraN_WStrSOjteoHsCVBdXnKb5nNcpxnyxTURg0cnyJJirmAJgyTwFHDS8-NtgeZNPGy0tSV8NdT503TDBRbdF9_X-RZPs6JUf5K3/w400-h320/4g%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Tell me, please: what kind of bird am I?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">But with gentle prodding, persuasive charm, and an unwavering conviction that I should be so honored because of my long-time chronicling of the natural world through my two hiking and birding blogs – <a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><i>GAMBOLIN' MAN</i></b></span></a> and <a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>BERKELEYBACKYARDBIRDBLOG</b></i></span></a> – Staci managed to sway me to accept her offer to deliver the first <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">MOUNTAIN TALKS</span></b></i> lecture on a topic near and dear to my heart:</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3zNU9wViLTN-VidKCykmFkOv8U4OlsMUK4rXz4-8bmyRVZnMpHDhfkf8VgjTTVykcSlqB0fw_uWOiT3dp5aFzHKSwsbE3ax0uTPvG3lTn16dCvZ6QvTGiYW5lRiD6GhEfCq4S1lH-HftUdnh3WyzwvWRGW7pVJblxVTCRwJLpTHOMbB0xpoESV85/s2048/4b%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3zNU9wViLTN-VidKCykmFkOv8U4OlsMUK4rXz4-8bmyRVZnMpHDhfkf8VgjTTVykcSlqB0fw_uWOiT3dp5aFzHKSwsbE3ax0uTPvG3lTn16dCvZ6QvTGiYW5lRiD6GhEfCq4S1lH-HftUdnh3WyzwvWRGW7pVJblxVTCRwJLpTHOMbB0xpoESV85/w400-h300/4b%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Goslings orienting to their new world</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Extraordinary </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ordinary</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">Birds</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">!</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnitZMs6XNb-07hFcS3fFTEmze0jVe8EfpOy84IKPid7n2qOZlXVu6N8gIizOaj8ey3e-oHWW2Qc6sfTbc76anJfmRiEoepbN2VXCKIu3wWIIzvL9EU9bPfBjZKP_y0cKK7UmGBRw4bcCPXSPV_uMTx9Asdu82_2wruP20Q_eQz0fJAEQHu07xYgMs/s1845/1aa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1845" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnitZMs6XNb-07hFcS3fFTEmze0jVe8EfpOy84IKPid7n2qOZlXVu6N8gIizOaj8ey3e-oHWW2Qc6sfTbc76anJfmRiEoepbN2VXCKIu3wWIIzvL9EU9bPfBjZKP_y0cKK7UmGBRw4bcCPXSPV_uMTx9Asdu82_2wruP20Q_eQz0fJAEQHu07xYgMs/w400-h320/1aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anastasia Hobbet and invited speaker prior to the lecture</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> But as the weeks wore on, a shroud of anxiety descended, in odd but striking defiance of my oh-so confident side convinced of my veritable talents as writer, photographer, chronicler, naturalist, and champion of the natural world.</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-Q3-2twwL-nfZ-l-ZX0Pdg3Fviujt8nMABN0TpM357rK42x2JQidRR5FUjN4Jt-we19RywdnGqPuDGbxG5L_HsyNetxM6sdgqUNW842Pea49dU5YrWwYUU7JA0FxPRMtiIwWyEFKaCpgtuSPJy6rhNkcDaqrNzQsmu8hl87kS06pWPDyvpfDmMpK/s1961/4g%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1961" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-Q3-2twwL-nfZ-l-ZX0Pdg3Fviujt8nMABN0TpM357rK42x2JQidRR5FUjN4Jt-we19RywdnGqPuDGbxG5L_HsyNetxM6sdgqUNW842Pea49dU5YrWwYUU7JA0FxPRMtiIwWyEFKaCpgtuSPJy6rhNkcDaqrNzQsmu8hl87kS06pWPDyvpfDmMpK/w400-h300/4g%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow in a field</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I've never been one to <i>"toot my own horn"</i> or tout myself as an <i>"expert"</i>. I do style myself as an</span> old-fashioned nature writer, though; I do consider myself to be a documentarian, a chronicler, an irrepressibly enthusiastic poetic observer of <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Mother Nature's</span></b></i> small, oft-overlooked manifestations of beauty <i>(hidden in plain sight)</i>, and mostly underappreciated or ignored nuances, patterns, and abstractions of the natural world.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYCnfs1TiLSRs0KfhscpQbjOSerYX8YyBtJtM8baqNRBxNMG-Y4aYvt_LqGDJ8VKIvrknvBgheEn-0KNwp83jLSE2hKcECvkXG_mXNzAHSZqaPsVq0UHCm8xeJjJnXxzD8nKoqswmOMjtWS9VDiu3nUWZBwqt8Lnfr3Sf_Aq0ojfGlttq48c0wLUF/s2835/5d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="2835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYCnfs1TiLSRs0KfhscpQbjOSerYX8YyBtJtM8baqNRBxNMG-Y4aYvt_LqGDJ8VKIvrknvBgheEn-0KNwp83jLSE2hKcECvkXG_mXNzAHSZqaPsVq0UHCm8xeJjJnXxzD8nKoqswmOMjtWS9VDiu3nUWZBwqt8Lnfr3Sf_Aq0ojfGlttq48c0wLUF/w400-h320/5d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cracked mud</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The unseen miracles and hidden charms, coaxed out from the most unlikely places – an urban culvert posing as a creek, a couple square yards of tangled brush and trees disguising itself as a forest, a landscaped garden, a crack in the sidewalk, the backside of a dead tree.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT5wj8uod4RKScx8YXDi3SEqTpn7ltw5p3oOUrHywLvxjj5qqiZDbw5RU6eTJL1RvD0Ir7a3iflesZepUk44FrQSR5dum8oDA3CiPTmNHobKIXh-osKl5Ji8kwmssDyxfYfPANwu3zTVx4pO0pdO9209_pqBbdgxPU3fdcpxPTg-Pon4oC9OCPKVM/s1440/4e%20(4).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT5wj8uod4RKScx8YXDi3SEqTpn7ltw5p3oOUrHywLvxjj5qqiZDbw5RU6eTJL1RvD0Ir7a3iflesZepUk44FrQSR5dum8oDA3CiPTmNHobKIXh-osKl5Ji8kwmssDyxfYfPANwu3zTVx4pO0pdO9209_pqBbdgxPU3fdcpxPTg-Pon4oC9OCPKVM/w400-h320/4e%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Patient Raptor on post in West Marin County</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">But perhaps my Ph.D. in Word Botching qualifies me!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">I suppose I can fake it as well as the next person.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">But I just don't want to come off or be perceived as a FRAUD!</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kP6rStHTnXfMDFa07gsBnj0tDXXGfSZyUlEA9kFxJ7jbvEx0l9fA3vz5L0PC7gkwhaRfTvMAU9FU1qtLkkPHxYxUMkGkpgEVG4UAdotcmtasFoBFcHPpjSbgIjwxVXWW7s66Vh7OO9DgEsdAPlSqIvyhtPbpoLMSq2612GD9fQdTtIQq-EIs4VU3/s1919/4b%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kP6rStHTnXfMDFa07gsBnj0tDXXGfSZyUlEA9kFxJ7jbvEx0l9fA3vz5L0PC7gkwhaRfTvMAU9FU1qtLkkPHxYxUMkGkpgEVG4UAdotcmtasFoBFcHPpjSbgIjwxVXWW7s66Vh7OO9DgEsdAPlSqIvyhtPbpoLMSq2612GD9fQdTtIQq-EIs4VU3/w400-h320/4b%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nothing "common" about this Golden-eye</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Still, the butterflies wouldn't abate as the day of reckoning approached. I just couldn't shake the age-old fear of having to perform. And having to be not just good, but excellent. And not just excellent, but funny and entertaining. <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>And not just that – but profound!</i></b></span><br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_svt_40ag1731tAQlp5enqIV20GddPzHzVFac6i3T_6d4uuXHsVU2T48dO1KhSf9is18XHB5fOnR5hfjd8Nv-LFQ13iVorrIuyvSvGvYJuJXwwQL0dmv7RRigG_n4QfdJHcNPdJJGc37BU2q5bkWHo5RX5iNdJqccW73QfG6fa245L50tLaW_B4C/s1665/2a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1665" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_svt_40ag1731tAQlp5enqIV20GddPzHzVFac6i3T_6d4uuXHsVU2T48dO1KhSf9is18XHB5fOnR5hfjd8Nv-LFQ13iVorrIuyvSvGvYJuJXwwQL0dmv7RRigG_n4QfdJHcNPdJJGc37BU2q5bkWHo5RX5iNdJqccW73QfG6fa245L50tLaW_B4C/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finch at the feeder</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Should I reach back to my early thespian roots and memorize a script? Should I go the extemporaneous route and just riff like a rapper off some sloppy notes? </span><span style="font-size: medium;">What I really wanted to do was just get up there at the podium, relax into things, and read from my favorite passages, but <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Staci</span></b></i> would have none of that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBc3e6B8m-JGiv6VVaSb0O_vEFL7PlyCq-o-fgb6KozJEG5cXDZ0_75eSMyTsVaLrFhJi2B5BT0kZ_l23IwEG0jhnlaGi3VZLsvWmhsigzCbpRsRw-_KYfI__foC-l3VKaFK4EWj32rFECD9sC1hlqRxKyb0z13b-Z6CUQtutxeayr8svMprBc62n/s1572/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBc3e6B8m-JGiv6VVaSb0O_vEFL7PlyCq-o-fgb6KozJEG5cXDZ0_75eSMyTsVaLrFhJi2B5BT0kZ_l23IwEG0jhnlaGi3VZLsvWmhsigzCbpRsRw-_KYfI__foC-l3VKaFK4EWj32rFECD9sC1hlqRxKyb0z13b-Z6CUQtutxeayr8svMprBc62n/w400-h320/2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Grosbeak in Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, I needed to find a way to unleash my written eloquence in the spoken word – not get up there and ramble disjointedly like a half-cocked bird-brained booby. Plainly, I was nervous right up to the moment.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8CYFOiCiCByLuNWFp_sam4eU5692vtST0Hwtrln7uxd_gk0fCiXFsYAGwX5cmKQqtmwgg4Fdc2-vk5dXt3Vm1K3dpcjW18EdmI2oxUOIVFXPJebkE5kIjVMwXahBgV8dXiF-2Sg8A-RYb2QbKzgIiIOKvA2Uw9_CH5fh9WJxLmB85OTVnxrPmaAh/s1361/5b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1361" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8CYFOiCiCByLuNWFp_sam4eU5692vtST0Hwtrln7uxd_gk0fCiXFsYAGwX5cmKQqtmwgg4Fdc2-vk5dXt3Vm1K3dpcjW18EdmI2oxUOIVFXPJebkE5kIjVMwXahBgV8dXiF-2Sg8A-RYb2QbKzgIiIOKvA2Uw9_CH5fh9WJxLmB85OTVnxrPmaAh/w400-h320/5b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty yellow Goldfinch (nothing "Lesser" about him!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I finally hit on a plan! I would engage the audience by telling stories. Around <i><b>25</b></i> people were in attendance, including the two founders of <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mount Diablo Interpretative Association</span></b></i>, the lovely couple <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Frank</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Edith Valle-Riestra</span></b></i>. I could not have been more honored.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7YHmXrXO3wzrp5CXCaAvOwfuADIagwJHW2Q7BJWHXyGrW3vVMv--kZWcgCqWox44Ufdi_KaJ5yk1BxQqa3oFlSkGBfsUiU2YRugQZ4TzInNCeNsvxIRkUWuX47vb4f6T7KwNn9W0wUh5SFart_82C4KYfbX82YFs89T0NOC5yJ0XDIJ-fmpYik2m/s1200/Frank%20and%20Edith.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1200" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7YHmXrXO3wzrp5CXCaAvOwfuADIagwJHW2Q7BJWHXyGrW3vVMv--kZWcgCqWox44Ufdi_KaJ5yk1BxQqa3oFlSkGBfsUiU2YRugQZ4TzInNCeNsvxIRkUWuX47vb4f6T7KwNn9W0wUh5SFart_82C4KYfbX82YFs89T0NOC5yJ0XDIJ-fmpYik2m/w400-h275/Frank%20and%20Edith.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Frank and Edith Valle-Riestra<br />(photo by Eric Luse / San Francisco Chronicle)</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><i><b>(2023 update: Edith passed away at age 90 in 2018.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Frank joined her in 2021 at age 97.)</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8_J9ig2p-6Wg4ac_nfJooyVxVBxBzYyOFFZw4LHBXVXJN55ZmWzMVsgpH5mTGsBsLJqCp1HIienHT9uQssCJDYoc3Owyq_La5oDpFAxYOMVhZN5-HmQlsQzLwx6POEKoeTCDPZQR71UqGVXdaZB2WDlpDeJxRQcOyWDK8zK4Ee9Xl6vKjW4Q4uAu/s1536/182015%20(50).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8_J9ig2p-6Wg4ac_nfJooyVxVBxBzYyOFFZw4LHBXVXJN55ZmWzMVsgpH5mTGsBsLJqCp1HIienHT9uQssCJDYoc3Owyq_La5oDpFAxYOMVhZN5-HmQlsQzLwx6POEKoeTCDPZQR71UqGVXdaZB2WDlpDeJxRQcOyWDK8zK4Ee9Xl6vKjW4Q4uAu/w480-h640/182015%20(50).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Band-tailed Pigeon espied high up in a tree</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thus it would be. Stories of everyday wanderings, quotidian encounters, daily observations and rambling musings about birds. Stories with no particular lesson to impart, but maybe a pun or two, and who knows, let slip an accidental parable or allegory, for birds do in fact have a tremendous lot to teach us.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJsUxuS3cAXfK07B2RTvTe880A0l7PS-j4teeS5TRpfY4tV3dvNHogvd3zYBFG6ZDQ4sRopkd9syHDwn6uXEYttMsEd1r4EaFcuK34JOwm21RG0nAVj376MtqGKMxqCqP1VXuhk_yt89rjdwwOnffupNMtSsot6hNAbgImVhPoQDO9TVZHVwt2goG/s1798/4c%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1798" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJsUxuS3cAXfK07B2RTvTe880A0l7PS-j4teeS5TRpfY4tV3dvNHogvd3zYBFG6ZDQ4sRopkd9syHDwn6uXEYttMsEd1r4EaFcuK34JOwm21RG0nAVj376MtqGKMxqCqP1VXuhk_yt89rjdwwOnffupNMtSsot6hNAbgImVhPoQDO9TVZHVwt2goG/w400-h320/4c%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Snowy Egret with Coots passing by</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> A half-hour of meet 'n greet set my mind to a calm state getting to know members of the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Mount Diablo Interpretative Association</span></b></i> and others in attendance – many fine people dedicated to the protection and preservation of the ecological treasure that is <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Mount Diablo State Park.</i></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXtzJnP68ZO64WiRo36K0BJtF2azlnIzgjEeAbi5SGJbMSk3E63HsG5LnJOOuVbRe8uLGQlHdHGyvKDCXPLroiSO9M8wmEGBVfXomKwVU739Cad8IoQ-pokQfA2Nz83-E6Kl-iz4jXgSl1NpbdjUM_bHuKQwgS2j4ELFnhjF1MI7LmwbsE8MXWuld/s1390/2p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="1390" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXtzJnP68ZO64WiRo36K0BJtF2azlnIzgjEeAbi5SGJbMSk3E63HsG5LnJOOuVbRe8uLGQlHdHGyvKDCXPLroiSO9M8wmEGBVfXomKwVU739Cad8IoQ-pokQfA2Nz83-E6Kl-iz4jXgSl1NpbdjUM_bHuKQwgS2j4ELFnhjF1MI7LmwbsE8MXWuld/w400-h320/2p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cormorant atop a pole at Big Break Regional Shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Jenn</span></i> </b>delivered a few words of interest about <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">MDIA</span></b></i> programs, events and initiatives, and <i><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Staci</b></span></i> then jumped right into her heartfelt paean to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>Gambolin' Man</i>:</span></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c-jNaqtPpNsyLOelbQjOVv52aoVPV0DOnSdllY3vC3hQZA5X9AnKDXHYEH5HdEUkhAUJtS4myD-QiCpOyTD07VqhTOycvorN41lDThTks1hx3gO1UKI9iHf9GYmo4NpIwLl_oI1EbZ2MRlgnJVg6QskN2B3fsvqdiI6uYTfrLgPvk7-KiNzvY5n4/s1662/2c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c-jNaqtPpNsyLOelbQjOVv52aoVPV0DOnSdllY3vC3hQZA5X9AnKDXHYEH5HdEUkhAUJtS4myD-QiCpOyTD07VqhTOycvorN41lDThTks1hx3gO1UKI9iHf9GYmo4NpIwLl_oI1EbZ2MRlgnJVg6QskN2B3fsvqdiI6uYTfrLgPvk7-KiNzvY5n4/w400-h320/2c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-winged Blackbird at Briones Reservoir</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Now it’s my pleasure to introduce Tom McGuire to you.</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Tom has a real world job at the UCB Extension,</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>but his ruling passion for many years</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>has been to hike and explore our area,</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>and then to write about his experiences in the natural world.</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq0B4xiUovEZiH4MMfWdHmEqwAGsRu1i8V1AFmKn3fB4sW5QLaKX1BN7AxU__DHGtfwnrN8jd83APCehU4d6oi1yYi7xQvZMCjAzRzHoCYDpj3W8kkC7eFqJg2pbZSKib0h9i2diQXJOm7wJP-Hk0Q2UjvDy7pbFwkjwOHNYeToKrsvV9nAcMr4F1/s1440/3_blog%20(31)_71112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq0B4xiUovEZiH4MMfWdHmEqwAGsRu1i8V1AFmKn3fB4sW5QLaKX1BN7AxU__DHGtfwnrN8jd83APCehU4d6oi1yYi7xQvZMCjAzRzHoCYDpj3W8kkC7eFqJg2pbZSKib0h9i2diQXJOm7wJP-Hk0Q2UjvDy7pbFwkjwOHNYeToKrsvV9nAcMr4F1/w400-h320/3_blog%20(31)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Kite at McLaughlin-Eastshore State Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><i><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">A few months ago, as I was doing some research on our local trees,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">an eye-catching, whimsical blog popped up</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">under the heading Gambolin’ Man </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">(gamble, gambol).</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">He wrote it last January:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">"Arboreal Wonders of the Bay Area:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Magical Encounters & Spiritual Appointments</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">with Our Beloved Old Acquaintances"</span><span style="color: #274e13;">.</span></b></i></div></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc3WQT-sy80dcMNugYghP9mqbaa2ueCCsHqOO2k7mHAHHtcKoJHI2rOlBQ7x79wyQnhmp0-X6kuiTCarSWcSLOUi3PVDaBb8km6CxfK2MCrVhx4V9NjeGz44bPnujkKeMSIUgll-eyFbSLtvhiDczXYwhU5ZGr402mCK0EG-WJU2hGtip2a5-Dax7/s1919/2e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc3WQT-sy80dcMNugYghP9mqbaa2ueCCsHqOO2k7mHAHHtcKoJHI2rOlBQ7x79wyQnhmp0-X6kuiTCarSWcSLOUi3PVDaBb8km6CxfK2MCrVhx4V9NjeGz44bPnujkKeMSIUgll-eyFbSLtvhiDczXYwhU5ZGr402mCK0EG-WJU2hGtip2a5-Dax7/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">European Starling</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">I thought: too touchy feely, but Tom’s photos drew me in</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">and then his text took me under completely.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Not too touchy feely at all.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Along with more than 30 beautiful and sensitive photographs of native trees, he wrote eloquent portraits of our native trees,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">a mix of natural history interpretation with contemplation,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">which spoke deeply to me about my own experiences outdoors.</span></b></i></div></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR4bufR8qqAWZpDe9_TIlc_XPHM4qdL9XRiPZz3KZQWJaR5Y75JZHdhsUrFWN3yNw41wY3IAck9Glzs4xnXdifEuCvkf6V98smzpkFNqxSE1hKfOFis-Ce_K2pBwTPbNpup_tuD3Jkvq3EhxsEoLzsoA9WhCj38XpfWPwPl4XbN5P3a5UOdRGQpLf/s1574/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="1574" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR4bufR8qqAWZpDe9_TIlc_XPHM4qdL9XRiPZz3KZQWJaR5Y75JZHdhsUrFWN3yNw41wY3IAck9Glzs4xnXdifEuCvkf6V98smzpkFNqxSE1hKfOFis-Ce_K2pBwTPbNpup_tuD3Jkvq3EhxsEoLzsoA9WhCj38XpfWPwPl4XbN5P3a5UOdRGQpLf/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Would someone tell me which kind of Flycatcher I am, please</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Mitchell Canyon Trail, Mount Diablo State Park)</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">We’re all nature junkies. Why do we love it?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Because we learn cool stuff, we get some exercise,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">we get to be with other people who share our interests,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">whether it’s watching butterflies or building a new trail.</span></b></i></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eIrFdQhlA3dA4Q-Is_saurrdF1FwtqDNV96FtjxPlaU6xo8CoZd8ni0uL9jEognRidxEENzVgUyyz4-i0fpfC8MQrGqVg4nXC3XKopqyRfp8hAvqiQ5rhQFwQkyeTViJ4RFsD_z9EekM4-AJjdfu2mjjyyTsWYWAV33ZVq0es2jIA0RPwzq6Hs-S/s1494/2l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1494" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eIrFdQhlA3dA4Q-Is_saurrdF1FwtqDNV96FtjxPlaU6xo8CoZd8ni0uL9jEognRidxEENzVgUyyz4-i0fpfC8MQrGqVg4nXC3XKopqyRfp8hAvqiQ5rhQFwQkyeTViJ4RFsD_z9EekM4-AJjdfu2mjjyyTsWYWAV33ZVq0es2jIA0RPwzq6Hs-S/w400-h320/2l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">I must be a Hermit Thrush, right</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><i><br /></i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">But we’re out there seeking something deeper too:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">beauty, peace, serenity, balance, a sense of connectedness.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">This is what Tom is about.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">His isn’t a scientific talk about extraordinary ordinary birds</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">but a talk about the nourishing rewards of taking the time to look.</span></b></i></div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCafmR09v0Yne54QTeLiNRGS0cjoxP_IaBx4YBP8djLeXVWfWp8yOUF_ww-9m3CTQEzC7VlEMXJ8vJHOljCyMyuJDDihpwkyLP6BPHZkAy9q4HVOvAFwmKVX6e_b2TWt0GTpNkNc-35VxBKAg-lzbWIP409JqSf63wVUzPtMlJ-NNBQuhY9kQBo9v/s1368/2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCafmR09v0Yne54QTeLiNRGS0cjoxP_IaBx4YBP8djLeXVWfWp8yOUF_ww-9m3CTQEzC7VlEMXJ8vJHOljCyMyuJDDihpwkyLP6BPHZkAy9q4HVOvAFwmKVX6e_b2TWt0GTpNkNc-35VxBKAg-lzbWIP409JqSf63wVUzPtMlJ-NNBQuhY9kQBo9v/w400-h320/2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rufous Hummingbird hanging on</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">And so . . . take it away, Tom McGuire:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Program Director at UC Berkeley Extension</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Gambolin' Man!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">Word Botcher Extraordinaire!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdZIPzRYNTcmkGYbRdiQSd-XmNrbNFYzexP03LH6KiUeisud-DK1SwsTl8A-DkR3suZlqefl6C1CYmgAxDZEsc6BWJza3aOgXxg6uZomDQVQ76VHLjX6PvJCr7m3rerR1SqpLYgN4klDPQfMRIPKwPCx5laTkLX8JXaYaNsdFcrdF-jbq_gQi9Hze/s4860/11272013%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdZIPzRYNTcmkGYbRdiQSd-XmNrbNFYzexP03LH6KiUeisud-DK1SwsTl8A-DkR3suZlqefl6C1CYmgAxDZEsc6BWJza3aOgXxg6uZomDQVQ76VHLjX6PvJCr7m3rerR1SqpLYgN4klDPQfMRIPKwPCx5laTkLX8JXaYaNsdFcrdF-jbq_gQi9Hze/w400-h320/11272013%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"><i><b>I hope that you are all<br />BIG FANS of my writing!</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Below are verbatim notes </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> my <i><b>"GPS"</b></i> waypoints to keep on track with nicely segueing topics and thematic unity, but also a narrative loose enough for free association encouraging stream of thought pyrotechnics and in-the-moment verbal spectacles on all things bird-related.</span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4GWOdA0Pya0K0ataVtax5pBigqaNW3Wo7vypwpFdQkJjq8_vIdq0ALHzzRNX9xLDEtNP0KvCXt2OgITCPVIoHL2rmc1CF6672qhw_FIHntXph1AAO_JtoFl-ysz493uwzvtRYI_VueKtLCEa95WRSk3c0Oce8bCgkBOPBcqPHeMtAxicoAxhreqW/s1440/2m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4GWOdA0Pya0K0ataVtax5pBigqaNW3Wo7vypwpFdQkJjq8_vIdq0ALHzzRNX9xLDEtNP0KvCXt2OgITCPVIoHL2rmc1CF6672qhw_FIHntXph1AAO_JtoFl-ysz493uwzvtRYI_VueKtLCEa95WRSk3c0Oce8bCgkBOPBcqPHeMtAxicoAxhreqW/w400-h320/2m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Heron in the golden gloam of SF Bay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>I. Introduction</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvXFpjvKHHSsum9Ov8CZmKiJDfWkGyBi9wwu1O_GIXostzCamBDQmOGya4lAJB2I9C0Ax41ePT414o5rN8QAlE5fSvKLFOHATQ2HbHYx5PIXNKnR8XgQNEclUbWiVDJe1xnDchW43eiyhlFqArI9ePDfpt9prv6M7SPJAmej20eSuqY3h2l6bE7Si/s1359/5e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1359" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvXFpjvKHHSsum9Ov8CZmKiJDfWkGyBi9wwu1O_GIXostzCamBDQmOGya4lAJB2I9C0Ax41ePT414o5rN8QAlE5fSvKLFOHATQ2HbHYx5PIXNKnR8XgQNEclUbWiVDJe1xnDchW43eiyhlFqArI9ePDfpt9prv6M7SPJAmej20eSuqY3h2l6bE7Si/w400-h320/5e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Raptor with lizard in talons</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My name, author of two blogs – they wanted <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">David Attenborough</span></b></i> . . . BUT, they had to settle for me (ice breaker, ha ha) . . . acknowledgements to <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MDSP / VIPP</span></b></i> . . . new series / hosts = / <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Staci, Jenn</span></b></i> and others in attendance.</span></div></div></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJK6jONEH53aW5eWkipIS6yvNDQZHEdzF91ouPFi2oF-84pnVmVNSdoFnmwzQbmXoJDkGTsBVP9bOQdwa2c8ENpD3sies9LLsjF0OKSor48dUcvLIi6EkZKItYdC-d44I_I3m0s8VuMsJaSM1euj8DjEr69WDTYR9pscLBp6tESdCNDt-YXkauvNn/s1982/2g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="1982" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJK6jONEH53aW5eWkipIS6yvNDQZHEdzF91ouPFi2oF-84pnVmVNSdoFnmwzQbmXoJDkGTsBVP9bOQdwa2c8ENpD3sies9LLsjF0OKSor48dUcvLIi6EkZKItYdC-d44I_I3m0s8VuMsJaSM1euj8DjEr69WDTYR9pscLBp6tESdCNDt-YXkauvNn/w400-h320/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">From <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Gambolin’ Man</span></b></i> to <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Berkeley Backyard Bird Blog</span></b> </i>– I draw from generations of nature writers. I am inspired by the musings, rustications and nature writings of the <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Transcendentalists</span></b>:</i> <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Walt Whitman</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Henry David Thoreau</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">John Muir.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42H_lH3bMBncAN0hMxpMPPvjB7WqHU2vTT2JJf2sA7yiFdS5Rp985Id249jQEMEQUk3xT8lk9RTz5SCNlZsrVWJ6GZ3g6COFgX31PA3ueO29z12_lKAbFkT8BJ3eXoLkrpgQ9msMpn8BUyw__bP2i_mzJzQ4wzXRVkS3JE2RhJgV0zZ0LfrjRqHwS/s1504/2t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42H_lH3bMBncAN0hMxpMPPvjB7WqHU2vTT2JJf2sA7yiFdS5Rp985Id249jQEMEQUk3xT8lk9RTz5SCNlZsrVWJ6GZ3g6COFgX31PA3ueO29z12_lKAbFkT8BJ3eXoLkrpgQ9msMpn8BUyw__bP2i_mzJzQ4wzXRVkS3JE2RhJgV0zZ0LfrjRqHwS/w400-h320/2t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren in the garden</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And deep wellsprings of inspiration owing to the relatively unknown <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">John Burroughs</span></b></i>, and to modern </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and old-timey</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></b></i>poets, essayists and champions of nature: <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Wendell Berry</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Rachel Carson</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Aldo Leopold</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Diane Ackerman</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edward Abbey,</span></i></b> <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Longfellow</span></b></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;">,</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">Wordsworth.</span></b></i></span></div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WBW2W9k51XbehxmBZ0Zk9n03eqixexP0YK2VT7niqGKJvu3Ig7RL9078YlYobLVhawhL39QSUSnDS7R1cyLLDHX_H3yp9FiW2xqayGbeYDzaCDF_zNpnqLaPRfk3SMRtpwTdz5Qy0eIjgR4YRHiJsAYtJ8CRUfmppM-dgGxYKmNoON1KnB1lU8mm/s1920/2ww.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WBW2W9k51XbehxmBZ0Zk9n03eqixexP0YK2VT7niqGKJvu3Ig7RL9078YlYobLVhawhL39QSUSnDS7R1cyLLDHX_H3yp9FiW2xqayGbeYDzaCDF_zNpnqLaPRfk3SMRtpwTdz5Qy0eIjgR4YRHiJsAYtJ8CRUfmppM-dgGxYKmNoON1KnB1lU8mm/w400-h320/2ww.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow and Hummingbird perching together</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I began writing <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Gambolin' Man</span></i></b> ten years ago <i><b>(2005)</b></i>, as a way to pay homage to nature wisdom, to being in the moment, paying attention, communing with what <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Brown, Jr.</span></b></i> referred to as <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">" the spirit that moves in all things."</span></b></i></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYVVuVICepx00IeAlSjDdfyiFd8aZeKZ7E64NKXnB4h2tXb_i00pmGNVRMBq6xohlmdDr6Syd5Qw8zaW_2UuS20KZZHJQ2KWlDXh-px3RsGykaNrxD2MkWcByHsjEaOxn7zqK1cisChOWvn1Q4oWOJHs0H1ca_YoBr_Zk9WEGP9pXw858HzA1Y7zI/s1440/2i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYVVuVICepx00IeAlSjDdfyiFd8aZeKZ7E64NKXnB4h2tXb_i00pmGNVRMBq6xohlmdDr6Syd5Qw8zaW_2UuS20KZZHJQ2KWlDXh-px3RsGykaNrxD2MkWcByHsjEaOxn7zqK1cisChOWvn1Q4oWOJHs0H1ca_YoBr_Zk9WEGP9pXw858HzA1Y7zI/w400-h320/2i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Night-crowned Heron (juvenile) at Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><b>THEME:</b></i></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Here to illuminate <span>EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY BIRDS</span></span></b></i></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">because of the stories they provide.</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #990000; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b>Example: <span style="color: #38761d;">SHRIKE PUN STORY!</span></b></i></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">"Third time's a charm,</span></b></i></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">or three shrikes and yer out!"</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #990000; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">(Speaking of Strikes –</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #990000; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">300M / year killed in collisions with aircraft.)</span></b></i></div></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvuh9_-RXRjUOfftzHwUbGBepRyf-zkM2oCm9qZBglzuScvKH2bPl7EXSbe43yBb4HP0pLZR4rMI66_nOwPCO6D0C-pxLua-xKURwtCQTGHlX8G7Ol1srGCQZhrDJZO-WRmKG-bR2Phkl-uJOAauyhCpwgLMZioDdi_os_etWddz7NxCDhFYjZAuH/s1147/2n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1147" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvuh9_-RXRjUOfftzHwUbGBepRyf-zkM2oCm9qZBglzuScvKH2bPl7EXSbe43yBb4HP0pLZR4rMI66_nOwPCO6D0C-pxLua-xKURwtCQTGHlX8G7Ol1srGCQZhrDJZO-WRmKG-bR2Phkl-uJOAauyhCpwgLMZioDdi_os_etWddz7NxCDhFYjZAuH/w400-h320/2n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Quantum dissolution of a Hummingbird in flight</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>II. Themes / Philosophy in Writing</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyD_UIuinR6GMxDaYIBtUGddl2LLOpUR37M8Y5gg-6kriPLzhnk5cqASFquut_WoIiJh6l2jsX4LpSAK2jRUNzYQHIU0t9IobjYUjNcZwjySKujZzHkDpmFncFULbPfCYLsMyg2x18CiiWA5MWiBAkLVHGP1_HQGI1sZXutZuSFG74vU_Vr5GzQrH/s2631/2zz.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2105" data-original-width="2631" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyD_UIuinR6GMxDaYIBtUGddl2LLOpUR37M8Y5gg-6kriPLzhnk5cqASFquut_WoIiJh6l2jsX4LpSAK2jRUNzYQHIU0t9IobjYUjNcZwjySKujZzHkDpmFncFULbPfCYLsMyg2x18CiiWA5MWiBAkLVHGP1_HQGI1sZXutZuSFG74vU_Vr5GzQrH/w400-h320/2zz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pyrrhuloxia: "desert Cardinal"</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> As I mentioned, <span style="color: #660000;"><b><i>Gambolin’ Man</i></b></span> – no <i><b>GPS</b></i>, zero <i><b>TH</b></i> info – <i>(you can find that yourself)</i>. My <i>"schtick"</i> is all about experiential adventure, come along with me to discover . . . <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">and seek out the small miracles that abound, unseen, hidden, manifesting in the commonplace all around us –</span></b></i> <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">the so-called commonplace is actually full of magic and charm!</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmAznTtQjm8DgbjDryzr1ZdRMv54f2lDJeSld6-WqHKIl17I4qFi-9jtevi5FYCmYbo9mQYxABfsd1TdBM83UIunE1xb79qtjZMxJnKbKs6-GM5ImHizH5sF2Fge7OnHujKh79adJE25L1eGvQD8bqUD0ZMOQDbLERO_HiwTsf9Fpj58Bwh2oHNsJ/s1440/2o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmAznTtQjm8DgbjDryzr1ZdRMv54f2lDJeSld6-WqHKIl17I4qFi-9jtevi5FYCmYbo9mQYxABfsd1TdBM83UIunE1xb79qtjZMxJnKbKs6-GM5ImHizH5sF2Fge7OnHujKh79adJE25L1eGvQD8bqUD0ZMOQDbLERO_HiwTsf9Fpj58Bwh2oHNsJ/w400-h320/2o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Brown hued Gull</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i>HENRY MILLER QUOTE:</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"The moment one gives close attention to anything,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">even a blade of grass,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">it becomes a mysterious, awesome,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">indescribably magnificent world in itself."</span></b></i></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DTzf8GcKFxwgHrXtqzCkxCEaghSZ1wOuWE3bHxexKOzkqDhRpbYD76bbXA-hBAKUcyobY28reYvG-YEtUmi1MXpVyWUB70xvFOOzEIWHEQUJOjsUgS47bxhqAjGmQza4KE5eaXwHNZN0KmGQYGhFq7sAbeV1XncsoD2to8sSgzteHiX22qFZp-95/s1919/1bbb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DTzf8GcKFxwgHrXtqzCkxCEaghSZ1wOuWE3bHxexKOzkqDhRpbYD76bbXA-hBAKUcyobY28reYvG-YEtUmi1MXpVyWUB70xvFOOzEIWHEQUJOjsUgS47bxhqAjGmQza4KE5eaXwHNZN0KmGQYGhFq7sAbeV1XncsoD2to8sSgzteHiX22qFZp-95/w400-h320/1bbb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Heron in tree</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Naturally, this all translates to my feelings for <i>“everyday”</i> birds . . . never generic or pedestrian! – and my lyrical, poetic approach to writing about them.</span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BE-gxK0YVMwUMPXSCUTPjQN0DmUfhU0Gp1K3Umk8md3WZcu5QHAZgbdrxqs8LHnQVA5oKvzhNcpEWvbFpA6TFhAz9JV-e4L5Cj1WNjv_HhzIQ2cuqV6we5mzmyX5yZ1lm05JoFA4lV6OX-zq-O_NwQ3grzNSyHebDLpbQjkiv4EH9_zmXVCp4Ngl/s1652/2_blogg%20(4)_7912.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1652" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BE-gxK0YVMwUMPXSCUTPjQN0DmUfhU0Gp1K3Umk8md3WZcu5QHAZgbdrxqs8LHnQVA5oKvzhNcpEWvbFpA6TFhAz9JV-e4L5Cj1WNjv_HhzIQ2cuqV6we5mzmyX5yZ1lm05JoFA4lV6OX-zq-O_NwQ3grzNSyHebDLpbQjkiv4EH9_zmXVCp4Ngl/w400-h286/2_blogg%20(4)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wild Tom</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">III. So, What Do I Know About Birds?</span></b></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFX2FQy44NX7udYcS4urc2485WEK62_Rr79WRwGPhlud5z0EvL1S4TbnAVdZ-zYGXPPfeyQAq6YwCKi5z8N3csMiVu2WW8_skYAN1qXpEYADMFV2eIDZkdysbwQl-rrKLIKRUR1tyfLNfxrbD2g_8JudjR244KoNEJGjgxoxAwVJ_Y08AhWIm23i__/s2046/2j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFX2FQy44NX7udYcS4urc2485WEK62_Rr79WRwGPhlud5z0EvL1S4TbnAVdZ-zYGXPPfeyQAq6YwCKi5z8N3csMiVu2WW8_skYAN1qXpEYADMFV2eIDZkdysbwQl-rrKLIKRUR1tyfLNfxrbD2g_8JudjR244KoNEJGjgxoxAwVJ_Y08AhWIm23i__/w400-h320/2j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-crowned Night Heron (adult) at Albany Bulb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I could know a heck of a lot more, that’s for sure! <i>(Lazy, sloppy!)</i> I’m no <i>“expert”</i> etc. I don’t profess to know . . . but I suppose by virtue of my avocation – observing, writing, recording, understanding . . . I must have some catalog of knowledge . . . BUT I am a naturalist by default.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB15pcdWOMKQbCuW3tu2YnGIBstGWrAalDd2DyWFk22N1VuQA_kIMAzXLbUhE-GkyJmyFvdigesOe5C1cBRwb1MEruO60KbmHBCq0c6R-kWsySNFBnudr8aXx0vcN9Qz1gbJx_bTBHaEYXIS9yTI2UwIJZsY-3IWcrhohv49fSNp8ATyGUGL4Lt_C/s3780/11112%20(33).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB15pcdWOMKQbCuW3tu2YnGIBstGWrAalDd2DyWFk22N1VuQA_kIMAzXLbUhE-GkyJmyFvdigesOe5C1cBRwb1MEruO60KbmHBCq0c6R-kWsySNFBnudr8aXx0vcN9Qz1gbJx_bTBHaEYXIS9yTI2UwIJZsY-3IWcrhohv49fSNp8ATyGUGL4Lt_C/w400-h320/11112%20(33).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bird skull (weighs less than 1 gram)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />I consider myself just a hobbyist, so no discourses on migratory patterns or complex alternate molting strategies. I’m <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">NOT</span></b></i> one of those serious fanatics obsessing over top quality bird-related websites apps, nor do I <i>(generally)</i> make plans to travel to the far ends of places like <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Peru</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Arkansas</span></b></i> or <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Siberia</span></b></i> to spot unique birds, or scurrying off to attend conventions for bragging rights to <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Life List</span></b></i> sightings.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBCVOFwY46agVOz0hJlWwTrbyafj_UfHuzBIj1d-kyjFgFD5RWfKeia0mi5w3oyzhuqtkvgOzG-mA0gV2ARBON9bujJDi1NwnIxKi4WU2oW8Yskzl8M_zZroUq_qxhQvADD70n3--0WVSuSnZ0COscmxv-QM965qsujZgLaQqKKznschPA9fwT-z4/s1618/7c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBCVOFwY46agVOz0hJlWwTrbyafj_UfHuzBIj1d-kyjFgFD5RWfKeia0mi5w3oyzhuqtkvgOzG-mA0gV2ARBON9bujJDi1NwnIxKi4WU2oW8Yskzl8M_zZroUq_qxhQvADD70n3--0WVSuSnZ0COscmxv-QM965qsujZgLaQqKKznschPA9fwT-z4/w400-h320/7c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Kestral spotted at Machu Picchu</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Nor am I one to compile <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">LIFE LISTS</span></i></b> . . . but, actually I <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">DO</span></b></i> have my <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>LIFE LIST</b></i></span> compilation of sightings! <i>(*hold up book)</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbPI836CGtkjhXH5ugHnLkBYjolKRR6YuTwBpCm5FkrMimwOEdH2ovqKI4aSS55gxKJF0VvOwqfgky0VEHyxCdEiIwBDUW00B3a8KTj4cFtUwgwPtEes3bK2fqUIncddiNCZoRT0SbVF-UWNdXJOQaWUNoBPKPejrU-M66ZcSGmw-GUs1WnTr67Z2/s3780/20230317_151552%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbPI836CGtkjhXH5ugHnLkBYjolKRR6YuTwBpCm5FkrMimwOEdH2ovqKI4aSS55gxKJF0VvOwqfgky0VEHyxCdEiIwBDUW00B3a8KTj4cFtUwgwPtEes3bK2fqUIncddiNCZoRT0SbVF-UWNdXJOQaWUNoBPKPejrU-M66ZcSGmw-GUs1WnTr67Z2/w400-h320/20230317_151552%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Notes from my daily sightings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While I am a naturalist by default . . . <i><b>BUT</b></i> really just writer / photographer. <i><b>NO LECTURE</b></i> here, just sharing what I have experienced. <b><i>AND YET</i></b> :: A few examples of how little I know :: <b><i>CONSTANTLY</i></b> stumped in the field.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqgzLJalL53fuNqbmPi77cIRe45s0wvxF8Jp3-PTrKZ-CCt58cayzv0ipadtDe2UjIBBLWZgp6JtPY2KHh64Bme2HKktjvKncx_IIruZ4BftlTy2YDfEVkPrkrUVAPaVnSpKSMe3X5dEeD_NLSaT3rZ0TIKPG1Y9yN_R9ul5_KwQANpnHP3LID21K/s1440/6232014%20(28).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqgzLJalL53fuNqbmPi77cIRe45s0wvxF8Jp3-PTrKZ-CCt58cayzv0ipadtDe2UjIBBLWZgp6JtPY2KHh64Bme2HKktjvKncx_IIruZ4BftlTy2YDfEVkPrkrUVAPaVnSpKSMe3X5dEeD_NLSaT3rZ0TIKPG1Y9yN_R9ul5_KwQANpnHP3LID21K/w400-h320/6232014%20(28).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pie-billed Grebe in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Constantly confused and </span><span style="color: #741b47;">mystified,</span><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">befuddled by gender, age, variation:</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">sparrows /</span><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">woodpeckers /</span><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span><span style="color: #741b47;">waterfowl.</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzdOuV7uVYnC1vSI_mfSajiWqXFBsnKBOpL_qFWChsdf3hlNwMnIK0ChcvS4-p0FlV1p2fBA9O0lkB_mtH6ZwqK4rlti6zlmOaYcelxiWmn7MDKvs-mskp6_2kO3Axz2lUTxxDHrHeXZ7riqw9X64Rrz-n5zFeZVnfeEeZEOQt8i4tRgsiVVpqeqi/s2048/12102013%20(18).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzdOuV7uVYnC1vSI_mfSajiWqXFBsnKBOpL_qFWChsdf3hlNwMnIK0ChcvS4-p0FlV1p2fBA9O0lkB_mtH6ZwqK4rlti6zlmOaYcelxiWmn7MDKvs-mskp6_2kO3Axz2lUTxxDHrHeXZ7riqw9X64Rrz-n5zFeZVnfeEeZEOQt8i4tRgsiVVpqeqi/w400-h300/12102013%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow little fatty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>Cannot rattle off "fascinating" facts.</b></i></span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHdIgAark1xlWQLZD2xc0E19HvFHySfyQOui6g0tqmdBUGutcq_bEHaiyQ2ohRxLfaaByP_vqXlOIly4ro0d6wWGcmQxOxh1T8PbZlnbJEXkIP9AzHkr5zUgs1xpbagrUxVSqt_Vd2FjbwwJdiamBUxUMqu465cgwbzX0vMEFpnQUdvgfQiIX7J55/s4032/4192014%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHdIgAark1xlWQLZD2xc0E19HvFHySfyQOui6g0tqmdBUGutcq_bEHaiyQ2ohRxLfaaByP_vqXlOIly4ro0d6wWGcmQxOxh1T8PbZlnbJEXkIP9AzHkr5zUgs1xpbagrUxVSqt_Vd2FjbwwJdiamBUxUMqu465cgwbzX0vMEFpnQUdvgfQiIX7J55/w400-h300/4192014%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Willow Flycatcher hatchlings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of <b><i>10,000</i></b> species, and what – <i><b>800</b></i> in the U.S. – maybe I’ve catalogued <i><b>150!</b></i> I can only name two genus / species – <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">(Mockingbird)</span></b></i> and the humorous sounding . . . <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">TURDUS MIGRATORIUS! </span><span style="color: #7f6000;">(Robin)</span></b></i> <i>(Imagine if you can little turd balls streaking across the sky . . .)</i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1dfBdKbD8WadYFQeNzjedFhsEJw81n0lPjgk6MaL9rMeOdnCBJu0FXvZRw-GdER6C0zHCbVOQT2xCjd8SC8UiQ5dLUKiim8T17-nFES33AE8rOPGQzjHKonqKt9zCwS6g1wZLkW96k4zcHgtrk6bo0sStSlxNP9wXt2tGkhDBsylIAdm6d1Au7n8/s1440/2112019%20(25).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1dfBdKbD8WadYFQeNzjedFhsEJw81n0lPjgk6MaL9rMeOdnCBJu0FXvZRw-GdER6C0zHCbVOQT2xCjd8SC8UiQ5dLUKiim8T17-nFES33AE8rOPGQzjHKonqKt9zCwS6g1wZLkW96k4zcHgtrk6bo0sStSlxNP9wXt2tGkhDBsylIAdm6d1Au7n8/w400-h320/2112019%20(25).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Turdus migratorius (Robin)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Horrible at vocal learning and aural ID'ing. <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">EXAMPLE:</span></b></i> <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Quail</span></i></b> mating call didn’t recognize. Could not recognize my neighbor's tropical bird in the window; <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Warbling Vireo</span></b></i> at <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Tilden</span></b></i> on Sunday thinking it was a <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“drunken Robin”</span></b></i> <i>(<b><span style="color: #990000;">Grosbeak</span></b>)</i></span></div><div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQTG810cXH6uZ2rFuOh0hcbdfOO-czziaOMbj-RPTwf1sNoirtw_PKXK_U14Z5EAQm4yo4_Y0BfyTzrMiW0m9tbRfF4u-ShghG1iO8_X1TfPg34f3vNpSscm1SCwJQIzFilArMpAyIvzGf_jD-fwZGupzPXO4eVSjgJKrYRMj_FUEVIOY0K4b_e0o/s1580/8102014%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQTG810cXH6uZ2rFuOh0hcbdfOO-czziaOMbj-RPTwf1sNoirtw_PKXK_U14Z5EAQm4yo4_Y0BfyTzrMiW0m9tbRfF4u-ShghG1iO8_X1TfPg34f3vNpSscm1SCwJQIzFilArMpAyIvzGf_jD-fwZGupzPXO4eVSjgJKrYRMj_FUEVIOY0K4b_e0o/w400-h320/8102014%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pacific-slope Flycatcher resident of urban parks and yards</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Certainly I need positive visuals!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSExA__c8Krgc0-MjqgUpA4z-h_iAHDVMDa-EnyGNINM5oEv1b2muMcCGVQ9N1f9HUahY0qZ7o-zAZQgr5e5_AXVB9fmnubW6mmb1ZdxqvAWPyreQYsO5DBRhnwYCZBRPb6gcRbkmOe2OAhYRYGg4dax7xt-Q4Rr8a9uuLyCJ9lbQopyPv4V4GZIX/s772/1_blog%20(55)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="772" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSExA__c8Krgc0-MjqgUpA4z-h_iAHDVMDa-EnyGNINM5oEv1b2muMcCGVQ9N1f9HUahY0qZ7o-zAZQgr5e5_AXVB9fmnubW6mmb1ZdxqvAWPyreQYsO5DBRhnwYCZBRPb6gcRbkmOe2OAhYRYGg4dax7xt-Q4Rr8a9uuLyCJ9lbQopyPv4V4GZIX/w400-h300/1_blog%20(55)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Who knew that Jays imitated Hawks?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">AND have LOTS to learn!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIVYyyz1gjIU504MC5IVN0JvZz0AlyQhBmCRoVUGyiSph_ES9cquXcy4zufe05UbFCDBz8Jt4Zmrc2lAJGJ9Zx_74F3CD5HhrW1usHTFPxGrVU3p4FnNYDivhtpBcyCT-_MQ4kt6V39BfpODzCdzyf3Jbk43S8QbYk-A3k-xIvJTEfnmQwvA6_tJa/s1920/152016%20(48).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIVYyyz1gjIU504MC5IVN0JvZz0AlyQhBmCRoVUGyiSph_ES9cquXcy4zufe05UbFCDBz8Jt4Zmrc2lAJGJ9Zx_74F3CD5HhrW1usHTFPxGrVU3p4FnNYDivhtpBcyCT-_MQ4kt6V39BfpODzCdzyf3Jbk43S8QbYk-A3k-xIvJTEfnmQwvA6_tJa/w400-h320/152016%20(48).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ragged old beach bum of a Crow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">TAKE-AWAY:</span></b></i> while I recognize importance of <span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>LINNEAN UNDERPINNINGS</b></i></span>, genetics, etc. <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">MINE IS NOT</span></i></b> a scientific or rigorous approach – more about <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">HAVING FUN</span></i></b>, enjoying nature, like enjoying a tiny creek that is not <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">MAJESTIC</span></b></i>, the tiny birds bring me satisfaction and joy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s8keqIrhBJ_FYp2qzjPqbaKIFVCbgGYnLpPX2uD77GwQre-VZEJIX4kn3atpt-6FJx39E0f51yNF28MkZwxdRX4O69jHWBKDoCFtLMcWrdCk_J2oTOc5_C1zTqHrt1aOkXNeWvCFpUAQT7zFBoCKCLM_CtTrSMQLhK3twwxW1PNHpyuevJUuvqWC/s2047/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s8keqIrhBJ_FYp2qzjPqbaKIFVCbgGYnLpPX2uD77GwQre-VZEJIX4kn3atpt-6FJx39E0f51yNF28MkZwxdRX4O69jHWBKDoCFtLMcWrdCk_J2oTOc5_C1zTqHrt1aOkXNeWvCFpUAQT7zFBoCKCLM_CtTrSMQLhK3twwxW1PNHpyuevJUuvqWC/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Towhee up in the hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">WALT WHITMAN QUOTE:</span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;">“You must not know too much or be too precise or scientific</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;">about birds and trees and flowers and watercraft;</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;">a certain free-margin, and even vagueness</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;"> – ignorance, credulity –</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;">helps your enjoyment of these things.”</span></b></i></div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQRVdWLnikzVMjSThBRQA5Lhfwgf4aJhZhYJq4hnWpGZV8zcaAiZoQcLWd8MAfm2hpPPFKgfoms4V7_VzJdbHol-3jC4wtbUpv-7PZEi3u69OabOls_gNZwqKPEh2W2Ssjz9o11AkxzvAK08NPcQGYHCTlKn0smS6BaqbARew7lb4l0L8_cATELpr/s1440/3_blog%20(28)_71112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQRVdWLnikzVMjSThBRQA5Lhfwgf4aJhZhYJq4hnWpGZV8zcaAiZoQcLWd8MAfm2hpPPFKgfoms4V7_VzJdbHol-3jC4wtbUpv-7PZEi3u69OabOls_gNZwqKPEh2W2Ssjz9o11AkxzvAK08NPcQGYHCTlKn0smS6BaqbARew7lb4l0L8_cATELpr/w400-h320/3_blog%20(28)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Kite flying off with prey of the day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, not study them so much as to admire them. Not split feathers over lineage and genes, but to avoid the trap – as <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">EMERSON CAUTIONED THOREAU</span></b></i> – <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“of finding and booking it, lest life should have nothing more to show you.”</span></b></i></span></div> <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cGcW8TOLhLQvJIVwyFvFTL_CZQGMbGtOerh_SUamY1SxTf1ECdJBIFa-1Yc7o5sj-_Oa1-3t8jCg1LcRCEFHxufsyrnfglDYlRTmrYUNckR8z40m6hL20ZYSa2Lw5om9RS6jl2aHtFMID5Jn3MbQQzQ7MUOuy7r2eZSWhrCvVELlH5PI0YAvPUWQ/s1832/4_blog%20(87)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1832" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cGcW8TOLhLQvJIVwyFvFTL_CZQGMbGtOerh_SUamY1SxTf1ECdJBIFa-1Yc7o5sj-_Oa1-3t8jCg1LcRCEFHxufsyrnfglDYlRTmrYUNckR8z40m6hL20ZYSa2Lw5om9RS6jl2aHtFMID5Jn3MbQQzQ7MUOuy7r2eZSWhrCvVELlH5PI0YAvPUWQ/w400-h320/4_blog%20(87)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird near Wildcat Peak in the Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All of which inspires a deep <i>(organic)</i> understanding and wellspring of respect for birds, all creatures and to the Earth – <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">for we never wish to drain too much of the mystery and magic out of birds’ fabulous existence</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCf1istC0fltWtDfzLzmyGGaAzRhzjJxRFEgZJL-iXmwUjFn7t_KwAQ3eF8DqQQMzqNBsrUBbNzowJiWbtchXQYn4tAgxEXhTsXeX7bH1VsGsJFtRL2En1wdwnhiOESezeCQnJ9pSqCK3LADsqGKKDJSdiMmPlyMH-sRVivD6AJjeS4y65_Sszmy7/s1440/8102014%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCf1istC0fltWtDfzLzmyGGaAzRhzjJxRFEgZJL-iXmwUjFn7t_KwAQ3eF8DqQQMzqNBsrUBbNzowJiWbtchXQYn4tAgxEXhTsXeX7bH1VsGsJFtRL2En1wdwnhiOESezeCQnJ9pSqCK3LADsqGKKDJSdiMmPlyMH-sRVivD6AJjeS4y65_Sszmy7/w400-h320/8102014%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scarlet Macaw (pet bird) in Live Oak Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">SO, MY ONLY FACTS</span></b></i> are what I observe, note, and meditate/write upon. Mine is a more poetic, sentimental lyrical interpretation – pure <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">“nature writing”</span></b></i> – I prefer to leave the science of birds to others . . .</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-bNjDDUT-QXpfELTgDkDNWdLNzg_7SjA3cEHh4YQXduM1THUzTTLUgvvSa2o4lYamQrqH-Fpd4DT51Bivq4k1RVY_yYWdcDlAQXscOYzbiKwcVDbxETqq8o0oskMOrmxBbH5jciEH6bhr1PUqhZLws4TryiheBJQm-qQ6_cvVCpV3xHm309Fm8Lv/s400/522015%20(21).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="400" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-bNjDDUT-QXpfELTgDkDNWdLNzg_7SjA3cEHh4YQXduM1THUzTTLUgvvSa2o4lYamQrqH-Fpd4DT51Bivq4k1RVY_yYWdcDlAQXscOYzbiKwcVDbxETqq8o0oskMOrmxBbH5jciEH6bhr1PUqhZLws4TryiheBJQm-qQ6_cvVCpV3xHm309Fm8Lv/w400-h280/522015%20(21).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mallard family</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b>Except occasionally I DO find myself looking up</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b>facts, statistics, charts and the like</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b>so I can "talk the talk" just a bit</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b>if I DO happen to meet and engage</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b>with a "real" birder on the trail.</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnrXvuVZ9Ha9E-KutebwuCrpaJTqXnz3TCCiUWTOfnsTRi3mNTPD4aWQ5YxHbqVTNnkrsUgJqe3hOAu57aaXW1x5ABhu78JTLznCcm6PPg_wngs3dBteQYHSO9Fk_V-nTFxITZkAu2V5yFhKJK6cBAi4pMIZ7yuwXx5vIoGShwPM50t8sFE_A_6uh/s1211/222014%20(14).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnrXvuVZ9Ha9E-KutebwuCrpaJTqXnz3TCCiUWTOfnsTRi3mNTPD4aWQ5YxHbqVTNnkrsUgJqe3hOAu57aaXW1x5ABhu78JTLznCcm6PPg_wngs3dBteQYHSO9Fk_V-nTFxITZkAu2V5yFhKJK6cBAi4pMIZ7yuwXx5vIoGShwPM50t8sFE_A_6uh/w400-h320/222014%20(14).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Burrowing Owl at Albany Plateau</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I mostly see my love of birds as a poetic pastime, an aesthetic avocation, a whimsical pursuit of the magical, mysterious, and mystical aspects of birds, preferring to not know too, too much, deriving <i>(as I do)</i> an inordinate satisfaction from just being in the simple sacred miraculous moment, where <i>"regular life"</i> becomes a series of opportunities to steal away and obsess on birds.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCZ4H_OCNUJUELs_gRZfcdw6PZQUC8ChUoN-TNY_c2Ua0KCkM4bJORee9ThM54NroS7EYiuDWFYqTh29zfvzvdLfhFrmYJ7YKMJHChwaO7AzjshuqQeTNQFY_buANDW-TO328XhXFEJR13a4atwbfyGm1jrxL2e0W5yKLbSuTG9zOsJhb7ysj9Xmg/s400/922015%20(28).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCZ4H_OCNUJUELs_gRZfcdw6PZQUC8ChUoN-TNY_c2Ua0KCkM4bJORee9ThM54NroS7EYiuDWFYqTh29zfvzvdLfhFrmYJ7YKMJHChwaO7AzjshuqQeTNQFY_buANDW-TO328XhXFEJR13a4atwbfyGm1jrxL2e0W5yKLbSuTG9zOsJhb7ysj9Xmg/w400-h320/922015%20(28).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hummingbird landing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A simple walk to the library or grocery store or a quick garden or weather check turns into a perfect excuse to – <i>hold life's presses!</i> – just stand around in meditative wonderment spotting playful birds, birds at play – and all the many birds at work . . .</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GBiY1mpgLj852HeGJuM_rGyyhOarD8b0esUPPSj1cvQP4VIWfHGTnlG851g--ZK03N-Jr0X5InR7mx5m_TPspA1Di6ZU2llClm4Y_6fK9UhB_5cIfmPeCTB9lE6eil_6G2CMDRurUjiiO3jagdP-kYW0W9U6kN37IVDOPZ5X1VylUIj_9DQGFMCk/w400-h320/4_blog%20(101)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pair of nesting Ospreys</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">IV. Extraordinary Ordinary Birds</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3M6uz7ya53XcplX0ziiGNIBeH9KeH15GM-BFxrkjWqyE5YbaJ7qFiIgjUanPdpdsxduBIu6uriJc9D99g0I_ldpPTtkF5Ybba8mFD8DrQp57gXzCsTqDiKFdMd86_LHx-YQODOhxz-QyPZ_KikDM8BOSKdgQKfrQ4tgFAIU4804hnepai17yktr0/s1920/7252014%20(19).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3M6uz7ya53XcplX0ziiGNIBeH9KeH15GM-BFxrkjWqyE5YbaJ7qFiIgjUanPdpdsxduBIu6uriJc9D99g0I_ldpPTtkF5Ybba8mFD8DrQp57gXzCsTqDiKFdMd86_LHx-YQODOhxz-QyPZ_KikDM8BOSKdgQKfrQ4tgFAIU4804hnepai17yktr0/w400-h320/7252014%20(19).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">What's all the flap about, Cormorant?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b><i>I must have been meant to be a birder, because:</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUzlnfi6I5rZXCqeyOnvG_UGy8PjKhPkuFO-MTSlI15XqbuUIXYjZL5gNik9dxpux-EO9flPYENM0iBYkCSklG4HeIgl4ZGHqJBU-YY-9PPLQwmfrMtdhPfM0x66q69POwQGoElf-bzijP_89sQ6xTmD2z_MCyIoRHhs6dJFVRio4gNVbN4Ev98tK/s375/10302013%20(23).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="375" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUzlnfi6I5rZXCqeyOnvG_UGy8PjKhPkuFO-MTSlI15XqbuUIXYjZL5gNik9dxpux-EO9flPYENM0iBYkCSklG4HeIgl4ZGHqJBU-YY-9PPLQwmfrMtdhPfM0x66q69POwQGoElf-bzijP_89sQ6xTmD2z_MCyIoRHhs6dJFVRio4gNVbN4Ev98tK/w400-h319/10302013%20(23).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty Peacock (captive in Tracy Aviary)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Well, let's see: at age 12 I once killed little bird</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">with my bb gun at </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">SLAUGHTER’S POND!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Hah, the irony escaped me all those many years ago!</span></i></b></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJee6r3J8-4B05rhyKF8VX32kclT7gFYd1W0oEe8jDisGFNblfnob8u0Y8CQY-lPib34zLZofC8qEBYVuXTQXnQVvdnCsiwt6hIpVco0Ptk47Md6ZD8NTxg85trIx0Kh8js_6LifbHCzQs7He0-TkUp3HqVvJL_26xvkhzMIzHbxnGFpCcBTMq_nY/s1241/5f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJee6r3J8-4B05rhyKF8VX32kclT7gFYd1W0oEe8jDisGFNblfnob8u0Y8CQY-lPib34zLZofC8qEBYVuXTQXnQVvdnCsiwt6hIpVco0Ptk47Md6ZD8NTxg85trIx0Kh8js_6LifbHCzQs7He0-TkUp3HqVvJL_26xvkhzMIzHbxnGFpCcBTMq_nY/w400-h320/5f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Northern Harrier with a snake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0c343d;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, let's see: the three main loves in my life</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0c343d;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">all have name/bird associations.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">Cindy "Hawk" (Haq)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Marie "Little Magpie" (Ceccanese)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Mary "Raven" (Corbin)</span></i></b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0y40cRsGQbl4sOyLtCl2QD09VtLG7HGIC1U66b9DFoQH7HuFf9rmmz4EQ7Wjq_C6NLDwBnd4d6mn3S5EMUVdZrg0THutcGhARhaJcGl_7CVkYnLXk8rJOexkJBrK9K3fSeZpTTkmRO0MsgDSK2VafZ5L9VdjVP3hlQU0_bk4qaesMtnYkxW1qdHAW/s3510/7a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3510" data-original-width="2632" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0y40cRsGQbl4sOyLtCl2QD09VtLG7HGIC1U66b9DFoQH7HuFf9rmmz4EQ7Wjq_C6NLDwBnd4d6mn3S5EMUVdZrg0THutcGhARhaJcGl_7CVkYnLXk8rJOexkJBrK9K3fSeZpTTkmRO0MsgDSK2VafZ5L9VdjVP3hlQU0_bk4qaesMtnYkxW1qdHAW/w480-h640/7a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Magpie in the field (Colorado)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Well, let's see:</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">down on the </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">RIL-VER</span><span style="color: #660000;"> (!) someone once asked me:</span></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWds_0O4XIJ_2f7sdzUCDmUnGQe_Q3wYe2KF3G8dWCBWwzAKzAquP9lZIFurC8k76i2s8lVHpz7xd_KAcJ0TooYytstZIdK3SGRcQPi5QkVvDK6xbSNQZn0REnN1rskYSMAdYOUrLmuBgnLooHVh-qehzkj6oQ_TCZoEEXd-A0uIZNxkl3G61PqmFJ/s2047/7312014%20(29).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWds_0O4XIJ_2f7sdzUCDmUnGQe_Q3wYe2KF3G8dWCBWwzAKzAquP9lZIFurC8k76i2s8lVHpz7xd_KAcJ0TooYytstZIdK3SGRcQPi5QkVvDK6xbSNQZn0REnN1rskYSMAdYOUrLmuBgnLooHVh-qehzkj6oQ_TCZoEEXd-A0uIZNxkl3G61PqmFJ/w400-h320/7312014%20(29).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Acorn Woodpecker goin' at it</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Why do you love birding?"</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">(cite a few reasons BECAUSE . . .)</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJgJsJbnVZixG3IDRHN64pJewCPgFxNYl1up2PDdxYe9QtTU-GliiichvdPWOPjDQfBUh44TfI_YqElu1t9xxuA1xHAmhQDC5OZ8GIsEsnNdT4VAZmbsBqgx9ZgSSLSTD7Vq2pkbduBWexpyAwzBXOf5v0jf4NGo3H-BAEiQnL-rlT5Hpb5vxJ9uY/s3054/6182015%20(13).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="3054" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJgJsJbnVZixG3IDRHN64pJewCPgFxNYl1up2PDdxYe9QtTU-GliiichvdPWOPjDQfBUh44TfI_YqElu1t9xxuA1xHAmhQDC5OZ8GIsEsnNdT4VAZmbsBqgx9ZgSSLSTD7Vq2pkbduBWexpyAwzBXOf5v0jf4NGo3H-BAEiQnL-rlT5Hpb5vxJ9uY/w400-h320/6182015%20(13).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lazuli Bunting staring me down</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> These little creatures, flitting here and there, adapted to every ecological niche on earth – <i>something only humans have done!</i> – are the <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">EVOLUTIONARY DESCENDANTS</span></i></b> of dinosaurs </span><span>– they are l</span><span>iving manifestations of dinosaurs; never went extinct but figured out a way to take to the air.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6YIPX5GJ3NMIm8syQ8S0cBIpRUEJleHhEHm3kqIyQy_drvy_5LnJijVqDYOolcipCPEPJFT5f422vzEIvr8A88I635rvzKaMzlfRs3-RAUaATmpGgTUG6xabUX_WCSSpGf-PHo4G8OevY2eF0xBfXgl6jyXUvQW7Z1XGYllHMUFQvgvbOFFfyXUL/s1867/1_blog%20(58)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1867" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6YIPX5GJ3NMIm8syQ8S0cBIpRUEJleHhEHm3kqIyQy_drvy_5LnJijVqDYOolcipCPEPJFT5f422vzEIvr8A88I635rvzKaMzlfRs3-RAUaATmpGgTUG6xabUX_WCSSpGf-PHo4G8OevY2eF0xBfXgl6jyXUvQW7Z1XGYllHMUFQvgvbOFFfyXUL/w400-h383/1_blog%20(58)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Majestic Hawk from Lake Tahoe</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">They force you to pay attention,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">see the intricate patterns,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">ever-attuned to their inner workings.</span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeJJhHQc5dh-CD3ePnVVhSF74SNEGxcLLSvx9kLUNBruM23yZaQen1AnpDmJU3tuSKNErDURrXiQ8kOvPcBxeXEWzJhS_Ww7t607m7vAz1y-BzP2Pf8O5Con-LY6ZKNuD_IG-Bylyo_SIpu2lPGN_b8HCuiKQvKHoM2NADq3FvktW_0DpqYFAny2z/s2048/3_blog%20(36)_71112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeJJhHQc5dh-CD3ePnVVhSF74SNEGxcLLSvx9kLUNBruM23yZaQen1AnpDmJU3tuSKNErDURrXiQ8kOvPcBxeXEWzJhS_Ww7t607m7vAz1y-BzP2Pf8O5Con-LY6ZKNuD_IG-Bylyo_SIpu2lPGN_b8HCuiKQvKHoM2NADq3FvktW_0DpqYFAny2z/w400-h300/3_blog%20(36)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pair of hungry White-tailed Kites at Albany Bulb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Meditative, peaceful, calming, reflective <i>“in the moment”</i> time – <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">SOUNDS ZEN</span></i></b>, but it’s true, used to be <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">OBSESSED</span></b></i> with getting from point A to point B fast and furious, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>SLOW DOWN</i></span></b>, gain a <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">DEEPER</span></b></i> appreciation of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Mother Nature</span></b></i>.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MuvB06Uv9Udz8AQWRiy0ZFKs1ZXEfik27fSHgUEpO2U1Hv0zxdfSSVbPGgkRgsCeQHzeLWLsgL7jtPfGGVOwE1jr_c2C9pn7FUQcTYiEzdPjZ31aKos4wkThVHVu-8duwhRbfD4uxzOb0sAdVIJOZYvLD3sgslLuOABMWhod_Y0dc1WPufiDuIG-/s1440/2r.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MuvB06Uv9Udz8AQWRiy0ZFKs1ZXEfik27fSHgUEpO2U1Hv0zxdfSSVbPGgkRgsCeQHzeLWLsgL7jtPfGGVOwE1jr_c2C9pn7FUQcTYiEzdPjZ31aKos4wkThVHVu-8duwhRbfD4uxzOb0sAdVIJOZYvLD3sgslLuOABMWhod_Y0dc1WPufiDuIG-/w400-h320/2r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">There's that juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron again at Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />Used to be merely the <i>“birds”</i>, nameless, unknown, featureless entities. But get to know them, and their personalities jump out. And you want to get to know them better. No wonder bird lovers are so fanatic and passionate about their subjects, because birds are expressions of freedom and symbols of vitality, merry song-makers without a worry, care or regret.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQXzT5_AsRAkvIvkBKxPq-WKg7PrWcrsV_VPht-ATqPAUuWmXQD8CDNDNAOT_4qkYNbgJ1jVDFOTXq0q7lMuoTSxDavtu4MrJQbOCF_O8lY8fq2gdEXOa8UdZdnJWHV9SYij1UodIrV2m7WeO1rGpcoao2X_nFAQrdCa9dfyP12f2zsl5dXp1uSby/s1921/2s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="1921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQXzT5_AsRAkvIvkBKxPq-WKg7PrWcrsV_VPht-ATqPAUuWmXQD8CDNDNAOT_4qkYNbgJ1jVDFOTXq0q7lMuoTSxDavtu4MrJQbOCF_O8lY8fq2gdEXOa8UdZdnJWHV9SYij1UodIrV2m7WeO1rGpcoao2X_nFAQrdCa9dfyP12f2zsl5dXp1uSby/w400-h320/2s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spooky Crow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">IZAAK WALTON QUOTE:</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“ . . . little nimble musicians of the air,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">that warble forth their curious ditties,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">with which nature hath furnished them</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">to the shame of art.”</span></b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RRFbJCcOnM5v_V4T6fZE4KHE7RQQPMKl-8vFf8i8yrGglq2sGmAGOSMcI8gGeHdhEtzBklMlGmG0LUSypd89EInEG-xgkz0blbZdlr--j0chGycqYqNg9qQhIAcB9jziCgnYDXVYdij6a9HVJU4sRCnaIC44d4FOPfdN8WLattWA7tyb1YOa07NG/s4860/2x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RRFbJCcOnM5v_V4T6fZE4KHE7RQQPMKl-8vFf8i8yrGglq2sGmAGOSMcI8gGeHdhEtzBklMlGmG0LUSypd89EInEG-xgkz0blbZdlr--j0chGycqYqNg9qQhIAcB9jziCgnYDXVYdij6a9HVJU4sRCnaIC44d4FOPfdN8WLattWA7tyb1YOa07NG/w400-h320/2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Bittern surveying marshy domain</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Personal paradox / oddity: that what many people consider <i>"common"</i> and normal, I consider exotic and rarely spotted. Thus: <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lazuli Bunting</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Oven Bird</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Kestrel</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Grosbeaks</span></i></b>, various never before spotted <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Warblers</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Band-tailed Pigeons</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Western Kingbirds</span></b></i>, and <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red Crossbills</span></b></i>, and <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Violet-green Swallows</span></b></i> – <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SO PRETTY!</span></b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrfOm0GZWLbYgJ6DxmZsrMvOr04B9EAjx_Drtw6zhPP8vEb2n7kgwqG7l2jHl6fKV6SBWDcuDTbEJVlaR1lcyRWuJEXMyrIOXJIJFppt3or-O4UNIaSm8aBUcX2QiTP3AI87P3pQYZYV5gx_kE-FiAlVD1NSqlQkOvIMa13uy5ExuxFweXFliAMtN/s1295/4192014%20(39).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1028" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrfOm0GZWLbYgJ6DxmZsrMvOr04B9EAjx_Drtw6zhPP8vEb2n7kgwqG7l2jHl6fKV6SBWDcuDTbEJVlaR1lcyRWuJEXMyrIOXJIJFppt3or-O4UNIaSm8aBUcX2QiTP3AI87P3pQYZYV5gx_kE-FiAlVD1NSqlQkOvIMa13uy5ExuxFweXFliAMtN/w508-h640/4192014%20(39).jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow with tail reflecting color of pine needles</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">E-bird</span></b></i> reports from places I frequent all the time . . .</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BUT TIMING IS EVERYTHING RAP!</span></b></i><br />The importance of time of year</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Being out at “crepuscular hour”</b></i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-a-w6h-PKbrYzALjAszsFApkKBfXHr77Nt29DBKs4jQ1xYyaRqKzr4sHK_h1IyFmFUPyPX2DLMpsFFMd6e_CLeIDWGUzq2J6phs3xy3DER8IV5Uzp5OXVxUvuodyJ1AKSnXMt7Xpm_0KV-dqpCIyoRg76rdS26pkJNjdMhc_n4DA3G5JHE9dlyOl/s1597/2v.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-a-w6h-PKbrYzALjAszsFApkKBfXHr77Nt29DBKs4jQ1xYyaRqKzr4sHK_h1IyFmFUPyPX2DLMpsFFMd6e_CLeIDWGUzq2J6phs3xy3DER8IV5Uzp5OXVxUvuodyJ1AKSnXMt7Xpm_0KV-dqpCIyoRg76rdS26pkJNjdMhc_n4DA3G5JHE9dlyOl/w400-h320/2v.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vulture just in for a landing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Some field days I do spot 30 or more . . .</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">and 1X or 2X / year:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">a holy grail of </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">FIRST SIGHTINGS!</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMnrgqfaUobufHCLaHQpkEVgY8Eb6ooUjyTnjBBhUT2dOhvYt7h8B8AakLaWTwnfM3Nc0qBIpgRp-ayufWONiPKX80jzC7M1RkDiCh6C29UPBYv9TmXdusq45xb2MGKHirFVLTfAr5DhJX7dyx2iRjm1ZV5vqSMZE6DCg1qctYDNj4bTJ8CDdkvGX/s1358/5g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1358" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMnrgqfaUobufHCLaHQpkEVgY8Eb6ooUjyTnjBBhUT2dOhvYt7h8B8AakLaWTwnfM3Nc0qBIpgRp-ayufWONiPKX80jzC7M1RkDiCh6C29UPBYv9TmXdusq45xb2MGKHirFVLTfAr5DhJX7dyx2iRjm1ZV5vqSMZE6DCg1qctYDNj4bTJ8CDdkvGX/w400-h320/5g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sora from Tennessee Valley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b><i>SORA, PYGMY NUTHATCHES,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b><i>VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b><i>OLIVE-SIDED SWALLOWS, HERMIT WARBLER</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xWW4mDRjemaPFss7qSjglLDWl6bAN-3RhM0-S5aAMb_OghuiERV214n_1Lv51HFo24Z6xzayZBh8bi7JPmsPEPfQHW0bBhxkv40Xt9YE59IBpXbNuY3MHSLI7Jc7FROnOwrcwhLnAdZBCCOnQlz_nnpvD2VQMOEptykEnMsOO1iO3mwIWqWjeg8g/s1158/8232015%20(51).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xWW4mDRjemaPFss7qSjglLDWl6bAN-3RhM0-S5aAMb_OghuiERV214n_1Lv51HFo24Z6xzayZBh8bi7JPmsPEPfQHW0bBhxkv40Xt9YE59IBpXbNuY3MHSLI7Jc7FROnOwrcwhLnAdZBCCOnQlz_nnpvD2VQMOEptykEnMsOO1iO3mwIWqWjeg8g/w400-h320/8232015%20(51).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Junco bathing in freshet at John Hinkel Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">V. Stories:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Birds Bein' Birds</span></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Musings, observations & stories </b></span><b style="color: #351c75;">of</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Extraordinary Ordinary Behavior & Moments!</span></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WUj7Q3Y5nZoL_5DZvJe5jaV8XyK6-FRL0q5xlwCq7U_W8o_clfsGY9O_H8Q0nApa0OZKV0O6GJ6hRb_vAzqBuNS216KWh5i5k2l7_RYtLi8GtwxYjteImKef2SmO7kngd4k6yy5lbcKzheBtLlClaAwYgkF384Aae5n-EeXBjCdhMS0J4ACLm2IZ/s2048/6302013%20(24).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WUj7Q3Y5nZoL_5DZvJe5jaV8XyK6-FRL0q5xlwCq7U_W8o_clfsGY9O_H8Q0nApa0OZKV0O6GJ6hRb_vAzqBuNS216KWh5i5k2l7_RYtLi8GtwxYjteImKef2SmO7kngd4k6yy5lbcKzheBtLlClaAwYgkF384Aae5n-EeXBjCdhMS0J4ACLm2IZ/w400-h300/6302013%20(24).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Turkey crossing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">Turkey</span> – crosswalk, flying and cat face-off.</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjjqWwE-x8nPOGSZOGIc0dOblHv3JMONMKqt26mDRtbIHilp0KLkN_gk51Vh5l7C2Dd1seZX2nWm94R1CyVZGD8cp6W21hANkf-KsEsXm5_3D-UaNzix8aZEdeUieDBNmZhLRFc6ECJ8TochDGK-3TDSIx7e5NoeTtMFdSWXo8wmdd_FWZvs-O_fz/s1152/3152015%20(34).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjjqWwE-x8nPOGSZOGIc0dOblHv3JMONMKqt26mDRtbIHilp0KLkN_gk51Vh5l7C2Dd1seZX2nWm94R1CyVZGD8cp6W21hANkf-KsEsXm5_3D-UaNzix8aZEdeUieDBNmZhLRFc6ECJ8TochDGK-3TDSIx7e5NoeTtMFdSWXo8wmdd_FWZvs-O_fz/w360-h640/3152015%20(34).jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cawing Crow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Some one once told me they would </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i><b>SHOOT a PEACOCK</b></i></span><span> and kill the </span><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">CROWS</span></b></i><span> for “making too much noise in the mornings.” </span><i>(Unnnk-aye!)</i></span></div></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByG7KPS8MdVpuSIS91W5K-8S475XHJFQf5PSA7rE9jxAuf5RsUAix8g17gXgWLyFavCzESs0m4VwqcRoYZQgAilYk5OC9RA1njEYfoUStmP1iqIo-eDPbyZA3ibOtx4Vh1v_NHVrR3yT5zId2dQ1dTdlUx5HZyxgxGOkCq9FVlab0IgvPkFst9-Gf/s960/5d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByG7KPS8MdVpuSIS91W5K-8S475XHJFQf5PSA7rE9jxAuf5RsUAix8g17gXgWLyFavCzESs0m4VwqcRoYZQgAilYk5OC9RA1njEYfoUStmP1iqIo-eDPbyZA3ibOtx4Vh1v_NHVrR3yT5zId2dQ1dTdlUx5HZyxgxGOkCq9FVlab0IgvPkFst9-Gf/w480-h640/5d.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: medium;">Bewick’s Wren</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">somehow became trapped in kitchen window</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">the bird's panic</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">then when I came to the rescue</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">his calm native intelligence took hold</span></span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxstRLmrHTP0jwJpIg04nw-xnWy7Ucqujc-_DXla9maJOwUa1acERRZn3lQCJEHHO03M-eD_QOOf8SutpribZtEzvtUtNvOET0R52ps8RSzYrPkLWV2gGly5Tp92i26m72EUDF1z0RNJjU552acMKjr2-BNEmBXEQug6dIsJanRbOZuAfR84bZshA/s3521/1aaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2817" data-original-width="3521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxstRLmrHTP0jwJpIg04nw-xnWy7Ucqujc-_DXla9maJOwUa1acERRZn3lQCJEHHO03M-eD_QOOf8SutpribZtEzvtUtNvOET0R52ps8RSzYrPkLWV2gGly5Tp92i26m72EUDF1z0RNJjU552acMKjr2-BNEmBXEQug6dIsJanRbOZuAfR84bZshA/w400-h320/1aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Gull</span><br />devouring Seastar</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx6pwgNJe0OWMk8y0NKeHmJqEsqeVFCOsfjgQQ33aralXtx2AIRqWegPAWPxJ25rZ2aTetoXF3FGPwZ7bzO4mpkwKuyZcC8c1dZjDybwdT9L9mHvaRei30fPARaKoP3JoB5px9YDGQn15Y62xt-7PYf0z1xOle9RBrg2Ipr8do6VO5m0fJtf6l2BO/s3605/1aa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3605" data-original-width="2674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx6pwgNJe0OWMk8y0NKeHmJqEsqeVFCOsfjgQQ33aralXtx2AIRqWegPAWPxJ25rZ2aTetoXF3FGPwZ7bzO4mpkwKuyZcC8c1dZjDybwdT9L9mHvaRei30fPARaKoP3JoB5px9YDGQn15Y62xt-7PYf0z1xOle9RBrg2Ipr8do6VO5m0fJtf6l2BO/w474-h640/1aa.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;"><i><b>It takes a lot of Gull to devour a Seastar<br />my snippet published in Bay Nature</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4uuuXy-WxKU25msM22QQQeznpOaHoZU9aJQ-Gvu-A-fuGZ9k-mVUFlLAZEZaZZHq8q7KzrlH2e0a46AUumD1NDsD0DJbwyTPSW9NgywWkzQkCB0Wa-jCn1KldPCXfp2sTXEFcZAnSW9c0fag-8h9IIxiUUNpL7_nT4SjqpAfMaAp2r5pQUuf1xuI/s1920/1bb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4uuuXy-WxKU25msM22QQQeznpOaHoZU9aJQ-Gvu-A-fuGZ9k-mVUFlLAZEZaZZHq8q7KzrlH2e0a46AUumD1NDsD0DJbwyTPSW9NgywWkzQkCB0Wa-jCn1KldPCXfp2sTXEFcZAnSW9c0fag-8h9IIxiUUNpL7_nT4SjqpAfMaAp2r5pQUuf1xuI/w400-h320/1bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Great White Egret</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">gobbling down fish (with Mom looking on)</span></i></b><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2igkXDVGkUV7YKs_-RKl5Esf12nYSlmFg3UYdaWmO5dRbX-ZlR9k389q0Dg8la8mH2O1XY-AICpRHabfyqqG-slZgS9rf81cZ2eFkoEwKfV4hWaQ8L2LNCY3BkCfTCgKpgat-6V0tcnTyjPUvdG9byPRZVn7WUKLtiqVlrFliyvX3CXHtfqKtLxP/s1440/1k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2igkXDVGkUV7YKs_-RKl5Esf12nYSlmFg3UYdaWmO5dRbX-ZlR9k389q0Dg8la8mH2O1XY-AICpRHabfyqqG-slZgS9rf81cZ2eFkoEwKfV4hWaQ8L2LNCY3BkCfTCgKpgat-6V0tcnTyjPUvdG9byPRZVn7WUKLtiqVlrFliyvX3CXHtfqKtLxP/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Jay</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">ready to take down dragonfly</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">with blitzkrieg precisio</span></span></b></i>n</span></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDygLrvWvPo-nsP_5_8RE7lufVdQBkShArPrEzi9PeHy8D-siZzxDrYMfQRfDdQDG3H7ZVDMX_fzzsD-ZELsLIykPijkCs9KVJjkumhHTBNx0JNnMxHLnWUZyqhXfzCcIt-7AhdZiOKDWNi7FioV4yxPkTB0K8mWs8OCcrk65A15S0CdFF3kO5aFMN/s1953/1_blog%20(59)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1953" data-original-width="1589" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDygLrvWvPo-nsP_5_8RE7lufVdQBkShArPrEzi9PeHy8D-siZzxDrYMfQRfDdQDG3H7ZVDMX_fzzsD-ZELsLIykPijkCs9KVJjkumhHTBNx0JNnMxHLnWUZyqhXfzCcIt-7AhdZiOKDWNi7FioV4yxPkTB0K8mWs8OCcrk65A15S0CdFF3kO5aFMN/w520-h640/1_blog%20(59)_7612.jpg" width="520" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Peregrine Falcon with prey on SF Bay Shoreline</span><br />life and death struggles<br /></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IB0XySv4-1C9qy5vCiHfL7HGq9cA-ivwA9g7VQx0GpEq28iowHYTaOz2WZtjRs_uFeVVSGyJLtXrsSD32u2klSIfnqUt294ukBoTYd0I7eIm-m2lp7XICsdi0qY2erdXTkQ4kAJor25Gs0-ljuquXjJvJcuI9ziWJ3mdlfz-4lqBpj0mh4RA8y2S/s814/182015%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IB0XySv4-1C9qy5vCiHfL7HGq9cA-ivwA9g7VQx0GpEq28iowHYTaOz2WZtjRs_uFeVVSGyJLtXrsSD32u2klSIfnqUt294ukBoTYd0I7eIm-m2lp7XICsdi0qY2erdXTkQ4kAJor25Gs0-ljuquXjJvJcuI9ziWJ3mdlfz-4lqBpj0mh4RA8y2S/w400-h320/182015%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Varied Thrush</span><br /><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>irruptions </b></span></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>became almost “common”<br />but not</b></span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KnSB4vaIFLLRri57sMpWmslplNg6qi9BtNT1TJaU1oYNDzw5dTPUIGsEMG--cTQs2H9PN4qYhci4UaxPHpXhY6UNgAAd6n8izUAFT1JfQoDogReWuzTnWzfNfbR5s9dbgJk0N-bMiO0CC7cS4tqED9adlFDaby6j7snjEkQg8eunxplXJRSXTpOS/s1440/2h.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KnSB4vaIFLLRri57sMpWmslplNg6qi9BtNT1TJaU1oYNDzw5dTPUIGsEMG--cTQs2H9PN4qYhci4UaxPHpXhY6UNgAAd6n8izUAFT1JfQoDogReWuzTnWzfNfbR5s9dbgJk0N-bMiO0CC7cS4tqED9adlFDaby6j7snjEkQg8eunxplXJRSXTpOS/w400-h320/2h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: medium;">Townsend's Warbler</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">hot thirsty birds</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">dipping in cool spring</span></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi-JvINhQIEBtCTEHx9Uba0q8pnclX0gB98KyfzU1unVdyuflHG14L4IlNBLWUNOfNivOY2Dcyi-pgJfmqMBfKRak_8CJ5Ma97lj_e0ycMHe3l9qlIvDSLDKu88GiemsPPfTGZV7VYMreH4JcFerj3ay5srK9RgszkpyaRAjo75G3iSEAjzkZVEVv/s2048/5blog_9412%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="2048" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi-JvINhQIEBtCTEHx9Uba0q8pnclX0gB98KyfzU1unVdyuflHG14L4IlNBLWUNOfNivOY2Dcyi-pgJfmqMBfKRak_8CJ5Ma97lj_e0ycMHe3l9qlIvDSLDKu88GiemsPPfTGZV7VYMreH4JcFerj3ay5srK9RgszkpyaRAjo75G3iSEAjzkZVEVv/w400-h319/5blog_9412%20(8).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Finches</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">enjoying spa session in little spring</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;"> John Hinkel Park in Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ycuHPAIqPrpcgHe1yzNschHTf3Qlge5XEbMog-Tv0GMSjiLCTwdRJ5hAXxXBVgz74aLnomwzdU1GEO_YGndqtsJDKdpbrCk62q9_J9i0IDqUYg8HKQ37BIv14nclFXYZhL8BxM0bJ_E0XlpbIGQQ8SBa1KWc610sCotGBGMN2Hr_fGvBwCZh9bPC/s1586/2z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1586" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ycuHPAIqPrpcgHe1yzNschHTf3Qlge5XEbMog-Tv0GMSjiLCTwdRJ5hAXxXBVgz74aLnomwzdU1GEO_YGndqtsJDKdpbrCk62q9_J9i0IDqUYg8HKQ37BIv14nclFXYZhL8BxM0bJ_E0XlpbIGQQ8SBa1KWc610sCotGBGMN2Hr_fGvBwCZh9bPC/w400-h320/2z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Dark-eyed Junco</span><br /><span style="color: #741b47;"><span>obsessed with his image</span><br /><span>- or that of an avian doppelganger -</span><br /><span>in car mirror</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>EACH AN EXTRAORDINARY</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>ORDINARY MOMENT!</i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxxsL5ti7Su2eLeQQyqtCKXNLVHskI_xB6nNo8o0Xt_KlQt7rTVkHO5i75WkSIdvrsCuRliXL4DT2p5LL4D_i8CdTGKfJkA3vdP9eXGJ3S8YpE_W0qWvh9cwEqVNihyRXnR3UKcZ6640HJaNWbEu_8PswVZFcdVZQNCdoq33ySLX4x5rtc9u1Yu7f/s3240/2y.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxxsL5ti7Su2eLeQQyqtCKXNLVHskI_xB6nNo8o0Xt_KlQt7rTVkHO5i75WkSIdvrsCuRliXL4DT2p5LL4D_i8CdTGKfJkA3vdP9eXGJ3S8YpE_W0qWvh9cwEqVNihyRXnR3UKcZ6640HJaNWbEu_8PswVZFcdVZQNCdoq33ySLX4x5rtc9u1Yu7f/w400-h320/2y.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Grosbeak (juvenile)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">And</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> then there are our . . . <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Mount Diablo</span></i></b> birds. One of my favorite places in the world – <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Donner / </span><span style="color: #990000;">Mitchell /</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #7f6000;">Oat /</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Curry Canyons</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">, </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Pine Creek</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">, </span><span style="color: #800180;">Deer Flat</span></b></i>.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqlHZlOckzcq5eTWa4LsxLXvR8i2qSZEkgdb7DMkCG_sM9XC1n-PrODF4ZrgHfuYaT6wOoPtY7i4eLe2bgkt-GcghTAVJhxaaY9IHDlQ3iw3LUCMuCX8eVomgsZ5Lom6sBIErdz3Z2f2iIOQ8LesWkIzmQD1to4FmlFUu40w3yjSd-NNnv-GCORdg/s4050/2u.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqlHZlOckzcq5eTWa4LsxLXvR8i2qSZEkgdb7DMkCG_sM9XC1n-PrODF4ZrgHfuYaT6wOoPtY7i4eLe2bgkt-GcghTAVJhxaaY9IHDlQ3iw3LUCMuCX8eVomgsZ5Lom6sBIErdz3Z2f2iIOQ8LesWkIzmQD1to4FmlFUu40w3yjSd-NNnv-GCORdg/w400-h320/2u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Quail in Marin County</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although it's always great birding in <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Mount Diablo</span></i></b>, I can't help but feel a bit let down considering how little I actually see of the bird world of <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Mount Diablo</span></b></i>. According to the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Mount Diablo Interpretive Association</span></b></i> – get your head around this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNj0OostceQzrxlA--74Z6z-60nj6ULCWsOUTaGu-iArp85jh-Q1aLQHxhMZNRoOabuNgjLmiey3WABENSN8lgC55BSQMt0Wrb5OMPcGxMwPDaky17lMcwUGgH3dgef5CBqWRjSk0FjS_lseR38N7VpwtWH0aQ1luEHsiHc55W8knqSgkA1m02bMF/s2617/2w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2093" data-original-width="2617" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNj0OostceQzrxlA--74Z6z-60nj6ULCWsOUTaGu-iArp85jh-Q1aLQHxhMZNRoOabuNgjLmiey3WABENSN8lgC55BSQMt0Wrb5OMPcGxMwPDaky17lMcwUGgH3dgef5CBqWRjSk0FjS_lseR38N7VpwtWH0aQ1luEHsiHc55W8knqSgkA1m02bMF/w400-h320/2w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black and White Warbler spotted in Mortar Park in Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">33 varieties of Warblers can be spotted!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">(I've probably seen just five varieties in my days.)</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgB0yZKpyv3PC_DZv62ExB2g4JYhJjA5A3XwKkdEKURePDYZUIt-o5VEx8KfUFQQp_S7J9XpYvA1WNF3oCizRCYWrDKAgjR1zg4Yrk_oj1idsBvY6t-mebtGuD4rzh2ETy5wEBPGdjlGdhsufYHHYJ7bLG66pIpQhSEI2WEJcBs9IOepeaxErpzL9/w400-h320/5c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wren (Winter?)</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>7 species of Wrens and what?</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b><i>I have seen 3 of them!?</i></b></span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhue-FD9aCfcim0slB_1U5OtWKSeGeLDQNz5baJDTdzV-naa2u955FT4dNQoCpWTH_bpbhcWUhClW7dmqsVyqLCbHi4Y1XGMqHRrzPBs92ALvUs1U2LdCYCtZ7xzc6AqnCsmDewXK-F8SNwR6IbY_p5QsPNrvxXirV3sDy1lH4VtBfg5YeJSNl3Bi9o/s1024/5a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhue-FD9aCfcim0slB_1U5OtWKSeGeLDQNz5baJDTdzV-naa2u955FT4dNQoCpWTH_bpbhcWUhClW7dmqsVyqLCbHi4Y1XGMqHRrzPBs92ALvUs1U2LdCYCtZ7xzc6AqnCsmDewXK-F8SNwR6IbY_p5QsPNrvxXirV3sDy1lH4VtBfg5YeJSNl3Bi9o/w400-h320/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Finch</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">11 species of Finches and what?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;">I have seen 3 of them?!?</span></b></i></div><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7DWyH6IJmia9eMa19AJaBNdGxJAoFXMOa0DIEcIBjv3fe01SnVoLEp3s-TEx1Q2RDLPoUm_GxtcbV8a3kAxYQ9XMpegnwEASPNTTm87TJ78sXQAf22sfd3zu2Vl2MZazM8Fjklu19zTI0gVYdKvSPTF3rWZbBcRmAuOGLhZtva5k6EQUeYypBxLK/s4032/5e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7DWyH6IJmia9eMa19AJaBNdGxJAoFXMOa0DIEcIBjv3fe01SnVoLEp3s-TEx1Q2RDLPoUm_GxtcbV8a3kAxYQ9XMpegnwEASPNTTm87TJ78sXQAf22sfd3zu2Vl2MZazM8Fjklu19zTI0gVYdKvSPTF3rWZbBcRmAuOGLhZtva5k6EQUeYypBxLK/w480-h640/5e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pelican</span><br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">70 distinct breeding and migratory waterfowl</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">call Mount Diablo home!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuskCtBz7ahvfbZQrLyS9yCZvOjNPW-4j4qtHp0SNE0bWMQjMkeRH8w4jhA40WTfS2Yx8_UCGHFo3VNUcUxJgcO0eMSQSxj4X89SDlyeizwxP84NWKmFFxSR2d6xrP34gqmfK5NW2UHbgPpMM2pxt_bYFzO5FjeyPMV10ds-I2ElFEqQbfgBh3T_iS/s3960/20230319_120943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3960" data-original-width="2228" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuskCtBz7ahvfbZQrLyS9yCZvOjNPW-4j4qtHp0SNE0bWMQjMkeRH8w4jhA40WTfS2Yx8_UCGHFo3VNUcUxJgcO0eMSQSxj4X89SDlyeizwxP84NWKmFFxSR2d6xrP34gqmfK5NW2UHbgPpMM2pxt_bYFzO5FjeyPMV10ds-I2ElFEqQbfgBh3T_iS/w360-h640/20230319_120943.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Phainopepla, for heaven's sake!</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></b></i></div><div><div><span><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2919" data-original-width="3649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUEnTM2LSqdYfekius2SeYlbeTNq5xw5ibbr7fZWQku2ZQExEJolxsX6kSm9SXzCEb9iw7rJVb65Ldtw4seJwCmBGVQFwzMgTy1DGH_5gfmF56tFMSjq0BiBQRZV6uzsRhWk3S7op_NJErwOkinc-l24xpZkfh_sq71_YU397BbwteXkTiCYnCSnw/w400-h320/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lazuli Bunting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUEnTM2LSqdYfekius2SeYlbeTNq5xw5ibbr7fZWQku2ZQExEJolxsX6kSm9SXzCEb9iw7rJVb65Ldtw4seJwCmBGVQFwzMgTy1DGH_5gfmF56tFMSjq0BiBQRZV6uzsRhWk3S7op_NJErwOkinc-l24xpZkfh_sq71_YU397BbwteXkTiCYnCSnw/s3649/1h.jpg"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><i><b></b></i></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Such a pretty bird,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">but no sign of a </span><span style="color: #e06666;">Painted Bunting</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">Yellow-breasted Chat</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> or </span><span style="color: #741b47;">Northern Parula</span></b></span><b><span style="color: #741b47;">!</span></b></span></i></div></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSNhL_HtNtuXruQ3DIKbp94U2XALGbaM5L06EFg28LZ8V1vv6fvvkBOWQ1tDJagYdtvFO45vahjz7PZuBNCyjXDBK95-ILfJVuZf0xnsceX-EDtVeiyqTtTUR_ZQ-Xkn6ll08kPjpDs_3mv_a5HE0j7buVQlyrxIwFNl8dmvNZFF2E_jXHerLyum9/s1440/5a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSNhL_HtNtuXruQ3DIKbp94U2XALGbaM5L06EFg28LZ8V1vv6fvvkBOWQ1tDJagYdtvFO45vahjz7PZuBNCyjXDBK95-ILfJVuZf0xnsceX-EDtVeiyqTtTUR_ZQ-Xkn6ll08kPjpDs_3mv_a5HE0j7buVQlyrxIwFNl8dmvNZFF2E_jXHerLyum9/w400-h320/5a.jpg" width="400" /></b></i></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Camouflaged Sparrow</span><br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><i><b>Two dozen kinds of Sparrows,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><i><b>mostly indistinguishable . . .</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>. . . who art thou in the small spring</b></i></span><b><i>?</i></b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBchnuQsyAJEhuq4M7QIVl5uQxru_Fj9N33_k9IM7HNrQsMKCYZ66ZdAVqK1XM7z1M1JGbHF2WM8_78ZJ0zjBfsvF4EWWLJ5ImtlqCj7NUEqhB1ncvWieXmVj5zzCKmwzi0z4IeFM0KrR4Ws_LGSdd8oThJn4t3mOe-jvBHNAFSsEOoyc6RMkZWRZP/s1012/1g.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBchnuQsyAJEhuq4M7QIVl5uQxru_Fj9N33_k9IM7HNrQsMKCYZ66ZdAVqK1XM7z1M1JGbHF2WM8_78ZJ0zjBfsvF4EWWLJ5ImtlqCj7NUEqhB1ncvWieXmVj5zzCKmwzi0z4IeFM0KrR4Ws_LGSdd8oThJn4t3mOe-jvBHNAFSsEOoyc6RMkZWRZP/w400-h320/1g.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scarlett and Summer Tanagers</span></span><br /></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><b>Cousins of Western Tanagers,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">which I have been fortunate to see,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><i><b>but these two have so far eluded me!</b></i></span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6yjflavE5gdfTFC0UBxMBm3b0CpPe8rde0iyGCaE1hshl-K7kn2nAbgNLmocPujNqsT2J0ZzJnpmTXwSeRQjs6yA6UWrkNI4OE3-XS-TzrKmJH0L6sZ9YP-mRzYvDPZL3rnDpdwSxsuq9FveufplbXV7S-7YholovxNpfBWW_ZD_k2pw_qulzt_V/s2021/2xxx.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6yjflavE5gdfTFC0UBxMBm3b0CpPe8rde0iyGCaE1hshl-K7kn2nAbgNLmocPujNqsT2J0ZzJnpmTXwSeRQjs6yA6UWrkNI4OE3-XS-TzrKmJH0L6sZ9YP-mRzYvDPZL3rnDpdwSxsuq9FveufplbXV7S-7YholovxNpfBWW_ZD_k2pw_qulzt_V/w400-h320/2xxx.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dark-eyed Junco</span><br /></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And always baffled, flummoxed and humbled by my inability to ID any number of birds. Some I later learned from an app or my ragged-page bird book, or help from an expert on a group site.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT7kv_3XdcLyFR6ijA6xI2_x9TCHsy2hnWj44-DwOQhJ8HfASPxUcjxo5For32o8DXa-Bz1tDnfuNDFGytZ_KmxB8JWiDkA0pI4vMaYYGTqzTFkdOZOrqXnoEHDargpYkrXdpX_6WMTiJzy9yPZ0ld-GNk0PpScG1onlpmajgE-WlEeyOqNhbMHRw/s4860/5h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT7kv_3XdcLyFR6ijA6xI2_x9TCHsy2hnWj44-DwOQhJ8HfASPxUcjxo5For32o8DXa-Bz1tDnfuNDFGytZ_KmxB8JWiDkA0pI4vMaYYGTqzTFkdOZOrqXnoEHDargpYkrXdpX_6WMTiJzy9yPZ0ld-GNk0PpScG1onlpmajgE-WlEeyOqNhbMHRw/w400-h320/5h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;">Gila Woodpecker</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUFbBx6IO3c9slptB2AQa7HUUVlVsHsZ26580KweGX1hFflJr9p7-LL9-Atm17EDnT1CEqEnlnmz-fGr9tovz35tZK1hv41jjmi6QgBmQPdcKI3QD2aO_A9ibO3Fwh1euJr32zHB3nroEGtGb_LW1rpe9qwo9PUtwzD7XeQp3RSam1nImPQag0Xq1/s5184/5j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUFbBx6IO3c9slptB2AQa7HUUVlVsHsZ26580KweGX1hFflJr9p7-LL9-Atm17EDnT1CEqEnlnmz-fGr9tovz35tZK1hv41jjmi6QgBmQPdcKI3QD2aO_A9ibO3Fwh1euJr32zHB3nroEGtGb_LW1rpe9qwo9PUtwzD7XeQp3RSam1nImPQag0Xq1/w400-h300/5j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Curve-billed Thrasher (juvenile)</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">if I had to make</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">a wild guess</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQV-6NkxaINB7BDYGZx-o0Jsw0XD_9zk8nXz2tQOouyzIYViy_a9i-ku5anUjSNhmxBa21GfzysE0MX4_0ijsFUXuttlzixJGKLINdNq9W_dvIN7hGnTM15TOByUgz-rdA3a6qLBM6yJL4-cPV_DnilfoAzkzC6JirDvYAxS9g_QsxwL7sFdSpwf9C/s4110/5k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3287" data-original-width="4110" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQV-6NkxaINB7BDYGZx-o0Jsw0XD_9zk8nXz2tQOouyzIYViy_a9i-ku5anUjSNhmxBa21GfzysE0MX4_0ijsFUXuttlzixJGKLINdNq9W_dvIN7hGnTM15TOByUgz-rdA3a6qLBM6yJL4-cPV_DnilfoAzkzC6JirDvYAxS9g_QsxwL7sFdSpwf9C/w400-h320/5k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Vireo or Oriole</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">of some kind perhaps</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">but it's only a bad guess</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNjAUdVrIyCGPAqWSfbSFexkVtALx-F9UgOnJ49T351YC3SognvMpB-AnKqDCE2cPSr63ioYWijcdKnaqv1LBn75nFjUAdbTIlpibsv1bwT1J6M7dGwuTZVSQtHXmrCaSyUx1J1tczOUA2ic2zynFnqj6ZZCTBuYCJRjnKALO0L_NEMzMbgoLq9FE/s320/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNjAUdVrIyCGPAqWSfbSFexkVtALx-F9UgOnJ49T351YC3SognvMpB-AnKqDCE2cPSr63ioYWijcdKnaqv1LBn75nFjUAdbTIlpibsv1bwT1J6M7dGwuTZVSQtHXmrCaSyUx1J1tczOUA2ic2zynFnqj6ZZCTBuYCJRjnKALO0L_NEMzMbgoLq9FE/w512-h640/1b.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Hooded Oriole</span><br /></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbwdSgYrMd4GS4KxFonlWkkMS4FYYfDpo7taoTXgWAoS0n9h34pof8v4yW0Q2uH3IK-fKtR7EWoxVT1xffNYP28gJklqU-QbAp8KAiAtgUxdOsOw7efe7lXVhCY1tUjGs8pU8puCaxhuU5wuATskZeSz5bs9ZT8r5QgwcCSbrPkzcxKAQE9ZVl0QO/s4860/5f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbwdSgYrMd4GS4KxFonlWkkMS4FYYfDpo7taoTXgWAoS0n9h34pof8v4yW0Q2uH3IK-fKtR7EWoxVT1xffNYP28gJklqU-QbAp8KAiAtgUxdOsOw7efe7lXVhCY1tUjGs8pU8puCaxhuU5wuATskZeSz5bs9ZT8r5QgwcCSbrPkzcxKAQE9ZVl0QO/w400-h320/5f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;">Curve-billed Thrasher</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ecXVvvrbLEVeqpcbzYiFIHwlMvQZXgnGaQt_1_9l21azwSk7zNL8EPFJDNYac0xbOgP22ISLpPAAhDkK6mbjpg34xAkYdf342bvlClUhMa1xOeMxyU8Z_qKyACGu9j4DuzUzTpf0NNNHgYwJaBVhsBjzMbpr5_NiSWasGax_dCyXzwWfyYhO42pG/s1527/12112014%20(15).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1527" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ecXVvvrbLEVeqpcbzYiFIHwlMvQZXgnGaQt_1_9l21azwSk7zNL8EPFJDNYac0xbOgP22ISLpPAAhDkK6mbjpg34xAkYdf342bvlClUhMa1xOeMxyU8Z_qKyACGu9j4DuzUzTpf0NNNHgYwJaBVhsBjzMbpr5_NiSWasGax_dCyXzwWfyYhO42pG/w400-h320/12112014%20(15).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Virginia Rail</i></b></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eCbBJZDDeNLOt0UzCAcjBa4fIhltLAQZmaQJJxR9Oz8-heEewqlqXjFPoB2YP85JDKISVAUAcFNToRQc9yp2GqCP0rI524nm6wIE-fqvHN3mI6AppEvEVaOybMPXNJRkbjaKRWg597Fe-mse3K9PaowTYcvTvCOOIlKD3pFC-JiwU6hfLHPk47NJ/s3533/11292014%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2827" data-original-width="3533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eCbBJZDDeNLOt0UzCAcjBa4fIhltLAQZmaQJJxR9Oz8-heEewqlqXjFPoB2YP85JDKISVAUAcFNToRQc9yp2GqCP0rI524nm6wIE-fqvHN3mI6AppEvEVaOybMPXNJRkbjaKRWg597Fe-mse3K9PaowTYcvTvCOOIlKD3pFC-JiwU6hfLHPk47NJ/w400-h320/11292014%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Western Kingbird</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEUxIa6m51dyWz4U29XDUBc5t4mN_PqkPzwlu5JBR_cztMDI6BsqgkmjUlh3rsZN4rRX3nh_T30PeDPcTXeKCCqxv-4yJRBHFv5nCjSomCZ0SV_G5C2Edtx-oI66QwaEBrhS6F61WiHgEIhUQ74UEFGAVYFeXSw1PEiNK_kztkVVlnTDYmDWDX6k8/s1498/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1498" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEUxIa6m51dyWz4U29XDUBc5t4mN_PqkPzwlu5JBR_cztMDI6BsqgkmjUlh3rsZN4rRX3nh_T30PeDPcTXeKCCqxv-4yJRBHFv5nCjSomCZ0SV_G5C2Edtx-oI66QwaEBrhS6F61WiHgEIhUQ74UEFGAVYFeXSw1PEiNK_kztkVVlnTDYmDWDX6k8/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Acorn Woodpecker</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #660000;">bold faced</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">working gnarled Blue Oaks</span></span></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TsEOP0xmWPJp1Qd_CuQlBCDrS0QXh4hvapJCRBoL1ALyLoWSqyC8NqgtcjSz1z16ow75Pw07Tr2UozZeZoXXifFFdXPaPiKcYN-vE88d9F85OtgmkQOWkYYIPW1JkpcCLZnsHlBViTpB7Iz9jGMLaHVvGbEoJxi6f1h2IEjCZsOYdkME8XVBM-MB/s4860/5t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TsEOP0xmWPJp1Qd_CuQlBCDrS0QXh4hvapJCRBoL1ALyLoWSqyC8NqgtcjSz1z16ow75Pw07Tr2UozZeZoXXifFFdXPaPiKcYN-vE88d9F85OtgmkQOWkYYIPW1JkpcCLZnsHlBViTpB7Iz9jGMLaHVvGbEoJxi6f1h2IEjCZsOYdkME8XVBM-MB/w400-h320/5t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Cardinal and - ?</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">you tell me!</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">birds of a different feather</span><br /></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DWyKT-2qDi-cxVDyclGdnArXQcF58dC5AF0oM1QZ6as-gbo7rfij4ruQsDTcFgmyLCujborfXCY_TvpnjjKhTaFXhKJwvCLZIYZrIAQ-Z0rlXsVE6g5-0Zi3qnYIXpsEyulINeR3U_d2YSsyd3Qdye_N2o8-Iueo3cbveoqCCiXfEFsNYnbo2DiP/s1342/2k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DWyKT-2qDi-cxVDyclGdnArXQcF58dC5AF0oM1QZ6as-gbo7rfij4ruQsDTcFgmyLCujborfXCY_TvpnjjKhTaFXhKJwvCLZIYZrIAQ-Z0rlXsVE6g5-0Zi3qnYIXpsEyulINeR3U_d2YSsyd3Qdye_N2o8-Iueo3cbveoqCCiXfEFsNYnbo2DiP/w400-h320/2k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">White-breasted Nuthatch</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">either hammering away</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in the high tree top</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">or ground-feeding</span></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZJizQ9qsT5fpym-uurLq6IA2sOMavhgP_hs7n157_x2yldQD6wNkNeDxampC-yrMbcF4PtoATgGvxDV_o7y7NIVr0TxQOisEgHlbJL5VfPVsU4cBIHCz9aRU4vBg53upXGGBRPkXtm-KOOvRvfQzsP_nHEPxWJiL_84M-9SlaeaumNZz4miSG-M2/s1920/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZJizQ9qsT5fpym-uurLq6IA2sOMavhgP_hs7n157_x2yldQD6wNkNeDxampC-yrMbcF4PtoATgGvxDV_o7y7NIVr0TxQOisEgHlbJL5VfPVsU4cBIHCz9aRU4vBg53upXGGBRPkXtm-KOOvRvfQzsP_nHEPxWJiL_84M-9SlaeaumNZz4miSG-M2/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Northern Flicker</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">skirting away<br />prominent white ass spot showing</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">or working bark</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY8PshnHrU66BdIaKXi4Vz_cev69gjxlQ8rfGbCljGEedN8ipjtX0KF3RSdLL56aiusbghZHBiJG1YA6MDl0D0dTQbVaNcSrfnby6N6hC6HF7_8bcQgf3FiqPTXc0IGuv3sfsQDphbd6jdmuk-U-ucjt8dDZEwEMmHdgh1EIUQ8-9spfbC9cnIUMq/s1440/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY8PshnHrU66BdIaKXi4Vz_cev69gjxlQ8rfGbCljGEedN8ipjtX0KF3RSdLL56aiusbghZHBiJG1YA6MDl0D0dTQbVaNcSrfnby6N6hC6HF7_8bcQgf3FiqPTXc0IGuv3sfsQDphbd6jdmuk-U-ucjt8dDZEwEMmHdgh1EIUQ8-9spfbC9cnIUMq/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Bushtit</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">hanging upside down like fruit bats</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">teeming, energetic</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">cute little cusses</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5Ymm_ogHf7ewN0ToQOafP8B5f9YQ-zC795UoeIE59KO4u4UmYq3aC6mP1gSRcF355LYwznAbV_X6SjJUBXMw0tpKJJO1jWagdVNHAAbJ1t-c-Hycz6c4EThFS5GQEfLfiZBza4Lwxq0HxC4E23i0AzUws4vLK931I15eIn-PaXB_WKfiJldUiMRR/s1920/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5Ymm_ogHf7ewN0ToQOafP8B5f9YQ-zC795UoeIE59KO4u4UmYq3aC6mP1gSRcF355LYwznAbV_X6SjJUBXMw0tpKJJO1jWagdVNHAAbJ1t-c-Hycz6c4EThFS5GQEfLfiZBza4Lwxq0HxC4E23i0AzUws4vLK931I15eIn-PaXB_WKfiJldUiMRR/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;">California Towhee</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">even the "bland" one</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">can enchant momentarily</span></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><br /></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx2-_oNnliKdMadYEfaz4dVwL6LYhbaG87EDd8avJHbaDmh49K3NFP1e1Ueeha03RNeVfrTMKl1L3LhoeW8DcJsHQsy0IRLbcOrOrxar79HmNhpZ_o1I4cU22oSF7y28-VxbQY3hEcJ3tnO3IHYXI7Z-X6PE3wq8AgC7pp7rqrwB78_wpqCAVDPG8/w400-h320/2xx.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Wilson's Warbler</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xuldqfJVk00WI3VE3kN7HcX9zDBXfsI4ByJv0-W3Y1JlqRqMC_YwGVYw1clWnwSPF75qr9dTRxcBAEdPF5skBcZtekt1mSy-5VUR2aKJ3LiWpzrCB_AacxhTJvhN6e0Y4fuy-ijUphM6T5GuQaZ5SBX6_StGZl7rmsZ8CdFi6CkPWioBfDmAdrmM/s1826/1dd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="1826" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xuldqfJVk00WI3VE3kN7HcX9zDBXfsI4ByJv0-W3Y1JlqRqMC_YwGVYw1clWnwSPF75qr9dTRxcBAEdPF5skBcZtekt1mSy-5VUR2aKJ3LiWpzrCB_AacxhTJvhN6e0Y4fuy-ijUphM6T5GuQaZ5SBX6_StGZl7rmsZ8CdFi6CkPWioBfDmAdrmM/w400-h320/1dd.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;">California Thrasher</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">vocalization unmistakable</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">for this fine bird of the bush</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5Z4nSZlD8i269NgeXPpnMOiI0XrK5HEhSvFVyCYO5msvpI8DDZ7CKKaoZuX2NYe7vF_uYrbAnzdfYfrE8asnpuebXKeW_V71ZfVXdoZy0miJKLkijt3MJCH-_UawzrEpx4LN8zz2jLq36iQ-wVgWTR1dddDfxWkkKDwp1hTPG4-j7vmHF0cA0den/s1440/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5Z4nSZlD8i269NgeXPpnMOiI0XrK5HEhSvFVyCYO5msvpI8DDZ7CKKaoZuX2NYe7vF_uYrbAnzdfYfrE8asnpuebXKeW_V71ZfVXdoZy0miJKLkijt3MJCH-_UawzrEpx4LN8zz2jLq36iQ-wVgWTR1dddDfxWkkKDwp1hTPG4-j7vmHF0cA0den/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Brewer's Blackbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">I presume</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">feeding little ones poking their beaks out of hole in tree</span></b></i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqknEm0jq_ZjS0wlooPpseYhPfRaSxcyf1f1OYK5rOcAQ9gj-DaPPD2Gm-GzbsFeroHkKOqYEEcc1ch7KtR33tlExpSabNzAWPDuC42Rz9rYQ-brSBpkL0B0gX3Cq9_uhgEHx59cvUGcJHpxhdUwbf37trZp6ew8z4YV61I-QdVIsv7LxEX2Jv_zQ/s1508/10202014%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqknEm0jq_ZjS0wlooPpseYhPfRaSxcyf1f1OYK5rOcAQ9gj-DaPPD2Gm-GzbsFeroHkKOqYEEcc1ch7KtR33tlExpSabNzAWPDuC42Rz9rYQ-brSBpkL0B0gX3Cq9_uhgEHx59cvUGcJHpxhdUwbf37trZp6ew8z4YV61I-QdVIsv7LxEX2Jv_zQ/w400-h320/10202014%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Band-tailed Pigeon</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>REPEAT: TIMING IS EVERYTHING!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnB9QHJ20a1PX0FHqRinWMSfhCJNs5WZWEwM_3qLgELSu-dQUZPnuc5rc0yq0sMXxfAo1aUas1dINyBlKLXTqKGlGP0W-kHn_jnZy-TaN_j3xyuF70EnpSBMwxaLZdSIwzmCzefwmZif0Mn7V9B2DCOjP3lfVzbzSosIo2jtWa97jWKWowdVP0415/s1920/2zzz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnB9QHJ20a1PX0FHqRinWMSfhCJNs5WZWEwM_3qLgELSu-dQUZPnuc5rc0yq0sMXxfAo1aUas1dINyBlKLXTqKGlGP0W-kHn_jnZy-TaN_j3xyuF70EnpSBMwxaLZdSIwzmCzefwmZif0Mn7V9B2DCOjP3lfVzbzSosIo2jtWa97jWKWowdVP0415/w400-h320/2zzz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Cedar Waxwings</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">gathering together</span></i></b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>VI. Paying Attention / Conclusion</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbCEVIaufMxCyLwiAur3yegXz4Z3iut2nLjTPvlcWIyP4i-ZQJkocvtqAjLDz8HzwoURnFWMT0PBc2pEIyDFIaQ4Lp0-8gkSr9Og93bQJwoDUJt2qcFAhedrAB3VCRFXPac6S4E3AVTaIaDB22zIiMOj_EHdR7DRjMpn0oOAC7J3Ui1GoiG1gzBpG/s1920/11202014%20(34).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbCEVIaufMxCyLwiAur3yegXz4Z3iut2nLjTPvlcWIyP4i-ZQJkocvtqAjLDz8HzwoURnFWMT0PBc2pEIyDFIaQ4Lp0-8gkSr9Og93bQJwoDUJt2qcFAhedrAB3VCRFXPac6S4E3AVTaIaDB22zIiMOj_EHdR7DRjMpn0oOAC7J3Ui1GoiG1gzBpG/w400-h320/11202014%20(34).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>Yet the cute, ubiquitous creatures</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>operate in plain sight,</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>all about us,</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>all day long.</i></b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlKFTb7sjTDW8Ccr0rNhfb8iojIVPrAlb2-g07lLAOrh16CTyk_H9WmeImbki01nWfIznXK8GJ9MvZfS8rlhyXpOoZr3ol72JvllHpvzRz6s7hbkR_eXWoTqjHJ0jgQ2RDqD8CsNQysgtgm304ktXoh38qz_zQW4IQujdMpU4xpEQF-TNCkr074b5/s1249/11292014%20(23).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlKFTb7sjTDW8Ccr0rNhfb8iojIVPrAlb2-g07lLAOrh16CTyk_H9WmeImbki01nWfIznXK8GJ9MvZfS8rlhyXpOoZr3ol72JvllHpvzRz6s7hbkR_eXWoTqjHJ0jgQ2RDqD8CsNQysgtgm304ktXoh38qz_zQW4IQujdMpU4xpEQF-TNCkr074b5/w400-h320/11292014%20(23).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sapsucker in the Eucalyptus trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">How is it possible to miss them?</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCO1OFmcqcBVGikiwXO-JQwabIhKBZMRGh6DkB5y6_WklRC8ZAaMaGeT65NBJjfcWuzw5mBmO5bGg6GKeK3UuRKd7_T0E-uN6ut_FFM2kphHo311tlehWDryI1ot2_ncklKaSGVUtF4La_t3tZTfjRL9W8o8_D_aDRbrkMfEjzzRzSyg95_w19v3n/s1440/11172014%20(46).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCO1OFmcqcBVGikiwXO-JQwabIhKBZMRGh6DkB5y6_WklRC8ZAaMaGeT65NBJjfcWuzw5mBmO5bGg6GKeK3UuRKd7_T0E-uN6ut_FFM2kphHo311tlehWDryI1ot2_ncklKaSGVUtF4La_t3tZTfjRL9W8o8_D_aDRbrkMfEjzzRzSyg95_w19v3n/w400-h320/11172014%20(46).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Yet we do.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_NDMx5klKFvL_B8vZfEWN95Uou3s3NC2KBiJYug5Rh29-DefzN0D2FnRNgeuK4c-VBtYkesNoxTVcguj30M03lMBF_jsabELQBsOq5HAZn81QPVYjCCiWELpJgH8BuUAW-rQvn_4vHA1CnXnH-6QPJz6rMMayYmnquKLB1MoXf7kuXkmoWnxvPze/s1471/7b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_NDMx5klKFvL_B8vZfEWN95Uou3s3NC2KBiJYug5Rh29-DefzN0D2FnRNgeuK4c-VBtYkesNoxTVcguj30M03lMBF_jsabELQBsOq5HAZn81QPVYjCCiWELpJgH8BuUAW-rQvn_4vHA1CnXnH-6QPJz6rMMayYmnquKLB1MoXf7kuXkmoWnxvPze/w400-h320/7b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Tanager (best I could do)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To appreciate their flitty comings and flighty goings, timing is everything. Noticing and paying attention is another. <i>(DIFFICULT to do.)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFpG7Re1V8vyxgOqFZly8iJ79bjkCrJOn122h9hVV_qAZlT3RsicDM_YeJMyVJB_V1On0h4KGaI7ihR7hlk_y8aMcsa1cgKT85s-ULZ39WdkoaN3_ysIUWYroKElicHcsZ-5OsK9b1OjNeCaVk6XoHFamy_-ehvfBSnfap7RAQZ71MS7YN13b2xrO/s1233/7d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1233" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFpG7Re1V8vyxgOqFZly8iJ79bjkCrJOn122h9hVV_qAZlT3RsicDM_YeJMyVJB_V1On0h4KGaI7ihR7hlk_y8aMcsa1cgKT85s-ULZ39WdkoaN3_ysIUWYroKElicHcsZ-5OsK9b1OjNeCaVk6XoHFamy_-ehvfBSnfap7RAQZ71MS7YN13b2xrO/w400-h320/7d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Unidentified bird from Peruvian Highlands</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>Then, and only then,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>will we be able to know and recognize birds</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>as singular, wild creatures,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>special freedom-loving individuals of the Earth</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>who know no boundaries</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>and owe no human a thing.</b></i></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRGEJlSx2rs9PYiKThgrIJcItBiMlobuAjBaMlzq1ji17ZfRRH1jEdkz8tYlmAk_UY-D5S7LL_SE5DozYhNoOiCccWlkHrBhhBMtQJjhw7UY0I8zAeGuQDwVQ3RiN90oDSrFrv01OWiWq6BzMsJBoGs2MrJnSbJYGAgmihqjqX3SyMlxrWxJNKFfR/s2382/1a1.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1906" data-original-width="2382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRGEJlSx2rs9PYiKThgrIJcItBiMlobuAjBaMlzq1ji17ZfRRH1jEdkz8tYlmAk_UY-D5S7LL_SE5DozYhNoOiCccWlkHrBhhBMtQJjhw7UY0I8zAeGuQDwVQ3RiN90oDSrFrv01OWiWq6BzMsJBoGs2MrJnSbJYGAgmihqjqX3SyMlxrWxJNKFfR/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">BEEP! BEEP! A Roadrunner!<br />(Seen in Big Bend National Park, Texas)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Take a lesson from old-time naturalist <span style="color: #cc0000;">John Burroughs'</span> playbook in the <span style="color: #38761d;">"art of seeing"</span> where <span style="color: #a64d79;">"things escape us because the actors are small."</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAxFCdLB6IDnIbn5SYOuANKWQur0hxuD--BTUv4pdl5uXeF7wVjgzYZcfk21dUEJov6zn-caBZ3-_y2eNPonBpS8u9-JoIVyk8UzEB1kCEi-_fagM6X-MYruiEWA1uraSXpXwFKKLhT1DLYaxTvEgvsxAFDpWnu2Bpr_8YwUVrepNPPckwGjMX1FU/s1919/7312014%20(43).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAxFCdLB6IDnIbn5SYOuANKWQur0hxuD--BTUv4pdl5uXeF7wVjgzYZcfk21dUEJov6zn-caBZ3-_y2eNPonBpS8u9-JoIVyk8UzEB1kCEi-_fagM6X-MYruiEWA1uraSXpXwFKKLhT1DLYaxTvEgvsxAFDpWnu2Bpr_8YwUVrepNPPckwGjMX1FU/w400-h320/7312014%20(43).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Small actor</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Long ago in another time, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Burroughs</span> also exhorted us <span style="color: #800180;">"to look closely and steadily at nature"</span> and take pleasure in the <span style="color: #7f6000;">"minute things"</span> about us.</span></b></i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeDEem5GhhqlWojiN_PX-J-Eq9QZMu10TYn1KRvse5Cgqgc1uFJX9igzIsavJDz7E2t09uCxC32rxfZ0psAgOjPTS4RFsjQRvFidJ-zji5AnZzQsGWsT7SKLtINGJWDlWc79kOxSOEnXpKYpLK6qwVVsIo_aVxXZfUBVTBbsJ24p9Dz7LkLxwztgH/s1550/1a2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeDEem5GhhqlWojiN_PX-J-Eq9QZMu10TYn1KRvse5Cgqgc1uFJX9igzIsavJDz7E2t09uCxC32rxfZ0psAgOjPTS4RFsjQRvFidJ-zji5AnZzQsGWsT7SKLtINGJWDlWc79kOxSOEnXpKYpLK6qwVVsIo_aVxXZfUBVTBbsJ24p9Dz7LkLxwztgH/w400-h320/1a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Flamingos (captive in Tracy Aviary)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>MY GUIDING PRINCIPLE</b></i></span> – finding the spectrum of smallness to be soul satisfying and spiritually rewarding – equal to being on the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Merced River</span></b></i> in mighty <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Yosemite</span></b></i> or spotting a super-exotic bird. <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">APPRECIATION</span></b></i> for the small miracles in my immediate environment.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s-_-cQPUg0Wd5cIEQn1cqUmY6AQdfLEgASW9QcFZLsXIR6BcQz7rOBQ0LGOaeQqBABN9NaMhtSNv674X5kN8icJy2xjWRKRVJEQP_tx71kmlmQAcwf_n_gTK4tkYYvPKQi15TEnmR_WK20Wx4HqJektj9DdIbQ9j_9JVYtyy5sGGF3F8kSo5OIbk/s1920/7e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s-_-cQPUg0Wd5cIEQn1cqUmY6AQdfLEgASW9QcFZLsXIR6BcQz7rOBQ0LGOaeQqBABN9NaMhtSNv674X5kN8icJy2xjWRKRVJEQP_tx71kmlmQAcwf_n_gTK4tkYYvPKQi15TEnmR_WK20Wx4HqJektj9DdIbQ9j_9JVYtyy5sGGF3F8kSo5OIbk/w400-h320/7e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Giant Hummingbird in sacred Ollantaytambo Valley of Peru</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">TOLSTOY QUOTE:</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"But, ah, what magic awaits,</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">if only </span></i></b></span><b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">in the name of God . . . </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">stop a moment,</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">cease your work,</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">look around you."</span></i></b></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q0xVBsM6cqGdlAq88bI61i-pCQDeu8lX7MmzeLTQs0Yz9g2UTzvtSAo0Hk9ElsgBg8KVlCObbRrE9FjEv2YRwjZ3BCNHEFPr7Hd8vvU0BcyDsdCy-ykd_xPRtlkhvDdHVxvvhQBxWlXsehepH3hDI_OyjE8J_-Zo7kLyfTGP4sYLLZUKC3clCYtt/s1440/4e%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q0xVBsM6cqGdlAq88bI61i-pCQDeu8lX7MmzeLTQs0Yz9g2UTzvtSAo0Hk9ElsgBg8KVlCObbRrE9FjEv2YRwjZ3BCNHEFPr7Hd8vvU0BcyDsdCy-ykd_xPRtlkhvDdHVxvvhQBxWlXsehepH3hDI_OyjE8J_-Zo7kLyfTGP4sYLLZUKC3clCYtt/w400-h320/4e%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gathering of the Gulls at Point Reyes beach</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">EMERSON QUOTE:</span></i></b></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"> “ . . . the invariable mark of wisdom</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">is to see the miraculous in the common.”</span></i></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOm_HiOMNwLQ7IjGBpmwg3vnMKXDVi1iYYK5aVqLqHuWErNsY3ce3MK3PSQBAOJJAYRqPLGhLG6bKnh5w5YLUYc-eeDJMVo7Y95k8-7xiSNcWRgoiS_QhhYYDHZWvdBW6s_3kG2d_3RW1RF4_N1ZT-QZNIX3_L742qQwjaUJjWKkLiVmDoUGZAgwe/s1794/1b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOm_HiOMNwLQ7IjGBpmwg3vnMKXDVi1iYYK5aVqLqHuWErNsY3ce3MK3PSQBAOJJAYRqPLGhLG6bKnh5w5YLUYc-eeDJMVo7Y95k8-7xiSNcWRgoiS_QhhYYDHZWvdBW6s_3kG2d_3RW1RF4_N1ZT-QZNIX3_L742qQwjaUJjWKkLiVmDoUGZAgwe/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The WORD BOTCHER delivering his sermon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />We all have the capacity to appreciate <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">MOTHER NATURE</span></b></i> in this vein – to <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">“cease our work”</span></b></i> – admire the <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“small actors”</span></b></i> and <i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>“minute things”</b></span></i>, pay attention, notice, and appreciate the <b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">miraculous in the common</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zoi2PXCHKmlWfBHhGxsWb_Ge5ffACxRITYNkT1_ta-Iw2ZYLYSum9j_3jcbQ2EfzBtkDXD1BADfnbtukoFQZNVnuXN8cysQZw98C0dxwZq90HJAaOFHbZ42yIArbpXzcQ0459sDRSB43x_yBBEHHN-x1n7iZhMPuA9SzaYOCeqdj-ufFDiRUyOv2/s3780/7f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zoi2PXCHKmlWfBHhGxsWb_Ge5ffACxRITYNkT1_ta-Iw2ZYLYSum9j_3jcbQ2EfzBtkDXD1BADfnbtukoFQZNVnuXN8cysQZw98C0dxwZq90HJAaOFHbZ42yIArbpXzcQ0459sDRSB43x_yBBEHHN-x1n7iZhMPuA9SzaYOCeqdj-ufFDiRUyOv2/w400-h320/7f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Strutting Peacock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #444444; font-size: large;">THANK YOU / QUESTIONS</span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgaUnT4jLRE93YTnZ3uKjzbAA8l9e0durhgAJpSPM15xp7Iob2yikPQXwRHJWPjEJJgMYkWG6QPrbmpgFp8rhkJOizR3wlGjoGqEDiD8jpNjR59BDWy1H4LeKlYDbihxbZSbAzcS73jMjD8Ihpjlud2iY6HlQvk9qkS5wmBSidz-XPzcloLk2W819/s2048/11172014%20(10).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgaUnT4jLRE93YTnZ3uKjzbAA8l9e0durhgAJpSPM15xp7Iob2yikPQXwRHJWPjEJJgMYkWG6QPrbmpgFp8rhkJOizR3wlGjoGqEDiD8jpNjR59BDWy1H4LeKlYDbihxbZSbAzcS73jMjD8Ihpjlud2iY6HlQvk9qkS5wmBSidz-XPzcloLk2W819/w480-h640/11172014%20(10).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Barefoot birder in the Berkeley Hills</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Wildcat Gorge Trail</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Read my post on birding </i></b></span><b style="color: red;"><i>along Mitchell Creek</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>in Mount Diablo State Park:</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/arid-mitchell-canyon-in-mount-diablo.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SILENCE, SERENITY & BIRDING DELIGHTS</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/arid-mitchell-canyon-in-mount-diablo.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">STROLLING MITCHELL CANYON TRAIL </span></b></a><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/arid-mitchell-canyon-in-mount-diablo.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(July 31, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSGzhXKjeKZyl8TjDPDknXRl-AnvtaBmcUZlpUy71vPGEimNM_Ku8Ha4Bcmx47OWIcRT9pLvCt0mEpuL_vzPj14ucfTXkRouTgRrMGNfLHdlDdUnJcPgLE1uxN_Jf2Y6aC4wXkLywW0L2aJrLX_23UIQAZb5CH9KPDbCRCzxQ7dXkt2J8WgeOCzt1/s1536/11a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSGzhXKjeKZyl8TjDPDknXRl-AnvtaBmcUZlpUy71vPGEimNM_Ku8Ha4Bcmx47OWIcRT9pLvCt0mEpuL_vzPj14ucfTXkRouTgRrMGNfLHdlDdUnJcPgLE1uxN_Jf2Y6aC4wXkLywW0L2aJrLX_23UIQAZb5CH9KPDbCRCzxQ7dXkt2J8WgeOCzt1/w480-h640/11a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">White-breasted Nuthatch</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">working the bark</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Check out more Gambolin' Man posts</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">on the magic, mystery & majesty</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">of Mount Diablo & environs:</span></i></b></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2005/06/mt-diablo-state-park-eagle-peaks.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">KICK-BUTT HIKE UP EAGLE PEAK (2005)</span></b></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2006/03/mt-diablos-western-foothills-casual.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">DIABLO FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION (2006)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2007/03/mt-diablo-st-park-traipsing-and.html"></a><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2007/03/mt-diablo-st-park-traipsing-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WILD OAT CANYON ROMP (2007)</span></b></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/06/vasco-caves-regional-preserve-wind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>EXPLORING THE REALM OF TUYSHTAK:</b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/06/vasco-caves-regional-preserve-wind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>VASCO CAVES HISTORY & MYSTERY (2009)</b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/05/mount-diablo-mount-tamalpais-natural.html"></a><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/05/mount-diablo-mount-tamalpais-natural.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MOUNT DIABLO & MOUNT TAMALPAIS: SACRED TWIN PEAKS (2011)</span></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2013/10/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>MYSTERY & HISTORY DISCOVERED AT MORGAN TERRITORY (2013)</b></span></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2022/06/brushy-peak-regional-preserve-homage-to.html"></a><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2022/06/brushy-peak-regional-preserve-homage-to.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"UNASSUMING" BRUSHY PEAK ELICITS AWE & WONDER (2022)</span></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpsMCehoWKsFcWkvdNsyC3lzvf7P6yVgQHSufwOM-_FDeckyr2cncvvRePzsNh-9qG5kyQ6IRYyUCv68BIIYh3XU_P88QnZLAVEMAzSlC5-i_rijZfbCpqecQu7YMnID7P12S66UAAO1P4Cq19F3YRyfzK0Fv5hT0ofsHmRoiBTIIPNobHNlS4EmB/s1924/3ca.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1924" data-original-width="1443" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpsMCehoWKsFcWkvdNsyC3lzvf7P6yVgQHSufwOM-_FDeckyr2cncvvRePzsNh-9qG5kyQ6IRYyUCv68BIIYh3XU_P88QnZLAVEMAzSlC5-i_rijZfbCpqecQu7YMnID7P12S66UAAO1P4Cq19F3YRyfzK0Fv5hT0ofsHmRoiBTIIPNobHNlS4EmB/w480-h640/3ca.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Manzanita Tree</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">durable delights on</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">the Mountain</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Check out a trove of Gambolin' Man videos</span></i></b></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">of Mount Diablo State Park's</span></i></b></div><span style="color: red;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">beauty, charms, wonders, magic & mystery:</span></i></b></div></span></i></b><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9cJKBwQak3AQJoL_2BO_YT2" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MOUNT DIABLO BEAUTY & WONDERS THROUGH THE SEASONS</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7qjlCh84lAeyg_nsuuI6uXmrSqLG7FE8pkHsi0EwNljQ5d3rhh8zqHcOIwhqKN1-70LTIUs3xJFVYNgb990Bbj5W6TnicCtEgg4hsa_r56_V3sIZDCpBdsk9U_kPfjD0BedNV91DZfKSPHvmICe6vJr46aK8AvZnLpJsMSxqK9P2l-GDmoiT9wH/s2048/1ca1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7qjlCh84lAeyg_nsuuI6uXmrSqLG7FE8pkHsi0EwNljQ5d3rhh8zqHcOIwhqKN1-70LTIUs3xJFVYNgb990Bbj5W6TnicCtEgg4hsa_r56_V3sIZDCpBdsk9U_kPfjD0BedNV91DZfKSPHvmICe6vJr46aK8AvZnLpJsMSxqK9P2l-GDmoiT9wH/w480-h640/1ca1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Amphitheater area</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">prehistoric mortar holes</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">for grinding acorns</span></i></b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-14432829661101433522016-04-24T16:16:00.374-07:002023-03-31T13:10:03.998-07:00Teachable Moments & Existential Lessons Learned From Ordinary Ol' Urban Birds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl5B_4n1jMb3LPTikNt7nf_YuV51FpF-x9hZtBJ-yka6_I1H2jeJfqBfvFpyDVsVRYXL4Db7O_7c53JSOvxHpoFiH2-Gq3QcwQkGp_nKJs1myz5Uum416HQcnvR_S6A98neNOq4lU9DuwQAMmzXl8HuoYD4xOJOhmhd7t9owKUXi6Cay9YdAB3tsy/s1933/1y.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1933" data-original-width="1824" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl5B_4n1jMb3LPTikNt7nf_YuV51FpF-x9hZtBJ-yka6_I1H2jeJfqBfvFpyDVsVRYXL4Db7O_7c53JSOvxHpoFiH2-Gq3QcwQkGp_nKJs1myz5Uum416HQcnvR_S6A98neNOq4lU9DuwQAMmzXl8HuoYD4xOJOhmhd7t9owKUXi6Cay9YdAB3tsy/w378-h400/1y.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">High Voltage Crow Trio</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Watching urban birds</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>go about their curious business</i></b></div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">entails a lot of idle standing around.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiAeRUNHu0-mleylkO6mkZroaV1bNT4yQibBds9IG0jFixigEnLTSIIhUpPtYNxbx0iD8N32OTHnGhkOafVH-ZUAinaI0SqtU4aMtj6L3ms4zMlnBws89asI6snsh2C9km5nK-ru10_VUo6Z2mn9d_3PDqfgw1hhk6fM9Z99WaqOFLFOuPTJ88749/s1712/2i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiAeRUNHu0-mleylkO6mkZroaV1bNT4yQibBds9IG0jFixigEnLTSIIhUpPtYNxbx0iD8N32OTHnGhkOafVH-ZUAinaI0SqtU4aMtj6L3ms4zMlnBws89asI6snsh2C9km5nK-ru10_VUo6Z2mn9d_3PDqfgw1hhk6fM9Z99WaqOFLFOuPTJ88749/w400-h320/2i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Urban dwelling Sparrow (?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Peering into trees,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>staring at bushes,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>glimpsing into private backyards.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbUWn4LCZaKnus1oKq4zSW0Ag4JiEVPOlvNtSbUxQWYd6z8LWP3BrVYZslgGbat8DhbaPwnuIpuyX6qDbtxCmmLLKkomzytEmgIp-3WtMuTVc4tS1BjgeHDLbqU3A2N7coMmuWEfHFg9sA4xT-8AT_grLomvzRD_eywi6mLhXKth36SSCWRiTyXYp/s1808/1d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1808" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbUWn4LCZaKnus1oKq4zSW0Ag4JiEVPOlvNtSbUxQWYd6z8LWP3BrVYZslgGbat8DhbaPwnuIpuyX6qDbtxCmmLLKkomzytEmgIp-3WtMuTVc4tS1BjgeHDLbqU3A2N7coMmuWEfHFg9sA4xT-8AT_grLomvzRD_eywi6mLhXKth36SSCWRiTyXYp/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Male House Finch clutching strand of grass</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">Hoping to catch a high wire act.</span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23Rflmd1gaKjdOiHDND2tVvn0OZqYQsBrGdcoI7h_V8n8WDcnGgyhM_ZjQO9UG4J6tF0R73yxm9fiwPDcQaueu2qXFlRpGgcQdFkRSO-ptDRoqd4J1S7u5RYcJYF8rLPUwk26InfZ1_LgtEpp1iZ_NW3VvYLGCIXBYeuDf6f3hx2x4G0xtlp5Ggt2/s1141/2n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="643" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23Rflmd1gaKjdOiHDND2tVvn0OZqYQsBrGdcoI7h_V8n8WDcnGgyhM_ZjQO9UG4J6tF0R73yxm9fiwPDcQaueu2qXFlRpGgcQdFkRSO-ptDRoqd4J1S7u5RYcJYF8rLPUwk26InfZ1_LgtEpp1iZ_NW3VvYLGCIXBYeuDf6f3hx2x4G0xtlp5Ggt2/w360-h640/2n.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Interesting plumage colors popping on European Starling</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">What I'm doing might appear</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">to be a prosaic activity </span></b></i><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">–</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">or </span><span style="font-size: medium;">(heaven forbid!)</span><span style="font-size: large;"> a suspicious one!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC28HGibiYV23OmaHy5zCOYp2kC0dO3CAUqCic3r-Rl19i7FUTMHtRJjG77QENtxZfhyOLbjoCO_ksPyQ76f9-456Y8opyseP65-1ld9iFvMsa_hSQAVa5t3WyaLj6Fy8Rxwd2LvLda-KvHQ37TivLAoFUrUhtJcE4utny0bhzFF_ov_Xxo8LixzO/s1440/1t.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC28HGibiYV23OmaHy5zCOYp2kC0dO3CAUqCic3r-Rl19i7FUTMHtRJjG77QENtxZfhyOLbjoCO_ksPyQ76f9-456Y8opyseP65-1ld9iFvMsa_hSQAVa5t3WyaLj6Fy8Rxwd2LvLda-KvHQ37TivLAoFUrUhtJcE4utny0bhzFF_ov_Xxo8LixzO/w400-h320/1t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White Dove roosting on electrical wires</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Like the time I was approached and questioned by the <span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>Director</b></i></span> of the <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Jewish Community Center</span></i></b> <i>(turned in by a mom coming to pick up her kid!)</i> for aiming binoculars in a children's playground area along a protected, fenced-in woodsy stretch of <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Codornices Creek</span></i></b>.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3hijs3DYAD33AVeY69gA2Q0RFiE6dXS2yY5lGsdQbq5xDRmTMJl8Q_Uce-bQPmV5Je11jNJg2Egu0XG2pwZTWeURLvVH7Mhr05BWx7zSmffrluVR0TAke1Pi-DCs1EvUKWa3SL2d9SiafYt-1sq3VyYx4Iuc1Wkp-8maznbvsrdu0L2p0zof791W/s1633/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3hijs3DYAD33AVeY69gA2Q0RFiE6dXS2yY5lGsdQbq5xDRmTMJl8Q_Uce-bQPmV5Je11jNJg2Egu0XG2pwZTWeURLvVH7Mhr05BWx7zSmffrluVR0TAke1Pi-DCs1EvUKWa3SL2d9SiafYt-1sq3VyYx4Iuc1Wkp-8maznbvsrdu0L2p0zof791W/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch hopping around in a garden</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Moments before, imagine, I had actually honed in on a <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Green-backed Adult Lesser Goldfinch</span></i></b> perched resolutely on a branch, a noble little creature thinking himself hidden and secure, but in plain viewing sight.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkd0Kw6-Jb4OgTZZ-FWoYDvAC6AA38L_n5NuAl1PXzKpzvjaZ2ISl4p0N4sn6rLWcBbBG9HiiYbVncxZrjHWYfazDGt6u1zj73sqKH8PTt6zU8M57rL--fOuE_MiYB_AP9liWVD_RMR-bAtwWTW1Rpw7zUlYSH3b-Eu3xlFTeMYrKymDlcHeT5-ZpB/s1920/3b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkd0Kw6-Jb4OgTZZ-FWoYDvAC6AA38L_n5NuAl1PXzKpzvjaZ2ISl4p0N4sn6rLWcBbBG9HiiYbVncxZrjHWYfazDGt6u1zj73sqKH8PTt6zU8M57rL--fOuE_MiYB_AP9liWVD_RMR-bAtwWTW1Rpw7zUlYSH3b-Eu3xlFTeMYrKymDlcHeT5-ZpB/w400-h320/3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch spotted in tree at JCC</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With a mixture of enthusiasm, pride and eventually relief, once I caught the subtle drift that the elderly <b><i><span style="color: #073763;">Director</span></i></b> was vetting my intentions, I pointed to the pretty little bird about <b><i>50</i></b> feet up and away in thick brush and invited him to have a look.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmICkwHAbDtpCSksqwktcEPYF4yIhkSU5TyFp55us_epq9qQojDBiwEQc05Q4i-dxSHnDoU6vxHtPtUtVeyyE2ZtVld3Ry5ch2Ag1hD2F7FOCyaSfi4RButXmnZe9aZsxrrOzPGiwtE7A9R2k6TqunF5P8OenEe9wbODrwtcMy9Cx990UatkCIZ-s/s1945/3c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="1945" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmICkwHAbDtpCSksqwktcEPYF4yIhkSU5TyFp55us_epq9qQojDBiwEQc05Q4i-dxSHnDoU6vxHtPtUtVeyyE2ZtVld3Ry5ch2Ag1hD2F7FOCyaSfi4RButXmnZe9aZsxrrOzPGiwtE7A9R2k6TqunF5P8OenEe9wbODrwtcMy9Cx990UatkCIZ-s/w400-h320/3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Off-limits fenced-in protected stretch of Codornices Creek on JCC property</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He amiably accepted the binoculars, peered through them silently for a few seconds, then handed them back, waving off the <i>"incident"</i> telling me, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">"You're OK, you're OK."</span></b></i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxpUpeSJ-7soBtdYJx6KK-m_Iu_ZAEpVcxj3qI43qM04PEjG81PZP2JsHkgikcsZuTFFL5TfCIa_SKidapQX9i1IOR6freOjQLgJAxofPpKn7LGJ3Hzk11VOmwCzJJJDbh1dYydAUijtHY-KeMxywqvKFR_7clmOo0ZPlA64SrlGdm2KG0yErbtdX/s1109/182015%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1109" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxpUpeSJ-7soBtdYJx6KK-m_Iu_ZAEpVcxj3qI43qM04PEjG81PZP2JsHkgikcsZuTFFL5TfCIa_SKidapQX9i1IOR6freOjQLgJAxofPpKn7LGJ3Hzk11VOmwCzJJJDbh1dYydAUijtHY-KeMxywqvKFR_7clmOo0ZPlA64SrlGdm2KG0yErbtdX/w400-h320/182015%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush on JCC property</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Gee, thanks, Mr. Director!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">But I do understand you had to vet me out,</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">suspicious birder that I am!</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ai8T_AQF3J0a9zYH8wviqVVTFWYM8HbL-ibDziilktVQaTEyvRIGFkWD1qu1MW-UeVT42AW3NSZos210Jcmj5vFlMqrJ1xV10vTPTFY5ODErAOIpsf-1MLK4zYH5FATqa8BjnNMVww3pdE5AFE8L973Cyb1WevaaNAA9DRln1i_fJ5ev_Y4N399A/s1494/1g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1494" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ai8T_AQF3J0a9zYH8wviqVVTFWYM8HbL-ibDziilktVQaTEyvRIGFkWD1qu1MW-UeVT42AW3NSZos210Jcmj5vFlMqrJ1xV10vTPTFY5ODErAOIpsf-1MLK4zYH5FATqa8BjnNMVww3pdE5AFE8L973Cyb1WevaaNAA9DRln1i_fJ5ev_Y4N399A/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> As a bird aficionado, for whatever reason, I'm mostly a lone wolf and uninterested in <i>"taking to the next level"</i> my avian obsession. My love of birds is a poetic pastime, an aesthetic avocation, a whimsical pursuit of endeavoring to grok <b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #800180;">the magical, mysterious, and mystical aspects of birds</span></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHgSJArqL9bvieib3zVBDkuvi7CQ7HHzINgG9rIerFVoxNfpxphO727ktgvJO_NnEH5atwqxGR5NaHDru2qlY_jY2kj9ZisLFXfXGfSlRwwYUaL64X9mK0opxn0f5Rfq_FqAn9tgaWgouBFHR9sTiYUO3_eKpcry5Gya6xdXrCXwgAQJET22vWcZJ/s1920/4_blog%20(57)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHgSJArqL9bvieib3zVBDkuvi7CQ7HHzINgG9rIerFVoxNfpxphO727ktgvJO_NnEH5atwqxGR5NaHDru2qlY_jY2kj9ZisLFXfXGfSlRwwYUaL64X9mK0opxn0f5Rfq_FqAn9tgaWgouBFHR9sTiYUO3_eKpcry5Gya6xdXrCXwgAQJET22vWcZJ/w400-h320/4_blog%20(57)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finches at the feeder</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Nothing more and nothing less.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUdQQkEOoD0wl12cBfY8U_APcltCX5iIDC2WFb3luq9cd0UTPn2Zhx6F-U_XGfWMoLgVIrQiepJ_WNapXZh6T1DW21wSh7jBnv5wNsBq3OYWG_e6eQTazJglHTKPJhKrC-fjVi4Dl4LW4rfH2xiAsptmMgrvinCulsC89kyJWFWRIijYCQN74L0dA/s1751/8232015%20(29).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="1751" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUdQQkEOoD0wl12cBfY8U_APcltCX5iIDC2WFb3luq9cd0UTPn2Zhx6F-U_XGfWMoLgVIrQiepJ_WNapXZh6T1DW21wSh7jBnv5wNsBq3OYWG_e6eQTazJglHTKPJhKrC-fjVi4Dl4LW4rfH2xiAsptmMgrvinCulsC89kyJWFWRIijYCQN74L0dA/w400-h320/8232015%20(29).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler cooling off in John Hinkel Park spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I prefer to not know too, too much, deriving <i>(as I do)</i> an inordinate satisfaction from just being in the simple sacred miraculous moment, where <i>"regular life"</i> becomes a series of opportunities to steal away and obsess on birds.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxoqPXndlXmi5ebuEkWJq0fV62G7sseezsqqK_MB5syFtMJ2T2_Bb_7Q5oTVLfMszU5mogMfiUEuAJ2XVl_4yqMR3CkOtm9-jCKgaAJbxvVKRT9-4xmhuybJOXzQfpfYd9FNH-wpnlSqIBeliaUQkkkojBrxkNR3SaE0y9Z2rqM0KOj8sSZ0PuLZP/s374/4_blog%20(70)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxoqPXndlXmi5ebuEkWJq0fV62G7sseezsqqK_MB5syFtMJ2T2_Bb_7Q5oTVLfMszU5mogMfiUEuAJ2XVl_4yqMR3CkOtm9-jCKgaAJbxvVKRT9-4xmhuybJOXzQfpfYd9FNH-wpnlSqIBeliaUQkkkojBrxkNR3SaE0y9Z2rqM0KOj8sSZ0PuLZP/w400-h320/4_blog%20(70)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-shouldered Hawk alighting in Live Oak Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A walk to the library or grocery store or a quick garden or weather check invariably turns into a perfect excuse to – <i>hold life's presses!</i> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> just stand around in meditative wonderment <i>(idly)</i> spotting playful birds, birds at play, and birds at work.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuWYI4igHiLXHNR5S8-GlP2KgXj2oP9rjWNGrArpsHIs_hMmjS33h-nEwJeBhFmJ95rB1P7nyhrtcH1xFnEaP5PYkygMDyxXu0XEaGmZ0BdqsqvHizlUZU8vJfP179m4dVu_cwye20kuYnv9KxG0kl6WUMyMWEZa-FqHDsYSKJnDRT1wm9tNX4LFa/s3780/2x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuWYI4igHiLXHNR5S8-GlP2KgXj2oP9rjWNGrArpsHIs_hMmjS33h-nEwJeBhFmJ95rB1P7nyhrtcH1xFnEaP5PYkygMDyxXu0XEaGmZ0BdqsqvHizlUZU8vJfP179m4dVu_cwye20kuYnv9KxG0kl6WUMyMWEZa-FqHDsYSKJnDRT1wm9tNX4LFa/w400-h320/2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rooftop Gulls</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Renowned birder and author </span><span style="color: #990000;">David Lindo</span><span style="color: #444444;">,</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">(</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Tales from Concrete Jungles: Urban Birding Around the World</span><span style="color: #444444;">)</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">writes that it took him:</span></i></b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF-ZhL1rML3dAq6VE62bh7Nscy1C7mbNrG2MJ3HOCKNjv44sWxVrmh6NKjSDujxtzcWfO7TlUwjKtYRd5LeM44ecUSTSyF8bPoiybi4HSsaEqHsFUQ3vzkiU71aIpy6PJlhCc8kfx-3czZEal2iL0_EHnyd2J2wykB3-ayAg08OqexHb2vXP3ojJK/s1302/2t.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaF-ZhL1rML3dAq6VE62bh7Nscy1C7mbNrG2MJ3HOCKNjv44sWxVrmh6NKjSDujxtzcWfO7TlUwjKtYRd5LeM44ecUSTSyF8bPoiybi4HSsaEqHsFUQ3vzkiU71aIpy6PJlhCc8kfx-3czZEal2iL0_EHnyd2J2wykB3-ayAg08OqexHb2vXP3ojJK/w408-h640/2t.jpg" width="408" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finch perched on high wire</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>" . . . years to truly believe</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>that I could find birds in cities."</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4xI9MZ1Kqpeocm26R4udtNHJbFf1Web-2K-oN3NHYz6XMXiqUKV26UGNUs6BgnrIx8aNA-SShD51jZ3RVOD8l7jMEpCr68MVGRiG4-TvPDvOJA8yRaEbaVNtg4AEJISdh_D3Jpa2Sic2GYSfwZpds4MFVxzXPwHz2jURHeAhaxVAwiNJ6oQri4eU/s1319/1c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1319" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4xI9MZ1Kqpeocm26R4udtNHJbFf1Web-2K-oN3NHYz6XMXiqUKV26UGNUs6BgnrIx8aNA-SShD51jZ3RVOD8l7jMEpCr68MVGRiG4-TvPDvOJA8yRaEbaVNtg4AEJISdh_D3Jpa2Sic2GYSfwZpds4MFVxzXPwHz2jURHeAhaxVAwiNJ6oQri4eU/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Avocets on SF Bay a stone's throw from roaring traffic</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><b>Then, the inevitable epiphany:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GqZ3aoCrorw-tM7jHS3lP-Q1_pVWLHwON2ZpSty-ED96Dfc6_BuU7_gu0mdVglm4dknwZzRtyOK6pIv8LneBv0mW5x6y1Z1ya2FcrIsL63OmPMmJs2SnwdqFsnHotERQp-RBGny3e4Gb4lv8E8KUrxvEwY77_IHuRHX0Rz-p7Z3p9bOMDKItQsXu/s1792/1l.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GqZ3aoCrorw-tM7jHS3lP-Q1_pVWLHwON2ZpSty-ED96Dfc6_BuU7_gu0mdVglm4dknwZzRtyOK6pIv8LneBv0mW5x6y1Z1ya2FcrIsL63OmPMmJs2SnwdqFsnHotERQp-RBGny3e4Gb4lv8E8KUrxvEwY77_IHuRHX0Rz-p7Z3p9bOMDKItQsXu/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk perched on pylon gazing down on meadow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">"When you start to see the urban world as a habitat with cliffs, woodland, marshes, lakes, rivers and scrubland,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">that is when you start to see birds."</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69bXBJXIUZbVUK2LXNcXalPzvVAmCHIfR5JoELGUKf8zeHryTs-56sI8dekzlrha0aI0XWPrchOPFinc_f-V_zAurXZE6447vnvD0684v9d6YBTRczE86-2IH0lTrZDyC3fRVJQZ9DuW-jC2A4ftRHJy2KT_r6J5fCtDe2SSQmNONBx7HpdMORjua/s1673/1h.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1673" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69bXBJXIUZbVUK2LXNcXalPzvVAmCHIfR5JoELGUKf8zeHryTs-56sI8dekzlrha0aI0XWPrchOPFinc_f-V_zAurXZE6447vnvD0684v9d6YBTRczE86-2IH0lTrZDyC3fRVJQZ9DuW-jC2A4ftRHJy2KT_r6J5fCtDe2SSQmNONBx7HpdMORjua/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow on abandoned chimney</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /> You know what <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Lindo </span></b></i>means when he says <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">"see birds"</span></b></i> is more than literal. Whether birding in the field, at a local park or in my backyard, it's easy to get caught up in the hoopla of <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">"Life Lists"</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">"Big Years"</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"First Sightings"</span></b></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHprYwXY4dSrXLa0o3yoad3AyFG0W12gkdDDUEVd-fKrNlmkYKpgwnYYaZJJ2OCaQ489EImsS1bNCXKkYMaetGX_EihWjgsaPAkBD1IPkXiTE7_1h9sjtrrdtK8lesKvolrUTH0VJ8AS6ygmeCQHq3vxmeRdrJiikGg-B75eW34y2E9LhlziJFeVFK/s1916/2s.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1916" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHprYwXY4dSrXLa0o3yoad3AyFG0W12gkdDDUEVd-fKrNlmkYKpgwnYYaZJJ2OCaQ489EImsS1bNCXKkYMaetGX_EihWjgsaPAkBD1IPkXiTE7_1h9sjtrrdtK8lesKvolrUTH0VJ8AS6ygmeCQHq3vxmeRdrJiikGg-B75eW34y2E9LhlziJFeVFK/w400-h320/2s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cedar Waxwing guarding stash of berries on city block</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>The competitive fire, forever hoping to up the tally and spot a new, exciting bird. But barring doing that </span>– i.e., being a <i>"professional hobbyist",</i> owning high-tech sophisticated gear, joining birding groups, going on outings, taking classes . . . </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmi8ViCXvpFpV1T7u0EcwhcJ4VbH46tNyROrJq_Lkd7_Ii5VbttIy2vDXQiGOgwt1im8aAJwAkTmgsDtsw77006ebya3am8qrgSdbAK3UuN7a4ITSNO2CmquBcsP_FNWRbJX1blaGu7f5pNBbRzmMPH6tUCCmJfb0DD26WR_BoNQZ5ivNrSdx6Huo/s1838/3f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="1379" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmi8ViCXvpFpV1T7u0EcwhcJ4VbH46tNyROrJq_Lkd7_Ii5VbttIy2vDXQiGOgwt1im8aAJwAkTmgsDtsw77006ebya3am8qrgSdbAK3UuN7a4ITSNO2CmquBcsP_FNWRbJX1blaGu7f5pNBbRzmMPH6tUCCmJfb0DD26WR_BoNQZ5ivNrSdx6Huo/w480-h640/3f.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Codornices Creek burbling through the Berkeley Rose Garden</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> . . . what's left is urban backyard birding</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">in richly landscaped and tree-dense</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Berkeley neighborhoods.</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI4130hhNy1DulrZGbxYQJ9atpXLEpNGvbNXKzK2BLCRH9J2YMrrT79r_N_6nTmd_PRP7Pk4avkWBBkkmspWC3Gno2EF1_Gjqw-J_OdCy09ILX08nkmebrP8oCk-SS4mXMVraG62H1KEjb71VE_vLNPD-AKvuyeOIhI6OqTTqpwnGluCXrtRop6Ld/s1440/3d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI4130hhNy1DulrZGbxYQJ9atpXLEpNGvbNXKzK2BLCRH9J2YMrrT79r_N_6nTmd_PRP7Pk4avkWBBkkmspWC3Gno2EF1_Gjqw-J_OdCy09ILX08nkmebrP8oCk-SS4mXMVraG62H1KEjb71VE_vLNPD-AKvuyeOIhI6OqTTqpwnGluCXrtRop6Ld/w400-h320/3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over-grown stretch of urban-cum-wild creekside habitat</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Any urban neighborhood will do,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">so long as there are</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">trees, bushes, little creeks</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">or even artificial ponds.</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePAk87uqxRwXlZ6GtP282ATub1G8cSQLfE3wrPjzOyACBSwGplW-M0z_RTNnLa8QcSWMe00vM2V9_eATiSOATWjgNDPdW3q8uDAcP-nQ_kZLrSFBiGBM6HwYq6puYfzEEJ55jUzvx0A2HezQV1bqtSO9umufob1APNXFr0cfbgz6ngRm7cnR5wIrI/s1440/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePAk87uqxRwXlZ6GtP282ATub1G8cSQLfE3wrPjzOyACBSwGplW-M0z_RTNnLa8QcSWMe00vM2V9_eATiSOATWjgNDPdW3q8uDAcP-nQ_kZLrSFBiGBM6HwYq6puYfzEEJ55jUzvx0A2HezQV1bqtSO9umufob1APNXFr0cfbgz6ngRm7cnR5wIrI/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Northern Mockingbird striking a pose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Where there are many, many birds to see.</span></i></b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBy2vkvkyVUIIbPlAidfZ6SDc3pdOP1B4T5Pkj_MHSBzZHSAdtKpleslwUFFKtJ8ZLLZH0HalcfwioRP2MyIbU5ZcsH4mhY3wvTRhljQ3Cg96MgEeMI8nSss7eKsnq3X5BnCzT9e7FMM7OPh-kjNOsYYYjxTveG_rCLtDthxul0fGtNqdfwVW1Wfm/s2048/3h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBy2vkvkyVUIIbPlAidfZ6SDc3pdOP1B4T5Pkj_MHSBzZHSAdtKpleslwUFFKtJ8ZLLZH0HalcfwioRP2MyIbU5ZcsH4mhY3wvTRhljQ3Cg96MgEeMI8nSss7eKsnq3X5BnCzT9e7FMM7OPh-kjNOsYYYjxTveG_rCLtDthxul0fGtNqdfwVW1Wfm/w360-h640/3h.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The big Oak in the side yard of Berryman Street</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Where </span><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;">108</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">-year old </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Interior Live Oak</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">resides in the side yard.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">(over 25 species spotted over the years)</span></b></i></div></div><div><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUxnuHMVlXsDwrBy5JJmuyVyCmbrqZOduzo-MdBlXqa8FCYZ8f5bDZ5G8ebDnrYm-JpiAFZ4Ah6gO4tnGtldPMbE3Nf3dOeWuOM3WWYdJ8qaiQ9NcPbyfA85kcg8ENBywIhV0XLGit_IdSh4j8cmgDxMPiTielkHy_utiHILBcmOoO7l-Aw_BxjBX/s1440/3i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUxnuHMVlXsDwrBy5JJmuyVyCmbrqZOduzo-MdBlXqa8FCYZ8f5bDZ5G8ebDnrYm-JpiAFZ4Ah6gO4tnGtldPMbE3Nf3dOeWuOM3WWYdJ8qaiQ9NcPbyfA85kcg8ENBywIhV0XLGit_IdSh4j8cmgDxMPiTielkHy_utiHILBcmOoO7l-Aw_BxjBX/w400-h320/3i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lots of nectar to be lapped up by hungry Hummers</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Where overgrown back lots</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>teem with mature pines</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>and </i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Chinese Lantern</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> bushes</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">attracting many interesting characters.</span></span></i></b></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3vCXhLqvJ3Rjs9mW0oPksbG9tlJLV_uy2f5XkbG36O4QFzrwJD0jaZg069aOLu4phVSNgNadaaWXkzOpVVGufh0uIw6Otc-iTm2az2S6qzLVEhOKiMwgyO8Q3Xu2QnPRMYIyF_K9k4Y4D7M89q1FZGrH2NJMgjaZQ9Vx2YLUICtl0BdqATwxhDx0/s1892/2v.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="1892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3vCXhLqvJ3Rjs9mW0oPksbG9tlJLV_uy2f5XkbG36O4QFzrwJD0jaZg069aOLu4phVSNgNadaaWXkzOpVVGufh0uIw6Otc-iTm2az2S6qzLVEhOKiMwgyO8Q3Xu2QnPRMYIyF_K9k4Y4D7M89q1FZGrH2NJMgjaZQ9Vx2YLUICtl0BdqATwxhDx0/w400-h320/2v.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crows - not Red-winged Blackbirds!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>I almost have to question:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>is this urban or wild?</b></i></span></div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmNCLHff67Ur6KrkeCwJMu1lua2jdXHn3yTkdfy2ElAE2A7cusGtmUQzmG3n-VGErlvb0b_xZiiPJVKqrYvFcWQX-PoBQZfgrLPEc7pRF8ukFpV4GkaOcnJkMseu8w8rs0roHXphve47lzUYJ0hoONiIm8D9hRQVHZqvP6-CImyNl_W3jzhwyezX9/s1919/3k%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmNCLHff67Ur6KrkeCwJMu1lua2jdXHn3yTkdfy2ElAE2A7cusGtmUQzmG3n-VGErlvb0b_xZiiPJVKqrYvFcWQX-PoBQZfgrLPEc7pRF8ukFpV4GkaOcnJkMseu8w8rs0roHXphve47lzUYJ0hoONiIm8D9hRQVHZqvP6-CImyNl_W3jzhwyezX9/w400-h320/3k%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Live Oak Park in the city of Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>Where spring-fed creeks enhance city parks,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>all within walking distance</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>small gems beckoning:</i></b></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY29spohACgbF4DqdU-_GW7padercTpL9CeJO5Kk8twW1_jLnTdyOBnPtpQIggtTdFhV6jyfsmUWm_FDFGqwr-I1xXqusJfE-IKrwqpSKhxc4RRXiK0IplXlcUqNzlgYANxoMT1o4uiw5f9PpUpdEBPqMXqkMmhY2uiP5Cmg_I-aZCp6xtvVVaqILv/s2048/3j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY29spohACgbF4DqdU-_GW7padercTpL9CeJO5Kk8twW1_jLnTdyOBnPtpQIggtTdFhV6jyfsmUWm_FDFGqwr-I1xXqusJfE-IKrwqpSKhxc4RRXiK0IplXlcUqNzlgYANxoMT1o4uiw5f9PpUpdEBPqMXqkMmhY2uiP5Cmg_I-aZCp6xtvVVaqILv/w360-h640/3j.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Codornices Creek charms with supernal beauty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Live Oak & Codornices</i></b></span><br /></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Mortar Rock & Indian Rock</i></b></span></div></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Great Stoneface & John Hinkel</i></b></span></div></div></div></blockquote><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5WgGhLX1U6XFuZndPmEhL9ZMSiAyXA0UCgCGFpL7VbsRAKya_ZUnsQH1QqXGtSP4ghFzs0v1tmqtjb7XLP93CQ0o5gSkfpqrVF3Dyi06dos1TizgMB6q1DkCRPOkx2ozjgGhB6cta7SrT2hvpawUAsUTiqZ_aLMNBKikG8NuIcH6tc4U3WWYwCRS/s2045/3l%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2045" data-original-width="1533" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5WgGhLX1U6XFuZndPmEhL9ZMSiAyXA0UCgCGFpL7VbsRAKya_ZUnsQH1QqXGtSP4ghFzs0v1tmqtjb7XLP93CQ0o5gSkfpqrVF3Dyi06dos1TizgMB6q1DkCRPOkx2ozjgGhB6cta7SrT2hvpawUAsUTiqZ_aLMNBKikG8NuIcH6tc4U3WWYwCRS/w480-h640/3l%20(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mortar Rock Park - great place to spot tons of birds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">The idea of urban birding</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">as dull, boring, prosaic</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">can officially be laid to rest.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaF7HUdYsaqZTblP78YzPVvcgVXspAxCAQkyP_AVewte-6ilw8W9b2258jQT49H17ekMnOHM4eWmnFceSfcYOccvNg0XkqpjpLZubRjCOPTP5PtWvJ3LdWp6OL2TKslG8mzZQl9gSoIPE0Avc-w4rHojo_P12dOKhZ7QMYQQB12B4kHyCYlRMLCSu/s1913/12102013%20(20).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1913" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaF7HUdYsaqZTblP78YzPVvcgVXspAxCAQkyP_AVewte-6ilw8W9b2258jQT49H17ekMnOHM4eWmnFceSfcYOccvNg0XkqpjpLZubRjCOPTP5PtWvJ3LdWp6OL2TKslG8mzZQl9gSoIPE0Avc-w4rHojo_P12dOKhZ7QMYQQB12B4kHyCYlRMLCSu/w400-h320/12102013%20(20).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hawk through the open window (actually, it's a reflection)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Lindo, calling it "a bit of a mindset thing," says:</span></b></i></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UQUb7lSi-XzvnDYrMzYRaM3twvYY5yxZNOl2XycA2dl44o93jxS3RotWFHwEl9DXIpT9PftTKEtCWUwZcKXSmwZ6MC8jgzpMPCnlCpaidFuwMXh_MR9OyAqBG_7UgS_Dh6Tk3o2tPkRo6kw8j-ugEx7cHIEpRZUL7VycQza-Z8hFEyi4SUILwOPf/s4050/3g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UQUb7lSi-XzvnDYrMzYRaM3twvYY5yxZNOl2XycA2dl44o93jxS3RotWFHwEl9DXIpT9PftTKEtCWUwZcKXSmwZ6MC8jgzpMPCnlCpaidFuwMXh_MR9OyAqBG_7UgS_Dh6Tk3o2tPkRo6kw8j-ugEx7cHIEpRZUL7VycQza-Z8hFEyi4SUILwOPf/w400-h320/3g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Codornices Creek dumping into San Francisco Bay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><i>" . . . there is not a day when I don't marvel</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><i>at the nature that surrounds me</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><i>in my urban environment . . .</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><i>birds are my life, my love,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><i>my sanctuary and my therapy."</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUhicREnvIwam99AHnZxeaENJZn-O2JTSY4HZOA8Kw2Aq4f-yNE2rKCW7Bjd-fL3QtQL9yN6HuWCHGJKh7V3ROuqrfRO5ZqH6jnunstdz-O5_ta6YuaU6CxP0ui-VUGmVwrDtYMgtr-0LRc7SjfrxMC7b8taLgEa89ubTTyLDnJsFEpTu7G44wD8a/s1153/2u.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1153" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUhicREnvIwam99AHnZxeaENJZn-O2JTSY4HZOA8Kw2Aq4f-yNE2rKCW7Bjd-fL3QtQL9yN6HuWCHGJKh7V3ROuqrfRO5ZqH6jnunstdz-O5_ta6YuaU6CxP0ui-VUGmVwrDtYMgtr-0LRc7SjfrxMC7b8taLgEa89ubTTyLDnJsFEpTu7G44wD8a/w400-h320/2u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finch with characteristic red rump patch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />Sure, every twenty years or so maybe, a <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Painted Redstart</span></i></b> will appear, or a freak visitation by a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Northern Waterthrush</span></b></i>. And yes, I've spotted <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Wild Turkeys</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Western Bluebirds</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Cedar Waxwings</span></i></b>, and <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Cooper's Hawks</span></b></i> in the city, and one very bizarre white <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Dove-cum-Pigeon</span></b></i> I saw and photographed a couple of years ago in the neighborhood.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeEb8Q_SBl4Ug9skeN0V-bL_SX1fLLgY7BlnVPPf6SeQOuT_DZUo8PSAn1P-KidCQw_WAYyVElCbRPgW_f2UYPeHp-rm32Bl-xwZcMq7xCJqMmiNbT63PKFS8avCyVqDXiZKB35IgDcH8wvccs9BuDx9ypV_zpdNz3CePbCVzkhgzJ4QsflUdK7N7/s1440/3e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeEb8Q_SBl4Ug9skeN0V-bL_SX1fLLgY7BlnVPPf6SeQOuT_DZUo8PSAn1P-KidCQw_WAYyVElCbRPgW_f2UYPeHp-rm32Bl-xwZcMq7xCJqMmiNbT63PKFS8avCyVqDXiZKB35IgDcH8wvccs9BuDx9ypV_zpdNz3CePbCVzkhgzJ4QsflUdK7N7/w400-h320/3e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Urban bird-attracting landscaping</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With eyeballs peeled, I'm forever hoping to spot a passing passerine other than one on the laundry list of common urban birds I spot daily with zero / minimal effort they're so – public! The usual <i>"pedestrian"</i> suspects: <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Towhee</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jay</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Sparrow</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Chickadee</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Robin</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Finch</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Crow</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Pigeon</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Junco</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aeVIzDt71EKOrAiRHrEnWYJIwCGCe3eVDyzqAoruenh1GuJoixarGrRPYvwildaa5QTrY80kJZRMQp85Li32zEemLkkv7jY9x8aJFR_-XfBnojgHykF8Qjl0wklXCPHm_z4DYRyWfCK4TDFPkluiymuDrgxFhwRRz6meGNWFrX2T6ncXLlz0YpCg/s1920/2m%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aeVIzDt71EKOrAiRHrEnWYJIwCGCe3eVDyzqAoruenh1GuJoixarGrRPYvwildaa5QTrY80kJZRMQp85Li32zEemLkkv7jY9x8aJFR_-XfBnojgHykF8Qjl0wklXCPHm_z4DYRyWfCK4TDFPkluiymuDrgxFhwRRz6meGNWFrX2T6ncXLlz0YpCg/w400-h320/2m%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The aesthetic that <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Lindo</span></b></i> captures in his worldly peregrinations is a simple, humble act of bearing witness to the insignificant activities of mean and occult little birds who go about their lives unnoticed, unheralded, and under-appreciated.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfN2BVQdsRNlAgvaRA-aymczfYeTRVrOaD4SnP7dxzxA4XW4P1JFyh6lF9MIoxzJyu0nDYTD7p344XacbN8F1wiqLVzOW-BWifwLQzHW_rtfOvBdex01jmZlDbNRzQffp4Y527htFIlQ1SVeZOExdAwvti3IlRq7pwBanGGnV7za_l5JoiTtAhwfH/s3780/10202014%20(14).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfN2BVQdsRNlAgvaRA-aymczfYeTRVrOaD4SnP7dxzxA4XW4P1JFyh6lF9MIoxzJyu0nDYTD7p344XacbN8F1wiqLVzOW-BWifwLQzHW_rtfOvBdex01jmZlDbNRzQffp4Y527htFIlQ1SVeZOExdAwvti3IlRq7pwBanGGnV7za_l5JoiTtAhwfH/w400-h320/10202014%20(14).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swans tooling around in a city pond</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps somewhat true, but<i> </i></span>for the keen observer so eager to spot one of the little winged creatures livening up the urban landscape and high voltage wires, they are anything but!</div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPiLkUHhIkpL8GJJZby10SjP2pN2W2RLtyzDCsT1aQIe-XtQLiHXJ0MQ7vdhmfSne9Cg5PUO5hh3vC_XuBmxHhclBE4vLFpWDTLBG6jhf88Nt7ul4WK_u6Odg89BU55luFnWgDDKjrO--iKSMvyy1kJ0Sl-M3aDWLuw4cdODETvSRTtJpN1Pmo6tu/s1276/1m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPiLkUHhIkpL8GJJZby10SjP2pN2W2RLtyzDCsT1aQIe-XtQLiHXJ0MQ7vdhmfSne9Cg5PUO5hh3vC_XuBmxHhclBE4vLFpWDTLBG6jhf88Nt7ul4WK_u6Odg89BU55luFnWgDDKjrO--iKSMvyy1kJ0Sl-M3aDWLuw4cdODETvSRTtJpN1Pmo6tu/w400-h320/1m.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Lindo writes:</span></i></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LqrT_u2DboEIBK5Ip0-YfqYPtRqemDp3Had6XRmuKLGAEQmo5AynVJGNzLIolOTl9-QwdvT7vOs_cFT0GKIo9LoEI6F03oTtcgMbfNCmyKSDn5oUJ8yqPRo6fA-dpGdNmj4X3mJ-eD2kXBCV4TQwoiREpSeENV4TCJoqwgyzDuOMruKaNOdoxoO3/s1714/11112%20(34).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LqrT_u2DboEIBK5Ip0-YfqYPtRqemDp3Had6XRmuKLGAEQmo5AynVJGNzLIolOTl9-QwdvT7vOs_cFT0GKIo9LoEI6F03oTtcgMbfNCmyKSDn5oUJ8yqPRo6fA-dpGdNmj4X3mJ-eD2kXBCV4TQwoiREpSeENV4TCJoqwgyzDuOMruKaNOdoxoO3/w400-h320/11112%20(34).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Catbird making the rounds</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>"I would be so sad</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>if those everyday occurrences were to cease."</i></b></span></div></div><div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBOJfoA3vWqz82IHVBCR4pnzjrc7bgKBdcHnnYw2qQ57T42SuuY1QDu66UHgF6XBpi5U3OydjP7xyKU8cHC6HIyQtCQH76qgWup_7jaCqDjtR6jhsOcRE2bPZlx0cFdpVxIikwosXA6Aph1abG-ULB8NOBKte7mY68BDqUinAlqV-cq5DRUp2VDKX/s1920/2o%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBOJfoA3vWqz82IHVBCR4pnzjrc7bgKBdcHnnYw2qQ57T42SuuY1QDu66UHgF6XBpi5U3OydjP7xyKU8cHC6HIyQtCQH76qgWup_7jaCqDjtR6jhsOcRE2bPZlx0cFdpVxIikwosXA6Aph1abG-ULB8NOBKte7mY68BDqUinAlqV-cq5DRUp2VDKX/w400-h320/2o%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pelican chillin' at the marina</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Ecce Ave!</i></b></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApQF0Ex-X-qrM62KFGgsHBZe_dSJhOeD7nbsrPfBNqKp7s_7eEh6zHd6NF6LbPk0jqmmbZ_Hsfi53L4bAJlI3lLTSXR28WdbUoHyHiprNbkXtC0qxMgPar77DbBoP3HqIFjizy-WkFAQy5LwJkBrtfQb1MUkdbXhmpWrxKfDBvLQ03wpU3lOg3uiv/s1966/1z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1966" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApQF0Ex-X-qrM62KFGgsHBZe_dSJhOeD7nbsrPfBNqKp7s_7eEh6zHd6NF6LbPk0jqmmbZ_Hsfi53L4bAJlI3lLTSXR28WdbUoHyHiprNbkXtC0qxMgPar77DbBoP3HqIFjizy-WkFAQy5LwJkBrtfQb1MUkdbXhmpWrxKfDBvLQ03wpU3lOg3uiv/w400-h320/1z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow atop church cross</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>The little winged creatures in our midst provide an immeasurably nuanced thrill of real discovery, tiny cherishable moments inducing giddy joy <i>(!)</i> and irrepressible enthusiasm </span><span><i>(!) </i></span>– </span><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">do you feel it?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesBG4EowogUirMAW6RUJQQNDbaJ5a_lXnU4_3A3X6nUkaHJUXMVI1Gf35jTb1ApZ4Q4mj-F2WfbOPEEReVlDz4bWUaysM12IOS-bVf0auOafIOikfDp2k93t0MKQX3td8Um1pLlkQVl9IuaI5o9aldQxwVrUSk7Pzc2S7OVghISVnsJf6LuWogHq3/s1782/1o.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1782" data-original-width="1426" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesBG4EowogUirMAW6RUJQQNDbaJ5a_lXnU4_3A3X6nUkaHJUXMVI1Gf35jTb1ApZ4Q4mj-F2WfbOPEEReVlDz4bWUaysM12IOS-bVf0auOafIOikfDp2k93t0MKQX3td8Um1pLlkQVl9IuaI5o9aldQxwVrUSk7Pzc2S7OVghISVnsJf6LuWogHq3/w512-h640/1o.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Feeding and preening Ducks</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">How do you feel being somehow privy to birds' innermost workings, their deeply secret comings and mysterious goings, the dizzying array of doings of our little urban bird friends?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MNmUqpwyX58MoKFI0LacZkb6XSw4PQ1-EVTD1W1IygtrC7riTWnE064VilXMzPJO1KoAVzyTbTxNLByYQe9WqhaPnbST3A3hwo_NZcL4KI8JqKsZ16JufJ20mu8avnWx7aqbBeq5gAidUJ_miGBaiqfz_0dB0AZ86xZylcP_VAk2R8pYBbkCXNtm/s1296/1n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MNmUqpwyX58MoKFI0LacZkb6XSw4PQ1-EVTD1W1IygtrC7riTWnE064VilXMzPJO1KoAVzyTbTxNLByYQe9WqhaPnbST3A3hwo_NZcL4KI8JqKsZ16JufJ20mu8avnWx7aqbBeq5gAidUJ_miGBaiqfz_0dB0AZ86xZylcP_VAk2R8pYBbkCXNtm/w400-h320/1n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">House Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><i><b> They are truly wild creatures of Earth!</b></i></span></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2UlXVTLUfrTt_G5wwgu2peBNgOZWLCf-uWc9XtB6q65yPzDttfbs2dWbRtGkph_bBE7GNIoIGMB1Uy84zrQqAszP2RyDhzcH941F-bk6fMfBNi4k1DSMoRQmrHOsLQRUJK0MT6jpZdV-4lFaBX2L5F2r1aWZ42O1TLokTqLuX0hoIJwsV0GdUi2_/s1989/1j.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1989" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2UlXVTLUfrTt_G5wwgu2peBNgOZWLCf-uWc9XtB6q65yPzDttfbs2dWbRtGkph_bBE7GNIoIGMB1Uy84zrQqAszP2RyDhzcH941F-bk6fMfBNi4k1DSMoRQmrHOsLQRUJK0MT6jpZdV-4lFaBX2L5F2r1aWZ42O1TLokTqLuX0hoIJwsV0GdUi2_/w400-h363/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Osprey in the urban-wild ecotone</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>And, duly noted, they serve as prey and are avidly hunted by other food chain predator wild creatures of the urban zone </span>– <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Hawks</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Falcons</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Owls</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Ospreys</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7oiR-MTzg_J6wLRZYwqQjjpiE0OR1o1tZZ9r0doj4JWHsHRnlTrePxSihH3wEY1moiTWq_2sX1VkV4Po9t_jiI3yYPQxQ_cin8funq8FKDo8M8ddB1WfEMNRX6dFIPa0hg2MWFrCCFub2_Me5K6rRMxD6ZE5gj5JycpYuySUB2Tt2thXpNa9Mslh/s1920/1r%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7oiR-MTzg_J6wLRZYwqQjjpiE0OR1o1tZZ9r0doj4JWHsHRnlTrePxSihH3wEY1moiTWq_2sX1VkV4Po9t_jiI3yYPQxQ_cin8funq8FKDo8M8ddB1WfEMNRX6dFIPa0hg2MWFrCCFub2_Me5K6rRMxD6ZE5gj5JycpYuySUB2Tt2thXpNa9Mslh/w400-h320/1r%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mother Goose and her goslings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />Once you start to <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">see</span></b></i> birds, then will their precious natures be revealed to the keen observer, then will their quirky personalities bursting with dazzling vitality be unveiled in plain sight.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLLmGAZ2ulPpFCGD8JahB_-0pULiNLEXSwSaaL7km-CmqD0v05johJX0Q-yGWgorY8WqSMpiOXaLZ6z_zqVk0y7mudjKUlXxcEthwmzL87GIIOzg6oQ-AerJREVzxnEw2QzWXbafLPr7VHPs4QTmDfAFVwESQzBnmYKW9qnDkzxci7nUE94GoQCha/s1920/1x.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLLmGAZ2ulPpFCGD8JahB_-0pULiNLEXSwSaaL7km-CmqD0v05johJX0Q-yGWgorY8WqSMpiOXaLZ6z_zqVk0y7mudjKUlXxcEthwmzL87GIIOzg6oQ-AerJREVzxnEw2QzWXbafLPr7VHPs4QTmDfAFVwESQzBnmYKW9qnDkzxci7nUE94GoQCha/w400-h320/1x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Swallows under a bridge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Once you start to <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">see</span></i></b> birds, then will the magic of their lives unfold, then will their bird-brainy secrets be peeled away in layers of shared avian consciousness.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoQ896VPvGrkJb01jFVa834ujB6-nFQEeLad70F9ZaAITtjDg-ZV9WbbmfvSMxZq0iBtYVKF4h5sA4YiH0IdvIpk3Ky5XW2BqLu6Jd7xUs-uC8i1uN1K2FlYMXsxWqxpJDpkVge-Q1yuH98sQgL1PluQDdoreC4VMRgMirC2gNhaULlOTa6vJ3f1Q/s4860/3m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoQ896VPvGrkJb01jFVa834ujB6-nFQEeLad70F9ZaAITtjDg-ZV9WbbmfvSMxZq0iBtYVKF4h5sA4YiH0IdvIpk3Ky5XW2BqLu6Jd7xUs-uC8i1uN1K2FlYMXsxWqxpJDpkVge-Q1yuH98sQgL1PluQDdoreC4VMRgMirC2gNhaULlOTa6vJ3f1Q/w400-h320/3m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Willow Flycatcher on her brood</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Dramatis Avianae:</span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8vfLgHysAJRWFvFs-unUj8NwAmDmKty_uTSndTDWBZjhcPj_02SLEG5uaqiGJDwoOQkEbr3iPOe-kXE6LkR9OTlVoERTKpYnXFtzzfvWPC-8ln-__OyWactdYBUSi2uOyMjJnBsSF5MLDV74wVBTd8zJuze5xq7Yy_RJvbIbDxx3Gz5z_-iuBwDV/s1660/3n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8vfLgHysAJRWFvFs-unUj8NwAmDmKty_uTSndTDWBZjhcPj_02SLEG5uaqiGJDwoOQkEbr3iPOe-kXE6LkR9OTlVoERTKpYnXFtzzfvWPC-8ln-__OyWactdYBUSi2uOyMjJnBsSF5MLDV74wVBTd8zJuze5xq7Yy_RJvbIbDxx3Gz5z_-iuBwDV/w400-h320/3n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Oak Titmouse</span><br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A bouncy, handsome little guy who seldom sits still, is often obscured deep in the branches; and is vocally prominent, as though mocking the shit out of you, you're often fooled by the variegated high-pitched shrills, and constantly thwarted in aurally ID'ing the bird; then, once spotted, well, of course, he's the inimitable <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Oak Titmouse!</span></b></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFkUBG8jOlj0zCSEeS0hIZUuY_vIPt2ZfqwB7dEergr0dpE2qt0bp2nTsMlS650UjjVZjSV9-k5z0OrDf4VAupHT-s6_88CDZuryChOzooG7t1QhAhxNY1LjCv6TDo7Dgb78hb58A7HPX0W8oRE5aJ1zT7kAlUgF9V45xiMpNjJwMKxc8KQuvCKt5/s1536/3o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFkUBG8jOlj0zCSEeS0hIZUuY_vIPt2ZfqwB7dEergr0dpE2qt0bp2nTsMlS650UjjVZjSV9-k5z0OrDf4VAupHT-s6_88CDZuryChOzooG7t1QhAhxNY1LjCv6TDo7Dgb78hb58A7HPX0W8oRE5aJ1zT7kAlUgF9V45xiMpNjJwMKxc8KQuvCKt5/w480-h640/3o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Northern Flicker</span></b></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This flighty bird's extraordinary patterning and elegant coat of splendid colors; his perfectly rounded red beauty mark gracing his neck, says it all about <span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Northern Flickers</b></span>. Every time I'm lucky enough to espy a <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Northern Flicker</b></span>, I always come away feeling like I just saw an exotic bird, and have a feeling of having established a special affinity, but no doubt an illusory and tenuous connection.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhpmNPfvqsMxe-WUMFxc0SHUjn_VB2iQXH6Xig7glsxLNK1vqcgtOKPIdGahxWdL5d7WHMNoB5E61tCjmhpIXCdeMn24vnJqzacD4Ak0DQzQmluyayP04OJjEc6T9eLQtXFONBbVNzK_VtQAIQ9O4Ugv5ITebIgMgwKFHKFRYlj2lBVyMh1zlfHdj/s1919/1u%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhpmNPfvqsMxe-WUMFxc0SHUjn_VB2iQXH6Xig7glsxLNK1vqcgtOKPIdGahxWdL5d7WHMNoB5E61tCjmhpIXCdeMn24vnJqzacD4Ak0DQzQmluyayP04OJjEc6T9eLQtXFONBbVNzK_VtQAIQ9O4Ugv5ITebIgMgwKFHKFRYlj2lBVyMh1zlfHdj/w400-h320/1u%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pigeon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us now consider this bird, the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Pigeon</span></b></i>, perhaps the most taken-for-granted, reviled urban bird of all time! And yet . . . <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">just look!</span></b></i> Isn't he such a pretty, unassuming bird!</span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIQo7w8zuzodH90t2Px-leZwuEIwZ2UrjXV5QL_eN0WyCk2vvG6AGfOqJ1002l7bd317F0n9UjX0rXIjqcjFVuUA_WJUOLBTFxE9w1BohQc1HTrRXkptUK2s2WtwoG4yuvwm5dqGN1oR8im2-ZoUkBkqWdicvhfK20dJu7IQHH1dPuVC1t3TF4dlG/s1885/3pp%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIQo7w8zuzodH90t2Px-leZwuEIwZ2UrjXV5QL_eN0WyCk2vvG6AGfOqJ1002l7bd317F0n9UjX0rXIjqcjFVuUA_WJUOLBTFxE9w1BohQc1HTrRXkptUK2s2WtwoG4yuvwm5dqGN1oR8im2-ZoUkBkqWdicvhfK20dJu7IQHH1dPuVC1t3TF4dlG/w400-h320/3pp%20(2).jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Pigeons in La Paz zocalo</b></i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">And yet . . . such undeserved street cred!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrVMt5h1KGwkVqHLeiA4JEOUDrq2r6T3C7jro9nb9NdiVIdJR73acp7cdkHJGnoIQjFmuM6aCRh0rJxlJuZrNKIYl9SrR9AWWLgun5KMd9dEfRUWTHZC00reb24hQPhHsMJEk8nsI59GDxnqpF5rUb7OSxSfR_IHZCFO6CoZua_zBeeUp3JJuU5GS/s1740/1w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrVMt5h1KGwkVqHLeiA4JEOUDrq2r6T3C7jro9nb9NdiVIdJR73acp7cdkHJGnoIQjFmuM6aCRh0rJxlJuZrNKIYl9SrR9AWWLgun5KMd9dEfRUWTHZC00reb24hQPhHsMJEk8nsI59GDxnqpF5rUb7OSxSfR_IHZCFO6CoZua_zBeeUp3JJuU5GS/w400-h320/1w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Weird-looking Dove (Pigeon relation)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Unless you are a Pigeon lover, that is!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExcaTQS0N2-vw5ErsSmgXwfeETPj8sCXPHpsrIypE89tVIiiV4fP6tyDPdS8ucpy41F3B9X-mmCOSz0gkrPKmKQZUlP6a5e8ctxzSBvTJPa5pWF277vUFIU20NWhVIUTpppH20xN71O7HZnLblN160G7Jl9haEmd-ikxf99I910K5DW90vnQifTQD/s912/3v.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="912" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExcaTQS0N2-vw5ErsSmgXwfeETPj8sCXPHpsrIypE89tVIiiV4fP6tyDPdS8ucpy41F3B9X-mmCOSz0gkrPKmKQZUlP6a5e8ctxzSBvTJPa5pWF277vUFIU20NWhVIUTpppH20xN71O7HZnLblN160G7Jl9haEmd-ikxf99I910K5DW90vnQifTQD/w400-h320/3v.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pigeon beauty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Lindo</span></b></i> relates how he has <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">"found my peace"</span></b></i> with the brilliantly plumed, scruffy scavenger birds; how he became enamored of their amenable natures and surprisingly high IQs.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEZpuWINbpdGBEJzrpu1s8qkWgpTeUh1ezFZ9jIPRff9olLYLhqHFzC6nuHusGE7cIUojBS76bQCuuTbOSe3hNaiP4Q7lPX-yk-6-ZbH0lQvAOJr8hWnxBuRGL7pwRwROwncQVZYGQm___YvoZ1Ic2vsZXvmyFOyVcOAJLzh-ra2IwIpGgZXn0bfi/w480-h640/3q.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pigeon</span><br /></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">" . . . they can recognize the human faces</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">that feed them in a crowd . . . </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">they have even allegedly learnt to use</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">the underground system in London</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">by deliberately getting on trains</span></b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">and getting off at specific stops."</span></b></span></i></div><b style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzb8cj_ypkQq9vKBDGto2ZcAzek1hGXo191B3URKe0NmoCax8AhaEcbZ3l_W3qkmCRF59nRW2dFjRw8VyxDHqAfWl0kaVbQWMqwfxHuO29k8ZiMAuNkS7Pm_0XkwG5EcenlhdXmBmAAHHjXFIJnR48eeW0D7pfMKl78wnUEgkX3zF48JKmhGrmDOU/s1920/2l%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzb8cj_ypkQq9vKBDGto2ZcAzek1hGXo191B3URKe0NmoCax8AhaEcbZ3l_W3qkmCRF59nRW2dFjRw8VyxDHqAfWl0kaVbQWMqwfxHuO29k8ZiMAuNkS7Pm_0XkwG5EcenlhdXmBmAAHHjXFIJnR48eeW0D7pfMKl78wnUEgkX3zF48JKmhGrmDOU/w400-h320/2l%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Towhee in bird house</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> And honorable mention for yawning banality goes to those flying brown blobs of fat and feathers, the ubiquitous <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">California Towhees</span></b></i>!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDvP-IgjgnsYwwMTG5xF_LaW4AbBnQvdFfS9RCFgzesP1zW6Tr0WwEE-ctOpolXnYqh8Cycn69TFGk0X60A1AFUdKW_PnaspiwFYJSgxqnNXaF6ooYOSQheYwwIqenyQpgIYq0G1c3tRiVm2vM8W_AanKe911m2bkNRV0PEG3VbByJ9r2DdjwmUNJ/s1277/3r.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDvP-IgjgnsYwwMTG5xF_LaW4AbBnQvdFfS9RCFgzesP1zW6Tr0WwEE-ctOpolXnYqh8Cycn69TFGk0X60A1AFUdKW_PnaspiwFYJSgxqnNXaF6ooYOSQheYwwIqenyQpgIYq0G1c3tRiVm2vM8W_AanKe911m2bkNRV0PEG3VbByJ9r2DdjwmUNJ/w400-h320/3r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Towhee after a dip in the creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>(Note to self: trying admiring them more.)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zha9g2fKVhK2gsC-qxWgUblEraxX1LwhONcbD0nC_FQdoegQWyy-5XCkqwHgjt-sskvwIjdkJqX585epy5RDqfcTOslELliaCrgvvSeBFThR9KesZEERbnv5VaR090iwVrl2UCVS5HaOgO_7EL82ChQaNoZsl_NS3vD8Lj5aY4g0Z99Z_ii8wxWy/s1134/4_blog%20(59)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zha9g2fKVhK2gsC-qxWgUblEraxX1LwhONcbD0nC_FQdoegQWyy-5XCkqwHgjt-sskvwIjdkJqX585epy5RDqfcTOslELliaCrgvvSeBFThR9KesZEERbnv5VaR090iwVrl2UCVS5HaOgO_7EL82ChQaNoZsl_NS3vD8Lj5aY4g0Z99Z_ii8wxWy/w400-h320/4_blog%20(59)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crows gathering on sidewalk to feed</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, and the <i>(so-called)</i> commonplace, opportunistic <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Crow</span></b></i>. But what of its ingenious quirkiness and supernal intelligence of the highest order? <i>("For a bird"?)</i>. A creature capable of recognizing individual humans, recalling slights, and behaving altruistically.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EM0PZ-cB7cInRVKvkjV2xtHxcqf1q-guXXKaKj2mp6tcyaOg1ZxauWdx8ckuLikqkW7IxC0SMYFsMSJHFPDVoM5VNBS0yIUkgqatHX45U8aRq5br4nLXquuE5z8EBLMjtMQo2mTeEurhCo6-wztIglLf2uaJwJnkSKjjDigsXGnNFQXT5UTXc8e_/s1440/4_blog%20(58)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EM0PZ-cB7cInRVKvkjV2xtHxcqf1q-guXXKaKj2mp6tcyaOg1ZxauWdx8ckuLikqkW7IxC0SMYFsMSJHFPDVoM5VNBS0yIUkgqatHX45U8aRq5br4nLXquuE5z8EBLMjtMQo2mTeEurhCo6-wztIglLf2uaJwJnkSKjjDigsXGnNFQXT5UTXc8e_/w400-h320/4_blog%20(58)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow mates grooming</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Don't despise or dismiss </span><span style="color: #800180;">Crow</span><span style="color: #783f04;">, </span><span style="color: #073763;">Human</span><span style="color: #783f04;">!</span></span></b></i></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa-UJuelHpjPz8NH7zHEVOgrOKuhCUfyQyobHNRfwvMEi1gS12Lly-EOt7BnAij1GW7HqcmQzDuWQ3B9gCFfZvB_9lUxroR6lm64Aqr5US2SVh1ohkbHl_oRcwVUjBAc_wlMM3UmlewF6WTO8WdAy7J5ZqZRLtvYw2YTGT2Z7WjI1B4s0IIOw_j_J/s1907/1p%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1526" data-original-width="1907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa-UJuelHpjPz8NH7zHEVOgrOKuhCUfyQyobHNRfwvMEi1gS12Lly-EOt7BnAij1GW7HqcmQzDuWQ3B9gCFfZvB_9lUxroR6lm64Aqr5US2SVh1ohkbHl_oRcwVUjBAc_wlMM3UmlewF6WTO8WdAy7J5ZqZRLtvYw2YTGT2Z7WjI1B4s0IIOw_j_J/w400-h320/1p%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Say, didja hear about the Duck who walks into a bar . . .</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The goofiness of <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Geese</span></b></i> and silliness of <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Ducks</span></b></i> is always a fun stuff. OK, so it's a bit anthropomorphic to ascribe risible traits to our resident <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Waterfowl</span></b></i>, but let's admit, they have a knack for eliciting chortles from even a disinterested curmudgeon.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUusKIyuNaLD3fQrhuvDls0mF7H0Gne-RsISFJArIArhCnJHWztamuETHNNmIt8O7fgumqkjvoHMDXVWywpMcSckFYhrcN5TtgUoQrX2q3DBbeUfnp7lphfMaHrN3Ki9KJ31HvTwyVLk9ej6rWUKSKEORrnPsZgZPzrsM28TY0hyhmvyJyvtapcB_/s1440/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUusKIyuNaLD3fQrhuvDls0mF7H0Gne-RsISFJArIArhCnJHWztamuETHNNmIt8O7fgumqkjvoHMDXVWywpMcSckFYhrcN5TtgUoQrX2q3DBbeUfnp7lphfMaHrN3Ki9KJ31HvTwyVLk9ej6rWUKSKEORrnPsZgZPzrsM28TY0hyhmvyJyvtapcB_/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dark-eyed Junco on the deck</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> Ah, <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Juncos!</span></i></b> They come in many flavors, and they're always chirpy and chippy, flying off to reveal their split white tail, or casting off a quizzical look from a fence. When I see them in different light, from a different angle, I'm like – <i>wait!</i> – that isn't a <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Junco</span></b></i>, is it? Sure enough is.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXYhekF9e-NtX8P-BV6I-mhvLJf3DjqAroehdQZ2dTSoPiifvp_rV18TjcgDAC49i8PaJbfBjKJ8VNoD-dPUZqyR8QbGYBo1EiNvNtue5biE-TXbaUTmtrb7PPwHI5oKMpNsPxlU9Nf0AKBqLZ1ZskOY5NeosXg81v7N57R5fBOWA_VgTG7ckjpsk/s1920/1v.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXYhekF9e-NtX8P-BV6I-mhvLJf3DjqAroehdQZ2dTSoPiifvp_rV18TjcgDAC49i8PaJbfBjKJ8VNoD-dPUZqyR8QbGYBo1EiNvNtue5biE-TXbaUTmtrb7PPwHI5oKMpNsPxlU9Nf0AKBqLZ1ZskOY5NeosXg81v7N57R5fBOWA_VgTG7ckjpsk/w400-h320/1v.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ground-feeding Mourning Dove</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;"> Mourning Doves</span></b></i> are way cool, whether chilling on a lone branch, ground feeding, perched on a high wire <i>(which they love)</i>, or flying off swiftly and sleekly in formation with a dozen mates. I used to not notice them. Now, I always do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxPSYvGwLNUZ-ecJZDJ8A_aZD8J6PMds7XSXR6Vy_7ve-dHwGjGy2hUmSSD1bfvRNoyg1DxK00ZeD65hRDTIlsxiyfazrInwn8Leu-umExxm0E5EmwjaNvEvVEijqpQqWtcqxx34gnAVJrY6rcN3O7J2AxVssu_b4UEa5pewmpmuIt2EfIM8_ttmA/s1919/2c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxPSYvGwLNUZ-ecJZDJ8A_aZD8J6PMds7XSXR6Vy_7ve-dHwGjGy2hUmSSD1bfvRNoyg1DxK00ZeD65hRDTIlsxiyfazrInwn8Leu-umExxm0E5EmwjaNvEvVEijqpQqWtcqxx34gnAVJrY6rcN3O7J2AxVssu_b4UEa5pewmpmuIt2EfIM8_ttmA/w400-h320/2c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay with picnic pickings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Do you?</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5jw-P_OzwgrspcjeYKzqTa-252X6-ERozwo5CiPLwj7B4MQ_46OkG-Xt5aryHNIlfQGvdgcFbN9WeshyhVn2HoPy4rparRPghbmm6Lez3KkfJKNWbrSEVlmlFHCVKLZqBEWOJo80x0ZTQgZrEVZtczbR6KpK2IeQfhY_ItiGq3M68BmdqmS8Iqyj/s1919/2p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5jw-P_OzwgrspcjeYKzqTa-252X6-ERozwo5CiPLwj7B4MQ_46OkG-Xt5aryHNIlfQGvdgcFbN9WeshyhVn2HoPy4rparRPghbmm6Lez3KkfJKNWbrSEVlmlFHCVKLZqBEWOJo80x0ZTQgZrEVZtczbR6KpK2IeQfhY_ItiGq3M68BmdqmS8Iqyj/w400-h320/2p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chickens wandering around</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Even </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chickens</span><span style="color: #444444;">, for they are birds, too,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>and deserve our attention and compassion.</b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaNmDZmdqzsevPffkZ-p1E93H3G_ofONnb9FWlofb3v1c5Xna6y6LgVae9b7tSYxgyEczggnD4e-aF7_OttVpu99hcApCBoey-tIdFy6fp76KIDOOeLJthrQOKD0hG6-p58MllujmSJwkuOmYtIArx84NR9z_GYMMq2uAx5Q5_Fn_hnENUTjba3K5/s1275/2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaNmDZmdqzsevPffkZ-p1E93H3G_ofONnb9FWlofb3v1c5Xna6y6LgVae9b7tSYxgyEczggnD4e-aF7_OttVpu99hcApCBoey-tIdFy6fp76KIDOOeLJthrQOKD0hG6-p58MllujmSJwkuOmYtIArx84NR9z_GYMMq2uAx5Q5_Fn_hnENUTjba3K5/w400-h320/2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Robin in search of a worm</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The <i>"mundane activity of urban birding"</i> and the <i>"prosaic nature of urban birds"</i> is anything but. In fact, urban birding is as exciting as <i>"wild"</i> birding farther afield in our extensive green belt of open spaces, parks and wilderness areas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznNMQOS5sQHCq4YmIF4Ox1VoBfEbg14nNcVChNKm-VL-dBFrUMzPU2paZ9VsxLAoY9rMoO0qPFE0xpluLBiBBlNk9HWLGfZso4JeB8GVsFpZJnOy78syXn18g3KezVyMjW0pFrJ_dEppRqh4Q8y3sGlI5ms32uqLwpXQbdaQSKuG3zPxkR4mgDG_r/s2047/2k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznNMQOS5sQHCq4YmIF4Ox1VoBfEbg14nNcVChNKm-VL-dBFrUMzPU2paZ9VsxLAoY9rMoO0qPFE0xpluLBiBBlNk9HWLGfZso4JeB8GVsFpZJnOy78syXn18g3KezVyMjW0pFrJ_dEppRqh4Q8y3sGlI5ms32uqLwpXQbdaQSKuG3zPxkR4mgDG_r/w400-h320/2k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow (I believe)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Think about it – right in our midst, we are so fortunate and blessed with many exciting encounters and sightings with birds who pass through or call the urban environment their permanent home:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOZZGvnFV9R8A65JOtv5laGLvWgnog-R0tmNm47_LK32Ad8Fy2ZueDA524wpo4Qsi9Q2u65MHyrBRGyCEZPuuUYOiADkwqzR2h4U9-1-C6dBGa4Fu7ps0T5lfGv_u2f-TmCpRw71PI6whPz0sH9_mhqpaPV33EZnKKeEj2nUGSF7X-H9jOOQYJKgO/s2194/3s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1755" data-original-width="2194" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOZZGvnFV9R8A65JOtv5laGLvWgnog-R0tmNm47_LK32Ad8Fy2ZueDA524wpo4Qsi9Q2u65MHyrBRGyCEZPuuUYOiADkwqzR2h4U9-1-C6dBGa4Fu7ps0T5lfGv_u2f-TmCpRw71PI6whPz0sH9_mhqpaPV33EZnKKeEj2nUGSF7X-H9jOOQYJKgO/w400-h320/3s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">The quantum vibrations that are Hummingbirds</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUDPMO2ebjwPnS8zz78Y5EAstR8fMU1UxjFuD7aWrqFrjC6Tbqz8bhx1PpCk_MRv9adgZg1D-18XYeK_S8AxU8ZKDA8HRPbrRpAZ7YZ1NyKE8CvzDX8GzM3Q6oveYyZXKvoNNfQxcHxVSlMnIfIEPpwxDY6-M9xFid6ikNK_-COkFoVaeJhOBPjC_/s1731/2a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUDPMO2ebjwPnS8zz78Y5EAstR8fMU1UxjFuD7aWrqFrjC6Tbqz8bhx1PpCk_MRv9adgZg1D-18XYeK_S8AxU8ZKDA8HRPbrRpAZ7YZ1NyKE8CvzDX8GzM3Q6oveYyZXKvoNNfQxcHxVSlMnIfIEPpwxDY6-M9xFid6ikNK_-COkFoVaeJhOBPjC_/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><b><i>All that Jazz of Jays</i></b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouOW0OQ1LQ_X4WjNjcmWiilVIif-0m9-YWhptfe4q-HCFHFykPlUqLp6WpMaeBsi-5HhJW-JaiKqHTGYKjJ1JOYcNF0fth5rGlbEcw0SL5Nvcc_64JEJcnJxYx3f0z-yuO6r74gQLscJb3ccL7grYLApM4Mi18-oQc2sSKQ4jppTy-vd_K6We5Xax/s4320/2q.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouOW0OQ1LQ_X4WjNjcmWiilVIif-0m9-YWhptfe4q-HCFHFykPlUqLp6WpMaeBsi-5HhJW-JaiKqHTGYKjJ1JOYcNF0fth5rGlbEcw0SL5Nvcc_64JEJcnJxYx3f0z-yuO6r74gQLscJb3ccL7grYLApM4Mi18-oQc2sSKQ4jppTy-vd_K6We5Xax/w400-h320/2q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Lively Bushtits (their conical shaped nest)</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6OQbiOPjFaDHHCHGB7d2euLpoZaqC644yFmTXXyDXZIYnTM-LUsQehE5WVVRj5rJJ6tVSbOODdm2CZqAUsQ-6wyfnwK0rFaOBCLoDgiZdevUC1rWQeejVQwSaoZxIanCyyjD3JaeW1UlYeMznbyd0cIUN6JQdzEg7gMOxGbcVY8CJ-odw1cZvKfh/s1320/3t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6OQbiOPjFaDHHCHGB7d2euLpoZaqC644yFmTXXyDXZIYnTM-LUsQehE5WVVRj5rJJ6tVSbOODdm2CZqAUsQ-6wyfnwK0rFaOBCLoDgiZdevUC1rWQeejVQwSaoZxIanCyyjD3JaeW1UlYeMznbyd0cIUN6JQdzEg7gMOxGbcVY8CJ-odw1cZvKfh/w400-h320/3t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Golden-Crowned Sparrows feeding in bunches</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVs0S6tFzpIX3VZHppizfdqmLoY4CTu38_EbfsMpVva_eloMUkilai_OZ4h4xYeydIf4qs_eQj10s4G_jRsFWhYYO9NB-ohgJz210Le-VtzlG4BWOgxkXrfqgWkB273UXhcLIpR0kTeimyDBRQ8FjACS07HLCyh388XiDIlYh6SkmPrZVLI5dMw6S/s1440/3u.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVs0S6tFzpIX3VZHppizfdqmLoY4CTu38_EbfsMpVva_eloMUkilai_OZ4h4xYeydIf4qs_eQj10s4G_jRsFWhYYO9NB-ohgJz210Le-VtzlG4BWOgxkXrfqgWkB273UXhcLIpR0kTeimyDBRQ8FjACS07HLCyh388XiDIlYh6SkmPrZVLI5dMw6S/w400-h320/3u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Goodpeckers" bangin' away in a tree </span><br />(as my Spanish-speaking amigo once called Woodpeckers)</b></i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfCSAD8Y2d-wyg7wysdIj0PJsAQpDLOouAdgHkWqtG927270_kP0FIlCrchNRW-5FebDmxvhlsqWNS7JIxxyETZgYPML6rWnpJb6ZZ9R-5J05p-q4-aj7BZ41jiA4eoqIwAg1EX6zT1pZ2OINPfzlwaw1m0-WgPksviiIsjuMqH4IbVXfkRIIr4iy/s1986/2w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1986" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfCSAD8Y2d-wyg7wysdIj0PJsAQpDLOouAdgHkWqtG927270_kP0FIlCrchNRW-5FebDmxvhlsqWNS7JIxxyETZgYPML6rWnpJb6ZZ9R-5J05p-q4-aj7BZ41jiA4eoqIwAg1EX6zT1pZ2OINPfzlwaw1m0-WgPksviiIsjuMqH4IbVXfkRIIr4iy/w400-h320/2w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Flighty little Black Phoebes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> And the occasional <i>"exotic"</i> passer-throughs – <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Cedar Waxwings</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Pacific-slope Flycatchers</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Varied Thrushes</span></i></b>, and the <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Warbling Vireo</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GRsfaqscGvFWBVU1Z5H3CcC-CpMPHDQWXWduno9JfGACWOLbUphVu73oLNqhKv3b8KRGw7K20Ba6rUgg3ESEfpUobdYGOOyJp6LHaqIrhbj-DfFi2rUzpDjqtoRW_ZJNiaJlVCwvXDCJ-s-IrPm6QjnYwfeg8nlF6c4tx-BFCsMQen0llmOVF-ji/s3240/2b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GRsfaqscGvFWBVU1Z5H3CcC-CpMPHDQWXWduno9JfGACWOLbUphVu73oLNqhKv3b8KRGw7K20Ba6rUgg3ESEfpUobdYGOOyJp6LHaqIrhbj-DfFi2rUzpDjqtoRW_ZJNiaJlVCwvXDCJ-s-IrPm6QjnYwfeg8nlF6c4tx-BFCsMQen0llmOVF-ji/w400-h320/2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">ET AL. (AND ALL OF THEM!)</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0Kz7OAAn3ttKIw8sHeMXKzRH90L1INHAFt-TrQTApowea2igDtIumNv0uC1jt_idCKFi8GVQEAJp8vBHcQ46TQuhOuCsvWjPV0F_w5c0A4KSiDV83PDlWRgF6U7ut1MYkUfFNyZR1lNuuAAHIk6FJAYL_Ubd5gEQw_mJCXIHp-szU-va1etTGWax/s1567/2e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0Kz7OAAn3ttKIw8sHeMXKzRH90L1INHAFt-TrQTApowea2igDtIumNv0uC1jt_idCKFi8GVQEAJp8vBHcQ46TQuhOuCsvWjPV0F_w5c0A4KSiDV83PDlWRgF6U7ut1MYkUfFNyZR1lNuuAAHIk6FJAYL_Ubd5gEQw_mJCXIHp-szU-va1etTGWax/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Junco attracted to car mirror</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"> The thing is:</span></b></i> Every little bird on the move captures my attention and engages the engines of curiosity and pistons of wonder at so much subtle, hidden, dynamic life happening all around!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOItjLeuLCV3aDHJX-du-jOIfg7cij1zFhGYuqhNXK7XhPf0oqwS8DdAPZOkwK_RPzI_7kgSWENQXVSCvRyF3Cyy8REVgB9jLLxpMjrih6X-AqRWPi9aYh-0xOKkVtrr2RvxTLp-dEC9kMhQDUidS3DiXqBH2CnBwgkZBr2ioUomwhATkCxvDm1sSM/s2833/2j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2266" data-original-width="2833" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOItjLeuLCV3aDHJX-du-jOIfg7cij1zFhGYuqhNXK7XhPf0oqwS8DdAPZOkwK_RPzI_7kgSWENQXVSCvRyF3Cyy8REVgB9jLLxpMjrih6X-AqRWPi9aYh-0xOKkVtrr2RvxTLp-dEC9kMhQDUidS3DiXqBH2CnBwgkZBr2ioUomwhATkCxvDm1sSM/w400-h320/2j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ragged urban Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And mostly without a single human being noticing, too busy they are hustling here and there and faces buried in digital devices. Except for the old school cool among you, paying homage to the most 'umble and ordinary of our <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">bird denizens</span></b></i> – our <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">urban avifauna</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgQ_Faf-_-MXjipin8-MaoSyRO7PxSMosUa1bqZih15pDv3ZFAuN3lRwHz7dI3SivBDjQg2HZTXTStZ9GDMV1-SLMSjPAziEz10Vgm5uybqsgDLXHUwf2EBKjeCoDIk3wbD2-oHlMIS_PpWsLpnWrThZcgQJvnskkaG90us8XfUbsK4widG4vbNRq/s1499/1f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgQ_Faf-_-MXjipin8-MaoSyRO7PxSMosUa1bqZih15pDv3ZFAuN3lRwHz7dI3SivBDjQg2HZTXTStZ9GDMV1-SLMSjPAziEz10Vgm5uybqsgDLXHUwf2EBKjeCoDIk3wbD2-oHlMIS_PpWsLpnWrThZcgQJvnskkaG90us8XfUbsK4widG4vbNRq/w360-h640/1f.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Anna's Hummingbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">on tippy tip of branch</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>Read more bird-related posts</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>to discover Berkeley's "Nature Park" gems</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>providing urban recreational experiences & sanctuaries</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles & humans:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/berkeley-california-vibrant.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BACKYARD / URBAN BIRDING (July 23, 2013)</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/bird-walkabout-in-berkeley-hills-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>BIRD WALKABOUT IN THE BERKELEY HILLS PARKS (December 10, 2013)</b></span></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/of-urban-redoubts-refuges-havens-and.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AVIAN HAVENS & REFUGES IN BERKELEY CITY PARKS (January 3, 2014)</span></a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/berkeleybackyardbirding-live-oak-park.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRD-LICIOUS MOMENTS @ LIVE OAK PARK (August 10, 2014)</span></a><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/backyard-birds-unseen-infinite-hidden.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UNSEEN BIRDS, INFINITE, HIDDEN WELL (May 17, 2015)</b></span></a><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/hot-thirsty-birds-attracted-to-little.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">JOHN HINKEL PARK BIRDBATH SPRING (August 23, 2015)</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/palm-warbler-stirs-imagination.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">URBAN PARK SIGHTING OF PALM WARBLER (February 11, 2019)</span></b></a><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">ESSAYS & MUSINGS ON THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BIRDS</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDm2pNbV31ANZ4arUXuHJsnoY_Vt_OglDaLl7Nggw2_PY21izpgfsxRFnLejyrR1AMEZGbWxeu2HAyo8KgC37SF5qFObwFJIHFg17fvZMN8hXZKJOstKC7bVUxka2SjWsnP3fLjO_i4KkFrOHF5tSqOPtD235otsBqP2siZSYFj0XhFZjPISCvilP/s1497/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1497" data-original-width="1095" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDm2pNbV31ANZ4arUXuHJsnoY_Vt_OglDaLl7Nggw2_PY21izpgfsxRFnLejyrR1AMEZGbWxeu2HAyo8KgC37SF5qFObwFJIHFg17fvZMN8hXZKJOstKC7bVUxka2SjWsnP3fLjO_i4KkFrOHF5tSqOPtD235otsBqP2siZSYFj0XhFZjPISCvilP/w468-h640/2a.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Gull</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">at SF Waterfront</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Enjoy a walkabout with Gambolin' Man</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>in two of Berkeley's charming, bird-rich parks:</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/03/codornices-creek-paying-homage-to.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">HOMAGE TO CODORNICES PARK & CREEK (2009)</span></b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-oak-park-meditative-strolling-and.html"></a><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-oak-park-meditative-strolling-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LIVE OAK PARK WANDERINGS (2011)</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaNxmdyahUWvSj1Xj9Odcx7YZkHhTrYHrPy0sfqqnDE8pjHyR7Gw_0QEeF_382hEaL1KCfFlmMSzdYyAq8_gyCmYpBeDaDMgE3E_2k8Kn4qn8rJtLKLcZhTyjQQ6NBd0KTWFJu2k-KjAvL7aPLaqn3oZ5yWrQYM1z-wH8LiG0c2CFZIeXhBQTGyQX/s2048/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaNxmdyahUWvSj1Xj9Odcx7YZkHhTrYHrPy0sfqqnDE8pjHyR7Gw_0QEeF_382hEaL1KCfFlmMSzdYyAq8_gyCmYpBeDaDMgE3E_2k8Kn4qn8rJtLKLcZhTyjQQ6NBd0KTWFJu2k-KjAvL7aPLaqn3oZ5yWrQYM1z-wH8LiG0c2CFZIeXhBQTGyQX/w480-h640/2b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">The Word Botcher</span></b></i></div><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><b>in search of</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><b>teachable moments</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><b>& existential lessons</b></i></div></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">Bonus videos of beloved parks & creeks in North Berkeley:</span></i></b><br /><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9epiyAZ5M6OlMTYBCRIXeEl" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WALKABOUTS & BIRDING ALONG CODORNICES CREEK</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9f9hZpqoYTzavLJHe7plHat" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>WALKABOUTS IN JOHN HINKEL PARK</b></span></a></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrYJmDPwuz3uPG8aSjlsc2au9SertfQLwRmCJRl34lZlh_4TQfarn17kbeEgjDO3Z1HFIp2FqoJSHaoIK9Yk0FjDa4KQDQd32FPuDPZHGja1_tcjILmqT3jLi2hVWosNYKhFw38Dy-RK3NBwk96QTNWcOQJVVWj3Qy4jEnVpxhIaiS2WXdZMw4Q1s/s3888/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="2916" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrYJmDPwuz3uPG8aSjlsc2au9SertfQLwRmCJRl34lZlh_4TQfarn17kbeEgjDO3Z1HFIp2FqoJSHaoIK9Yk0FjDa4KQDQd32FPuDPZHGja1_tcjILmqT3jLi2hVWosNYKhFw38Dy-RK3NBwk96QTNWcOQJVVWj3Qy4jEnVpxhIaiS2WXdZMw4Q1s/w480-h640/1a1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Cedar Waxwing</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">looking for mates</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">and berries to munch on</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-12638728787893661882016-01-05T18:06:00.328-08:002023-03-31T12:50:56.350-07:00STATE OF THE BIRDS: Their Individual and Collective Demise<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">"May my heart always be open</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">to little birds who are the secrets of living."</span></b></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">(E.E. Cummings)</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSdeqBWYEGGFREqIGjiuD0JENX6Q1l2VJHnv3wHvnAlIKcEIu4LUpYroQH4O5WGCOyJJXv0o2lDrI6KT1ZsbTNk-ORHP_1CZmeygb0gBJu6p_A-Dhe6xs3Tfbp7kBArgL-inA_mbet_OfKubhUa6khUsaOLXj6vpexo6i7wZwVRHajLToEmRhJLjD/s1440/1m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSdeqBWYEGGFREqIGjiuD0JENX6Q1l2VJHnv3wHvnAlIKcEIu4LUpYroQH4O5WGCOyJJXv0o2lDrI6KT1ZsbTNk-ORHP_1CZmeygb0gBJu6p_A-Dhe6xs3Tfbp7kBArgL-inA_mbet_OfKubhUa6khUsaOLXj6vpexo6i7wZwVRHajLToEmRhJLjD/w400-h320/1m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush found belly up dead in Codornices Park</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">How many times have you seen</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">a dead bird on the ground?</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfSjwLACyBjzbaocpXhkRIG1eGaWIAH9XZoZCO_2SHVsoncMNyOmrJgzwine0CjDVhR_ZrcGJZtI3gB3yyropZOn7wUM7RRYCRRytrHNe0JZ0VqDV0FE6B5OgGXo1uN4LCM-Q-Z5x7nsC6vquoDDzrm2sK0-INEQbnhVr3pPEOUgJPv9dhz5FzOqr/s1187/1t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="949" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfSjwLACyBjzbaocpXhkRIG1eGaWIAH9XZoZCO_2SHVsoncMNyOmrJgzwine0CjDVhR_ZrcGJZtI3gB3yyropZOn7wUM7RRYCRRytrHNe0JZ0VqDV0FE6B5OgGXo1uN4LCM-Q-Z5x7nsC6vquoDDzrm2sK0-INEQbnhVr3pPEOUgJPv9dhz5FzOqr/w320-h400/1t.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Grisly remains of hapless Gull</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><i><b>Not counting a rotting Gull carcass on the seashore.</b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghJ-gdDsvcW1RnKz_zPK82f0VOyupdiM6o2ktmDi-TKH7olbs0IfV4WHJ-sHV5-YQIHTPema2Ol6kDke9jQIOUKdYoln0R5sjOo17PoPl7yTWjjCU5n63RTB-33m93ULxmY88x6XxHVZ2HE_9sGlazkSeTr12yM0GPPh9M042jcY0bj9JSFafkMPk/s1440/1a1.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghJ-gdDsvcW1RnKz_zPK82f0VOyupdiM6o2ktmDi-TKH7olbs0IfV4WHJ-sHV5-YQIHTPema2Ol6kDke9jQIOUKdYoln0R5sjOo17PoPl7yTWjjCU5n63RTB-33m93ULxmY88x6XxHVZ2HE_9sGlazkSeTr12yM0GPPh9M042jcY0bj9JSFafkMPk/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Snowy Egret (?) mangled and dead</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Perhaps we have all seen evidence</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">of death and mayhem in the bird world:</span></i></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk10qSqcYn5mp1f5gax6jU-VpO64X5u9iSIRoSDNfqLSE8c4tqsD7deYQkYodDGqPh49u171ky1cg87Xlo2xn-wRzLQPiPUmQ989Pc6oJTWhfjrH9PxC6PKEunF4H1abUkfbxfhL_XqOfoTS8ovTfpurVvTDgeiAaw3_5_FfhuDc71tyu9H6s6xI4/s1440/3c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk10qSqcYn5mp1f5gax6jU-VpO64X5u9iSIRoSDNfqLSE8c4tqsD7deYQkYodDGqPh49u171ky1cg87Xlo2xn-wRzLQPiPUmQ989Pc6oJTWhfjrH9PxC6PKEunF4H1abUkfbxfhL_XqOfoTS8ovTfpurVvTDgeiAaw3_5_FfhuDc71tyu9H6s6xI4/w400-h320/3c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: start;">Feathers scattered about</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">evidencing a kill site<br />perpetrated by a Raptor</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqx9NZAcguCKajNki7Howhg5QYfsPQyl0vprQzQaRZuhCnc9TeICbVvvJ8PdShjFpq0PUI58Xoc0iAA-p9O29PaySQv8oXbNaR-eOw0FAn8UumbQrr1WFwVvhf6lCp79TVeYUzV2ESnjg_tDm-eDWWcel1rpSUO41_2pz57Rejhxxg6_hO0-MIvRa/s1920/3h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqx9NZAcguCKajNki7Howhg5QYfsPQyl0vprQzQaRZuhCnc9TeICbVvvJ8PdShjFpq0PUI58Xoc0iAA-p9O29PaySQv8oXbNaR-eOw0FAn8UumbQrr1WFwVvhf6lCp79TVeYUzV2ESnjg_tDm-eDWWcel1rpSUO41_2pz57Rejhxxg6_hO0-MIvRa/w400-h320/3h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><i><b>An egg shell lying broken beneath a tree</b></i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpxvrqD1tUOmoCtmq9KmxqLCHXt14QWEFwcSp7sdL3quUX8ib0aSQuFccEeSjW6QbJahjaLdD9TYPsrnuKvXHat9HA6DZSmPIeLuOni_-yOzRQ-12MNyJxfmVD278MBEGcUWiO73tnThZ1nWcPtMldHrLPu8nzsbYk_ABt2ZDe5tbsOIQ1feV-_2k/s3780/3d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpxvrqD1tUOmoCtmq9KmxqLCHXt14QWEFwcSp7sdL3quUX8ib0aSQuFccEeSjW6QbJahjaLdD9TYPsrnuKvXHat9HA6DZSmPIeLuOni_-yOzRQ-12MNyJxfmVD278MBEGcUWiO73tnThZ1nWcPtMldHrLPu8nzsbYk_ABt2ZDe5tbsOIQ1feV-_2k/w400-h320/3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Even more unusual,<br />coming upon a delicate, feather-light skull<br />of some unknown bird species</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk20R4Lqj_EPIMOeh5ZMf7RPchEoClIoBctr4mO_cw-Tk-C8tVRTAj2lJ3p5_HcV_y3T0qWqQg4Jok_Jr2iUzQi2LJn0h2-PX99dionCfQuTtDoym4vwRUDbMeubKKJ0OF5O32qH18xkrY--lTu2ovvMgLyH2s4jpDdPPsc9DUAXgf-F-ZXXK9CgDe/s3467/3g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2773" data-original-width="3467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk20R4Lqj_EPIMOeh5ZMf7RPchEoClIoBctr4mO_cw-Tk-C8tVRTAj2lJ3p5_HcV_y3T0qWqQg4Jok_Jr2iUzQi2LJn0h2-PX99dionCfQuTtDoym4vwRUDbMeubKKJ0OF5O32qH18xkrY--lTu2ovvMgLyH2s4jpDdPPsc9DUAXgf-F-ZXXK9CgDe/w400-h320/3g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Unidentified dead bird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Since bird carcasses are small and subject to being scavenged, dragged away, and disintegrating in short time, it's fairly unusual to chance upon a little avian body lying comatose or dead on the ground.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI048z_hhZY2xIyTZVqQRFEJLVYf6Y8XecgxoXlYNRhrjjCwMOk1adlEGTI8YkWYbGp3Op7gMdDW-7Fz14XyLTxIdfxNSJfs-sZ5Q8_nXWpjFyugKtZ3mfIj3zP0vUcrp0rIUVzwQ7JMj8tmPrhs-grtK2QYt1yKTVZZ-ZZQig7JJug_xtZz8gURwg/s1920/6t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI048z_hhZY2xIyTZVqQRFEJLVYf6Y8XecgxoXlYNRhrjjCwMOk1adlEGTI8YkWYbGp3Op7gMdDW-7Fz14XyLTxIdfxNSJfs-sZ5Q8_nXWpjFyugKtZ3mfIj3zP0vUcrp0rIUVzwQ7JMj8tmPrhs-grtK2QYt1yKTVZZ-ZZQig7JJug_xtZz8gURwg/w400-h320/6t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cormorants convening on guano-splattered rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>So, how many times have you</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>ever actually seen a dead bird?</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddvok4us9KkbMsV0ERCrPgRh9HYEwsB992Cz9kogH3Q2Ws5Yy4O4ZTUMXj9tnrSg1dJVC_puz_r1mDiKxNBSEl2c0-EWMBHQ6kTts0NwZvt8kqfaEShEtnO9Qj3df3xaNM5wi3wFZfRPKvoWRmbjMDrqfTMOIus9rEyixhw4o9T0Y0Jq1vVcE0J9e/s1920/3a%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddvok4us9KkbMsV0ERCrPgRh9HYEwsB992Cz9kogH3Q2Ws5Yy4O4ZTUMXj9tnrSg1dJVC_puz_r1mDiKxNBSEl2c0-EWMBHQ6kTts0NwZvt8kqfaEShEtnO9Qj3df3xaNM5wi3wFZfRPKvoWRmbjMDrqfTMOIus9rEyixhw4o9T0Y0Jq1vVcE0J9e/w400-h320/3a%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">All that remains</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Individual bird deaths are sad, but expected. All creatures die. But taken as a whole, collective bird deaths have reached an alarming tipping point, casting the metaphor <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">"</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">Canary</span><span style="color: #444444;"> in a coal mine"</span></b></i> as literal interpretation for what it says about humans and our role in causing the mass demise of birds.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wrFz8igzB6UR7KPVby_QhqrtlmXU37JtWNFZ22mv0UVBXg0FEzTCPJWNlkSvB85D5xENIw5ol7kCDO3hAHcW1Z4yJADQzwHmyCROiE5dQtMTeMdbHSHpdtzaNGUC-F0c7dlVspIgcsYV_ETdnzfVnDra9P444nLVJ2LK6DmIVWt0sjClvRQVXOZC/s799/1q.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wrFz8igzB6UR7KPVby_QhqrtlmXU37JtWNFZ22mv0UVBXg0FEzTCPJWNlkSvB85D5xENIw5ol7kCDO3hAHcW1Z4yJADQzwHmyCROiE5dQtMTeMdbHSHpdtzaNGUC-F0c7dlVspIgcsYV_ETdnzfVnDra9P444nLVJ2LK6DmIVWt0sjClvRQVXOZC/w400-h320/1q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cooper's or Sharp-shinned Hawk dead on sidewalk</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(courtesy of David Brotherton)</span></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the macro scheme, birds perish en masse by the hundreds of thousands, even to the tune of millions of collective deaths year in and year out. In the past half-century, in the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">United States</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Canada</span></i></b> alone, <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">3,000,000,000</span></b></i> breeding birds have perished, with hundreds of <i><b><span style="color: red;">"on alert"</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: red;">"tipping point"</span></b></i> populations of species shrinking and in catastrophic decline in imminent danger of outright extinction.</span><div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42nd_ebz9DF--bp7pfey8YoZ62iW4qnP_BcfptGK95_UaiRPwl7O6a2Y1TD5gurQ3jrNjdYh9FZ15SnAZDYCh9M__i0zLkygeG0ter-afLEqN3ii8Cz2VfDUZzK2-nbfo47ci1tIWufhVam9wOVBBWx5VrafJdh6yah_pRppyeG9KG1qasrNJTLUD/s1920/3b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42nd_ebz9DF--bp7pfey8YoZ62iW4qnP_BcfptGK95_UaiRPwl7O6a2Y1TD5gurQ3jrNjdYh9FZ15SnAZDYCh9M__i0zLkygeG0ter-afLEqN3ii8Cz2VfDUZzK2-nbfo47ci1tIWufhVam9wOVBBWx5VrafJdh6yah_pRppyeG9KG1qasrNJTLUD/w400-h320/3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">More evidence of predation</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">From the <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2022/" target="_blank">STATE OF THE BIRDS 2022</a></span></span></b></i> <i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">(NABCI report)</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">"Vision for Our Shared Future"</span></span></b></i></div><div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2FJUFHspzSW9qZb1Jbvl-buXFRc0XxzDUhRCrify1jTn6kg9nE7vhzbMUcpa8vPERLJ8juexG9Uyt-oQraF6rwISvL0U1e_I7ti_P6MaAylzHjkLBEnzFqKlT6BmNPo8qSIdwPp77rx_Ai3aAPqqvLv6H68qStvteV-UbRDMCaG2WQ-uNKcIR69y/s1258/6q.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2FJUFHspzSW9qZb1Jbvl-buXFRc0XxzDUhRCrify1jTn6kg9nE7vhzbMUcpa8vPERLJ8juexG9Uyt-oQraF6rwISvL0U1e_I7ti_P6MaAylzHjkLBEnzFqKlT6BmNPo8qSIdwPp77rx_Ai3aAPqqvLv6H68qStvteV-UbRDMCaG2WQ-uNKcIR69y/w400-h320/6q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pelicans in flight</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">"Birds are telling us</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">that the health of our nation is at stake.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">But the way forward is clear. </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">When we help birds thrive,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">we sustain the essential lands and waters</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">\needed for abundant wildlife, resources, and well-being."</span></b></i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrvP5QK3QIS4oCHgJOSgmHrF0MPgR3gXV9U5mElW2kPm52EWobiETZ8F57iEnC9Vme_mmnu4tz-BVofEefTWo3AjxE4bvut2uDBA1qj6cMNGhGDIWhcQk2s1efav8DKw-IDhAmqmLhicbHTq-i1TXMQ38ewsY6lN1i5YXfxpU-lcMU8esKgOlKP_8/s1919/6m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrvP5QK3QIS4oCHgJOSgmHrF0MPgR3gXV9U5mElW2kPm52EWobiETZ8F57iEnC9Vme_mmnu4tz-BVofEefTWo3AjxE4bvut2uDBA1qj6cMNGhGDIWhcQk2s1efav8DKw-IDhAmqmLhicbHTq-i1TXMQ38ewsY6lN1i5YXfxpU-lcMU8esKgOlKP_8/w400-h320/6m.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04;"><a href="https://nabci-us.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">North American Bird Conservation Initiative</span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">(NABCI)</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">partners have tweeted:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYpmWHV6LBNJCmbx6M1NwxDix_gXRDO8uuKkLL4WAR7butSVSM0Kh3Y0jJI3DrrI6gkDlK2DqPsMsHCP7SO7ti9Q-cY_uHXZtr8jTgZgAA_ZMELLWRpqzJwLiGD6W5R9Y0mHGBSmtfJ9U41s1EA3syKVIZvmJY-8-5cQoACmauqEuigyMPkoqAVky/s1440/6d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYpmWHV6LBNJCmbx6M1NwxDix_gXRDO8uuKkLL4WAR7butSVSM0Kh3Y0jJI3DrrI6gkDlK2DqPsMsHCP7SO7ti9Q-cY_uHXZtr8jTgZgAA_ZMELLWRpqzJwLiGD6W5R9Y0mHGBSmtfJ9U41s1EA3syKVIZvmJY-8-5cQoACmauqEuigyMPkoqAVky/w400-h320/6d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Oystercatchers roaming the beach</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">"What affects birds affects us,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">and birds are telling us they are in trouble."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">(Marshall Johnson, chief conservation officer, National Audubon Society)</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwTx0hX8Q63xzWyLI7yRDLQjtjcoZ8GX0Bu3GDK10H9AJsHOBPQNMORjJWHHcUfxchxmJeenJfaJH1HOPYtrCNgIL4fqKIZPjXzkB2FHeuFpWQ57eNFHVHjjxhiWhuCZNbBa-L6V_Sq6LuBY_zbQ-3PHTHPcr6VmYiJKcP3BXdSBS9TE7vjpCUesK/s889/6v_adultlightmorphredtail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="889" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwTx0hX8Q63xzWyLI7yRDLQjtjcoZ8GX0Bu3GDK10H9AJsHOBPQNMORjJWHHcUfxchxmJeenJfaJH1HOPYtrCNgIL4fqKIZPjXzkB2FHeuFpWQ57eNFHVHjjxhiWhuCZNbBa-L6V_Sq6LuBY_zbQ-3PHTHPcr6VmYiJKcP3BXdSBS9TE7vjpCUesK/w400-h320/6v_adultlightmorphredtail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Light morph Red-tailed Hawk (?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"This is not a time to be dismayed.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">This is a time for optimism, inclusivity, and action </span></b></i><span style="color: #990000;">–</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">the birds will not have it any other way."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><b>(Nikki Belmonte, executive director, American Birding Association)</b></i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucwj1XZIshfJ1Ulke4KPn_1fh38qVWPEuAMhEjazo5gDQhyVX2QtNONHSuT2fQl-vnOBh6aVj0itl1p1PZNHpujc8SkdNLKky2P4-l0Rt-C64WE-8Nr1r49xqZ2XDWyes8Pa4TxHJXPifX8HG8bpKLGr2RjgIRvQA_tdb-Dktpq_byoOMCKtoMtD_/s1047/6w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucwj1XZIshfJ1Ulke4KPn_1fh38qVWPEuAMhEjazo5gDQhyVX2QtNONHSuT2fQl-vnOBh6aVj0itl1p1PZNHpujc8SkdNLKky2P4-l0Rt-C64WE-8Nr1r49xqZ2XDWyes8Pa4TxHJXPifX8HG8bpKLGr2RjgIRvQA_tdb-Dktpq_byoOMCKtoMtD_/w400-h320/6w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Killdeer</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">"Birds are in trouble,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">but we all can help bring them back.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Living bird-friendly</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">makes your home and lifestyle</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">better for birds and the planet."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span>(Dr. Scott Sillett, head of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center)</span></b></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bjvPx831s02BYt1LQkClCag97fV60ZLeuNSP9U4f-JYaq0dypkfJm4AfzRx8Pu7auFyNHDt6_akt3ikoPJOsxOATa9EdfXryJN4JsnFf_sGY-dkF47RDi4nhYGwFVLoaeyhVboQpauAwGShse95O5LQcZsK-TvI9p82VS4BYTLgwzISthRyaq8MT/s1816/6r.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bjvPx831s02BYt1LQkClCag97fV60ZLeuNSP9U4f-JYaq0dypkfJm4AfzRx8Pu7auFyNHDt6_akt3ikoPJOsxOATa9EdfXryJN4JsnFf_sGY-dkF47RDi4nhYGwFVLoaeyhVboQpauAwGShse95O5LQcZsK-TvI9p82VS4BYTLgwzISthRyaq8MT/w400-h320/6r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow after a dip in the stream</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">"Everyone can make a difference to help turn declines around. Everyone with a window can use simple solutions to prevent collisions. Everyone can help green their neighborhood and avoid using pesticides that harm birds. Everyone who lives in a neighborhood can bring the issues and solutions to their community and use their voice to take action."</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">(Mike Parr, president of American Bird Conservancy)</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gF0gCTB7Gkb2PJCUlZLcBcSVHPfBNlRNf1kWm5Mry96l6k0aaEMVZaM4hTJnSDT16ZMPyUe00mcaWAEUyaaaUHhu779tuphyJ7_ShmCMwXH512Yq3A8qDAQel-zvXWBtB_ImnzfYwDFRdVqxoLU0r61XssxvXl-hwHPAdgKlZjGf-SHC8P4PQ-2D/s1455/6l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gF0gCTB7Gkb2PJCUlZLcBcSVHPfBNlRNf1kWm5Mry96l6k0aaEMVZaM4hTJnSDT16ZMPyUe00mcaWAEUyaaaUHhu779tuphyJ7_ShmCMwXH512Yq3A8qDAQel-zvXWBtB_ImnzfYwDFRdVqxoLU0r61XssxvXl-hwHPAdgKlZjGf-SHC8P4PQ-2D/w400-h320/6l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Help ID this lovely Woodpecker (!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Only <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Waterfowl</span></i></b> species have succeeded or been helped to thrive by collective funding, policy, action and investments. Does it take hunters to lead the way <i>(?)</i>, while in other declining habitats, hundreds of breeding birds are at risk of decline and extinction.</span><div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUBKJGbdtWL3R2cighQ_vMaTGHTlHKRg9d7G4Hq9u3B3kWgAOZhk6FEP8F6kN3XT2U8NHDKwABDCk3Gxf8O560eorn774THk4LSfI8_E1rqJDEp13us4lR-q82hZyVCZSLkhtsO820qIh_vfHwO2ttqeh27ralofZZ077sMvTH9ryUjdn6MRskhPg/s1440/6h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUBKJGbdtWL3R2cighQ_vMaTGHTlHKRg9d7G4Hq9u3B3kWgAOZhk6FEP8F6kN3XT2U8NHDKwABDCk3Gxf8O560eorn774THk4LSfI8_E1rqJDEp13us4lR-q82hZyVCZSLkhtsO820qIh_vfHwO2ttqeh27ralofZZ077sMvTH9ryUjdn6MRskhPg/w400-h320/6h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cormorants gathering by the dozens at Drake's Estero</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Imagine a world without</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>the joy and wonder of birds.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0IuWi2ZywzZ4hcxZSMJbHWLIGmrNJ3AaSSTR5_xEoYBQ5wx-IXtO1zkkDtszTHJteLjbFsROUlg9GLJ00Cc3n5cArBewrqXmmQcrK72mKMUScKTzXZQNDuughu2FPdUsXIDlay-nXzzLVo06GdukIBEsArZ2Q6OSY-Jh6iqxclmCLaFWADd-bu0a/s1115/6i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="626" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0IuWi2ZywzZ4hcxZSMJbHWLIGmrNJ3AaSSTR5_xEoYBQ5wx-IXtO1zkkDtszTHJteLjbFsROUlg9GLJ00Cc3n5cArBewrqXmmQcrK72mKMUScKTzXZQNDuughu2FPdUsXIDlay-nXzzLVo06GdukIBEsArZ2Q6OSY-Jh6iqxclmCLaFWADd-bu0a/w360-h640/6i.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Snowy Egret basking in late afternoon sun</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Picture a world bereft of</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">biodiversity and sustainability.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxw9fAA5e7uJsJw1plBWyJkO1B2eJwOg9gbbISu_lNoBmkM-xtbuMwIw40Kck0RkPy2kgIyHeem-Dbc-Ql6qOv6gyVQWtcg7Yz512QhsdqTIpWVxM9vFpcwKt9VJ1LXO8Ce9WVllO2VAik7ku1y-Iqoh5CnUtW9_Peys926yjkqmPX2HDrg9V6Hj/s1920/6e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxw9fAA5e7uJsJw1plBWyJkO1B2eJwOg9gbbISu_lNoBmkM-xtbuMwIw40Kck0RkPy2kgIyHeem-Dbc-Ql6qOv6gyVQWtcg7Yz512QhsdqTIpWVxM9vFpcwKt9VJ1LXO8Ce9WVllO2VAik7ku1y-Iqoh5CnUtW9_Peys926yjkqmPX2HDrg9V6Hj/w400-h320/6e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Magnificent gathering of Shorebirds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Life threatening hazards and perils are numerous, including degraded and loss of habitat; ingestion of plastics, detritus and poisons; abnormal fluctuations in weather; extreme climate events; illegal hunting, poaching and trafficking; dangerous wind turbines and glass buildings.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZecM1E_i13WH5nSu643EFFZ86jJUW2VTTof6XDyxZRatscgeHEJsFtUuaHZ8ATc4Pya5l4rB2P4KbzLEI1Amwwz57itXqtfqLEj-95JpOSZ8KgPdcVnewL14umcS_Rvmt4G0wjolWmSGceOfVL68QeZqYhAa5Pj3DAtIkbJkXoeiJ4N5FXGAoOah/s883/6o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="883" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZecM1E_i13WH5nSu643EFFZ86jJUW2VTTof6XDyxZRatscgeHEJsFtUuaHZ8ATc4Pya5l4rB2P4KbzLEI1Amwwz57itXqtfqLEj-95JpOSZ8KgPdcVnewL14umcS_Rvmt4G0wjolWmSGceOfVL68QeZqYhAa5Pj3DAtIkbJkXoeiJ4N5FXGAoOah/w400-h320/6o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The list goes on and on. Truly, the <a href="https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2022/" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: red;">SORRY & PITIFUL STATE OF THE BIRDS</span></i></b></a> presents a frightening and sad vision, yet remains a hopeful one, too, thanks to the many dedicated organizations involved in the local, regional, national and global conservation projects and restorative efforts of the partnerships involved in </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://nabci-us.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">NABCI</span></b></a><span style="color: #990000;">.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yATKkaQeM6Fxx0qQBNzkigE6fOPyOaGuBflVazJHCOZR7j14xhmlzYWDjb0CdMvipErOeQHM4VS6bltoFvuiei0Ef7Sq_AGDJgdMa19hIzNYi7N86vnsFOShbccGZ8kAQO43EYOhPYor4tONrnCbxj7d0f3lezdJaGgjGjlflXaeoKLpAYLO7vZp/s1920/2a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yATKkaQeM6Fxx0qQBNzkigE6fOPyOaGuBflVazJHCOZR7j14xhmlzYWDjb0CdMvipErOeQHM4VS6bltoFvuiei0Ef7Sq_AGDJgdMa19hIzNYi7N86vnsFOShbccGZ8kAQO43EYOhPYor4tONrnCbxj7d0f3lezdJaGgjGjlflXaeoKLpAYLO7vZp/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dead Woodpecker</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Throughout my many joyful days of birding, observing the activity of living birds, it's always a shock and sad thing to find a dead bird fallen to the ground.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eOEiadlVkuXGlvTsdQygh_z2vx150XYc6_u7nhE_qQNhcWaYLSs4eXZ1Y8ZOrS85oL-L2rYUZhie1glFCRrQNpP_FdQCJ7G2ahSh_Nvf5Ag6-Y3rVKuweQQR3tAX4XL3ukMgEs4YjaUNF9DX6YkRngkji9PleV4PjuvwpRaZXGyTmVCtOMK9Ww26/s1920/1f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eOEiadlVkuXGlvTsdQygh_z2vx150XYc6_u7nhE_qQNhcWaYLSs4eXZ1Y8ZOrS85oL-L2rYUZhie1glFCRrQNpP_FdQCJ7G2ahSh_Nvf5Ag6-Y3rVKuweQQR3tAX4XL3ukMgEs4YjaUNF9DX6YkRngkji9PleV4PjuvwpRaZXGyTmVCtOMK9Ww26/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Hawk mystery death in Cascade Creek</i></b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I once came upon some kind of <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Hawk</span></b></i>, lying belly-up, gutted, in a rocky ravine above <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Cascade Fall</span></b></i>s in <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Marin County</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JfDbNZcUMpoX5zzs0Uuzm4G_iyg5tJc9ZmWBELUWSuy_X43LXdqwYuqXreFOAPzF9kZP51QI9mOmZM7viaZYBGbodRWtak3pCxdAriCz98W-yCF6Tm4z-7u2iRWK9R-HaZzIVOFrJt54P1V6pZGWnLE-0aTPx9Fen2-4QfxFobt8m-CjB9FD18Ze/s1440/1o.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JfDbNZcUMpoX5zzs0Uuzm4G_iyg5tJc9ZmWBELUWSuy_X43LXdqwYuqXreFOAPzF9kZP51QI9mOmZM7viaZYBGbodRWtak3pCxdAriCz98W-yCF6Tm4z-7u2iRWK9R-HaZzIVOFrJt54P1V6pZGWnLE-0aTPx9Fen2-4QfxFobt8m-CjB9FD18Ze/w400-h320/1o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in death repose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Another time, it was a <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i>, neck mangled, found expired in a back area of <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Codornices Park</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Berkeley</span></b></i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV0k1BsVCuFNrZ4IjyAV2Ny4QRp4DhpGQQrZVohsCJSwocJjzQaaF56Xkm4sf_1rO34N_fZ3pnyF923Z-ieGCL0i-EQNe7VP3FMI8CxiJS1C0fVhnmI8t8Zbn8Zw7mSu2eX_G87gtkGS65s-jAYNwHd-PN3SJ6B6MzVMYba1kzVfQ6-LsKNqOFCdt/s1440/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV0k1BsVCuFNrZ4IjyAV2Ny4QRp4DhpGQQrZVohsCJSwocJjzQaaF56Xkm4sf_1rO34N_fZ3pnyF923Z-ieGCL0i-EQNe7VP3FMI8CxiJS1C0fVhnmI8t8Zbn8Zw7mSu2eX_G87gtkGS65s-jAYNwHd-PN3SJ6B6MzVMYba1kzVfQ6-LsKNqOFCdt/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Ruby-crowned Kinglet found on Indian Rock Avenue</b></i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And then, on consecutive days, just blocks apart, I once chanced upon, not one, but two <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglets</span></b></i> who had perished, their small, still-fresh corpses lying in the street near the curb.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUHAPJlIKvD1sWcPHqUSACZju50nGevtVdB0nQ6zvJjdvHBea6KFidHO8WoEcu6ckbgwmrybenkJLzB75RWWrXhZ0FAsv6lqeWAFcipd1f_cZFfV20vAAAJCgvYVCtMF62D58KdCbAWhePE-03V6i1QNILgWnrHRzFM5xnehLKj09nQYyCyysp_88/s1440/1c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUHAPJlIKvD1sWcPHqUSACZju50nGevtVdB0nQ6zvJjdvHBea6KFidHO8WoEcu6ckbgwmrybenkJLzB75RWWrXhZ0FAsv6lqeWAFcipd1f_cZFfV20vAAAJCgvYVCtMF62D58KdCbAWhePE-03V6i1QNILgWnrHRzFM5xnehLKj09nQYyCyysp_88/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Ruby-crowned Kinglet placed on bed of leaves</i></b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Had anyone else noticed the two little <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Songbirds?</span></b></i> And if so, cared to wonder about the circumstances of their demise?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN06aImc_s6bHeM-WcJ4PAgbKtoXsewmZfk9dcXHG7L7JryF8DvwasVt1flMgZmdF5FKom1bp3fHJYPrQDXWhNAVAc4FuwWQZPGq628ywgBxL9l_RpZUcA6SEwRBQvfbXRLLqWphTUnJbVU6HcGCUc1AnimW9j6X4e6Iprez9d5VLEN4QFMi27HgE/s1440/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN06aImc_s6bHeM-WcJ4PAgbKtoXsewmZfk9dcXHG7L7JryF8DvwasVt1flMgZmdF5FKom1bp3fHJYPrQDXWhNAVAc4FuwWQZPGq628ywgBxL9l_RpZUcA6SEwRBQvfbXRLLqWphTUnJbVU6HcGCUc1AnimW9j6X4e6Iprez9d5VLEN4QFMi27HgE/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Death throes brought out the ruby patch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">After all, the unnoticed passing of a tiny bird must rate among the most insignificant of events in anyone's life. Well, apart from being fascinated, I cared, and stopped both times to inspect, examine and scrutinize before reverently placing their lifeless bodies on a patch of ground and covering them in a burial shroud of leaves and sticks.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZrqfPN8-q8OG0ub5XiviRtFH0EYM5tjXvu3T9GP_OCSbZ2GwNNfzQMW1nkT3sIfxlesIMfTaDhrqKSxeN3t7-pbJGH1PiQ4oiZZ-886ElkTCFlwvw93yLcwxzwGwNXDa84n38KScAboNf1gME0CJM4BOcGrnVzTmK0iHyD3zNyg2cCOwEve5LqGr/s1411/5a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1411" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZrqfPN8-q8OG0ub5XiviRtFH0EYM5tjXvu3T9GP_OCSbZ2GwNNfzQMW1nkT3sIfxlesIMfTaDhrqKSxeN3t7-pbJGH1PiQ4oiZZ-886ElkTCFlwvw93yLcwxzwGwNXDa84n38KScAboNf1gME0CJM4BOcGrnVzTmK0iHyD3zNyg2cCOwEve5LqGr/w400-h320/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The frenetic tree and bush hopper is a hard little cuss to pin down <span style="font-size: medium;">–</span> in the sense of being able to appreciate a sustained moment of observation, or being capable of snapping a half-way decent photograph <i>(with only half-way decent equipment)</i>.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEbbiHSu4rcnJjf3S8s6DanytM9qc1sNNdqSan-j1zyBZHV1QkMnKTy3zY7x599Ejt8JtnNx7DiNYnKl_LQe08pXS4zjO0NW96SZ1mRhWWeWI6e9Y-pOMid9NBcNgH5sd8UsNnE6PfXUBkUFtt4XB1iKUMJQpusgG8j9FDTYlF5_FmE47Zsoqc4Aj/s3775/1s.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3775" data-original-width="3019" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEbbiHSu4rcnJjf3S8s6DanytM9qc1sNNdqSan-j1zyBZHV1QkMnKTy3zY7x599Ejt8JtnNx7DiNYnKl_LQe08pXS4zjO0NW96SZ1mRhWWeWI6e9Y-pOMid9NBcNgH5sd8UsNnE6PfXUBkUFtt4XB1iKUMJQpusgG8j9FDTYlF5_FmE47Zsoqc4Aj/w320-h400/1s.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mess of feathers presaging the remains of a Great Horned Owl</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Owing to the furtive and fast-twitch activity of the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>, I've managed to accomplish the feat just a couple of times, and certainly never once capturing a good shot of him flaring his<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> ruby soul patch</span></b></i> atop his head.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFADooIuAycg_NYJXR8aDejPRxacMuDVUs21ITNltB6_DQgK5D1REM14cPvY-bBYfhV7PUvxUs58KX3He8K9fx6iVKLG_FtlQe6EeRovz3njC9ZEl1XbykX0ORf8M0Mh5W8xNyrmTAYBbS3J6ML_Bal3gzXxMcifLJW23-CZnlKosBMHXLUktF0gzp/s1920/6p.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFADooIuAycg_NYJXR8aDejPRxacMuDVUs21ITNltB6_DQgK5D1REM14cPvY-bBYfhV7PUvxUs58KX3He8K9fx6iVKLG_FtlQe6EeRovz3njC9ZEl1XbykX0ORf8M0Mh5W8xNyrmTAYBbS3J6ML_Bal3gzXxMcifLJW23-CZnlKosBMHXLUktF0gzp/w400-h320/6p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ratty wind-blown old beach Crow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Long in pursuit of the <i>"perfect"</i> photograph of a <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>, I finally scored! Stinging irony, it's not exactly the way I would have envisioned capturing the <i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>birdworthy</b></span></i> image.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHoBlAPuMx_yuV8vBBtXu0vnC8uZCDaewGpgZg1ONBm2Z1AE3-gsqERa-PY_z8KWcVc8x7FB_CSUQstvtun9yuhE_KDYizQKcpKbx2DYcWMTpj1pikBzNzmXBof13YcvVBV-pDRoQrN15xdmfEBElo42kASwkRalPkRRHI3r4t_fBU9MlvRppcqPh/s1920/1j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHoBlAPuMx_yuV8vBBtXu0vnC8uZCDaewGpgZg1ONBm2Z1AE3-gsqERa-PY_z8KWcVc8x7FB_CSUQstvtun9yuhE_KDYizQKcpKbx2DYcWMTpj1pikBzNzmXBof13YcvVBV-pDRoQrN15xdmfEBElo42kASwkRalPkRRHI3r4t_fBU9MlvRppcqPh/w400-h320/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Dead Band-tailed Pigeon on Tassajara Creek Trail (Mount Diablo SP)</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, what set of circumstances would have caused two birds of the same feather to die within a day or maybe within an hour of one another and in the same neighborhood? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkDHNcNL1NhEmDXn3qVcWOEaAU0u6HIjBX752hmUB8BdWipuL_ns7a-IdCSkF5c6PZVYujn-J_keKlMau25Z1cxoR3ktWkb-xNW7fUxb53GvBAH_5m-TfUIvdgYN0TpoipFb5buimNc5tYR4QAx6vR_cWnirjl_MQ1ggmfWM5w39hYx92Cqqg9J_1/s2048/1p.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkDHNcNL1NhEmDXn3qVcWOEaAU0u6HIjBX752hmUB8BdWipuL_ns7a-IdCSkF5c6PZVYujn-J_keKlMau25Z1cxoR3ktWkb-xNW7fUxb53GvBAH_5m-TfUIvdgYN0TpoipFb5buimNc5tYR4QAx6vR_cWnirjl_MQ1ggmfWM5w39hYx92Cqqg9J_1/w360-h640/1p.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">R.I.P. my little Varied Thrush friend</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The next day, hiking <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Blue Gum Trail</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i>, I meet <i>Phyllis</i>, an avid birder, and tell her my story. Impressed and stumped, she mulls it over for a few seconds, then suggests they might be casualties of the larger flock flying over – up to millions – and somehow, perhaps, two among them were attacked, taken down, by a small urban <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Forest Hawk</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzQeRM0OvjoyZ8G4wCBjttvtVdV4qpocCgnCFltYnrF7yOQcGcT7FZneU1VvxNp_n4lLP-BFTICyn0n4oc5QweZuXuk3Xnf2bd5H7vcdGQ7Jpkmm9nd5v05kH7tA67FU7SH4_bPeriYrz39UZ-CKuJmpZl1onyYM5NSRv7gw4S84HBj-o8S8CE34L/s2048/1k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzQeRM0OvjoyZ8G4wCBjttvtVdV4qpocCgnCFltYnrF7yOQcGcT7FZneU1VvxNp_n4lLP-BFTICyn0n4oc5QweZuXuk3Xnf2bd5H7vcdGQ7Jpkmm9nd5v05kH7tA67FU7SH4_bPeriYrz39UZ-CKuJmpZl1onyYM5NSRv7gw4S84HBj-o8S8CE34L/w300-h400/1k.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Junco death by unknown means</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Good a guess as any, I'd say.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhEG07MutTyXVZJj2Be-L2gFw1VKukDBt__8F6xyDFhi87I8qj0sjEYre5TWgE6ERrZR7ET8Q616_6FYNFeIcFv6c5iGh_CDgfz8CIeEc1wDaj42wIUsPLHj8ERXth_B2kAA9b8rmLUWnqmcSRnpQ4rhv2CvqU-GbaDZN5sz7U1e9A_hueR9W7u3H/s2888/1u.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2310" data-original-width="2888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhEG07MutTyXVZJj2Be-L2gFw1VKukDBt__8F6xyDFhi87I8qj0sjEYre5TWgE6ERrZR7ET8Q616_6FYNFeIcFv6c5iGh_CDgfz8CIeEc1wDaj42wIUsPLHj8ERXth_B2kAA9b8rmLUWnqmcSRnpQ4rhv2CvqU-GbaDZN5sz7U1e9A_hueR9W7u3H/w400-h320/1u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hummingbird found fatally wounded at base of store window</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Phyllis</b></i> also eliminates freezing to death as a cause, since we'd see many more of their frozen bodies pasted to the ground, wouldn't we? Although it did drop to a low of <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">36</span></b></i>, birds only freeze to death when it's below freezing, don't they? And some survive to minus <i><b>40</b></i>, like the hardy cousin, the <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>.</span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcL97_HqkkolOI1zDoejo1IQ4Vxp3-YSmstVLk08GbPb-mPO5bUCEveMD6TNFKoN9txceqwhsUAdHS0Kh-sIWUjwYgj2vKhOG6AMz4-S2i5VN9oO0VYHBQrD9AhIi7U8W9TLOoGC4cKv5kLjFlTpo8Svq4d4tP88lSc_cz2TvxRuVVRVbGkBme51e/s1836/3e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1836" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcL97_HqkkolOI1zDoejo1IQ4Vxp3-YSmstVLk08GbPb-mPO5bUCEveMD6TNFKoN9txceqwhsUAdHS0Kh-sIWUjwYgj2vKhOG6AMz4-S2i5VN9oO0VYHBQrD9AhIi7U8W9TLOoGC4cKv5kLjFlTpo8Svq4d4tP88lSc_cz2TvxRuVVRVbGkBme51e/w400-h320/3e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Robin crash landed</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span><i>Which spurs the thought:</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>what if they were flying high overhead</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>and it was below freezing,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>and these two succumbed.</span></b></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU-6_M5qpOrU2fHeXEydtEgsMzM25n_H8S0oMIWKEeEKa2lW5Npcaeq5q7M_o1EOB1GyEhDoxSOeuNrKd10fm8CJt0okypS-3qtF3AnlTaEGq3MFyDzFMxqCJbGewhnQaVqEoaZHP40jxY-AaQIqR4HAhtCUrRu_fbLFpPcLzIg8Fap1BUZRJJB_T/s1394/6k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU-6_M5qpOrU2fHeXEydtEgsMzM25n_H8S0oMIWKEeEKa2lW5Npcaeq5q7M_o1EOB1GyEhDoxSOeuNrKd10fm8CJt0okypS-3qtF3AnlTaEGq3MFyDzFMxqCJbGewhnQaVqEoaZHP40jxY-AaQIqR4HAhtCUrRu_fbLFpPcLzIg8Fap1BUZRJJB_T/w400-h320/6k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gulls and other Shorebirds at Point Reyes National Seashore</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In this scenario, many more likely would have succumbed, but they fell from the sky in inaccessible and hidden places and/or were quickly eaten by scavenging animals.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXas4C89YOzwGtzuDW2ZCS64-CBs2f5kyeHB_PL1arxgWon9EZUIaEBjVTXqNznISwrboJ25w2nqo9Np50yDiU1JJAK22C3QMVGcQwYz3e55V5CO_fAC5bx2TVNhkCpUUas1s_QUMVio7OXjj_ti1NxAWne3SUtBvnTAP2YC9wghIE16-QoXOEbp_/s2006/6c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1605" data-original-width="2006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXas4C89YOzwGtzuDW2ZCS64-CBs2f5kyeHB_PL1arxgWon9EZUIaEBjVTXqNznISwrboJ25w2nqo9Np50yDiU1JJAK22C3QMVGcQwYz3e55V5CO_fAC5bx2TVNhkCpUUas1s_QUMVio7OXjj_ti1NxAWne3SUtBvnTAP2YC9wghIE16-QoXOEbp_/w400-h320/6c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Northern Mockingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Which begs the question:</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">why weren't these two </span><span style="color: #990000;">Kinglets</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">snatched up and eaten?</span></span></b></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavBca5xTpM78EmxPXqrjwF_0a338tGKcXkKwW71JcSO6ubadSm7KvPo5mPT2EZuxMNwwEUaLIJTkfj8bxi_uQl6L4lxKBo00EQwAkQ3LzOUWOJSTl5-eiSi5LI5EkmXjDp3nhTp37FYIJZeFGC6VIJOz31coibkuLEDtV8RUD1syFA47sbT0u2qmn/s2557/1r.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2045" data-original-width="2557" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavBca5xTpM78EmxPXqrjwF_0a338tGKcXkKwW71JcSO6ubadSm7KvPo5mPT2EZuxMNwwEUaLIJTkfj8bxi_uQl6L4lxKBo00EQwAkQ3LzOUWOJSTl5-eiSi5LI5EkmXjDp3nhTp37FYIJZeFGC6VIJOz31coibkuLEDtV8RUD1syFA47sbT0u2qmn/w400-h320/1r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Horned Owl mauled on the ground</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> I'm willing to chalk it all up to being one big coincidence: two birds, same species, found dead in the street near the curb in the same neighborhood within a day of each other.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknO8LuBp1gqerEN8A1Tn9z7A74veOF4w1lWyZmhWRNWARPlx0-wtdEJ3YSImjqKyHMph8e5yHCWKaMbFCuw8F2-ZWTVSUAO980uODcqWhLvq98NTKwBxAtsPzNPq1bHkjtElHO1yJd1T9Y8OYJnLPMaPWzOgSLUVjNSJSO8CeKRuyzue_J6BapgOK/s2048/3i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknO8LuBp1gqerEN8A1Tn9z7A74veOF4w1lWyZmhWRNWARPlx0-wtdEJ3YSImjqKyHMph8e5yHCWKaMbFCuw8F2-ZWTVSUAO980uODcqWhLvq98NTKwBxAtsPzNPq1bHkjtElHO1yJd1T9Y8OYJnLPMaPWzOgSLUVjNSJSO8CeKRuyzue_J6BapgOK/w360-h640/3i.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Second Ruby-crowned Kinglet found in street next day</i></b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">And my happening to be</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">the only witness on Earth</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">to their "insignificant" little deaths.</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vxIbUT2NqgNbMuTTgiX_0hEshTpgrpL3VHu6RUSCCeQg5gGL2qipbtzH82siG3Oz1hw9f4CqJLgAeCgrZ8KAETtDyK6Ekg-C8j8AFy5gFFSMVKOsvdN7FONlbEH6SPR6jXedC_B3n_QUInjd7RwalvVN2sHgnNAIPPIUr1mND9HAUK5FbYKlZ116/s1440/1d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vxIbUT2NqgNbMuTTgiX_0hEshTpgrpL3VHu6RUSCCeQg5gGL2qipbtzH82siG3Oz1hw9f4CqJLgAeCgrZ8KAETtDyK6Ekg-C8j8AFy5gFFSMVKOsvdN7FONlbEH6SPR6jXedC_B3n_QUInjd7RwalvVN2sHgnNAIPPIUr1mND9HAUK5FbYKlZ116/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ruby-crown ablaze in death</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yet still I have the itch to know more. Something has to go on their non-existent death certificates. How did the poor little <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Kinglets</span></b></i> die?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ1Mb2inrbyOwjL4nyEGapL8WfxWt38OPMDMNTeV-kAt4fn7v3NDOFuIVYFp3woR-EljYo1hzdQPFO3QRIT0FMbsgDN3v0tcJKoNgttgV2_lJT6ImcjAB4oC_b_LXypKdPPgMC1rRoV2WV5Vg-GqLwrulBQtmODvq0I4eTOGpIjRQkzi793UvmSlS/s3780/3f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ1Mb2inrbyOwjL4nyEGapL8WfxWt38OPMDMNTeV-kAt4fn7v3NDOFuIVYFp3woR-EljYo1hzdQPFO3QRIT0FMbsgDN3v0tcJKoNgttgV2_lJT6ImcjAB4oC_b_LXypKdPPgMC1rRoV2WV5Vg-GqLwrulBQtmODvq0I4eTOGpIjRQkzi793UvmSlS/w400-h320/3f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Possibly a Song Sparrow lying peacefully deceased</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Did they freeze to death?</span></b></i></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCmPoOObhQ6efLZTT-rWtarn2fwmgviDSCwtXLQfhs5LNYkfln1XFXQ2h_HTFjSIh8pNBvT9lGnyG6KDvrJg_JenvV_jSew_eZ-64RL0cLKNvavG_II4cJhad5o7Nn9bb5RqAzju8oJhffYj94mkkhD4WhisVr0BDlBjhitfoodM7B91WOFB1Wn5R/s1440/1n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCmPoOObhQ6efLZTT-rWtarn2fwmgviDSCwtXLQfhs5LNYkfln1XFXQ2h_HTFjSIh8pNBvT9lGnyG6KDvrJg_JenvV_jSew_eZ-64RL0cLKNvavG_II4cJhad5o7Nn9bb5RqAzju8oJhffYj94mkkhD4WhisVr0BDlBjhitfoodM7B91WOFB1Wn5R/w400-h320/1n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush belly up</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <div style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;">Did they perish from some disease or virus?</span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEqgnZpQKiC3m8Y-diNSiqe1IPMHwd56AqBHMnJzfEZfNAGofXwZqgQPnqgpMiJbgE_w-0kDbTwtvzyGoigz45JcEMdgnJS4-5HiCvgnGwUCl2ALNbRkXDp5MLiu4iqIosV-v8XznBeseLcV96Vhs3JqN4AKVpVyYXOL1U5zctDhL9F9hPoNr2AIW/s1440/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEqgnZpQKiC3m8Y-diNSiqe1IPMHwd56AqBHMnJzfEZfNAGofXwZqgQPnqgpMiJbgE_w-0kDbTwtvzyGoigz45JcEMdgnJS4-5HiCvgnGwUCl2ALNbRkXDp5MLiu4iqIosV-v8XznBeseLcV96Vhs3JqN4AKVpVyYXOL1U5zctDhL9F9hPoNr2AIW/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The Ruby-crowned Kinglet (?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>Did they inhale something while roosting overnight,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>like toxic wood smoke from a chimney,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>or from someone's (ob)noxious barbecue lighter fuel?</b></i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdksXeHGoCYLpULRadbsjFSrLTb4ZPq-i2h-uKa2Nl5FRrA_nmKeg8esreOZpJYVJGYimvEIjnFi8_gwcZpkk6aRBMB59k3JpIIC1liJ0dy5z6H_F3dyNcUDMElQi2t487h-3m4c7oa6QaEnGMycFIjer-ZU3AyzH1Ltq1ccDRb3b4Pv38GLuL0c1w/s3780/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdksXeHGoCYLpULRadbsjFSrLTb4ZPq-i2h-uKa2Nl5FRrA_nmKeg8esreOZpJYVJGYimvEIjnFi8_gwcZpkk6aRBMB59k3JpIIC1liJ0dy5z6H_F3dyNcUDMElQi2t487h-3m4c7oa6QaEnGMycFIjer-ZU3AyzH1Ltq1ccDRb3b4Pv38GLuL0c1w/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cedar Waxwing (a guess)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><i><b>Maybe a stealthy cat pounced and killed them?</b></i></span></div></span><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8wwof-5ZUHoc1OJTV7IWTcjOrLIv0Gz7U-EG0uXbX6-OP1KjAMwJ6qglHpUbv-vGPupedy-XsQ4_t6jXoh5mDUFweVOs7NQeioeSJ3LFKB7jaRgUOFor5_7XeJsBiXLXuJrEZP852g1xB5JEpS3W5rTLIhpn5YjzH72lxkfY4hkWQvzRwsEh9QK_/s1920/1l.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8wwof-5ZUHoc1OJTV7IWTcjOrLIv0Gz7U-EG0uXbX6-OP1KjAMwJ6qglHpUbv-vGPupedy-XsQ4_t6jXoh5mDUFweVOs7NQeioeSJ3LFKB7jaRgUOFor5_7XeJsBiXLXuJrEZP852g1xB5JEpS3W5rTLIhpn5YjzH72lxkfY4hkWQvzRwsEh9QK_/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Severely mutilated California Towhee (probably run over by car)</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> I don't think it's possible to know without performing an autopsy. The pathetic forensic examination I conducted on the two <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglets</span></b></i> revealed an absence of evidence of certain death markers such as: bite marks, gashes, mangled body parts. It's anyone's guess.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FlOy_TjdD4uS1eX-r774m6kiDaRr44dyT8lKeGwX-KOCLaq9gRg2fgLNLIhuImmmoPU42hMB1dygj1081xUj-C2CpJ6CwPLagxuGHJCzdlPUwHjk7Uni2QOLZXSyX4bfYsrK_CCLgPYq6jKNW9_ZcF9khSwLevwSs9k5ScTiBG09BjdQSx7XgFZ5/s1628/6u.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1628" data-original-width="1294" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FlOy_TjdD4uS1eX-r774m6kiDaRr44dyT8lKeGwX-KOCLaq9gRg2fgLNLIhuImmmoPU42hMB1dygj1081xUj-C2CpJ6CwPLagxuGHJCzdlPUwHjk7Uni2QOLZXSyX4bfYsrK_CCLgPYq6jKNW9_ZcF9khSwLevwSs9k5ScTiBG09BjdQSx7XgFZ5/w508-h640/6u.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow on sweet perch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">REST IN PEACE</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">my little bird friends.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMkEH-_RPNXd-MYwU1XrWnNQDs5mVMBYdj3lIeBXBKCqYgd7MNO9msJlwdyeqtquybLGVbG54R7d5ypLvWJcbTXnJkD5asNFcPoLlzxX-3NPaT_ElST29fk8PL0KnINAUMs9ZXpPymra19tiEyYaDMgdv5ojBJ1YYe5mI5HfdCpc6AWF2VvTYDfpE/s1920/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMkEH-_RPNXd-MYwU1XrWnNQDs5mVMBYdj3lIeBXBKCqYgd7MNO9msJlwdyeqtquybLGVbG54R7d5ypLvWJcbTXnJkD5asNFcPoLlzxX-3NPaT_ElST29fk8PL0KnINAUMs9ZXpPymra19tiEyYaDMgdv5ojBJ1YYe5mI5HfdCpc6AWF2VvTYDfpE/w400-h320/2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anonymous death of a bird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Your single, individual deaths are not insignificant.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">They have not gone unnoticed.</span></b></i></div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0u0aTrFgqtQckMbOmZP1ghr6fmwa1InD0QOsWTGZoYYBggX0Toi0TVLLKcXv01BZAM-PzWu9RxfnucF6jXUF4wPXharkA1FTdc89my0d5yP6sWiwBH36pyW8fGqGRTvjRvNhfa0akaVrYFATvjmXLBHcE_7DCBh56UmhA869a0Azc_kZrDDRbCxy/s1919/6s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0u0aTrFgqtQckMbOmZP1ghr6fmwa1InD0QOsWTGZoYYBggX0Toi0TVLLKcXv01BZAM-PzWu9RxfnucF6jXUF4wPXharkA1FTdc89my0d5yP6sWiwBH36pyW8fGqGRTvjRvNhfa0akaVrYFATvjmXLBHcE_7DCBh56UmhA869a0Azc_kZrDDRbCxy/w400-h320/6s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pelicans gathering on ocean rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Nor have the collective deaths</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">of billions and billions of birds</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">in our midst</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">on the only planet</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">we share together</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">and depend on</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">for our mutual survival.</span></b></i></div></div><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa4n057L8pDAr1x3u9ZiPIqL5ui1XxRGreveX77fktA1emcDG5Hcr4BuUwc0wzKH28zu4bwI1B5E5umkv-CU_sSSvtTI8eZs-4iJNDhyidgt66kVoxGhVmwgcR3fcXmbnyJb1sSoRmnqF-cN3ihBMetBkZmFb2d962zob2TYFLveiVtLZ1L_r7rT2/s799/6j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa4n057L8pDAr1x3u9ZiPIqL5ui1XxRGreveX77fktA1emcDG5Hcr4BuUwc0wzKH28zu4bwI1B5E5umkv-CU_sSSvtTI8eZs-4iJNDhyidgt66kVoxGhVmwgcR3fcXmbnyJb1sSoRmnqF-cN3ihBMetBkZmFb2d962zob2TYFLveiVtLZ1L_r7rT2/w401-h320/6j.jpg" width="401" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk on post</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">We must all do our part</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">to save the birds</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">however we can.</span></b></i></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZDlugzyoOnWBwKdKJ-zV8vj-eMckrib1Q0sVB33yR45jE6FAnwxWsB1TPzC5_VmEKksA82P185rPHcpmmJAKuOzJuH7rW1MX1t9sJtwqG80q8ck0TI7YgsJ9mOOzxhgCcxlSeq_Gc8j0Q-s4JSeyAThMJH-MOEg7wYXB25KPws1wvs8OpVktK3Hh/s1440/1a%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZDlugzyoOnWBwKdKJ-zV8vj-eMckrib1Q0sVB33yR45jE6FAnwxWsB1TPzC5_VmEKksA82P185rPHcpmmJAKuOzJuH7rW1MX1t9sJtwqG80q8ck0TI7YgsJ9mOOzxhgCcxlSeq_Gc8j0Q-s4JSeyAThMJH-MOEg7wYXB25KPws1wvs8OpVktK3Hh/w400-h320/1a%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Super gathering of the Gulls</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Read more from my bird blog about:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/chickenscratch-musings-on-science-art.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CHICKENSCRATCH MUSINGS ON LIFE & DEATH OF BIRDS (2013)</span></b></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihETYDWwNHHFrpKqdDxclRRQe3q8uHOAyOsKdPQB3kHXzzjxiaQrrKqKransjM3a4pwJtaa3GriB03HQb2kr4LBOcfen8nEcRkdur5HioLhh8g6KvW76jtTSkS_TWLI6IgcrMt_TuBymfrry79BllXIcRDmMiWeyhFllO9QZFwlXOIhwXKi57UPpO-/s1536/6f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihETYDWwNHHFrpKqdDxclRRQe3q8uHOAyOsKdPQB3kHXzzjxiaQrrKqKransjM3a4pwJtaa3GriB03HQb2kr4LBOcfen8nEcRkdur5HioLhh8g6KvW76jtTSkS_TWLI6IgcrMt_TuBymfrry79BllXIcRDmMiWeyhFllO9QZFwlXOIhwXKi57UPpO-/w480-h640/6f.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Great Cormorant</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-81617672592837715882015-11-02T20:38:00.185-08:002023-03-31T12:38:09.049-07:00Sora! Sora! Sora! (Fantastic Birding & Nature Gazing at Tennessee Valley)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0u4azIxIbP5zctk4J93S8yb5huI1W4Z8yv6Wc85ODS5hzhenQj5wV_XcqQoQQuC4Xc9_LdEzAdTDH7_fMU-0eqlQiDuGPrEYvseTNuZGiDfh2EZXbU6rlJbagicQLJmwEhO82TJwElzkZXBHm_T-deH3zaM8ZBGfc1tTZGUzbwHL1bI6ROrgJ6nO/s1919/1s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0u4azIxIbP5zctk4J93S8yb5huI1W4Z8yv6Wc85ODS5hzhenQj5wV_XcqQoQQuC4Xc9_LdEzAdTDH7_fMU-0eqlQiDuGPrEYvseTNuZGiDfh2EZXbU6rlJbagicQLJmwEhO82TJwElzkZXBHm_T-deH3zaM8ZBGfc1tTZGUzbwHL1bI6ROrgJ6nO/w400-h320/1s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tennessee Valley beach viewed from Coastal Trail up high</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">Ah, Tennessee Valley!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmxtvAB0ZDYF6ni_kE3FXafHcMoPywFBWf6YBAM2HWSoqGzsng98UCfve_zLQl8Wg4Ee1wFyOgaphDfufEYLqhZQHEEw4n9kuIekfuuVqc2VZgw0E7-hoCjajPNtJ6l2qbDSbEl2i_JnoWP84fyXbXFF4_z-r-iUEIboJ34x9WSt38aNajM5K64zG/s1573/1accc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmxtvAB0ZDYF6ni_kE3FXafHcMoPywFBWf6YBAM2HWSoqGzsng98UCfve_zLQl8Wg4Ee1wFyOgaphDfufEYLqhZQHEEw4n9kuIekfuuVqc2VZgw0E7-hoCjajPNtJ6l2qbDSbEl2i_JnoWP84fyXbXFF4_z-r-iUEIboJ34x9WSt38aNajM5K64zG/w400-h320/1accc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge visible in cleft of hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Being one of my designated</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seven Wonders of Bay Area</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Wild</span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">T</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">ennessee Valley</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> is a super-popular destination</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">in the </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Marin Headlands</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWY0AfwT-4bmvhMTNzRkwEHhArfAkm89dXfLTt89TmzJYjEO2CbjRPyBXWldcjKy_XG86A5R9TUlF6sALCztcU2HRGMIOEYqGYQLfNA-E8qLSoPyx61eZAgKDDYc7ZHPEaTyKDvwCqqDzZcA8FrxhXf3EjVZonwL8tPL-rBW_Xl1ZpE3qoutoTpCc/s1920/1a1w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWY0AfwT-4bmvhMTNzRkwEHhArfAkm89dXfLTt89TmzJYjEO2CbjRPyBXWldcjKy_XG86A5R9TUlF6sALCztcU2HRGMIOEYqGYQLfNA-E8qLSoPyx61eZAgKDDYc7ZHPEaTyKDvwCqqDzZcA8FrxhXf3EjVZonwL8tPL-rBW_Xl1ZpE3qoutoTpCc/w400-h320/1a1w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rugged coastal scenery in Golden Gate National Recreation Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">A place that you will fall in love with</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">on your first visit</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">and never tire</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">of its unending vistas and attractions.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQgk5vlrVK3KBlUFf9FKjtZ8dmKYL4pRsQ0_KeBTyxodmzdWYjIDHgy3RqastdZY9SrQeUnwxcSP8M0dyzI01jXxJFLZw68bnUgx7rdRyayDDPuhoHyttSVso-RafTmKTs3jBFFHnmNISFrqVk6wc7sCQahRzXANMLz_R-w2TclHckCzWGAElHkYo/s1321/1l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQgk5vlrVK3KBlUFf9FKjtZ8dmKYL4pRsQ0_KeBTyxodmzdWYjIDHgy3RqastdZY9SrQeUnwxcSP8M0dyzI01jXxJFLZw68bnUgx7rdRyayDDPuhoHyttSVso-RafTmKTs3jBFFHnmNISFrqVk6wc7sCQahRzXANMLz_R-w2TclHckCzWGAElHkYo/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">On top of the world looking down on creation</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>And that includes fantastic birding!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXloqnJoJ6lfheCO_FKMA_WoQb5s7hg3qL_jpRFZFAEjU6_r1HKxPhvNDdCjeI_hBCVwCUx1rfXB-ZIkKyPNIuxSEoJF-wj09WeJSEXZyYPIN5QDqwHEUgFmILLhiZo5mRneWXbB1ahN4ieIyDexfM-GOxHLJDuGKxB_oh9LtHTU0G99weMycMlpsY/s1440/1x.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXloqnJoJ6lfheCO_FKMA_WoQb5s7hg3qL_jpRFZFAEjU6_r1HKxPhvNDdCjeI_hBCVwCUx1rfXB-ZIkKyPNIuxSEoJF-wj09WeJSEXZyYPIN5QDqwHEUgFmILLhiZo5mRneWXbB1ahN4ieIyDexfM-GOxHLJDuGKxB_oh9LtHTU0G99weMycMlpsY/w400-h320/1x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Coastal hills and rock outcrops of Tennessee Valley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Its magnetic allure attracts large crowds day in and day out, no matter the weather, owing to stunning coastal hill scenery and sublime littoral wonders.</span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_rjbSmLOGIcDVu6XK2fr1o_Xe-SFqb1M9Aq6OpOD9Kt7FZv8zdumnK-Te_viPPLK9L7EkM2Wz-S8407JpgkFMB3lw00IybwHxV-pTWUutT8Q7KQm_-5eD_mtj6STjcNRrUMjQZKZNZSae6u-DM6VzYbNWypZTXJOGJrdA4vCA7eXJy7FfMDpt_eV/s3681/1zz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2945" data-original-width="3681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_rjbSmLOGIcDVu6XK2fr1o_Xe-SFqb1M9Aq6OpOD9Kt7FZv8zdumnK-Te_viPPLK9L7EkM2Wz-S8407JpgkFMB3lw00IybwHxV-pTWUutT8Q7KQm_-5eD_mtj6STjcNRrUMjQZKZNZSae6u-DM6VzYbNWypZTXJOGJrdA4vCA7eXJy7FfMDpt_eV/w400-h320/1zz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Snowy Egret unfazed by roiling surf at ocean's edge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With an extensive network of trails to choose from, all connecting easy to moderate to difficult routes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlEfUdWnVby4ZxNcDcKzbpYBPWAKOLpxT_AJ-zR2JO6qF6dKLkXNwDebY14ZdM8qxGmnruzmXWrIR9FIAg8kSHAywb4vDQXW4bsTXyISxJSp1QrZYg7MMLM_UwpSu4nZq-syLK4Z0NAGLEtOjr83G6ktgK-P0a3b8y3clLfXD7LTPnye_BAeIlOA1/s1919/1t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlEfUdWnVby4ZxNcDcKzbpYBPWAKOLpxT_AJ-zR2JO6qF6dKLkXNwDebY14ZdM8qxGmnruzmXWrIR9FIAg8kSHAywb4vDQXW4bsTXyISxJSp1QrZYg7MMLM_UwpSu4nZq-syLK4Z0NAGLEtOjr83G6ktgK-P0a3b8y3clLfXD7LTPnye_BAeIlOA1/w400-h320/1t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sweet vetch blossoming in the dry hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Take your pick, whether through healthy forest and lovely meadow, or up steep rocky trails to attain <i><b>360</b></i> degree lookouts of nonpareil beauty.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFuDZNNmUfLsoOjUyOl3V6t9yWKmJrOD55qK5rElsgs7_XW4UKZIqssdNiSKxWtYui1ItbHal0ti0I-p9ZqPU6lSZ_qXCKTJW0r2K_NTi2FJi8rOOvrlOeHrqeoOglP_JYLJgIex-gttK84vARIBsySh_YG_1JrOicTQHsT82O9iftaZ-YNYouEth/s1272/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFuDZNNmUfLsoOjUyOl3V6t9yWKmJrOD55qK5rElsgs7_XW4UKZIqssdNiSKxWtYui1ItbHal0ti0I-p9ZqPU6lSZ_qXCKTJW0r2K_NTi2FJi8rOOvrlOeHrqeoOglP_JYLJgIex-gttK84vARIBsySh_YG_1JrOicTQHsT82O9iftaZ-YNYouEth/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>California Quail feeding on the trail</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> The hike to the slice of pebbly brown beach – make that stroll </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> is an easy <i><b>1.8</b></i> miles, first along a paved thoroughfare of humanity, where stroller-pushing, jogging <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Marin</span></b></i> Moms and gabbing groups of social hikers abound, mixing it up with equestrians, bladers, families, nature lovers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j35ajGBXsRZkUB5ShMG_8QDgbTypUmWuEB4ea8qbaLBlwyJQKUUcSzhVs3Cx4DhUBYQ1JXzaC7FTjAR7DjNDG96b-vDi4mV5Jis4uTDZDX5_bdYvwFX0Lgt03m4ttMVb8ro8baO6HJND-K7lE6h-zRf7jULhzpc451VnIKwDYKxBrXgvcuuC3cEn/s1312/1w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j35ajGBXsRZkUB5ShMG_8QDgbTypUmWuEB4ea8qbaLBlwyJQKUUcSzhVs3Cx4DhUBYQ1JXzaC7FTjAR7DjNDG96b-vDi4mV5Jis4uTDZDX5_bdYvwFX0Lgt03m4ttMVb8ro8baO6HJND-K7lE6h-zRf7jULhzpc451VnIKwDYKxBrXgvcuuC3cEn/w400-h320/1w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great White Heron stalking the marsh near the lagoon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately, as of late, drone enthusiasts have found a receptive place to bring their noisy toys. When will they banned as detractors to peaceful experiences in nature? And hazards to birds! One of whom I encountered a few weeks ago – a kid with his family looking for his downed drone in a thicket. He found it, busted up, and began crying.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuanD6RQFpwTMRlHVOv67k4M4sFIM7U-NM5uRjW_1xdFeIdRRRS8m-bW9_hbZn55-h54riwRct0kj8eFWx929tRBmG-gpKyhrWaZ8hyuhAT_2MfSVy-HFR72fxfhEgoJ7vy3ceZ2KgkqCopLCP6NcdmxVMULORJwx8azIUU_mtYZ0KnkgDH91DRgY/s1873/1m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1873" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuanD6RQFpwTMRlHVOv67k4M4sFIM7U-NM5uRjW_1xdFeIdRRRS8m-bW9_hbZn55-h54riwRct0kj8eFWx929tRBmG-gpKyhrWaZ8hyuhAT_2MfSVy-HFR72fxfhEgoJ7vy3ceZ2KgkqCopLCP6NcdmxVMULORJwx8azIUU_mtYZ0KnkgDH91DRgY/w400-h320/1m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Easy hiking leads to gorgeous pond and beach</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Every and anyone is able to enjoy <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tennessee Valley</span></i></b>, owing to its proximity and accessibility – both a blessing and curse.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jRRd5yVPMRohV27b6kQGCyHb_tuUxxKRFnaZ3Ef_NThnz39rQwX4DNjS45GCOPXTbkYMHLUW3PmXr4vvYophBwfAtjgX0Tem3iEUJSPWK7-bSpLDNmAzkZfxHx6sEMfbBnOtiCwJ1a9Xe_BOtkaRuVzto9aRRLcsdWGDqavsEPgkTufPSPOeB64l/s3829/1v.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3063" data-original-width="3829" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jRRd5yVPMRohV27b6kQGCyHb_tuUxxKRFnaZ3Ef_NThnz39rQwX4DNjS45GCOPXTbkYMHLUW3PmXr4vvYophBwfAtjgX0Tem3iEUJSPWK7-bSpLDNmAzkZfxHx6sEMfbBnOtiCwJ1a9Xe_BOtkaRuVzto9aRRLcsdWGDqavsEPgkTufPSPOeB64l/w400-h320/1v.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cormorants gathering on off-shore rock promontory</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Veering off the main fire road, a single track trail is routed through sensitive terrain rife with wildlife </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> bumblebees bumbling, butterflies fluttering by, birds in paradise, the occasional skippin' coyote, and, if timed right or lucky enough, a lazy ol' bobcat.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtixo7v3ptLEpufqHob547TAbrJ9Aqbm59fNLpxarAiUC4waTyRvc8_aDBHvqfqvPccy2VrRfCdBawr9uXTrXx0aokpAU927_AL-zsO0B6XUXwee3_pgLISVWQielx1Lg22JPOLnAgVauW82CTwq-_kq9LVEQ0XKQ2BvEO9shxrGRQ7jxcoMpD77k/s1661/1j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtixo7v3ptLEpufqHob547TAbrJ9Aqbm59fNLpxarAiUC4waTyRvc8_aDBHvqfqvPccy2VrRfCdBawr9uXTrXx0aokpAU927_AL-zsO0B6XUXwee3_pgLISVWQielx1Lg22JPOLnAgVauW82CTwq-_kq9LVEQ0XKQ2BvEO9shxrGRQ7jxcoMpD77k/w400-h320/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Big-billed Crow and mate</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i><span style="font-size: medium;">(One day we met a woman who told us with a straight-face of her nine – <b><span style="color: #4c1130;">yes NINE!</span></b> – mountain lion encounters in her sixty-some odd years.)</span></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWe6SyQet0bydTRZ7Qe4rmpm-pJLVsUVFPy8Z_9woHErlfjykrWHJvnvazfEQG5o8i_ZzSaUJ_S3uLXY3GMN7nP8ZeP1_acY1RSX_03ntyrNUnikXDmx5zRoSVxU-d7NHHHooMlruK7iMDJT6A5itWu3oXpQEFLfwoHmIFeDwDLrLsMA0GVNqTvgk/s1440/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWe6SyQet0bydTRZ7Qe4rmpm-pJLVsUVFPy8Z_9woHErlfjykrWHJvnvazfEQG5o8i_ZzSaUJ_S3uLXY3GMN7nP8ZeP1_acY1RSX_03ntyrNUnikXDmx5zRoSVxU-d7NHHHooMlruK7iMDJT6A5itWu3oXpQEFLfwoHmIFeDwDLrLsMA0GVNqTvgk/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hiking Miwok Trail through beautiful coastal hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This precious living meadow shelters alder and willow trees lining a secretive stream bank and restored and protected wetlands habitat. I love stopping at the small bridge, peering over the railing dropping my gaze into a small sky blue pool reflecting fractal fern patterns.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbzs51vCoIeXk7ABCN7lf4CdoUert08cL6NxHETZXkC-zqIPaRiQvR5RDz5UMkt8AQT1a-RiexuU3K3PP8geoo-YP9McNkDJ78prtlJ0npDVgSkhLsW_rqc59P2NyF1haCFdrR19O-Jm52a0fcHg_3LPfBPhE5zsDjZivN7pBRvEq3iwAwKPkv94d/s1920/1a111a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbzs51vCoIeXk7ABCN7lf4CdoUert08cL6NxHETZXkC-zqIPaRiQvR5RDz5UMkt8AQT1a-RiexuU3K3PP8geoo-YP9McNkDJ78prtlJ0npDVgSkhLsW_rqc59P2NyF1haCFdrR19O-Jm52a0fcHg_3LPfBPhE5zsDjZivN7pBRvEq3iwAwKPkv94d/w400-h320/1a111a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">"Nothing little" creek is just another small miracle along the way</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I'm in no hurry for the "main attraction" –</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">the beach, for now, can wait.</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuw5FbkuE3J6aj1e-NQ50AZnOjN2jl3kb--78ctuAw4dE8BZdS8oV1fQkaIGgJfmmnY7tEH3tiJIIbouSBOIFj_4xDvi9xBxUyFKXwdFrj9VdcjktUo0mMZ9tETMftRrbvrb9ADlCN0Tp4YgHb6UHuElzG0PvnA9wnfhcSQYH_rVm3_FYZXHrv8_33/s1920/1bbb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuw5FbkuE3J6aj1e-NQ50AZnOjN2jl3kb--78ctuAw4dE8BZdS8oV1fQkaIGgJfmmnY7tEH3tiJIIbouSBOIFj_4xDvi9xBxUyFKXwdFrj9VdcjktUo0mMZ9tETMftRrbvrb9ADlCN0Tp4YgHb6UHuElzG0PvnA9wnfhcSQYH_rVm3_FYZXHrv8_33/w400-h320/1bbb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ferns reflecting in small brook</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By-passed by most passers-by <i>(in a hurry to get to the main attraction)</i>, I revel in the silence and solitude found in this small place where, undisturbed, I can engage in my time-honored activity of do-absolutely-nothingness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kpoieiCnHzfrqJVntJmuV0QdmLR0FaHZqocpvf2Ow3jaU2CfQDwb6rt30aiKNUAGTpRImxQAbkGscPWo5l1R7QvRUUSHtOhCqdzFmh3V2N2s8_4fPuf2TdGRPS3K_WcD0PPqOcRIXtrNVQ8h9IhFJPqTU03OdNccAEmVOFrS0ZLlELgaXC11pLYY/s1383/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kpoieiCnHzfrqJVntJmuV0QdmLR0FaHZqocpvf2Ow3jaU2CfQDwb6rt30aiKNUAGTpRImxQAbkGscPWo5l1R7QvRUUSHtOhCqdzFmh3V2N2s8_4fPuf2TdGRPS3K_WcD0PPqOcRIXtrNVQ8h9IhFJPqTU03OdNccAEmVOFrS0ZLlELgaXC11pLYY/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Big surf breaking at Tennessee Beach</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Dissipating unrecorded moments observing simple things in nature, watching for birds in the riparian edges, nothing more calming, nothing more rewarding, even if not a single bird appears.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL53bJwaJLE_KnRv6AjUtiMEnzNrYpN60jiC8yNpNpgJk0LOiTReYrBVKe7IEiRznpHLFtdHII-Mq_jJSjAwro1RmhpYL2lj_NovhHp0ufsbD_3_yeDvDodX-10draESosTC7KcWux3EU9HF8GsMEp4awtXtoSsriExLbEPr7aDGbiSt_IcFqto5ry/s1552/1q.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL53bJwaJLE_KnRv6AjUtiMEnzNrYpN60jiC8yNpNpgJk0LOiTReYrBVKe7IEiRznpHLFtdHII-Mq_jJSjAwro1RmhpYL2lj_NovhHp0ufsbD_3_yeDvDodX-10draESosTC7KcWux3EU9HF8GsMEp4awtXtoSsriExLbEPr7aDGbiSt_IcFqto5ry/w400-h320/1q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay flies in for a soft landing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Once, long ago, I spotted my very first <i><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Hummingbird</span></b></i> nest, constructed in the branches above the bridge, long deserted, a remnant art installation of interwoven grass, moss and bits of discarded string.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mNkYlvGCdUnZVMDSGDej6wjujUb8AekKJEvF3xEyReP8kRDy09oJTVmMjb7CJaU-w0KoSU_U6j82ZNPeMhsKMdfVl78f1eZomQ1Eokkz5mkDuu6ObMASGHsdbr9lz6r32MGBa67vwQsXt1brR96v4W6PEh6jtiBu74tBP2-iWnT8c1cQcKBaGRgY/s1639/1a1a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mNkYlvGCdUnZVMDSGDej6wjujUb8AekKJEvF3xEyReP8kRDy09oJTVmMjb7CJaU-w0KoSU_U6j82ZNPeMhsKMdfVl78f1eZomQ1Eokkz5mkDuu6ObMASGHsdbr9lz6r32MGBa67vwQsXt1brR96v4W6PEh6jtiBu74tBP2-iWnT8c1cQcKBaGRgY/w400-h320/1a1a1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird guarding her clutch of eggs</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like the legions of visitors, birds naturally gravitate to and love <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Tennessee Valley</span></b></i>. Birds of all kinds: <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Raptors</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Shorebirds</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Songbirds</span></b></i>, and <i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Secretive Birds</span></b></i> not otherwise easily spotted, such as the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Sora</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Northern Harrier</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JR7vbMTqoUizTREqckfKb1kcI2TMEANr89xV_98G3YzwwqDG0260x09Yu-deyt7GfKgN9tX6aUbGLfudiaNeqyEMkp_CSXlSes_NyQpwbKYvSYbFjni_6dD1k6ZNOd-HWLPGWX2dOfU9OFfg98epAmKa7d6logRILh8S98j41ng61YShYdmkg95C/s3240/1u.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="2430" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JR7vbMTqoUizTREqckfKb1kcI2TMEANr89xV_98G3YzwwqDG0260x09Yu-deyt7GfKgN9tX6aUbGLfudiaNeqyEMkp_CSXlSes_NyQpwbKYvSYbFjni_6dD1k6ZNOd-HWLPGWX2dOfU9OFfg98epAmKa7d6logRILh8S98j41ng61YShYdmkg95C/w480-h640/1u.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Quail up close and personal</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">On a good day, up to <b><i>40</i></b> species might be observed, as <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Napa-Solano Audubon Society</span></b></i> trip leader <i>David Takeuchi</i> racked up in <i><b>2010</b></i>, including a sighting of the elusive <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Sora</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTcSG9muWgDdk4Hztk4fZZe0JBsxMGz3NVrNS0qdg6SIvcHUASdwJE81ZhcpVdy_lj8jkvlezukQSBIYyR4TbmfJREVQ0qnGID7wSKUJOFp_I3Zld2sa_b_8wzkqTsG-ky5y4n9NSgtW1UqKvzGoxcWkAXtX3Tf2JZHDfVh19GWK5ZOpbNo5su8Yo/s1496/1p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTcSG9muWgDdk4Hztk4fZZe0JBsxMGz3NVrNS0qdg6SIvcHUASdwJE81ZhcpVdy_lj8jkvlezukQSBIYyR4TbmfJREVQ0qnGID7wSKUJOFp_I3Zld2sa_b_8wzkqTsG-ky5y4n9NSgtW1UqKvzGoxcWkAXtX3Tf2JZHDfVh19GWK5ZOpbNo5su8Yo/w400-h320/1p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Kind of a weird-looking Gull (juvenile?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, I never come close to <i>"bagging"</i> that many birds in a single day, but over the years, I've seen my share of species in the avian-rich habitat of <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Tennessee Valley</span></b></i>, including brilliantly plumed <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Turkeys</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Quail</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hummingbirds</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQmWT78O7ceF_47JJYuVwqdpRYihlVgFcJ6mg0HR73s_yBxwwvIo_fyZx6DUY121RjMgRUfgegw8pC8lnN1URiEi1kJ_L8L166gcPHCMfhI26vKwcIrvA391Ugk0M-odhzcbdkby0ZxcJQRNfOEFXEJgkY6Fy9l8RcdfGBtD8Rg4MwEmwNar8YMV9/s1919/1y.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQmWT78O7ceF_47JJYuVwqdpRYihlVgFcJ6mg0HR73s_yBxwwvIo_fyZx6DUY121RjMgRUfgegw8pC8lnN1URiEi1kJ_L8L166gcPHCMfhI26vKwcIrvA391Ugk0M-odhzcbdkby0ZxcJQRNfOEFXEJgkY6Fy9l8RcdfGBtD8Rg4MwEmwNar8YMV9/w400-h320/1y.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pair of Toms off 'n runnin'</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> On the doorstep of the great ocean a pretty lagoon commands attention, especially for birders. Here at the brackish lagoon, the ocean roaring a hundred yards away, I always stop for a lengthy pause to watch <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ducks</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Geese</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Cormorants</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Coots</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Flycatchers</span></b></i> and other special visitors.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbcTyRGvex_EEmLWdAkQHrXXLu341bc6AoejbG1wXmZGi4EKS_T30Z85SVdG7c3MJCxmVpkLASwVRYIZoU6XDlUWIeluPn1qdJX5Fk2k9B5zG1_QgE-pQeShl64C9n4vqCCwAL0AgP_0SYGQEh1hCd4OSkeAPcJbOYpXOC0D59gv9HIdo3gXI8C1a/s1440/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbcTyRGvex_EEmLWdAkQHrXXLu341bc6AoejbG1wXmZGi4EKS_T30Z85SVdG7c3MJCxmVpkLASwVRYIZoU6XDlUWIeluPn1qdJX5Fk2k9B5zG1_QgE-pQeShl64C9n4vqCCwAL0AgP_0SYGQEh1hCd4OSkeAPcJbOYpXOC0D59gv9HIdo3gXI8C1a/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fog enshrouds the ridges above Tennessee Valley beach</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>Wolf Ridge looms high,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>an impressive backdrop to the valley gem.</b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9iPA-z9xKSIzC2NQCtXDaOmC_3fh6oK9nk5oEYfij1VcH9TjFBkWtvcNj6Ate_M1_gLkMFamWrpiNxgxKrQqDOTfISP5NyNdsg8NBvZX1OfIueEno7Xp3meCNaraYtoDxr6q1L5yshK3fZ2xXIfJn1rhtQLIUeV8ImzRsoMSBfJGCgt5gKpjgpyz/s1569/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="1569" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9iPA-z9xKSIzC2NQCtXDaOmC_3fh6oK9nk5oEYfij1VcH9TjFBkWtvcNj6Ate_M1_gLkMFamWrpiNxgxKrQqDOTfISP5NyNdsg8NBvZX1OfIueEno7Xp3meCNaraYtoDxr6q1L5yshK3fZ2xXIfJn1rhtQLIUeV8ImzRsoMSBfJGCgt5gKpjgpyz/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">First sighting of a Sora swimming around in the lagoon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Not too much cookin' today, but I continue looking for something I've not yet seen, and, <i>voila</i>, a <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Sora</span></i></b> appears, or what appears to be a <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Sora!</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF2k9UlDngRoiQ7GIukM7TNbk4Wmx343T1v95KypTMaKCZAU7ihAw2Ko1OzmShoqR684M-VZuOEYjNgnZz61i5h_uvQ_ZiyINbD8danEv8OFXkAM2R4tOYU7KdWuD980mQKvU_gvT-LC1xZ_e3QynLi-sIf2S_9d02EJbK0dz-CFx7fRlL8iyxQ0-/s1112/1c1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1112" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF2k9UlDngRoiQ7GIukM7TNbk4Wmx343T1v95KypTMaKCZAU7ihAw2Ko1OzmShoqR684M-VZuOEYjNgnZz61i5h_uvQ_ZiyINbD8danEv8OFXkAM2R4tOYU7KdWuD980mQKvU_gvT-LC1xZ_e3QynLi-sIf2S_9d02EJbK0dz-CFx7fRlL8iyxQ0-/w400-h320/1c1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Virginia Rail on Wildcat Creek in Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Although in the moment, I don't even know it's a <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sora!</span></i></b> I'm too far away to ID it reliably, and I can't get closer as access is restricted along the shoreline of the lagoon.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1Hhtid8nMPTqR3Rs--Z5FRWY-a-wEgy_wh2eDdepUVVYcxOTtE2xfGBiXAZ3HQPsBFx1te0c2XK9CuuU6F5Ft4ZgSuZhkf-iA131M9Vv4D413seAzYwQ2saBmKQzFhmdyDdfudGr8yjvSVamTXohACtG-tM-8yL0Zn1gU1GclbmWZXv6IL2W6d3C/s2430/12937079273_f4e23a6308_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2430" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1Hhtid8nMPTqR3Rs--Z5FRWY-a-wEgy_wh2eDdepUVVYcxOTtE2xfGBiXAZ3HQPsBFx1te0c2XK9CuuU6F5Ft4ZgSuZhkf-iA131M9Vv4D413seAzYwQ2saBmKQzFhmdyDdfudGr8yjvSVamTXohACtG-tM-8yL0Zn1gU1GclbmWZXv6IL2W6d3C/w400-h320/12937079273_f4e23a6308_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lagoon overtaken by moss and algid growth</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I can only watch from the trail, in itchy excitement, snapping a couple of distant, blurry, but ID-able photos, wondering which bird it is flirting among the reeds and stabbing at the water lapping up bugs and algae.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zo2tQ04WaPZ672O9Udk8H6RrkMSOSSKQOPpA8x72oj-X7DsGQPotMfSbnnsy7w6g4UN-twFcHnGZTGHAyljgqfe2b0FRHIHDI2EXTB_BpXuI0OXE98Ptzb4Uz7fsObA34ym4glm47xmuS4YCxvF0B-BGTMyUoG2qjcqImL0eyzGSxwo_SMSLLPKl/s1808/1o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1808" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zo2tQ04WaPZ672O9Udk8H6RrkMSOSSKQOPpA8x72oj-X7DsGQPotMfSbnnsy7w6g4UN-twFcHnGZTGHAyljgqfe2b0FRHIHDI2EXTB_BpXuI0OXE98Ptzb4Uz7fsObA34ym4glm47xmuS4YCxvF0B-BGTMyUoG2qjcqImL0eyzGSxwo_SMSLLPKl/w400-h320/1o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Coots and other Shorebirds with the Sora</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Later on, I scratch my head over descriptions of the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Sora</span></b></i> being one of the more common and widely distributed of <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">North American Rails</span></b></i>. Must be why, just the other day, I read my first-ever <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">eBird</span></b></i> report of a <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Sora</span></b></i> sighting.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7pAeNjSHL6VEb9QQjE0Vy-tIiSKaimOhO3RHTg5G6TQD5nF3vKgxnm9XuyVKiVX1kGofzIalg11xP6GVeJXGNtlccVrpvMmUgdS81gyOM0kL7o8nGKXFJrQIY7eFgfjEXnheLnhqjTasyRIXjbNW3BWng-xdibwTHXnh5hAf9VjJREpM1FldpD6h/s1152/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7pAeNjSHL6VEb9QQjE0Vy-tIiSKaimOhO3RHTg5G6TQD5nF3vKgxnm9XuyVKiVX1kGofzIalg11xP6GVeJXGNtlccVrpvMmUgdS81gyOM0kL7o8nGKXFJrQIY7eFgfjEXnheLnhqjTasyRIXjbNW3BWng-xdibwTHXnh5hAf9VjJREpM1FldpD6h/w360-h640/1b.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sora in the mossy reeds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm sure many people have spotted a <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sora</span></b></i>, but today marks a <i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">First Sighting</span></b></i> for me of the common and widely distributed <i>(quote unquote)</i> bird. Perhaps I'm lucky to add the <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Sora</span></i></b> to my <i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Life List</span></b></i>, because <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">All About Birds</span></b></i> admits that <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">"actually seeing the little marsh-walker is much more difficult"</span></b></i> than one would suspect!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx6d0i1ljDwlLFuwphx5ufRcvnUIZcwwoh4Z3AYaKbgMk4Ae_M7zCccPZPd8HZrhwWfFyrJYCtLQZqfoIt5KipQZh_fw75dGB1L16NPl2IvZ2pArzZoVeMB0p3HLhIp1Pys0p8W-Zt2Z-1lzVamOXu51_BBCYwxepuNWhVgSvbxOAXN84LvMLop0e/s1440/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx6d0i1ljDwlLFuwphx5ufRcvnUIZcwwoh4Z3AYaKbgMk4Ae_M7zCccPZPd8HZrhwWfFyrJYCtLQZqfoIt5KipQZh_fw75dGB1L16NPl2IvZ2pArzZoVeMB0p3HLhIp1Pys0p8W-Zt2Z-1lzVamOXu51_BBCYwxepuNWhVgSvbxOAXN84LvMLop0e/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The reedy lagoon attracting Rails and other Songbirds and Shorebirds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> Moments after spotting the <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Sora</span></b></i>, I catch a teaser sighting of a heretofore unknown <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Warbler</span></b></i> darting in and among the reeds, but never alighting long enough to positively ID him, before </span><span>–</span><span> off he goes, alas </span><span>–</span><span> fluttering forever and ever away.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurmXklDdufaGsaRMnRnjdAhFg0W0AOcUM18CA9Y6sFac1QBLnsdYqFeTPa5LI-nOForxl4OYKMrzJUReP_JTliZqVYr24odAu7nihEiQMdr3Ik2LLPhmxwajmM1grl7YtHw3QA11cU0x74PGUDFr8FCNPKTp4Wuy1d7NhM7_vesiwoZ_RHktpJgo6/s1930/1a1a1a1a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1930" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurmXklDdufaGsaRMnRnjdAhFg0W0AOcUM18CA9Y6sFac1QBLnsdYqFeTPa5LI-nOForxl4OYKMrzJUReP_JTliZqVYr24odAu7nihEiQMdr3Ik2LLPhmxwajmM1grl7YtHw3QA11cU0x74PGUDFr8FCNPKTp4Wuy1d7NhM7_vesiwoZ_RHktpJgo6/w400-h320/1a1a1a1a1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Elusive little Warbling Vireo</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Still, I'm able to get one or two-second glimpses of the flighty fellow, enough to eliminate <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Townsend's</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">Wilson's</span></b></i>, and <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Yellow</span></b></i> <i>(-rumped)</i> as candidates. But while I fail to snap a photo, I remain wishful I saw a <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Tennessee (Valley) Warbler!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4v1LHD_0dEhEC5r_5RJAWhzUT2fM6qOfw1xG3aSc34mRJ-vBoR_IwvALm34SgUqbyXWCZ10KcIEIO8ZlgA0VDi1ZKpHuk9jL3-Jam3iJQOuh5OKutkuhAHka7AvugE3lEQEfLu14mTcqz7Yz23uCepmnPnLbZfdY3oiQSPBD37j7ZByQwwNB5Bdm/s1919/1k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4v1LHD_0dEhEC5r_5RJAWhzUT2fM6qOfw1xG3aSc34mRJ-vBoR_IwvALm34SgUqbyXWCZ10KcIEIO8ZlgA0VDi1ZKpHuk9jL3-Jam3iJQOuh5OKutkuhAHka7AvugE3lEQEfLu14mTcqz7Yz23uCepmnPnLbZfdY3oiQSPBD37j7ZByQwwNB5Bdm/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Inspiring ocean vistas hiking Coastal Trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> At the fabulous curve of beach, where a January <i><b>2013</b></i> landslide brought down the iconic <i><b>100</b></i> ft. archway <i>(caught on film by California Institute of Technology graduate student Robert Wills)</i> many <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Shorebirds</span></b></i> fly the skies and ply the water, with <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Gulls</span></b></i> soaring overhead or landing on the beach for crumbs with the <span style="color: #444444;"><i><b>Crow</b></i></span> bums.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX7rID8UaETM0ZnOObu10Y013FPrLKO7TY0QcKO9FnK5XHLNZzWkm6pD7Bcl9sAvu6Jz3HiD336GbJdkmI5KmcDilovNUtaysbhxNXwZ4NJq8FnafoM1bhmF-GeYZ7hT7Fw-1cij6HfloybqwjT_lEemqqAMAO-5LwFZxLl0Dxg1fSCQAoCBlIDJu/s3959/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3167" data-original-width="3959" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX7rID8UaETM0ZnOObu10Y013FPrLKO7TY0QcKO9FnK5XHLNZzWkm6pD7Bcl9sAvu6Jz3HiD336GbJdkmI5KmcDilovNUtaysbhxNXwZ4NJq8FnafoM1bhmF-GeYZ7hT7Fw-1cij6HfloybqwjT_lEemqqAMAO-5LwFZxLl0Dxg1fSCQAoCBlIDJu/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pelicans gracefully skirting the waves</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Pelicans fly by in formation,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>occasionally plunge-diving for fishy morsels.</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tQVev_sGYksTNMnmHRZ_CGmQ-LKXoU2UM8Z20EXmU-GLvjRNFaXVQnBV5XN0vSUoHs3xS1x4BrFkycBZ9BUGCeQDeLyBzDlbuWSAxwfNcN6v2Z-gwCo58I-byr7SdPXwmWsSFB7n7M1mv0Mx9yUAh3Upf5nUTX9gMqN_CepI5FIkabimxPYgk6Fp/s1152/1a12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tQVev_sGYksTNMnmHRZ_CGmQ-LKXoU2UM8Z20EXmU-GLvjRNFaXVQnBV5XN0vSUoHs3xS1x4BrFkycBZ9BUGCeQDeLyBzDlbuWSAxwfNcN6v2Z-gwCo58I-byr7SdPXwmWsSFB7n7M1mv0Mx9yUAh3Upf5nUTX9gMqN_CepI5FIkabimxPYgk6Fp/w360-h640/1a12.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Seals spotted sunbathing on rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Seals bob up and down in the surf.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqPlC-SKMQzKc-0cUL2g85lW2F5tWVDOrhTmDHzsmwXDwskzMzoB5OurMxCYgHWk0nWuBrr7v9_u97r8zPJj0Dd00Qls6esgs1--ztgKhIEGMSY-R0DsM1aDtC3KbuJhow3Va7KjUC7VsNZIDCr5-lI2n5KLUO1muiao-84-rdy3XxAduCE-p2oRq/s1440/1b1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqPlC-SKMQzKc-0cUL2g85lW2F5tWVDOrhTmDHzsmwXDwskzMzoB5OurMxCYgHWk0nWuBrr7v9_u97r8zPJj0Dd00Qls6esgs1--ztgKhIEGMSY-R0DsM1aDtC3KbuJhow3Va7KjUC7VsNZIDCr5-lI2n5KLUO1muiao-84-rdy3XxAduCE-p2oRq/w400-h320/1b1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Caspian Terns flocking on sandbar</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Terns skirt the breakers.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s1n9ZnIr4MV__IAA501c1zjIgeUJBRyMG5Yr1kEV3IVidAWkV3oA2GhAfGY55zKLiwdpiUh1fefMiM9JlJdYiXq9mmhsftBJ8bWvXPVer941R2RnswdT4LJtJzLJkkuTh5vGZEPfBbv81BZS9zJ3CChVh6HYY0nbG4QABQmH-5W3v744MS6K55kv/s3780/1z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s1n9ZnIr4MV__IAA501c1zjIgeUJBRyMG5Yr1kEV3IVidAWkV3oA2GhAfGY55zKLiwdpiUh1fefMiM9JlJdYiXq9mmhsftBJ8bWvXPVer941R2RnswdT4LJtJzLJkkuTh5vGZEPfBbv81BZS9zJ3CChVh6HYY0nbG4QABQmH-5W3v744MS6K55kv/w400-h320/1z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Remains exposed of the SS Tennessee dating back to 1853</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Depending on tidal conditions, you can inspect the remains of the wreck of the <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">SS Tennessee</span></b></i> whose fate was sealed in the treacherous surf off the cove one stormy night in <b><i>1853</i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbqel81yurL7wiu85vBr3F_U_6lPt0yZZQJhK125UzI5H4kGZfjb-vOSh2DhICUAqfXF9OEqXqLRB8tJdSt4PIj9ib6Q4LnKXhGD0UT06DQSj7hc4g8tYm1TT9hupweWlKf66RNbQoyZpseOcaOMip_BM8UnFM5_-ge0O7MmZsXVooDT0GceW3HNu/s1187/1zzz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1187" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbqel81yurL7wiu85vBr3F_U_6lPt0yZZQJhK125UzI5H4kGZfjb-vOSh2DhICUAqfXF9OEqXqLRB8tJdSt4PIj9ib6Q4LnKXhGD0UT06DQSj7hc4g8tYm1TT9hupweWlKf66RNbQoyZpseOcaOMip_BM8UnFM5_-ge0O7MmZsXVooDT0GceW3HNu/w400-h320/1zzz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-winged Blackbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Stop to take it all in, ignore the crowds, have a picnic, soak it up, it's always a special feeling at <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Tennessee Valley</span></b></i>, always a day to cherish and feel blessed by.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuUdcK7M_RWtCM9KwbUs5FUqbcGYzZMeCHb7sd7wVDZcw79fD78jaPGrkmW0VfXZgWafs7GS28SLNvmMXSxS7SevOiRnrXsfX7u2B7pbsPtBR4QI_96jqVkonZUQmNa1dIsCOYG-rvrX6pRCrHH4DhtTn5MniytxLoQtpY6I4BKySsBWMegTKXZML/s1920/1r.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuUdcK7M_RWtCM9KwbUs5FUqbcGYzZMeCHb7sd7wVDZcw79fD78jaPGrkmW0VfXZgWafs7GS28SLNvmMXSxS7SevOiRnrXsfX7u2B7pbsPtBR4QI_96jqVkonZUQmNa1dIsCOYG-rvrX6pRCrHH4DhtTn5MniytxLoQtpY6I4BKySsBWMegTKXZML/w400-h320/1r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Seasonally dry hills with Mount Tamalpais rising</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> On the return, back through the pretty meadow, I hear a barrage of screeching and look up to witness an aerial battle between two <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Northern Harriers</span></b></i> over a snake dangling from steely talons.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVmbg0msI89GzP-ekRpSLDllzV-O-k-v6k1t67TK9DcFiB5PiTE-Qi1oth8kl6PPdygshM9Yn4YSbWdE7UEvFKgixDqGdCNoKwXV_YR9RPO56EbdT9N7_H0q1RzdbmzksID11IWBWmzDKxAY4aEWcK6wE9cp1YB7Ti1qjYSoge9WnXWcYsj4tp1uT/s1685/2dd2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1685" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVmbg0msI89GzP-ekRpSLDllzV-O-k-v6k1t67TK9DcFiB5PiTE-Qi1oth8kl6PPdygshM9Yn4YSbWdE7UEvFKgixDqGdCNoKwXV_YR9RPO56EbdT9N7_H0q1RzdbmzksID11IWBWmzDKxAY4aEWcK6wE9cp1YB7Ti1qjYSoge9WnXWcYsj4tp1uT/w400-h320/2dd2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk scoping out prey below</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the handsome, elegant <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Hawks</span></b></i> suddenly swoops in to snatch the prize from the clutches of the other, victoriously flying off to a distant snag to gloat and pick the snake apart in peace.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6fTNWfanRXgtYM782YfG9tYi9Badhkyzqm9-S3XSeGu1qxEzDpm7nkT4toc3nZKzU5vLV-Fw-I4HD6VkDCW0gtRkZ1TRAxAlQn4fW29B9Shsq_w4F-ye0ZQd-wz40Tlm1kfev3zsiiLH4SLHiuqsWwTSC1Jk4zmoTQEp_NNgA3DbbczkPRhPUyQK/s1185/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1185" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6fTNWfanRXgtYM782YfG9tYi9Badhkyzqm9-S3XSeGu1qxEzDpm7nkT4toc3nZKzU5vLV-Fw-I4HD6VkDCW0gtRkZ1TRAxAlQn4fW29B9Shsq_w4F-ye0ZQd-wz40Tlm1kfev3zsiiLH4SLHiuqsWwTSC1Jk4zmoTQEp_NNgA3DbbczkPRhPUyQK/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow in brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>You can count on it:</b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ4nHyfGQtTIhvXS4DtGZY5apukZ2nyVFcUM3FB7I1lMeskjWPsG-1OHnyK3hKaS9H0t4tbiDifjgafcdE_6JgBovhCvvUR6lSnZzeU59oQY5AmMmgE1nuyntYuSkGzNdM244nfx9ts-b5ugd36eYlJzsJ7au6nvFmaTYPicS4lW47YgclqX_uF62/s1920/2k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ4nHyfGQtTIhvXS4DtGZY5apukZ2nyVFcUM3FB7I1lMeskjWPsG-1OHnyK3hKaS9H0t4tbiDifjgafcdE_6JgBovhCvvUR6lSnZzeU59oQY5AmMmgE1nuyntYuSkGzNdM244nfx9ts-b5ugd36eYlJzsJ7au6nvFmaTYPicS4lW47YgclqX_uF62/w400-h320/2k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Biking in Mount Tam country</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>There's always something amazing</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">to witness at </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Tennessee Valley</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>that will blow your mind.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ejyTRaaqOf52ugadbBWvBU6V4bhNhLTqwDaimPquG-p3t6G5ICcXQlOU99QgmJGgwwIWyd_MMgK_7fKLBU0En4yfGESyncpBtON_hV83BUcEXIjqZNH3qnVJ8clpFlWFngWk3_Zk8abrv56sjh_bPhd9yzkdT4li3XRKXs8EHDnSY_cUwzqRkyO5/s1656/1c1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ejyTRaaqOf52ugadbBWvBU6V4bhNhLTqwDaimPquG-p3t6G5ICcXQlOU99QgmJGgwwIWyd_MMgK_7fKLBU0En4yfGESyncpBtON_hV83BUcEXIjqZNH3qnVJ8clpFlWFngWk3_Zk8abrv56sjh_bPhd9yzkdT4li3XRKXs8EHDnSY_cUwzqRkyO5/w400-h320/1c1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great White Heron gracefully soaring off</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>There's always an unexpected moment</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>of discovery that will enhance your existence.</i></b></span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJJYodM8bZTpR0fcigapP3bVbHfBWB_nxNdDISOAJN4mXAY2K_QVAtgzYhbcPU0fW4RA2jBhzPMVEHK7XgOv1j0e-zdCkeQwVfm9gf1rACQE8UOSz_nGwcTHn76B7j5ZywMdhFgb5ODju0W8HmCAPdlli8isGQsDxS-lQprdHkiaLiGexT6FFxFyP/s1919/2h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJJYodM8bZTpR0fcigapP3bVbHfBWB_nxNdDISOAJN4mXAY2K_QVAtgzYhbcPU0fW4RA2jBhzPMVEHK7XgOv1j0e-zdCkeQwVfm9gf1rACQE8UOSz_nGwcTHn76B7j5ZywMdhFgb5ODju0W8HmCAPdlli8isGQsDxS-lQprdHkiaLiGexT6FFxFyP/w400-h320/2h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Stalks of grass shooting up</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Always a serene and joyful experience in nature that will restore your senses and faith in things.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV29DkagALf1Rjs21RtBEt-Mzo82rnyUOT9vn0-gFuUXoTPAUcQQKh5-aSyQYq6-LGBAO7o-A509eA9HU9cFdLEbvwPcBYoEsPjr2L_Q5Xr8m8EZYUM-bYDQhSDFF15crwDrkdAiJKwjUl-e3IpEtFbMeEnzXjWkp_9FOof8yEdFEEp8dpMRfis_Mt/s1920/2i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV29DkagALf1Rjs21RtBEt-Mzo82rnyUOT9vn0-gFuUXoTPAUcQQKh5-aSyQYq6-LGBAO7o-A509eA9HU9cFdLEbvwPcBYoEsPjr2L_Q5Xr8m8EZYUM-bYDQhSDFF15crwDrkdAiJKwjUl-e3IpEtFbMeEnzXjWkp_9FOof8yEdFEEp8dpMRfis_Mt/w400-h320/2i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Intricate web with sparkling beads of water</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Always, a simple yet profound,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>a commonplace yet exotic sighting or encounter that will transform how you see the world.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9ARvhmjNPOmo1BZq46Sor0W3H4LWp-FcYdiS6BDulTYudJnloa-E2JWbUZAE5h93EAsxtmqcZd2_6Loe2ytlFasWbkM9AR0iBePd5i4TRNgVjeWHAlrIhIYMHnmIYIgS0w5LyNSuGn7uSwi2ygs-Wr6u8vkO9DkjJ-ypvLnxPMPo29Oo3fmF41xp/s1919/2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9ARvhmjNPOmo1BZq46Sor0W3H4LWp-FcYdiS6BDulTYudJnloa-E2JWbUZAE5h93EAsxtmqcZd2_6Loe2ytlFasWbkM9AR0iBePd5i4TRNgVjeWHAlrIhIYMHnmIYIgS0w5LyNSuGn7uSwi2ygs-Wr6u8vkO9DkjJ-ypvLnxPMPo29Oo3fmF41xp/w400-h320/2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Purple vetch and yellow poppies brighten the trailside</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Always a small but glorious feeling</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>to watch a lizard or spot a bird</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>or worm or butterfly.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaM2frmXZidddcn78n0AuOENJbTmyh2MlinxPgTTDva1XKJKGukt3Wdw4ZrJ087M5JZbeI13O0LpKSfBlKZP11M1MWVxAQInsSxq2vF725Tj_AHpVRe0Ch1-tEz7roJtLh5u1LqrrV7Snh1ZKyevO7HNyjL0Mx7Oa_oCS8Xiz6dmz_bcVR2F0h7Ds/s4320/2l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaM2frmXZidddcn78n0AuOENJbTmyh2MlinxPgTTDva1XKJKGukt3Wdw4ZrJ087M5JZbeI13O0LpKSfBlKZP11M1MWVxAQInsSxq2vF725Tj_AHpVRe0Ch1-tEz7roJtLh5u1LqrrV7Snh1ZKyevO7HNyjL0Mx7Oa_oCS8Xiz6dmz_bcVR2F0h7Ds/w400-h320/2l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fields of dreamy lupine and fog-cloaked hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">Affirmations of life connecting with nature</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">in ways grand and intimate.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnIo6zOqqf3mRKpETGStj9Xvu7tCHk6Q3mkuqKg4o1H46M1-T7zN4fDbmavgp6TI4e3_xnPcWjWLyzU2aJblbT5iN8Q2KXWFWxtQuztTKxRolamDPd4558pu462zqjJMpd954oSR4-LDphNdtmIz9G7x__wjnDIPaEMqC1PCfNIQmyWHSbs3Es3l9/s1920/2g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnIo6zOqqf3mRKpETGStj9Xvu7tCHk6Q3mkuqKg4o1H46M1-T7zN4fDbmavgp6TI4e3_xnPcWjWLyzU2aJblbT5iN8Q2KXWFWxtQuztTKxRolamDPd4558pu462zqjJMpd954oSR4-LDphNdtmIz9G7x__wjnDIPaEMqC1PCfNIQmyWHSbs3Es3l9/w400-h320/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Edge of the lagoon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Experiences that will change how you feel</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>about yourself, the world and your place in it.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9dBQCQt_qjZdLlMorTv6N80_AWAqzO3qFOJG_m-oMp-PpFXOmpZ9ziHX4VZ4T4k8OvNtid3uyKokj2Ah2yeAe3nhqHsdU98LCJtaUMqtSPJOXgrxK5JlEgFC_Cg9Hljthbzoef1GoLXSx3cwsSQ1EPfpJr2uUjHEBvSTrGlvgN-35rETXZRNjqC3/s1440/1111111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9dBQCQt_qjZdLlMorTv6N80_AWAqzO3qFOJG_m-oMp-PpFXOmpZ9ziHX4VZ4T4k8OvNtid3uyKokj2Ah2yeAe3nhqHsdU98LCJtaUMqtSPJOXgrxK5JlEgFC_Cg9Hljthbzoef1GoLXSx3cwsSQ1EPfpJr2uUjHEBvSTrGlvgN-35rETXZRNjqC3/w400-h320/1111111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lagoon and ridge fronting the ocean</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>As you absorb and revel in life's</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>simple pleasures and wonders of existence.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCXJ8VmMG2K61px5x3ROZfUpK4npWhTmbeydcAdBb_gqMPJFvmcsbFmLXnidn4Hqj4eGfnRVsO3_jiC7KkAJgYr5qBU8LHa2u4EfPWP8AN5GykXUPddHaokdTK052wgGZBIv-hLzegSTcHqA7N9NTRMdPY9F_P0LSvkt2OffYL4kMo5BLpSXiQfRt/s1920/2j%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCXJ8VmMG2K61px5x3ROZfUpK4npWhTmbeydcAdBb_gqMPJFvmcsbFmLXnidn4Hqj4eGfnRVsO3_jiC7KkAJgYr5qBU8LHa2u4EfPWP8AN5GykXUPddHaokdTK052wgGZBIv-hLzegSTcHqA7N9NTRMdPY9F_P0LSvkt2OffYL4kMo5BLpSXiQfRt/w400-h320/2j%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Boulder guardian</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The inscrutable phenomena of nature.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt035qwMHjJYXSu2uGvdsVdS4tSpIx_4YYEqlNGasfvwZHCgx3p_THj61vwMFmE-M2npcF5piC51ambTVshwtkTNsHKE62Xlx8k7D21uSdKckwmaPe1P-dJha1m5l9Pkvuw_qrTBxGdu43nI2FKNJVrbLRucL4FIjuR_Bhf4A95HHJvz49hzG2FxJk/s3236/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2588" data-original-width="3236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt035qwMHjJYXSu2uGvdsVdS4tSpIx_4YYEqlNGasfvwZHCgx3p_THj61vwMFmE-M2npcF5piC51ambTVshwtkTNsHKE62Xlx8k7D21uSdKckwmaPe1P-dJha1m5l9Pkvuw_qrTBxGdu43nI2FKNJVrbLRucL4FIjuR_Bhf4A95HHJvz49hzG2FxJk/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Family of deer grazing and resting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The simple miracles of existence</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>hidden in plain sight all around.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0XPCQdMlIQfNMosgp757QPi71UFGBxsyDiLuMS2yjZpfwSKHku547tfD-bgcm4QErs-fGqYKZGXsi9ADYdAoC1pHX3xnqW_-8GYz9Yhc92ys_mSJROZVD0sJlhD5nEsBMrPyI91WTup_Ait-xd3BFuCzMfORZIS39Fd5qrhms8GN61o3866tQMDf/s3240/2aa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="2430" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0XPCQdMlIQfNMosgp757QPi71UFGBxsyDiLuMS2yjZpfwSKHku547tfD-bgcm4QErs-fGqYKZGXsi9ADYdAoC1pHX3xnqW_-8GYz9Yhc92ys_mSJROZVD0sJlhD5nEsBMrPyI91WTup_Ait-xd3BFuCzMfORZIS39Fd5qrhms8GN61o3866tQMDf/w480-h640/2aa.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Beautiful Tennessee Valley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Read more from Gambolin' Man</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>about the wonders & marvels of </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Tennessee Valley & the Golden Gate National Recreation Area:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2007/11/golden-gate-national-recreation-area.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LAND & SEASCAPES @ TENNESSEE VALLEY THROUGH THE SEASONS (2007)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2010/06/golden-gate-national-recreation-area.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIKING ACROSS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE TO THE MARIN HEADLANDS (2010)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK-c0WqREryHjUzJhgJykwndoSi43Zrg0KCbQgtN9g7EfItPK5Xh3_Mlx_pFp9RjvTdWde2qT95bHcDJsWz7ONutwIc0yss9Ok4SSIazoDJrpyiF3HxD-LwA1KfeMC1FF-h6BJhbNbn-yU7lvvQzmVyRmUP7kpNopqi4WrmuMt2hUxzT-sZyLG_Py/s1536/2aaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK-c0WqREryHjUzJhgJykwndoSi43Zrg0KCbQgtN9g7EfItPK5Xh3_Mlx_pFp9RjvTdWde2qT95bHcDJsWz7ONutwIc0yss9Ok4SSIazoDJrpyiF3HxD-LwA1KfeMC1FF-h6BJhbNbn-yU7lvvQzmVyRmUP7kpNopqi4WrmuMt2hUxzT-sZyLG_Py/w480-h640/2aaa.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">A world of colorful beach pebbles</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Enjoy a few live-action scenes of Tennessee Valley</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area:</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9dfLrrXzh7V5u5IdTOvXleJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>TENNESSEE VALLEY HIKING & BIKING</b></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA80ha7j5S8OysHEgd47kH35vf2jnuuTe65v7_EoP23Ry5H-jV1tu2F2I9yuiGbljn6mF3rB8pF71iPuZCZjM_TIxTOOyCJDVe5kbO4UYfAtULWM7-kUnjSZj4OQJphaqwZJ6ISaXicn2-tesYBzro0roQZnqnNmZAnj0Vm-UfMuJYHV8F0o4U3Nfh/s1152/14a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA80ha7j5S8OysHEgd47kH35vf2jnuuTe65v7_EoP23Ry5H-jV1tu2F2I9yuiGbljn6mF3rB8pF71iPuZCZjM_TIxTOOyCJDVe5kbO4UYfAtULWM7-kUnjSZj4OQJphaqwZJ6ISaXicn2-tesYBzro0roQZnqnNmZAnj0Vm-UfMuJYHV8F0o4U3Nfh/w360-h640/14a.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Song Sparrow</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">feeding on seeds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Check out Gambolin' Man's photo albums of </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Tennessee Valley & the Golden Gate National Recreation Area:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsknuJJr9" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>BEAUTY & ALLURE OF TENNESSEE VALLEY</b></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmQFrmKx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>WORLD CLASS SIGHTS IN THE GGNRA</b></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaPoh5JSAhZ-jHdLuJwTNKmIlXD-JxuOD0zxm5MKHbxt2lR6jpGJc7VuwMKU9YhcqEjrnDwyOkAPyx84ZwP4nCeXXeT3elSW30ouayh36f5OpUJsw6TLhg0MNAeCI93JVxdh0QGVwjfnF6QXoYYpVV-BHnU8Ru6-ijCo4EEJmfI9jfpooqGO0R-xX/s3753/14g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3753" data-original-width="2815" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaPoh5JSAhZ-jHdLuJwTNKmIlXD-JxuOD0zxm5MKHbxt2lR6jpGJc7VuwMKU9YhcqEjrnDwyOkAPyx84ZwP4nCeXXeT3elSW30ouayh36f5OpUJsw6TLhg0MNAeCI93JVxdh0QGVwjfnF6QXoYYpVV-BHnU8Ru6-ijCo4EEJmfI9jfpooqGO0R-xX/w480-h640/14g.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Egret</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">stalking on the shore</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-31311610801277829742015-09-02T18:30:00.273-07:002023-03-31T12:34:23.124-07:00Albany Bulb Redux . . . Starring Geese & Pelicans & Tons of Other Birds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nSIn9DwAzl7LON9J5ueJBnjz6DIlelnRq12QwkKP7is91rDIOaXbuf-gpc0s970aY8mOAXyGmt4JszOTlGWWbZfuvvzjGDzE2rXovcgoGYLiVShRfeGSNDNhUFZweXBz0_cpuh1SQUOlU_1YHVci63XKUM_nR1pfNlFBqSBXLKrITT74VSRzVOh7/s1440/1a1aaaa1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nSIn9DwAzl7LON9J5ueJBnjz6DIlelnRq12QwkKP7is91rDIOaXbuf-gpc0s970aY8mOAXyGmt4JszOTlGWWbZfuvvzjGDzE2rXovcgoGYLiVShRfeGSNDNhUFZweXBz0_cpuh1SQUOlU_1YHVci63XKUM_nR1pfNlFBqSBXLKrITT74VSRzVOh7/w400-h320/1a1aaaa1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sunset over the Marin Headlands</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Long-neglected and abused,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">and lately rehabbed,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">the tiny parcel of land</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">dubbed the </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Albany Bulb</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">is an endless source</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">of amusement and adventure.</span></span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo_3HRsmC8cl3YD2-gnG7bTr5YKCWcp5h-zqVMLUmggo5PK0OXs7rDjkUIqWKBRNIWdyZNtPDMhqWKJ-CjXKZ_VCHvK4HJIhX18IZ-NmIh4gv-U0UUODak6wE08QMa7BVaM7I9CM0I-OLGLJjdGGy40Y2e9QpPw1w8hNvSCjIhnMiEZoTRTLCYXW2/s400/5a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo_3HRsmC8cl3YD2-gnG7bTr5YKCWcp5h-zqVMLUmggo5PK0OXs7rDjkUIqWKBRNIWdyZNtPDMhqWKJ-CjXKZ_VCHvK4HJIhX18IZ-NmIh4gv-U0UUODak6wE08QMa7BVaM7I9CM0I-OLGLJjdGGy40Y2e9QpPw1w8hNvSCjIhnMiEZoTRTLCYXW2/w400-h320/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Breathtaking scenery looking toward Mount Tamalpais</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">No matter which way you cast your gaze,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">million dollar views punctuate</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">world-famous, drop-dead gorgeous</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">panoramas of natural beauty:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjralNjgw0RxpH4bWx2v2fTjmfvo5L6O67n_2F4artoJdFrpACLZPMOm8gfXZoXGBfE9VJQuoND9pajj9ZodDVipuZQNkPmEsU6N7aSEQ3PgdheBYaa0aeh-f1cSiwi9eUPFXF4IOPJdcd_t-mu3dO7PMvnl1M9TZcorN7o9oZ8uASIkhRMCEPMKkSx/s400/5m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="400" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjralNjgw0RxpH4bWx2v2fTjmfvo5L6O67n_2F4artoJdFrpACLZPMOm8gfXZoXGBfE9VJQuoND9pajj9ZodDVipuZQNkPmEsU6N7aSEQ3PgdheBYaa0aeh-f1cSiwi9eUPFXF4IOPJdcd_t-mu3dO7PMvnl1M9TZcorN7o9oZ8uASIkhRMCEPMKkSx/w400-h286/5m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mudflats looking southeast toward Albany and Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>From the shimmering <span style="color: #674ea7;">Bay</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>to <span style="color: #800180;">San Francisco's</span> glittering skyline,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Angel Island</span>, the <span style="color: #38761d;">Marin Headlands</span>,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>iconic <span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden Gate Bridge</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>and resplendent <span style="color: #660000;">Mount Tamalpais</span>.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6yAvBCrzGj_lZrWu-KuzJkxj4eLTYAOk7-OXlYC1AQqwXpr3_CsIAvkzsWdJ-icQPDKeqLtplB2RIwBSgIN9jG4-S4fJXQfGEQK4Xxx1BV7msurZ8gN2tkhtWAvNbcv418Sz_Qo3xwNIdPeweh8pznHDTbgG0pdKmJaHAhtfjj-GtgNfJGYh4aIG/s400/5l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6yAvBCrzGj_lZrWu-KuzJkxj4eLTYAOk7-OXlYC1AQqwXpr3_CsIAvkzsWdJ-icQPDKeqLtplB2RIwBSgIN9jG4-S4fJXQfGEQK4Xxx1BV7msurZ8gN2tkhtWAvNbcv418Sz_Qo3xwNIdPeweh8pznHDTbgG0pdKmJaHAhtfjj-GtgNfJGYh4aIG/w400-h300/5l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Never tire of the sights and attractions</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">For nature lovers and dog owners,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">casual strollers and everyday out 'n abouters,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">the reclaimed peninsula is a haven</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">for exploring and sight-seeing.</span></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0RcClY8F_VtQpo-37FsuxhfJX7Tyv-tk9DUuUogvE7vpzmGdMWMv_1suYoaM6M5Ruh86bp4DNLgKIfM2HcnBETMJ62ftNa0iNSnn2w56j8X5p1JwHVHvM6Uwa2E1CFPDbYzUeai5SHf4zzzb89WMH4bFbS6Rwf6VXjtzfMuBJrmcTDwlfsWSY3VL/s2048/7k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0RcClY8F_VtQpo-37FsuxhfJX7Tyv-tk9DUuUogvE7vpzmGdMWMv_1suYoaM6M5Ruh86bp4DNLgKIfM2HcnBETMJ62ftNa0iNSnn2w56j8X5p1JwHVHvM6Uwa2E1CFPDbYzUeai5SHf4zzzb89WMH4bFbS6Rwf6VXjtzfMuBJrmcTDwlfsWSY3VL/w360-h640/7k.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Eyes of the world</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A regular old slice of heaven and refuge</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">on the edge of urban sprawl</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">bordering factories and warehouses</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">and a roaring 10-lane freeway of non-stop traffic,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">but mostly you'd never know it!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgT-DQtLIFdo6KvDqlCmG0RHqQJ__wq9kCW6GbtkRwBVgONsKYuDN-PGNd_pMvty1yC1POZgb0QFiHHD3wSTqfv-qZdUd4HikwlK77qdWQKPWZ_PYbtNlKYV42S8BR2xMSf9ZnR3zeMiuYeKEpU5ZwXoLrJICiRBvFeo9aNmmMpw9_9iwZuXvlX5/s1858/1ababab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgT-DQtLIFdo6KvDqlCmG0RHqQJ__wq9kCW6GbtkRwBVgONsKYuDN-PGNd_pMvty1yC1POZgb0QFiHHD3wSTqfv-qZdUd4HikwlK77qdWQKPWZ_PYbtNlKYV42S8BR2xMSf9ZnR3zeMiuYeKEpU5ZwXoLrJICiRBvFeo9aNmmMpw9_9iwZuXvlX5/w400-h320/1ababab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8192px;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Codornices Creek's final journey to the Bay from the Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fortunately, the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Bulb</span></b></i> sticks out into <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i><b>San Francisco Bay</b></i></span> far enough where the noise and eyesores are not noticeable, but along the marsh and mudflats, where three <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">East Bay</span></b></i> creeks drain, the presence of so much negative energy is hard to ignore.</span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n3dhTv9YWhE06BEol4RvB3AzJqVdz0D4xninEX-e2RROYwrmT9JcnOn-rWDengo4mPWrCD4kjsF2Xa6zTKrODK95v09cKJK2gCTB3WN1yn38XkAzTq9YTxDreHxIZHEcC41TmayBPiwykjlun4bAS7A1TYIms034mGMVhARjCJuZhYCFZScOCezd/s400/5i.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="400" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n3dhTv9YWhE06BEol4RvB3AzJqVdz0D4xninEX-e2RROYwrmT9JcnOn-rWDengo4mPWrCD4kjsF2Xa6zTKrODK95v09cKJK2gCTB3WN1yn38XkAzTq9YTxDreHxIZHEcC41TmayBPiwykjlun4bAS7A1TYIms034mGMVhARjCJuZhYCFZScOCezd/w400-h323/5i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron crouching down beside the Bay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> But, hey, the birds don't seem to mind one bit, so busy are they occupied by their industrious searches for food afforded when the tide recedes and exposes geometric patterns of textured raised mud beds.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf_lqVnQ0lHZCVfMw_3JP_o6YR6G2iQOipUk3ueb6ZGogPNsCfHyn2US0f85wILJiDj4_BWZsedyy4h51CNXDQYWfY_NdhwH9eNu-3GW0JZpvtC0_Ukcvsmr4a5LVyDh5tN5Ue9ZmvqW9MvbgH_Uglo_Xzofx36TImK944gHq5Q20QwLYX0KbMz3g/s400/5b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf_lqVnQ0lHZCVfMw_3JP_o6YR6G2iQOipUk3ueb6ZGogPNsCfHyn2US0f85wILJiDj4_BWZsedyy4h51CNXDQYWfY_NdhwH9eNu-3GW0JZpvtC0_Ukcvsmr4a5LVyDh5tN5Ue9ZmvqW9MvbgH_Uglo_Xzofx36TImK944gHq5Q20QwLYX0KbMz3g/w400-h300/5b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Albany / SF Bay mudflats exposing nutrient-rich biome</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It is a veritable smorgasbord for thousands of individual birds, perhaps over <i><b>30</b></i> different species converging in the area to take advantage of the rich pickings.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMKtRT7fxJozBUJ2awZC7D0CVqklLB40Y78QfT1thk3nb3XBpD-nqjpjycTlxKNcKKkFeuu3JeYgHJF1k8AyeoqzeGbEP8_PwPNVDygw609U4qMB5aPDoVbZAR3Hd6jMfEFFWM98dIrZduvqRFkd3UxwNaWdWtYFr8jqQx7ZMJuu9p6Mlxo3-eMtB/s400/4a.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMKtRT7fxJozBUJ2awZC7D0CVqklLB40Y78QfT1thk3nb3XBpD-nqjpjycTlxKNcKKkFeuu3JeYgHJF1k8AyeoqzeGbEP8_PwPNVDygw609U4qMB5aPDoVbZAR3Hd6jMfEFFWM98dIrZduvqRFkd3UxwNaWdWtYFr8jqQx7ZMJuu9p6Mlxo3-eMtB/w400-h300/4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Curvaceous San Francisco Bay hugging the Bulb shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> Once a dumping ground for industrial detritus left over from the <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Bay Area's</span></b></i> post-WW II construction boom, the <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Bulb</span></b></i> has since been rehabbed and nurtured into a green splotch of elevated scrub land studded with trees and surrounded by rock strewn shoreline.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje75xCBwD9sOdB2eTPc1Tigh7D4YlpNHu9icCcmg0s_3C_bv6Bklyaa5NI48N7J7xrwO9q_ikeUrb0_FF3vkpkdsGSISgiiXyx_kJCkg0Cpqrulux-upE3hm86zUfAyhhtrPuxmT8ZVo27HXuofJjRwJ7nRprp5A7k-_THFK5K1kT8DZ8uzZdVQkM3/s1506/1a1aaaaabb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje75xCBwD9sOdB2eTPc1Tigh7D4YlpNHu9icCcmg0s_3C_bv6Bklyaa5NI48N7J7xrwO9q_ikeUrb0_FF3vkpkdsGSISgiiXyx_kJCkg0Cpqrulux-upE3hm86zUfAyhhtrPuxmT8ZVo27HXuofJjRwJ7nRprp5A7k-_THFK5K1kT8DZ8uzZdVQkM3/w400-h320/1a1aaaaabb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great White Egret scoping out possibilities</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Bulb</span></i></b> is also an outdoor art museum, littered with quirky sculptures and bizarre rock paintings, resembling a mini sandbox for creative <b><i><span style="color: red;">Burning Man</span></i></b> expressions.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA_jXF6BJ-HqD3AUKpyVi4tS2nGlkEa_gbO1HnPvzuUI6w9DBlv0k4RwvVoZ2WDtZM_EWUE9Kxn19sc-Gm954RNdKsdOaJGKl2BGPjSZ2c019LnW2oshxkaoagoyRSkuoi-Q08b_K5dJUB-s4_Kk_fiBAI_4S7iRgnFmUw-MJmFosJlmeXbN9K_ur/s375/1c.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="375" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA_jXF6BJ-HqD3AUKpyVi4tS2nGlkEa_gbO1HnPvzuUI6w9DBlv0k4RwvVoZ2WDtZM_EWUE9Kxn19sc-Gm954RNdKsdOaJGKl2BGPjSZ2c019LnW2oshxkaoagoyRSkuoi-Q08b_K5dJUB-s4_Kk_fiBAI_4S7iRgnFmUw-MJmFosJlmeXbN9K_ur/w400-h319/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rough-hewn bird sculpture</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> More importantly, germane to this blog, the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Bulb</span></b></i> is a phenomenal place to observe birds. Here, shorebirds, perching birds, soaring birds, all manner of birds, congregate at the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Bulb</span></b></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPl9bxOEeWqQ7bThdf12pxBPnC71GimplaSKInCXQe9kC1m7zCREjFiNpwBPfkESq1XEzGt5kh41FtRKQq-XVChoIbpfcGlgf_ZgCgvlUFgacPBtfLTI-Co02A2gffDwzKSA7svbfTwa1vhBJEkW4S6I5kyvpwBJJuqS7aV5pbrP2N5nlauuipeim/s1871/7f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1871" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPl9bxOEeWqQ7bThdf12pxBPnC71GimplaSKInCXQe9kC1m7zCREjFiNpwBPfkESq1XEzGt5kh41FtRKQq-XVChoIbpfcGlgf_ZgCgvlUFgacPBtfLTI-Co02A2gffDwzKSA7svbfTwa1vhBJEkW4S6I5kyvpwBJJuqS7aV5pbrP2N5nlauuipeim/w400-h320/7f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">When the tide's out, the birds turn out in droves</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> incomprehensible numbers along the shoreline, in dizzying murmurations over the mudflats, in frenzied flocks of <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Finches</span></b></i> in bushes and small trees, everywhere you turn, there are birds to see!</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9IuTC_nSo3r6np9QVxABvNbW_g4som-WHatlxPAXVg4jlK6pq7wBVbYZLQafHhUiVDsASMkqHlFFHWqHdOUZ-Ym9pX9_Qj36iFh6inmaTawW1PB-dteZ0-8IfwroBiVCQPXxOyEDU-hukBPUtI0xpsvvs0aDLxBThquHCxOzgeSjKwjxuILjkHz9/s1312/1abbbb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9IuTC_nSo3r6np9QVxABvNbW_g4som-WHatlxPAXVg4jlK6pq7wBVbYZLQafHhUiVDsASMkqHlFFHWqHdOUZ-Ym9pX9_Qj36iFh6inmaTawW1PB-dteZ0-8IfwroBiVCQPXxOyEDU-hukBPUtI0xpsvvs0aDLxBThquHCxOzgeSjKwjxuILjkHz9/w400-h320/1abbbb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vibrant colors and serenity of the waning day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">What follows are some of my favorite shots</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">of the various birds I've been fortunate</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">to encounter and photograph at the </span><span style="color: #800180;">Bulb</span><span style="color: #444444;">.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGqTGuHdnBmnY8UEE8JwN4yJl7FBnPfn2wd0SXNWqZC-WCnyVxULBR7mhhZHo7wkd9Yh72I7P4mK-YhT8kClBxhDKXQOHo1JegU18Wwa-oZZZ_Vqyg6mPhM0mWMNMYAP_AR8I33DxfRAQxzkWuO30R5lIEXDFqjTgKKp1v7-GReQlQP2k05xWivya/s399/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGqTGuHdnBmnY8UEE8JwN4yJl7FBnPfn2wd0SXNWqZC-WCnyVxULBR7mhhZHo7wkd9Yh72I7P4mK-YhT8kClBxhDKXQOHo1JegU18Wwa-oZZZ_Vqyg6mPhM0mWMNMYAP_AR8I33DxfRAQxzkWuO30R5lIEXDFqjTgKKp1v7-GReQlQP2k05xWivya/w400-h321/1f.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Adult Black-crowned Night Heron</b></i></span></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">just sitting on a cement embankment not a stone's throw from I-80</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">looking every bit as content and at home in "the wild"</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">as though spotted at Point Reyes National Seashore</span></b></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5qHs62iaztsbrmTIuv3ZelXT_xRlTqw-R9pqF_oYiBsUk8BvTu5rdiYvovxaduYTjn2oCpagzZ7C4yzgDch4YS37s5FpJb2vDfr2bYIEH0Rjd-5dT5je68q6-xaF-_iNj_7Z8rLomuMPynuZmepeP5u15RYlnr5zCkf168N8XwCi5PHul6E1DlW2/s400/5f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5qHs62iaztsbrmTIuv3ZelXT_xRlTqw-R9pqF_oYiBsUk8BvTu5rdiYvovxaduYTjn2oCpagzZ7C4yzgDch4YS37s5FpJb2vDfr2bYIEH0Rjd-5dT5je68q6-xaF-_iNj_7Z8rLomuMPynuZmepeP5u15RYlnr5zCkf168N8XwCi5PHul6E1DlW2/w400-h320/5f.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">White-tailed Kite</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">a beautiful raptor I came upon perched in a treetop<br />with some dead bit of provender<br />he later flew off with it clutched in his talons<br />perhaps headed to a high nest somewhere<br />to nourish a young hungry brood</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR7DSSUPs6OZPkEqG5n6D4vChtZz5DhtOfKsfD78y2-r9DUtO7YUqd4rBNUUuhqm2IKt9TlngDdu83-NYEHRlh9EUqstmkYemIEUqZqDTVNjmnS1Eh7Q3xby3MMpcdpLsAt06n2LmDARiRKJ-UVup4egnwBgWuS_QW2GhKcCae0VY4tBtyBe1uRsk/s262/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="262" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR7DSSUPs6OZPkEqG5n6D4vChtZz5DhtOfKsfD78y2-r9DUtO7YUqd4rBNUUuhqm2IKt9TlngDdu83-NYEHRlh9EUqstmkYemIEUqZqDTVNjmnS1Eh7Q3xby3MMpcdpLsAt06n2LmDARiRKJ-UVup4egnwBgWuS_QW2GhKcCae0VY4tBtyBe1uRsk/w400-h321/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Marbled Godwits and Whimbrels</span></i></b><span style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><i><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in flight lifting off from the mudflats<br />where they'd been feeding on microbiota<br />dredged up from tidal action<br /></span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi365rwRUiXm1yMyM8xgGo5iysfJm8zf4Lk_DE4Q6vSGOcyRi2h0sj8C1wZ9TQQPmBVx9ZRv_hZOVZKRFVdlcWWFNJBvhWO-x0hOr_cneZRPQek2b-XURuWJZhDhRpUGudgMOYG6M9uUeWjspRMOf7_ftkiQML0GEHoK7DYwhQ-Z1JE_fJ4cBhxe_25/s282/1i.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="282" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi365rwRUiXm1yMyM8xgGo5iysfJm8zf4Lk_DE4Q6vSGOcyRi2h0sj8C1wZ9TQQPmBVx9ZRv_hZOVZKRFVdlcWWFNJBvhWO-x0hOr_cneZRPQek2b-XURuWJZhDhRpUGudgMOYG6M9uUeWjspRMOf7_ftkiQML0GEHoK7DYwhQ-Z1JE_fJ4cBhxe_25/w400-h319/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Snowy Egrets</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">wondering what to think about</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">the Mallard encroaching upon their territory</span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_An9xCdcFtBHibOT-e7sj6OZeXPo4W-7SXON3mU7tSco3AEeBs-yCWiDnOmhwxjhuaM6ZPEWY9vOdWzuhnSLJrWHL-ks1nHBTeithudD-R4MdZs4h0Ioe1t6idfmpOOnhDcn3mzhdlm7K3KN6_2H_WDP1VWcp_vZzPRuihMzkkkt-KFDKhsXvoX-/s400/5d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_An9xCdcFtBHibOT-e7sj6OZeXPo4W-7SXON3mU7tSco3AEeBs-yCWiDnOmhwxjhuaM6ZPEWY9vOdWzuhnSLJrWHL-ks1nHBTeithudD-R4MdZs4h0Ioe1t6idfmpOOnhDcn3mzhdlm7K3KN6_2H_WDP1VWcp_vZzPRuihMzkkkt-KFDKhsXvoX-/w400-h300/5d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Great White Egret</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">stalking shallow waters of mudflats</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">exposing raised geometric patterns</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">rich with worms, invertebrates, snakes and frogs</span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgyWK5tg-3_KwG0Kz8Y_h0aqmntUXBQkLjnJEzSkbZlbdjSWgWUqCt-_d4D9xnVK22Ar1ytOFSQ9W1NUDlw5kzhDVLqwvP2xwOdNpKytq7LvAgd1LP3B8fwXe0E5DaUo7rFljWICWSZzis8d7aHQwQR3JLzAO78XMDfYk2ExHD9luiZb1c87Yfge1/s400/1k.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgyWK5tg-3_KwG0Kz8Y_h0aqmntUXBQkLjnJEzSkbZlbdjSWgWUqCt-_d4D9xnVK22Ar1ytOFSQ9W1NUDlw5kzhDVLqwvP2xwOdNpKytq7LvAgd1LP3B8fwXe0E5DaUo7rFljWICWSZzis8d7aHQwQR3JLzAO78XMDfYk2ExHD9luiZb1c87Yfge1/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">Anna's Hummingbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">with fan tail and wings in abstract motion</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">creating a special kind of uplift</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">unique to Hummingbirds</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN6801LCfAj2Ewlm8h0GoyfHXjdqAXQH3h8LEmcK5iiP8FHqNG_suToofl9vn6trzvOlBEhC2CLe9WlwrIyyNIKI_gzYHpJTONhRknJf6LUDZSRQdKzC3TNXbSZSpuOclEWVMTe-09eu_eoKg_-OMy1I6rZKgVjP1Q88hRwNc8rfJf3eBHhtk85Mq/s1911/7d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="1911" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN6801LCfAj2Ewlm8h0GoyfHXjdqAXQH3h8LEmcK5iiP8FHqNG_suToofl9vn6trzvOlBEhC2CLe9WlwrIyyNIKI_gzYHpJTONhRknJf6LUDZSRQdKzC3TNXbSZSpuOclEWVMTe-09eu_eoKg_-OMy1I6rZKgVjP1Q88hRwNc8rfJf3eBHhtk85Mq/w400-h320/7d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Red-winged Blackbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">waiting for mate to return</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">usually they flock in droves</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">creating spectacular murmurations</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">turning and twisting in the sky</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">flashing their red markings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheWXWesiwwY7SmaXyreNUGpsOH16MAdFpVcGBHpaQlyQxAgVG_D69nEKg-A2TGVrmvtPZybzN_yMoo26CZc5oQt_v_ctuy6PTElJlEjWD9P-wltKMfuVw9j1UvMmuEB7ZGnWFyNrZqu0T_245sZnFKGcnf1zkYmG1gwWF_VSgoQZnS0BoxvSE1iWr/s1440/7j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheWXWesiwwY7SmaXyreNUGpsOH16MAdFpVcGBHpaQlyQxAgVG_D69nEKg-A2TGVrmvtPZybzN_yMoo26CZc5oQt_v_ctuy6PTElJlEjWD9P-wltKMfuVw9j1UvMmuEB7ZGnWFyNrZqu0T_245sZnFKGcnf1zkYmG1gwWF_VSgoQZnS0BoxvSE1iWr/w400-h320/7j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Finch</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">reaching for some tasty tidbit<br />they love to flock in large bunches<br />flying about from tree to tree<br />bush to bush<br />seeking seeds and berries<br />that abound at the Bulb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKenEGNJULe-71XjE2ATQbRrw07wkCIJcWFTzbAgBALbr9RHTSPgNZGJ6XDaoKHa0YKjvNXsJzEJ2jQThImiecFMgqoTPoHYviqkYRSZbQ91L4RxeWGBAm1OaFgk7YIMSZfeRXwfBL7oyzUx7l5-NDBB8brjgTaTNdpkijAHhcHmkwgMajwYkny768/s1486/7j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1486" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKenEGNJULe-71XjE2ATQbRrw07wkCIJcWFTzbAgBALbr9RHTSPgNZGJ6XDaoKHa0YKjvNXsJzEJ2jQThImiecFMgqoTPoHYviqkYRSZbQ91L4RxeWGBAm1OaFgk7YIMSZfeRXwfBL7oyzUx7l5-NDBB8brjgTaTNdpkijAHhcHmkwgMajwYkny768/w400-h320/7j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Fox Sparrow</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">fairly common Bulb resident</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">livening things up with their vocalizations</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">their sweet whistling calls</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdygV5PDImwmPen4K1yvZhXGBKG0CEBe4mJobERGiemzfUSC6-BzGLRtBWgpHqRRQZX6xBeOcP881F13_BCCbp66QWTQFouICr3pRZIFW7rDTVy_nxzsEUMcE_3ShgBC-O7l8BReEH3jYzkJSU-zfqkij8VnCpJYrr_jujKOuft3LQPlFmPfrK8O2t/s1152/7h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdygV5PDImwmPen4K1yvZhXGBKG0CEBe4mJobERGiemzfUSC6-BzGLRtBWgpHqRRQZX6xBeOcP881F13_BCCbp66QWTQFouICr3pRZIFW7rDTVy_nxzsEUMcE_3ShgBC-O7l8BReEH3jYzkJSU-zfqkij8VnCpJYrr_jujKOuft3LQPlFmPfrK8O2t/w360-h640/7h.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Whimbrel</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">a funny looking bird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">with a scimitar like beak</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">a specialized curved "utensil"</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">for foraging in tiny holes and cracks</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in the mudflats and beneath rocks</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDAB3CbTsOXD8RTP3TYwhyta64l6LopfnuJfqIkS-ZFXKHtU5Pdi5N4gnH8CqNyOT-hwJwESnJdEbIWAmzd5h7GX9x2nRU1qTS3OvJwa0E4LBTPHD7rhfwEoqVJyFdUBRUpVhwW4SDoeXHjXK7B8-WFhaxGLEzwp1c14JGOQY9R0AXApFo4zky0_C/s281/1p.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDAB3CbTsOXD8RTP3TYwhyta64l6LopfnuJfqIkS-ZFXKHtU5Pdi5N4gnH8CqNyOT-hwJwESnJdEbIWAmzd5h7GX9x2nRU1qTS3OvJwa0E4LBTPHD7rhfwEoqVJyFdUBRUpVhwW4SDoeXHjXK7B8-WFhaxGLEzwp1c14JGOQY9R0AXApFo4zky0_C/w400-h320/1p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Anna's Hummingbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">tiny witness to</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">dramatic backdrop of Mount Tamalpais</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wr7zaGAd14rqk1Fj_e-RXEKRe7P1GUi6f2LwOVMo59fGL3YjgZ8iI5qdKcZHyCj5JbyUARLDCcyDE4bcbV8HxtiBHwNoL1x9hQs4EbW049LMkVYYaVcAdLRiWKOEgy1CLHUAovVZmKycjE3aU5HYaQobkw1-HhGat4T2yu7bM-OyduAy2tt5FOM7/s302/1r.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="302" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wr7zaGAd14rqk1Fj_e-RXEKRe7P1GUi6f2LwOVMo59fGL3YjgZ8iI5qdKcZHyCj5JbyUARLDCcyDE4bcbV8HxtiBHwNoL1x9hQs4EbW049LMkVYYaVcAdLRiWKOEgy1CLHUAovVZmKycjE3aU5HYaQobkw1-HhGat4T2yu7bM-OyduAy2tt5FOM7/w400-h321/1r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Black-crowned Night Heron</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">juvenile hunter stalking</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">learning the trade of survival</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TQDbnXJ61juOWL7R4NARURtw9yclRnyP15ytofX4pcuI8s5_Ttm5fT8vRkJTqztSUhrCNq3eR8Rgddd0HkBEBuf_wJg-NZDFfDuhV_lQX4UYZfXbljMK-I7-aFrwmTkQfgp7IhOhYXf1-puUEyYWQ9uKH3ZgxjBhydMWRm-dHOlq2uRFBeNquK7s/s381/1s.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TQDbnXJ61juOWL7R4NARURtw9yclRnyP15ytofX4pcuI8s5_Ttm5fT8vRkJTqztSUhrCNq3eR8Rgddd0HkBEBuf_wJg-NZDFfDuhV_lQX4UYZfXbljMK-I7-aFrwmTkQfgp7IhOhYXf1-puUEyYWQ9uKH3ZgxjBhydMWRm-dHOlq2uRFBeNquK7s/w400-h320/1s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">out 'n about, frisky as heck</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">makin' the rounds in search</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">of food and perhaps a mate</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWvwAzuenILLKNBds5P32_nafZCC4eSuvyOkb6WqFIyFFvdqcQ_BHhrDQTbk5dfOJNA5e5jM_nnuioHo_T9Z6gbTaVeYvkElsxe0r6RQZ4ywsmYzjX8DAYbPmOpwW0EFVTqLUvd7L4yvkXeSAZ_vE3YGwiRgmfjnKFWCuGiD8x9BnoQpugpBOzi-_/s281/1t.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWvwAzuenILLKNBds5P32_nafZCC4eSuvyOkb6WqFIyFFvdqcQ_BHhrDQTbk5dfOJNA5e5jM_nnuioHo_T9Z6gbTaVeYvkElsxe0r6RQZ4ywsmYzjX8DAYbPmOpwW0EFVTqLUvd7L4yvkXeSAZ_vE3YGwiRgmfjnKFWCuGiD8x9BnoQpugpBOzi-_/w400-h320/1t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;">Brown Pelican</span><br /></span><span style="color: #660000;">once on the brink of extinction</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">ready to dive bomb for a meal<br />capable of descending in water 20 feet<br />to scoop up fishy edibles in their big gullets</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9iir0DTSKAUOnMrJeMhoxiwVEZjsYr87RSi7hPfDivjGs6sLseaDiY2uDVJMTRS97IGDw3-2qQoX3kh6wMdHf6qsW6gmiuUAdrbcZ_eo1KOvwvfkbrmr5QWcSassSwIO9N7jcWDnWjSm2dPQFmWHLrw38xsRZ3weQMF672unep-gGx8jwkjijzpa/s295/1u.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9iir0DTSKAUOnMrJeMhoxiwVEZjsYr87RSi7hPfDivjGs6sLseaDiY2uDVJMTRS97IGDw3-2qQoX3kh6wMdHf6qsW6gmiuUAdrbcZ_eo1KOvwvfkbrmr5QWcSassSwIO9N7jcWDnWjSm2dPQFmWHLrw38xsRZ3weQMF672unep-gGx8jwkjijzpa/w400-h320/1u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Golden-crowned Sparrow</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">flocks in large numbers</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">ground feeding for seeds and worms</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in rich soil habitat at the Bulb</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5EwffbyGDvrQLTr3p_ugrTz8UB0AQF3Qy3gGnmKu00XhuXR3rnkPHXYfWVF9zUaKOu5-LVuBJ1qKAQCUUEUXzwV-4mLe_9H4QFnsT2in1S65cZ8aLFy9mlVO9OI05LDvt2_h9QVAw3l9s2pU8WUgn-7L30K543osM8O7u_31z_i8gNbTyR5pxjcp/s374/1q.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5EwffbyGDvrQLTr3p_ugrTz8UB0AQF3Qy3gGnmKu00XhuXR3rnkPHXYfWVF9zUaKOu5-LVuBJ1qKAQCUUEUXzwV-4mLe_9H4QFnsT2in1S65cZ8aLFy9mlVO9OI05LDvt2_h9QVAw3l9s2pU8WUgn-7L30K543osM8O7u_31z_i8gNbTyR5pxjcp/w400-h320/1q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Anna's Hummingbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">baring her flaming purple gorget</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">enveloping entire head</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">amazing spectacle of polychromatic wizardry</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH2J6hkIz_a483GiZzUp4ZAP4nRQegf1A6w3nu4ghFw26Hdqy-AFWOTepESxv2Mtb2sq31TgkIjdXlPcrZjXAOMdeRjoG_vy5IXNIbRIpB23VSMwE3MGrZvPowQ2f-1s_R8obZh0-iLxMWLMsj7WXqUXh4_x-Gjv1INDh3AATDDsUCp_p4TH046PF/s400/1v.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH2J6hkIz_a483GiZzUp4ZAP4nRQegf1A6w3nu4ghFw26Hdqy-AFWOTepESxv2Mtb2sq31TgkIjdXlPcrZjXAOMdeRjoG_vy5IXNIbRIpB23VSMwE3MGrZvPowQ2f-1s_R8obZh0-iLxMWLMsj7WXqUXh4_x-Gjv1INDh3AATDDsUCp_p4TH046PF/w448-h640/1v.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Finches</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">mates perching atop brushy foliage</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">when the light strikes them just right</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">revealing tropical-like colors</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">of otherwise prosaic but always pretty bird</span></b></i>s</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUeGeBeA-AQl4fbuw4HLqsF3IiL42FeowTAG4PWVHvV7K6kAayYwclBgxhal6tH0W0R2dH7Hk5WD_5E8JMC_0Tl-HPKgfyb-wf7T01_ELAu3txm8AVFH7XtpbvIa44UoywzO1-FrwxgVSnWnFZyKRcc-UeiJzlHYfjivEVeSkWOTFt1mobAcl4Mf1/s281/1w.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUeGeBeA-AQl4fbuw4HLqsF3IiL42FeowTAG4PWVHvV7K6kAayYwclBgxhal6tH0W0R2dH7Hk5WD_5E8JMC_0Tl-HPKgfyb-wf7T01_ELAu3txm8AVFH7XtpbvIa44UoywzO1-FrwxgVSnWnFZyKRcc-UeiJzlHYfjivEVeSkWOTFt1mobAcl4Mf1/w400-h320/1w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">White-crowned Sparrow</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">(Dark-lored Adult)</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">flocking, ground-feeding pretty bird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">always a joy to spot them</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xXyid5eJ09S727O8yXaz0VFFt5jp7HeNUvsqq3w-MKqWFCmorI-PFGLB-JyHdT47VoGBKDvRdajk0KvmKtu0ZJthLnWeDNLSjVrCDSoxvZeHs3VVejxaUAPllRi3a-HHsT_AJ8LlH9g8mZe1nfekqHJnys-q9teYioCrNlK8hYceCZDRGB7HOWWY/s374/1x.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="374" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xXyid5eJ09S727O8yXaz0VFFt5jp7HeNUvsqq3w-MKqWFCmorI-PFGLB-JyHdT47VoGBKDvRdajk0KvmKtu0ZJthLnWeDNLSjVrCDSoxvZeHs3VVejxaUAPllRi3a-HHsT_AJ8LlH9g8mZe1nfekqHJnys-q9teYioCrNlK8hYceCZDRGB7HOWWY/w400-h319/1x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Mallard</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">resting in the grass</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">taking in the world</span><br /></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuAyom_Xm5xAgbES4Fkf6p7PrUs-_w4z6bd-Dzl0_1czyPeMfD9XbMqUTdalX1IL39TBPaQja-vArMwPl9eUdVukSD7zRZ7t4VTC7agUpvqX_6ffFyIAI3cmz712pg0_BsJPLD6mUVmJ8542WfnLtpR7KO3Xmr7n1QzLJuuIMjR3WcukhsoBaX9qF/s303/1y.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="303" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuAyom_Xm5xAgbES4Fkf6p7PrUs-_w4z6bd-Dzl0_1czyPeMfD9XbMqUTdalX1IL39TBPaQja-vArMwPl9eUdVukSD7zRZ7t4VTC7agUpvqX_6ffFyIAI3cmz712pg0_BsJPLD6mUVmJ8542WfnLtpR7KO3Xmr7n1QzLJuuIMjR3WcukhsoBaX9qF/w400-h319/1y.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;">Canada Goose</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">framed in triptych of blending colors</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DtkSOCLJeRPLBd1upA41uBajgI3Inios0o9lZnRD4HewoqGQ1lAMr69SnXV09_pT2e7ZfqaHgh9rUE_EfUUX-Nc7Zmzca7EFlmRgHzuJAZoZvJSCtVCjOkP6R7B1PL1oJiiURkjGO-93XsXh5e2rxWnXQfnrAHUSnPkRjNxIa3qTnXAqKizoKf-f/s374/1z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DtkSOCLJeRPLBd1upA41uBajgI3Inios0o9lZnRD4HewoqGQ1lAMr69SnXV09_pT2e7ZfqaHgh9rUE_EfUUX-Nc7Zmzca7EFlmRgHzuJAZoZvJSCtVCjOkP6R7B1PL1oJiiURkjGO-93XsXh5e2rxWnXQfnrAHUSnPkRjNxIa3qTnXAqKizoKf-f/w400-h320/1z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;">American Avocets</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">feeding on rich picking in mudflats</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Northern Shoveler in view</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMdF7KcZz5QyLs4GGjLG4szjKkQDnD4QoZxh50FNyfVE9zxKdFOOmr8w6XP-FShNt2WaQtN3VtFWPobWhvHvBOEuDr9zPz1dewR4_Dz87OnTiQxH5ML3a-0NFg6fRhvup5WIwPYY6z0yuDM1jRSTz4lKJrdvnOgmlnsKQJSHhvevK53q8v7lB7mju/s400/1z1.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="400" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMdF7KcZz5QyLs4GGjLG4szjKkQDnD4QoZxh50FNyfVE9zxKdFOOmr8w6XP-FShNt2WaQtN3VtFWPobWhvHvBOEuDr9zPz1dewR4_Dz87OnTiQxH5ML3a-0NFg6fRhvup5WIwPYY6z0yuDM1jRSTz4lKJrdvnOgmlnsKQJSHhvevK53q8v7lB7mju/w400-h319/1z1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Northern Mockingbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">they love the Bulb</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">more than any other in East Bay Wild</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">lively, mocking birds seen engaging crows</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">bullying smaller birds for rights to the best berry bushes</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">sitting atop their domain</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">tweeting out to the world:</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">don't mess with me</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyStUom_CYfI3PKL0oc2uUsDHiFJPOVOEll4s5uzuZuLY_eKjE_7abd_OJk7aYfGsUCAoE7CXtsykgR7nPaesT-auZ4F4uN5zxRD8hKjGBA0XyEKQ61QrYQgjw9E0g8k0Lt9VW3mXmI9k9oAgIDifMxiteFHXZUXCQV4eu2igmpGCgK5H4PyNtPh2W/s374/1z2.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyStUom_CYfI3PKL0oc2uUsDHiFJPOVOEll4s5uzuZuLY_eKjE_7abd_OJk7aYfGsUCAoE7CXtsykgR7nPaesT-auZ4F4uN5zxRD8hKjGBA0XyEKQ61QrYQgjw9E0g8k0Lt9VW3mXmI9k9oAgIDifMxiteFHXZUXCQV4eu2igmpGCgK5H4PyNtPh2W/w400-h320/1z2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Sandpipers</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">gathering on rock in bay</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">fantastic flocks of them </span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">murmurations of them</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">hovering gracefully over the mudflats</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgivJI4ULgX_pVYHfENy0fQ1wpNWqkYAy1fnInGpTcUcaBGaegXO5iHRC8LNa_Vz-GOHquzfqM08Itc3Hqp-sgzBE28E58UgSElPenPZqlCwhCQMDTgUPoGex0k9y8jL7CzPfsfL-0He9Oc7W_CiFspnYYyilMSlydiW6QiApoyUks2Y838IMW5rVK/s387/1z3.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="387" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgivJI4ULgX_pVYHfENy0fQ1wpNWqkYAy1fnInGpTcUcaBGaegXO5iHRC8LNa_Vz-GOHquzfqM08Itc3Hqp-sgzBE28E58UgSElPenPZqlCwhCQMDTgUPoGex0k9y8jL7CzPfsfL-0He9Oc7W_CiFspnYYyilMSlydiW6QiApoyUks2Y838IMW5rVK/w400-h320/1z3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Black Phoebe</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">perched on snag of rusting art installation</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">abandoned in small inlet of ba</span>y</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V9k9LSWXeX3CabsYMKJX9VjhKBBFhtueS3_zbi2vWh9csBha-ByOrR38ImqwcQMZcjbBzuZ5fIbvVIkyroRLtt6XrYF16-CQLmCwtBek1pHqRXKKRvxAP5TZeyuauCzakcuM8T5fwYtUSVSVqevNZdOphf0JMA5hUlF5tjGFXwlUeHFA6zYMBvQ-/s399/1z4.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="399" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V9k9LSWXeX3CabsYMKJX9VjhKBBFhtueS3_zbi2vWh9csBha-ByOrR38ImqwcQMZcjbBzuZ5fIbvVIkyroRLtt6XrYF16-CQLmCwtBek1pHqRXKKRvxAP5TZeyuauCzakcuM8T5fwYtUSVSVqevNZdOphf0JMA5hUlF5tjGFXwlUeHFA6zYMBvQ-/w400-h321/1z4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Western Grebe</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">plying smooth bay waters</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">later seen engaged</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in elaborate synchronized courtship display</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eEj_dFrkGLOsMDSv_2Vm9TtJTr9VK1fU_I8DjG69yDdxrddUAwu7pGouiJ2JdjQ3Pgh-R-pcixdsP3JHw9WAePtQfmG9B9bLs--2yp3kuY67AN9e7QWiVOS7ygVBP3JNNJkMiu_F_IHSqjr3HP4oQQY0_Ks6Rg0KBvMMncS1RBsh8eCTpgVv_OSZ/s309/1z5.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eEj_dFrkGLOsMDSv_2Vm9TtJTr9VK1fU_I8DjG69yDdxrddUAwu7pGouiJ2JdjQ3Pgh-R-pcixdsP3JHw9WAePtQfmG9B9bLs--2yp3kuY67AN9e7QWiVOS7ygVBP3JNNJkMiu_F_IHSqjr3HP4oQQY0_Ks6Rg0KBvMMncS1RBsh8eCTpgVv_OSZ/w400-h320/1z5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Coots</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">swimming peacefully together</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in shimmery blue waters</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UlG1DKbhW5BNFddF6PtrUw9zBPd8-DOE2U6Bf4FkGKXxtlMdaBnbvz1544klL9CyLZ2Ei3ReKY0k9l9acAA2RyqZSf_QtWt1bePETMr-gH2xQleOkIl5uzxV7we2ibwOcbJ4p7pR0HoZ3hjHoSfNJrpGZs8aR_kxl8vBmC7kXIXAw999v35Bi5q0/s240/1z6.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="144" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UlG1DKbhW5BNFddF6PtrUw9zBPd8-DOE2U6Bf4FkGKXxtlMdaBnbvz1544klL9CyLZ2Ei3ReKY0k9l9acAA2RyqZSf_QtWt1bePETMr-gH2xQleOkIl5uzxV7we2ibwOcbJ4p7pR0HoZ3hjHoSfNJrpGZs8aR_kxl8vBmC7kXIXAw999v35Bi5q0/w240-h400/1z6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Snowy Egret<br /></span></b></i></span><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">familiar denizen of wetlands and marshes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ABKK07ghWWrt3RH-E3sqpG9Lft19PUUzMYVwke2u_SvSyS2ivq5uy7FSFhaSk4XMNoHGvLo5804qVgcXXFjTIZPxTzfIDQ3CtoTVk7Vjl5_YEApszOSaAEysMXT_tIPb_vn4sKempXG-DZvgFTMCU1_Wbn2xKdjh0BWoE7H1e__sQU8agktRMojR/s343/1z7.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="294" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ABKK07ghWWrt3RH-E3sqpG9Lft19PUUzMYVwke2u_SvSyS2ivq5uy7FSFhaSk4XMNoHGvLo5804qVgcXXFjTIZPxTzfIDQ3CtoTVk7Vjl5_YEApszOSaAEysMXT_tIPb_vn4sKempXG-DZvgFTMCU1_Wbn2xKdjh0BWoE7H1e__sQU8agktRMojR/w343-h400/1z7.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;">Anna's Hummingbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">perched on a thin branch tip</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">a magical extension of a colorful wand</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E3UTpx9ulAT31hWyp2DChIQ1KunTVrpyjb41PCuqtISXuA3SYz6fRNUaJmEPOauctUUJT9qoxyeFPYRCJ4huI_J65sxTFdz2kjeaHOCatIptHfILkXBb_mDtjMFzedwt7KAgPXvPH_seI5zzJANXsyxYryxq-2zV-1IMbslMTg9sax9NuMNleD_-/s317/1z8.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="317" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E3UTpx9ulAT31hWyp2DChIQ1KunTVrpyjb41PCuqtISXuA3SYz6fRNUaJmEPOauctUUJT9qoxyeFPYRCJ4huI_J65sxTFdz2kjeaHOCatIptHfILkXBb_mDtjMFzedwt7KAgPXvPH_seI5zzJANXsyxYryxq-2zV-1IMbslMTg9sax9NuMNleD_-/w400-h319/1z8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Gray Pelicans and Gull</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">co-existing in time and space</span></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqhoU5ezeRtomdIFUmMdHOAOjQ23qFkneAcVEn44eYGHUxbNVFLX1I4SpBMfZaztKonIXMhy0TdNO0KKNr6WuLPh4toBIfVbaBdMr3hz0vLsCqiXSF1U7xLmko-MeP4via9M57_ApzF6fZxWHpEsaHhjYe52k6YUrOr8biBQxGSjfOP50V361C4_i/s281/1z9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqhoU5ezeRtomdIFUmMdHOAOjQ23qFkneAcVEn44eYGHUxbNVFLX1I4SpBMfZaztKonIXMhy0TdNO0KKNr6WuLPh4toBIfVbaBdMr3hz0vLsCqiXSF1U7xLmko-MeP4via9M57_ApzF6fZxWHpEsaHhjYe52k6YUrOr8biBQxGSjfOP50V361C4_i/w400-h320/1z9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Great Blue Heron</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">wading in the golden light of dusk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW7DMvWTdatlG5WXez4Fi1Z6a3RwBXsLteQxxToLZz2FJolwcOB6luUH8A_b-MvYlpdq2lEjIcuKO3tVDbRG76RBvZfVu4miM6ObMBRcYpYxHp7TgS5dJ1RmsPXhRVy0mJBe5Rokh4N7TL0pXZ_Xj7-giy7c6xIt1DcnJSwYFKvElVyLaa1WazXHy/s282/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="282" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW7DMvWTdatlG5WXez4Fi1Z6a3RwBXsLteQxxToLZz2FJolwcOB6luUH8A_b-MvYlpdq2lEjIcuKO3tVDbRG76RBvZfVu4miM6ObMBRcYpYxHp7TgS5dJ1RmsPXhRVy0mJBe5Rokh4N7TL0pXZ_Xj7-giy7c6xIt1DcnJSwYFKvElVyLaa1WazXHy/w400-h319/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Shorebirds</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">in their mudflat milieu</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">feeding and playing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-dqcxPIp545zDgixCjXtZ2pDOZdJww7jLNL7WN3tD-J0YsM75fr1E4BSiJPkqPNpbaj1bMl5Uz05fHr99kUdTio1qMRXdWnHDSFcAVe82RtDPeC90WQvYJ0u7gwlBCOBrdbSlrjao8YAP2pU3U-NZy0lGFD4bZZUSnzCgatRfZwpHg74_C82oywn/s400/5h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-dqcxPIp545zDgixCjXtZ2pDOZdJww7jLNL7WN3tD-J0YsM75fr1E4BSiJPkqPNpbaj1bMl5Uz05fHr99kUdTio1qMRXdWnHDSFcAVe82RtDPeC90WQvYJ0u7gwlBCOBrdbSlrjao8YAP2pU3U-NZy0lGFD4bZZUSnzCgatRfZwpHg74_C82oywn/w400-h318/5h.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Golden-crowned Sparrows</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">couple of lovebirds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIUSXGtm7XxEhCnw6a-AKSVYoVvqr8_jyEmMllXv2fMtTX1-mqJmHnv1V-cEjWO6pyqN9MOPKvchhdokkpPLT286kkO8RFlyyxRxd-CC6ePgc7twV0qhMFrSxYG-pXXWA4rZDz3fimGUpShVJiBvmR-kyzLu6EGX71f42mG1jLvA0y6Axxcx1mI9m/s640/5p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIUSXGtm7XxEhCnw6a-AKSVYoVvqr8_jyEmMllXv2fMtTX1-mqJmHnv1V-cEjWO6pyqN9MOPKvchhdokkpPLT286kkO8RFlyyxRxd-CC6ePgc7twV0qhMFrSxYG-pXXWA4rZDz3fimGUpShVJiBvmR-kyzLu6EGX71f42mG1jLvA0y6Axxcx1mI9m/w496-h640/5p.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Sanderling</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in a moment of calm</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">along the peaceful shoreline</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIE3FIRvWNbECvIoVnugG8Kt4C3MlpIDB4mGmhoqxnDtontZVX6kbVpVABFG_-qhYyFvG79wVn6DvZ_0YHttQb36yYy6UiBazwjs73e4_e5QUzT67armfN-vJ9hDFPTk-RVVHgGCuU6hjBeXw1AJ3m1xp1EoUk3o-BHgDY-VZxSDuaY2kP-vHBZj_/s1919/7i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIE3FIRvWNbECvIoVnugG8Kt4C3MlpIDB4mGmhoqxnDtontZVX6kbVpVABFG_-qhYyFvG79wVn6DvZ_0YHttQb36yYy6UiBazwjs73e4_e5QUzT67armfN-vJ9hDFPTk-RVVHgGCuU6hjBeXw1AJ3m1xp1EoUk3o-BHgDY-VZxSDuaY2kP-vHBZj_/w400-h320/7i.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">Anna's Hummingbird</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">perched in repose one second</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">gone the next<br />in a flash of glittery flight</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HRibSzjaC0upF75j3qRZV67HzZG-dnSp4bFST3tNd_Ef-bEgEaDOyUuSDfvou7CfGZEfNl1vXLsUfVzcNUJfHv85SZHUFS9QRrlmsBEPAl8R1pQELYKBaEFnpRC6eh5DNzIphWnMv2tfJBNXPpXLOj5LyLRkmHtHzlsfTg40Nb4b8o28bAbYdofF/s1440/7g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HRibSzjaC0upF75j3qRZV67HzZG-dnSp4bFST3tNd_Ef-bEgEaDOyUuSDfvou7CfGZEfNl1vXLsUfVzcNUJfHv85SZHUFS9QRrlmsBEPAl8R1pQELYKBaEFnpRC6eh5DNzIphWnMv2tfJBNXPpXLOj5LyLRkmHtHzlsfTg40Nb4b8o28bAbYdofF/w400-h320/7g.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Heron and Ducks</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">nothing much going on</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">except everything</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">in their aquatic world</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6Qx_8JdldeX2mjFiUGi2jvjDXSlhi9mhtbX2BxsnvFDsnXDivJEMu8-H0wDwyVUcue6QbwyqZin9U0TtvzZEuLQM_qn_zpbU-f68tmR6SrIEsLWvqzFKsxMDeGMI8wk6irlTSab3D1xgdiZibqsgTjiha5xTprf4xdEatIzJ5m1BP92SPDrag_cG/s1440/7a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6Qx_8JdldeX2mjFiUGi2jvjDXSlhi9mhtbX2BxsnvFDsnXDivJEMu8-H0wDwyVUcue6QbwyqZin9U0TtvzZEuLQM_qn_zpbU-f68tmR6SrIEsLWvqzFKsxMDeGMI8wk6irlTSab3D1xgdiZibqsgTjiha5xTprf4xdEatIzJ5m1BP92SPDrag_cG/w400-h320/7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Snowy Egret</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">Adept stalker of the marshes</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">Patience rewards the hungry hunter</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKToIZsFIiGgd3nir2vgK27nlxYWUIeS5mjlbAssV8XkvVnic7vuBptGLN5t6wgM4GEOCs_hIHIDspG-aaUTBPbKPrWpZeG3DmiUFJ1sYgbeBp9m7f6BCg82xL6gqiUhV4NDKlHWA5vchXW69SnqHevxGeNcNCKHXaPMwklm8PqTiGbuThePPAmCvP/s940/7e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKToIZsFIiGgd3nir2vgK27nlxYWUIeS5mjlbAssV8XkvVnic7vuBptGLN5t6wgM4GEOCs_hIHIDspG-aaUTBPbKPrWpZeG3DmiUFJ1sYgbeBp9m7f6BCg82xL6gqiUhV4NDKlHWA5vchXW69SnqHevxGeNcNCKHXaPMwklm8PqTiGbuThePPAmCvP/w400-h320/7e.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Belted Kingfisher</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">gracefully darting here and there</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">expertly diving from your perch</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">to haul in your</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">catch of the moment</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWdwUb0i-n-J-wyhCUKSJYoCkS6K95BZ3scwqHMzl9sL9PkleUsOBJ0l4Dbko9QoMjMWgrahV55jtPOHKAUUC6nX0YDWKuCc17vN7mGSb59L_Kg7z-1uea_ZqtrupYuP_60hCavaPj8HypmzuGgaUzr4Kj0s8ZWDWNmYe2jk5uNlrYI3HmJqehxxz/s1153/1a12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWdwUb0i-n-J-wyhCUKSJYoCkS6K95BZ3scwqHMzl9sL9PkleUsOBJ0l4Dbko9QoMjMWgrahV55jtPOHKAUUC6nX0YDWKuCc17vN7mGSb59L_Kg7z-1uea_ZqtrupYuP_60hCavaPj8HypmzuGgaUzr4Kj0s8ZWDWNmYe2jk5uNlrYI3HmJqehxxz/w400-h320/1a12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;">American Pipit</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">ground feeder</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">seed eater</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">a new bird for me today</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesM6qa3gFyeEEh9a7aN7dLxT4aGZIZFitJQgmvtXf7wJRGVUDALTDBj6lenJilB3jUcip-9ixIqkBzext00KAXj3dnEHun9cNt1arGBBOfasreVYzLujVEuDhtZUoPdh557vXrGeLj88HciDYG7aSaUFnWr6ZfGhh2JpMRNrs3i9-Ep7emCXEE2L5/s1440/7c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesM6qa3gFyeEEh9a7aN7dLxT4aGZIZFitJQgmvtXf7wJRGVUDALTDBj6lenJilB3jUcip-9ixIqkBzext00KAXj3dnEHun9cNt1arGBBOfasreVYzLujVEuDhtZUoPdh557vXrGeLj88HciDYG7aSaUFnWr6ZfGhh2JpMRNrs3i9-Ep7emCXEE2L5/w400-h320/7c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Ducks and Shorebirds</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">congregating</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">amassing</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">in avian conviviality</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA4l4d9Esv4xtSN83WEayHM6p8h5QmxTmshrJWyLrW8ivQRjsV4LIDZZ2Fah1pK7EXZ5V3OpWJ48vfD2K5k8OvSCe2Rh5Oh60eJfVZTGg6l7EWiTT8-wxN29W0nHK7-HLc-W0G06NiAFKX616q7iUqzsGQkYmcQKktINZ3gREZqjPAVt18WIAUYHJ/s1681/1b1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA4l4d9Esv4xtSN83WEayHM6p8h5QmxTmshrJWyLrW8ivQRjsV4LIDZZ2Fah1pK7EXZ5V3OpWJ48vfD2K5k8OvSCe2Rh5Oh60eJfVZTGg6l7EWiTT8-wxN29W0nHK7-HLc-W0G06NiAFKX616q7iUqzsGQkYmcQKktINZ3gREZqjPAVt18WIAUYHJ/w400-h320/1b1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Cormorant</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">often flamboyant</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">beautiful diver and swimmer</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFNGmGRSKLf5eZVuv7m16CfggjuN_ViUyUPt3LzVCYJgfuRPyE8hyPnBLvexf2kfUqINJ7aMH6FjTOYB5V_lUNa7aVIHeYdXPrdmq5-2uKsXQtcVPjXZNwJqyeyUrrsXK_Q4dRJjAaYlA0pgBm8Oj8SVX5omiVlsRXna6gd9EsE-MLDN621fdDB_I/s1440/1b12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFNGmGRSKLf5eZVuv7m16CfggjuN_ViUyUPt3LzVCYJgfuRPyE8hyPnBLvexf2kfUqINJ7aMH6FjTOYB5V_lUNa7aVIHeYdXPrdmq5-2uKsXQtcVPjXZNwJqyeyUrrsXK_Q4dRJjAaYlA0pgBm8Oj8SVX5omiVlsRXna6gd9EsE-MLDN621fdDB_I/w400-h320/1b12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Snowy Egret</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">in never-ending search</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">for sustenance</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhHt6zFOebzmOHHtT4JdKfRNtDXT6sVl8c4CZHrX75pm9qSs4RwOFr7GPqmz4QkmEz3y22RycroIbdp_ztQhM4R_QR_VIE84CQSLKXXTYJmLBXHVFRRHp_18b6k5WAc4UDEje8zcdozPNFOlnn0TrBu4-bek-f5ByOhmYFAHTsUYpeNz-63iF3qUw/s2281/1b13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhHt6zFOebzmOHHtT4JdKfRNtDXT6sVl8c4CZHrX75pm9qSs4RwOFr7GPqmz4QkmEz3y22RycroIbdp_ztQhM4R_QR_VIE84CQSLKXXTYJmLBXHVFRRHp_18b6k5WAc4UDEje8zcdozPNFOlnn0TrBu4-bek-f5ByOhmYFAHTsUYpeNz-63iF3qUw/w400-h320/1b13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">Avocets</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">peacefully feeding</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">in beautiful scene</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYi2Ga2KLNcyl-Aq5zlgtsJEnEFYC-mLKG6q7egKoHt5KktJSF8m1QlLPgia-nk0TIZd8HhsJnZ-id2wlj1w_llTp7YWV1_1NuQF3HjsmVOkrYFZ2iv5JRsbU76T6bahAVD09AAliGOE5O5GyRaRx-b92IVPn4EDGkJNAcIkkYZfcDLFC-iUvjuXQ/s1440/1a11111111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYi2Ga2KLNcyl-Aq5zlgtsJEnEFYC-mLKG6q7egKoHt5KktJSF8m1QlLPgia-nk0TIZd8HhsJnZ-id2wlj1w_llTp7YWV1_1NuQF3HjsmVOkrYFZ2iv5JRsbU76T6bahAVD09AAliGOE5O5GyRaRx-b92IVPn4EDGkJNAcIkkYZfcDLFC-iUvjuXQ/w400-h320/1a11111111.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: medium;">Common Goldeneye</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">nothing common</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">about this little lovely</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT1OLD6ojnfMgtem_J9w9xymFn8x7xk2A8oqthvjfyfuX5DPa5bjjzsjEJ7eYXNNyfQI_6P28PPZhizyZtWiNiJ6D2YzPXRkGwbwpQxcqTvUhG8ZwUZCeS6JJ2mIzi08onmBF8AsplClrt2or9pjvTaX3gBzwnWAROOzkx9QxPCB7kLUPq7CFFXTY/s1405/1a15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT1OLD6ojnfMgtem_J9w9xymFn8x7xk2A8oqthvjfyfuX5DPa5bjjzsjEJ7eYXNNyfQI_6P28PPZhizyZtWiNiJ6D2YzPXRkGwbwpQxcqTvUhG8ZwUZCeS6JJ2mIzi08onmBF8AsplClrt2or9pjvTaX3gBzwnWAROOzkx9QxPCB7kLUPq7CFFXTY/w400-h320/1a15.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;">Osprey</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">prey is part of the name</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">of this powerful raptor</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">keenly aware of his</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">environment and surroundings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0xgK_S89NQSXG22hOrXj83hu26gl3Nqpzcx_6FtWLRkfjJ4C-Srflfnu1DM3sKcdf3BshGMK26KDGd5jjNzvAlOC9jM2yI8R62otGAM_zwyJjJI5ojWIAQugrvQ3yywjoRw7Fdr0if8piRrLAh7AsQkaGmHwSOuDQRPQs0tIES3QfcdBQv9LhmnO/s400/5o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0xgK_S89NQSXG22hOrXj83hu26gl3Nqpzcx_6FtWLRkfjJ4C-Srflfnu1DM3sKcdf3BshGMK26KDGd5jjNzvAlOC9jM2yI8R62otGAM_zwyJjJI5ojWIAQugrvQ3yywjoRw7Fdr0if8piRrLAh7AsQkaGmHwSOuDQRPQs0tIES3QfcdBQv9LhmnO/w400-h320/5o.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Gambolin' Man</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">birding at the Bulb</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">always on the lookout</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">eyeballs peeled</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">to make a connection</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">to experience the mystery</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">to feel in the magic</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">to revel in the majesty</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">of every miracle</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">large and small</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #660000; text-align: start;">magnificent and minute</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><div><i style="color: red;"><b>Read more bird-related essays</b></i></div><div><i style="color: red;"><b>from Gambolin' Man's bird blog</b></i></div><div><i style="color: red;"><b>about Albany Bulb & the San Francisco Bay shoreline:</b></i></div><div><i style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/birds-galore-at-albany-shoreline-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">NEVER-ENDING BlRDING @ ALBANY BULB (2014)</span></b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/avian-sanctuary-and-nature-refuge-along.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FABULOUS BIRDING @ THE SF BAY SHORELINE & STATE PARK (2015)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-first-glimpse-of-burrowing-owls.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">IN SEARCH OF THE BURROWING OWLS @ THE BULB (2017)</span></b></a></div></div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0oPpOQN7uwiXvbrYg84uMhTT59Io28s_5mYYPqKK63coEhPrFusTLM4RmPiA4jZYmmtYCMlmuThdyewX1me97ktf-mqoqS8nMSor2G2C9dThdQRIsd_0T1CaTHRcjvvjT1axWKWzcHTaF6EVTzmE4Rwxc0JCma-PRaoLMZeUo6G6H0yA1DBB9TTb/s1536/1a111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0oPpOQN7uwiXvbrYg84uMhTT59Io28s_5mYYPqKK63coEhPrFusTLM4RmPiA4jZYmmtYCMlmuThdyewX1me97ktf-mqoqS8nMSor2G2C9dThdQRIsd_0T1CaTHRcjvvjT1axWKWzcHTaF6EVTzmE4Rwxc0JCma-PRaoLMZeUo6G6H0yA1DBB9TTb/w480-h640/1a111.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Northern Pintail </span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">first sighting at Albany Bulb</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0in;"><span><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Check out Gambolin' Man's post on Albany Bulb:</b></i></span></span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: red;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/11/albany-bulb-nature-sanctuary-outdoor.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB IMPRESSIONS (2009)</span></b></a></div></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnlUmKlf7snpibCnq3NUOk5xlNtm5xrSAZpGA89UHLLEw9_Bw6GXDj0XUeGvHpPYHAgA55mvLNXSpbd_VKN96MMa13mZLB4KsCEToQf4sK4RnFmIsWiynWPoImZHR34R1PBXTkSPn_IKRhXe5_zSZPD4MAHPnK9tVaYpNIAwPvaU4j8Qds2JTHG2V/s1536/1a1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnlUmKlf7snpibCnq3NUOk5xlNtm5xrSAZpGA89UHLLEw9_Bw6GXDj0XUeGvHpPYHAgA55mvLNXSpbd_VKN96MMa13mZLB4KsCEToQf4sK4RnFmIsWiynWPoImZHR34R1PBXTkSPn_IKRhXe5_zSZPD4MAHPnK9tVaYpNIAwPvaU4j8Qds2JTHG2V/w480-h640/1a1d.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">White-tailed Kite</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">checking on mate</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Check out Gambolin' Man's FLICKR albums</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">on hundreds of BULB landscape, art and birding scenes:</span></i></b></div><div><b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsknBNXct" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB LANDSCAPE SCENES</span></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsknBNHne" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB ART & SCULPTURE SCENES</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskj4XzCr" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB BIRDING & WILDLIFE</span></b></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8O73sTDpaSAccHKAXaK5XOieAZGLCOVxAKzpu6IPfJxXjKHzBKyouGffPgJWK-oCKTrxawVAbcMF6WisEKJvUh_qXiwU3piYrHARI1AMPsf8mxkOdRurmvh-zb4obzodJ5n3mWcnSq6NuXtTY7NHzEm7mDW47tm10t-qt5g8PA1m9b8yoRIrTJjR/s1088/1a1a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="871" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8O73sTDpaSAccHKAXaK5XOieAZGLCOVxAKzpu6IPfJxXjKHzBKyouGffPgJWK-oCKTrxawVAbcMF6WisEKJvUh_qXiwU3piYrHARI1AMPsf8mxkOdRurmvh-zb4obzodJ5n3mWcnSq6NuXtTY7NHzEm7mDW47tm10t-qt5g8PA1m9b8yoRIrTJjR/w512-h640/1a1a1a.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">San Francisco Bay and Mount Tamalpais </span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">viewed from the Bulb</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Take your choice of 46 live-action videos</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">of various birding & outdoor adventure scenes</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">from Albany Bulb & shoreline areas:</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9fJxt8ue3E_k6SieEAsuXE_" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">GLORIOUS BIRDING @ THE ALBANY BULB & SHORELINE / PARK AREAS </span></b></a></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9fJxt8ue3E_k6SieEAsuXE_" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(Through the Years)</span></b></a></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDUOvjr6rQu-Oq7IxR2c9TIwGqhhk9Ji0N6FCtwNcl8jWywKAe55K7P9-vu1URzacjf_F4vmY-RPnvUWl336HR8a_1aBcR1JhprJiFU-CEPnwziDcefoVASjdksmDNTSE1VUZOFNGuDDSzSZx7YY1I8WuvZ9uYyDl9r20qtGJmDZhAG2xuRd1Sofn/s1152/1a1a1a1a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="649" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDUOvjr6rQu-Oq7IxR2c9TIwGqhhk9Ji0N6FCtwNcl8jWywKAe55K7P9-vu1URzacjf_F4vmY-RPnvUWl336HR8a_1aBcR1JhprJiFU-CEPnwziDcefoVASjdksmDNTSE1VUZOFNGuDDSzSZx7YY1I8WuvZ9uYyDl9r20qtGJmDZhAG2xuRd1Sofn/w360-h640/1a1a1a1a1a.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Cross-legged Whimbrel</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span></span></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-26732138022651122212015-08-23T10:12:00.223-07:002023-03-31T12:22:37.549-07:00Hot, Thirsty Birds Attracted to Little Spring in John Hinkel Park (Parts 1 - 3)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDNdhC5qnnD87B3w4BFirqWANu2e05vdFawnX8iL6GhBbswwsVoHkBkuqwrW7yxAP_qEJej7YayEPphtIw9rCl8ix2SSx4iIEIy6jb9XEYipomQQAPXljFuhSHShJxJU6rOBkZnTW6mJy_32MEN16UVIStSC6h1nUp1qqkhXiuECsV0XDFfYy-M-1/s1751/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="1751" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDNdhC5qnnD87B3w4BFirqWANu2e05vdFawnX8iL6GhBbswwsVoHkBkuqwrW7yxAP_qEJej7YayEPphtIw9rCl8ix2SSx4iIEIy6jb9XEYipomQQAPXljFuhSHShJxJU6rOBkZnTW6mJy_32MEN16UVIStSC6h1nUp1qqkhXiuECsV0XDFfYy-M-1/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler cooling off in John Hinkel Park spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>PART 1: August 23, 2015</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>On a lazy day,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>with options limited to venture farther afield,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>you have to relish our nearby city parks!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXooahQ3pL_mcuS9h5uLeTlWn0ioXXCpen8GukdSOrum9ovdGMgy_32NJz-5oGD6iEP9l-GBiaycoj28i4q23hPl9_mPPsoeUXUFrefXTtcac3JOA6V541appZA1EEcdK5jG9BR1ISthsdCPJJosV188PGZOgfAptLdXOiAvDkRG40wpdVSJHn8nep/s1919/1dd%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXooahQ3pL_mcuS9h5uLeTlWn0ioXXCpen8GukdSOrum9ovdGMgy_32NJz-5oGD6iEP9l-GBiaycoj28i4q23hPl9_mPPsoeUXUFrefXTtcac3JOA6V541appZA1EEcdK5jG9BR1ISthsdCPJJosV188PGZOgfAptLdXOiAvDkRG40wpdVSJHn8nep/w400-h320/1dd%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Woodsy environment perfect bird habitat in sweet North Berkeley park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">A delightful gem in our midst</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;">John Hinkel Park </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">graces</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">a hilly </span><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;">North Berkeley</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> neighborhood</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">just a pleasant twenty minute stroll away</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zWre78ss9i3QmeqF0udQWY2Sz-v7eljGdMwburGxKpiVh_i9tfK1WNoO5fACc-cbjVlpn9cNczzy_S0uDB3JHWcGwOqu53eNC1knPGRXg5s3v-iNIqnm-ChSyBvFqfDHlTW7AJMwgmB9U19Dwa-L6mG4yrc7m93ggt3UXIh3BWYGbM2CVmFWSaBt/s1440/1a12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zWre78ss9i3QmeqF0udQWY2Sz-v7eljGdMwburGxKpiVh_i9tfK1WNoO5fACc-cbjVlpn9cNczzy_S0uDB3JHWcGwOqu53eNC1knPGRXg5s3v-iNIqnm-ChSyBvFqfDHlTW7AJMwgmB9U19Dwa-L6mG4yrc7m93ggt3UXIh3BWYGbM2CVmFWSaBt/w400-h320/1a12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Outdoor seating in John Hinkel Park a</span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">mphitheater</span> </b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Spread over four acres are park amenities, an amphitheater where the <span style="color: #444444;"><i><b>Shotgun Players</b></i></span> perform operatic renditions of <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Shakespeare</span></i></b> plays for free, and peaceful paths winding through shady groves of oak, bay and Redwood trees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1Yk0blqyN7Ys2M0YUdhwXgOPm_C6V9J67I6YMgh0D9_x-YPQU-gT2CjqjLpeca-4qKTA2DNhhRe71YE1BoLzS9elnQN1hgwvnRiaz0AJ7H2rDj82qW9LEr8h4gTzJ2ynS09Ox0Oa488vYxZDKON9len5d00omEA64ISMBKojIJt8FOm80TXcRkg3/s1440/1u.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1Yk0blqyN7Ys2M0YUdhwXgOPm_C6V9J67I6YMgh0D9_x-YPQU-gT2CjqjLpeca-4qKTA2DNhhRe71YE1BoLzS9elnQN1hgwvnRiaz0AJ7H2rDj82qW9LEr8h4gTzJ2ynS09Ox0Oa488vYxZDKON9len5d00omEA64ISMBKojIJt8FOm80TXcRkg3/w400-h320/1u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lots of room to maneuver and shelter in dense treetop canopy</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It doesn't seem like much, this place. But the copses are thick with a healthy understory, and birds love it, finding refuge and roost in an urban setting.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyGwp8yprSR8s9Mt0LSGVuzOE4sTkBYFN_CVEf04NIgh6lczEXcO3lEYHiFiKvyPglYm_0E6cLN_hwE-iHtSXR91BP6MHLzHEOW2n7WdaF_6h7mP99syx7xajYmMdM8YvFg_O7cRobClQrZuBNTPT0OHST9-I1e44KlQ59vAcNWIL0sCtujM1ia7Q/s1918/1a13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1918" data-original-width="1533" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyGwp8yprSR8s9Mt0LSGVuzOE4sTkBYFN_CVEf04NIgh6lczEXcO3lEYHiFiKvyPglYm_0E6cLN_hwE-iHtSXR91BP6MHLzHEOW2n7WdaF_6h7mP99syx7xajYmMdM8YvFg_O7cRobClQrZuBNTPT0OHST9-I1e44KlQ59vAcNWIL0sCtujM1ia7Q/w512-h640/1a13.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Blackberry Creek emerging from the spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The main woodsy area nurtures a little rivulet cutting a swathe through a small gully enabling the tiniest of oases for our tiniest of friends – dragonflies, damselflies, bees, and birds.</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPj2wIvUGA4hQlD37oMjTM3SXpLDBm75Cai-6qaZSnO8Xo76V3YZBD8Wca94T0oojx90y_pMQHORlYYtTFuSCArmMAjhHRSq8ChudP2ivSkAA9oaZQJsyfBPvj3jfJKNRXxaGGrI4hK5R1UEUk8p0AzPeEkljgyQq-VTxzR4cc1VCjwNs_9SbQre1/s1440/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPj2wIvUGA4hQlD37oMjTM3SXpLDBm75Cai-6qaZSnO8Xo76V3YZBD8Wca94T0oojx90y_pMQHORlYYtTFuSCArmMAjhHRSq8ChudP2ivSkAA9oaZQJsyfBPvj3jfJKNRXxaGGrI4hK5R1UEUk8p0AzPeEkljgyQq-VTxzR4cc1VCjwNs_9SbQre1/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler still hanging around at the spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They come seeking remnant water flowing and pooling, emerging above ground from on high via one of many hidden springs that nourish <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Berkeley's</span></i></b> hills with perennial water sources, albeit in <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">John Hinkel's</span></i></b> case, a mere piddling trickle barely moistening an algae carpeted rocky shelf.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5eENnPjjY3UDdEucs_vZ_tg8p-syoUgjqI1n2BQ4BzuKjkJTQ3m8d2KBk2qcY0ncgr8I7NYtYUYjILcP7Lk3neEq34Bg8zgyLSa5f61hFSa_ATPOCdZY3zwbVP4RDOCK9sc535bPrB-O3CvxpXEy5Y-LXZELh0txxrO8PIb2Lst-Lz7NZWL_Io8y/s1809/1_blog%20(54)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1809" data-original-width="1622" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5eENnPjjY3UDdEucs_vZ_tg8p-syoUgjqI1n2BQ4BzuKjkJTQ3m8d2KBk2qcY0ncgr8I7NYtYUYjILcP7Lk3neEq34Bg8zgyLSa5f61hFSa_ATPOCdZY3zwbVP4RDOCK9sc535bPrB-O3CvxpXEy5Y-LXZELh0txxrO8PIb2Lst-Lz7NZWL_Io8y/w359-h400/1_blog%20(54)_7612.jpg" width="359" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sharp-shinned Hawk seen occasionally roosting in park trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>That is,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>when rains haven't had a chance</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>to replenish </i></b></span><b style="color: #990000;"><i>it to a vibrant little gusher.</i></b></span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLqPh7OhJNA_1qlRhRgC9pntwoRFRviQOwX7Crj050YTU-7EghjtxHWVh7isVWtZrEDvj53XaRt2ihli2xW3ZQufxNc34IwvrzlI0dd0cugQsBJVXEoGhoF4zIzi1eaCDgjwOXNTQKuL5oY3AZWJa7g_7IB57jeFt36iv3ETg3Q2ACdeH1QsL1MgA/s2048/1cc%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLqPh7OhJNA_1qlRhRgC9pntwoRFRviQOwX7Crj050YTU-7EghjtxHWVh7isVWtZrEDvj53XaRt2ihli2xW3ZQufxNc34IwvrzlI0dd0cugQsBJVXEoGhoF4zIzi1eaCDgjwOXNTQKuL5oY3AZWJa7g_7IB57jeFt36iv3ETg3Q2ACdeH1QsL1MgA/w480-h640/1cc%20(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Small cascade emerging from a spring or swale higher up in the Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>But always a perennial flow, it is enough to slake the thirst of our little friends on this dry, hot day. They come to flit and flirt in the quiet sanctuary, dipping in and cooling off in the natural bird bath.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa7X8jae_cCF0YHz1_b0Iy_wILvxD_VPlSmgTXxg1iMvlZsI3-UzUEnlV-uthEJeLzYGIOSexrEKjwDt341W5nVSm5F95xu6Q4xXpA_s4tQanvoGYKykqibxQiuHh6-v64v7Y0l2IUVmcRo6b93T6ITHgipp5Sj5c_poOq-niR0baTRfl6WFEDpcE/s1440/1y.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa7X8jae_cCF0YHz1_b0Iy_wILvxD_VPlSmgTXxg1iMvlZsI3-UzUEnlV-uthEJeLzYGIOSexrEKjwDt341W5nVSm5F95xu6Q4xXpA_s4tQanvoGYKykqibxQiuHh6-v64v7Y0l2IUVmcRo6b93T6ITHgipp5Sj5c_poOq-niR0baTRfl6WFEDpcE/w400-h320/1y.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dark-eyed Junco taking a dip in spring runoff</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Unless you are of the persuasion that small miracles abound in <i>"commonplace"</i> surroundings, you might be tempted to pass this place off as unimpressive or unnoteworthy, and it might very well be that this hardly resplendent scene is not a place to write rhapsodic poetry over.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wrL1dr-0aYN_X8ZQe6IztV_E9Wo8swKNpJWnwlrAfMXYKMZIvTFURfunQnfPYjKTlSkNgbfNX7BDB10-96dv8Zu9ykcdgPRxLzH1efxwEJrgf7mJtyt_VzzngRl6d3tpZJLHAfD9sG_6YIYC0tHEiULUr0iI3mnWaDV7LFgfV9VzxEHd5YWIi4i7/s2048/1a118%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wrL1dr-0aYN_X8ZQe6IztV_E9Wo8swKNpJWnwlrAfMXYKMZIvTFURfunQnfPYjKTlSkNgbfNX7BDB10-96dv8Zu9ykcdgPRxLzH1efxwEJrgf7mJtyt_VzzngRl6d3tpZJLHAfD9sG_6YIYC0tHEiULUr0iI3mnWaDV7LFgfV9VzxEHd5YWIi4i7/w480-h640/1a118%20(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">John Hinkel Park's lush beautiful surroundings - a true urban oasis</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">EXCEPT I SHALL!</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvW7p6IIClWqhqn0OlXWnB6hfiy_qSSl0MmX4pvo5NcfugzpuIThJn0Shf8pFalIzbflHCzKfuCP0jGf3la8DRk-eCPSzg0l1vrAJ-vCChs051WVGuvJ_vA-zpFcCbO0Y3hk6nUJ1USpwY9u1tzqXg3Ae9mRi2aQZx2ItUHl0qW90Yhl9DERjjwCx/s1440/1z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvW7p6IIClWqhqn0OlXWnB6hfiy_qSSl0MmX4pvo5NcfugzpuIThJn0Shf8pFalIzbflHCzKfuCP0jGf3la8DRk-eCPSzg0l1vrAJ-vCChs051WVGuvJ_vA-zpFcCbO0Y3hk6nUJ1USpwY9u1tzqXg3Ae9mRi2aQZx2ItUHl0qW90Yhl9DERjjwCx/w400-h320/1z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Walkways wind through the park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And except for the fact that it's a life-saver for the birds, animals and insects that call <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">John Hinkel Park</span></i></b> their home.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo5ebK8qWn50G9pgrBU6tMxVxsU-7H2_tOkWzGUjR4uOzDDn0bNII6WiJSLVn4YNAT8MNq-G_ooSfbPcyy-Xm4UyBRx4kgJThU4AKKNZr61f6icCrl_q-GJCCasXBCuskZBMcM686Xgxi1sPWZkEDpaai71yzXiu50vgUG7fYGeoqFAfQAYOo86Nu/s1440/1s.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo5ebK8qWn50G9pgrBU6tMxVxsU-7H2_tOkWzGUjR4uOzDDn0bNII6WiJSLVn4YNAT8MNq-G_ooSfbPcyy-Xm4UyBRx4kgJThU4AKKNZr61f6icCrl_q-GJCCasXBCuskZBMcM686Xgxi1sPWZkEDpaai71yzXiu50vgUG7fYGeoqFAfQAYOo86Nu/w400-h320/1s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spring running after rainy spell</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> I'm standing quietly, waiting patiently, on a small bridge that divides the cleft in the hills where the little rivulet runs down to the street and disappears into a culvert. Mottled bay tree leaves dance in whirlygigs on gossamer threads; grasses hula in a slight breeze; ears attuned to the songs of nature . . . when suddenly, a burst of unseen, hidden activity comes to life.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxk6bShQ_MmiudVe5TyE4GPZMfuQdvIpD0L-ypOoKbPf33tdca_QjqnZ4tZJHqA8duZlP3b3CbWXyWbQDAjUVJkZ7MuWNcyN2gAN1nptNLp7dLsHBSmKqi2jYALgzh4FT92ple6SQWZa7RifQHtHRI3-roDZgJLT36B0p-Mg0fUuCzL7ERzScX6JI/s1865/1a14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1865" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxk6bShQ_MmiudVe5TyE4GPZMfuQdvIpD0L-ypOoKbPf33tdca_QjqnZ4tZJHqA8duZlP3b3CbWXyWbQDAjUVJkZ7MuWNcyN2gAN1nptNLp7dLsHBSmKqi2jYALgzh4FT92ple6SQWZa7RifQHtHRI3-roDZgJLT36B0p-Mg0fUuCzL7ERzScX6JI/w400-h320/1a14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dragonflies abound in the food chain</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">A Sikorsky-sized dragonfly, in glittering blue green raiment, preens on water's edge beside ferns and cress, hovers up and zips down to patrol the insignificant water course <i>(not from Sik's perspective!)</i>.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn9oiJr_dv8aNaFs5ojPIkN4DjXpr-ItBsz4-J4PlhcfKi53bEqrIWxL-iRre6jPY4-E0FhEQXjiof-TqmGW2N7NJNqH8AQO7Ra8ial_n93qjP3P9vjN6iApSvEHxEVzYYbV_2LK3ii7qdXywVnEnsVGz7DJFGYrFL5br5WBp5HupqTBt5DYl1tWz/s1536/1k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn9oiJr_dv8aNaFs5ojPIkN4DjXpr-ItBsz4-J4PlhcfKi53bEqrIWxL-iRre6jPY4-E0FhEQXjiof-TqmGW2N7NJNqH8AQO7Ra8ial_n93qjP3P9vjN6iApSvEHxEVzYYbV_2LK3ii7qdXywVnEnsVGz7DJFGYrFL5br5WBp5HupqTBt5DYl1tWz/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird flies in for a dip</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Another rainbow creature, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Anna's Hummingbird</span></b></i>, arrives out of nowhere, gently alighting for a sip of water with wiry tongue extended, then flits off to suck a bit of nectar from a Monkeyflower.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_mITLz0Oi0mtbVTjU3DavmBxSGGLLFou5bWZ-0gFXhjUM7lDHTOVy_1Xl9diAbscoBWOA3_4NYgqRPwFb8a_Qtm6ITCejSv1HLwt3xuzGoiyowXUlXXsa1Gde0oDFCqmfl2MxR1cegRH8GALZrIl4TmhcLBZgl4eC_x8tsQ-_4emoJesnpeHh_KR/s1223/1x.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1223" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_mITLz0Oi0mtbVTjU3DavmBxSGGLLFou5bWZ-0gFXhjUM7lDHTOVy_1Xl9diAbscoBWOA3_4NYgqRPwFb8a_Qtm6ITCejSv1HLwt3xuzGoiyowXUlXXsa1Gde0oDFCqmfl2MxR1cegRH8GALZrIl4TmhcLBZgl4eC_x8tsQ-_4emoJesnpeHh_KR/w400-h320/1x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dark-eyed Junco still at the spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Chestnut-backed Chickadees</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Song Sparrows</span></i></b>, and <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Dark-eyed Juncos</span></i></b> crash the scene, playing in trees. I catch one aloft on a branch shaking water off after a refreshing immersion in the teensiest of basins.</span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3FY5YCcYHGfRrYU1y40B13zhDTa-O-YUm1wQ05nns1FRIdy_tLZbunWO4WKyfNNDcak--h3_wcA1NlnE3Ake3HZoo2VQLUsg3AKI7g4KV88eeX7ypRm9iYjnqDU_qinKtU-FpHxPvZT3wOlwHfE1TIj5HlpQiUECNwhuX6w0IuicBoxGqow3iSp6/s1820/1a16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1820" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3FY5YCcYHGfRrYU1y40B13zhDTa-O-YUm1wQ05nns1FRIdy_tLZbunWO4WKyfNNDcak--h3_wcA1NlnE3Ake3HZoo2VQLUsg3AKI7g4KV88eeX7ypRm9iYjnqDU_qinKtU-FpHxPvZT3wOlwHfE1TIj5HlpQiUECNwhuX6w0IuicBoxGqow3iSp6/w400-h320/1a16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow after a refreshing dunk in the spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I espy a tittering </span><span style="color: #783f04;">Song Sparrow</span><span style="color: #38761d;">,</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">feathery wet from a dip.</span></span></i></b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvwSuczLCe1A8AHLOTtyTDS-wce6oQXGiU39L6GsnrVoButrbjsdGDQ_NrmObXZjDhhrlT00E51HMSk_LkzpfDuUjO1LhxvIuOPHLZjuOoWy1qkWjOrt5n73veUnTDtBQK8rPsAUDXYYNxEvZBV0YuTXyewVpj1OZwDLG8inDagjwzfR71HiqMHin/s1472/1g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvwSuczLCe1A8AHLOTtyTDS-wce6oQXGiU39L6GsnrVoButrbjsdGDQ_NrmObXZjDhhrlT00E51HMSk_LkzpfDuUjO1LhxvIuOPHLZjuOoWy1qkWjOrt5n73veUnTDtBQK8rPsAUDXYYNxEvZBV0YuTXyewVpj1OZwDLG8inDagjwzfR71HiqMHin/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nothing "lesser" about this beautiful Goldfinch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the plant-choked gully, a <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Lesser Goldfinch</span></b></i> perches on a wee twig, takes a drink, flaps some water on his back, repeats several times . . . a pageantry of nature's creations putting on a show for all the world to see . . .</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArUZOWFv-E3J8SujfeJokbGkdcwJwOaFoiipPTw_4PZqoKABI4XbtydEW3GTzN39tePdfhpnw-5u8dlizkgpBVgDVOLvzi1Gm4ZbtwGBq1a5Apa7ZKmHlYOFITk5Wjv3yTaJ2YBEldhQWufSQZ3b26oDh5fKpMbi7M0hs4sJBX5gDqvmr9MLsGZap/s1440/1a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArUZOWFv-E3J8SujfeJokbGkdcwJwOaFoiipPTw_4PZqoKABI4XbtydEW3GTzN39tePdfhpnw-5u8dlizkgpBVgDVOLvzi1Gm4ZbtwGBq1a5Apa7ZKmHlYOFITk5Wjv3yTaJ2YBEldhQWufSQZ3b26oDh5fKpMbi7M0hs4sJBX5gDqvmr9MLsGZap/w400-h320/1a1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Alone on the woodsy path</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>. . . except all the world is not here, only me!</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWyOFL-mYrklU7YN27NLsGwxcSR31tGDM4QpRWQ5WjW5B_xUOVqGteoW61IQBaseBUVH26GH0YeMbPmhsyFFtLuyWIKXyhb17LANev2ZdZVQq2r--93exF6h1n2A46O6OQJfROtO8zKEItS4wczolntqic3uvC6MdnRiM0XT89q7h6XjBzlVvdVJh/s1984/1l.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="1984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWyOFL-mYrklU7YN27NLsGwxcSR31tGDM4QpRWQ5WjW5B_xUOVqGteoW61IQBaseBUVH26GH0YeMbPmhsyFFtLuyWIKXyhb17LANev2ZdZVQq2r--93exF6h1n2A46O6OQJfROtO8zKEItS4wczolntqic3uvC6MdnRiM0XT89q7h6XjBzlVvdVJh/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird sucking up the sweet stuff</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Soon a lone and handsome <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Wilson's Warbler</span></b></i> swoops in at the private spa. This tiny yellow bird, sporting a black cap that looks like a toupee, is a hold-over, I'm guessing, from the spring-summer migratory season when they show up in force in the <span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>East Bay's</b></i></span> riparian areas. I've spotted them many times – <i><span style="color: #444444;"><b>each a singular joy!</b></span></i> – but I've never been able to get a decent photo of one. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPsnxQzo1DhxN1XdSCSpse0mjGrJSi-s2ZchBs4YnbJTYZhoGKIOyI2UZ8XI_6sAAwGRo-uKb6kKch7SexdcbHNAHgQtiSwMXDRVUNDvPgq5JjIpoBM5gfGX1g86SOtjKMVY3azowQM4If8qSXAoq4QDyGVkYoKHKi22eNc8HZcjNhyg4ZTqvztds/s1440/1t.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPsnxQzo1DhxN1XdSCSpse0mjGrJSi-s2ZchBs4YnbJTYZhoGKIOyI2UZ8XI_6sAAwGRo-uKb6kKch7SexdcbHNAHgQtiSwMXDRVUNDvPgq5JjIpoBM5gfGX1g86SOtjKMVY3azowQM4If8qSXAoq4QDyGVkYoKHKi22eNc8HZcjNhyg4ZTqvztds/w400-h320/1t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">A veritable forest primeval in the urban park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I had thought they were long gone by now. But today, this little fella is drawn like a magnet to the moist area, and his normally frenetic pattern of movement settles down to unprecedented motionlessness, posing for several seconds, so unlike his predictive skittish and secretive behavior.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDPgru6ePhHEGgH7Xx4AlWv6CFrqY-7u3667o6LIuUW4yU92kx32J5QZiVUNjhA-i0Jpmip7mI41m1HOnZhmRmMUGy-3l-FnSNCNsM7iw5cWZIXd-KdkqzWjJ6khO7C8L7bB_zuebSAEcjsuq6LQyGrqoSlaCnFacgK8FDP4GApaY5YXHLF1WSZrK/s1440/1a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDPgru6ePhHEGgH7Xx4AlWv6CFrqY-7u3667o6LIuUW4yU92kx32J5QZiVUNjhA-i0Jpmip7mI41m1HOnZhmRmMUGy-3l-FnSNCNsM7iw5cWZIXd-KdkqzWjJ6khO7C8L7bB_zuebSAEcjsuq6LQyGrqoSlaCnFacgK8FDP4GApaY5YXHLF1WSZrK/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler taking a final bath before flitting off</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I snap, snap away with half-way decent results before he flies off for good to who knows where, to find his mate, or gear up for a long haul flight to the tropics.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBpGtKmjaUw8bNFmjdDp94U1jVA-k4v_Wmxm5ZlqH6cv2shN2kFquKW9WBenU2Vgb9ijxosxa72d35-yAvy4QYDg1oO6DBOSlodw4oH0epkF9bB3C9Re-67071ozUlvJWaOS2Qq19sAgK-xFbtZClEAtg1nrVeuEz_VxaGcUVibDqlDOz01r1WRSC/s2048/1r.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBpGtKmjaUw8bNFmjdDp94U1jVA-k4v_Wmxm5ZlqH6cv2shN2kFquKW9WBenU2Vgb9ijxosxa72d35-yAvy4QYDg1oO6DBOSlodw4oH0epkF9bB3C9Re-67071ozUlvJWaOS2Qq19sAgK-xFbtZClEAtg1nrVeuEz_VxaGcUVibDqlDOz01r1WRSC/w360-h640/1r.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Simple and precious little spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This unheralded little gully, with its barely audible trickle, exerts a calming influence and provides hot, thirsty birds and insects a life-sustaining source of water . . . a manifestation of nature's boundless beauty and preciousness no less miraculous or awesome because it's not a powerful river scene in the <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">John Muir Wilderness</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittRZl9WErBkZ1rsCMPsV3j-NHAK350T8pLUK2HbTXMvxBfRjOw8xVz_gZGANGPAHDPopxijoWGyRe8-SGGrCCgbcpMTWRLLNb_zXhhiDzN1uGad4sUpJxhZSgT1TRS5wp8g9FwoQq7ovZXCpTZCzHsMxcYyPfWeQspdcDfKacBk4o7h5Os4zywukZ/s1920/1a16a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittRZl9WErBkZ1rsCMPsV3j-NHAK350T8pLUK2HbTXMvxBfRjOw8xVz_gZGANGPAHDPopxijoWGyRe8-SGGrCCgbcpMTWRLLNb_zXhhiDzN1uGad4sUpJxhZSgT1TRS5wp8g9FwoQq7ovZXCpTZCzHsMxcYyPfWeQspdcDfKacBk4o7h5Os4zywukZ/w400-h320/1a16a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spring's thin rivulet designated as Blackberry Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just to have this living breathing spring of miniature glory, right before me, with the various creatures enjoying it, creates transcendent joy in the heart.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIVULuswS_Q9fkPRFgHdhC2I0vEsBv1yiPw1kGYT5hYD6adgp_yDjisSCR9hg7dJMDkDLsxdZkKuyACNegRAqe9d9jjGz5ah7VcvAaOmcpNvN6lCpPlzYLomjJODwhWEj8i-7j9WroXpVMYb5EIoqqS_5TNP-YS52kI8MgZE4RttvWqmhG8W2zBoZ/s1440/1aaaaaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIVULuswS_Q9fkPRFgHdhC2I0vEsBv1yiPw1kGYT5hYD6adgp_yDjisSCR9hg7dJMDkDLsxdZkKuyACNegRAqe9d9jjGz5ah7VcvAaOmcpNvN6lCpPlzYLomjJODwhWEj8i-7j9WroXpVMYb5EIoqqS_5TNP-YS52kI8MgZE4RttvWqmhG8W2zBoZ/w400-h320/1aaaaaaaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Mixed forest include Redwood trees and lush understory</b></i> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Honestly.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByut1R1pxyCTS6Lv_CEBsRpTbd2hmCzejPF-ZLibjDQdnfCGCO8kvCZ-sEfpGUgUhv1BO3KsW6h-1TmPNyRilDxG1425cU16grKvJIeLaYFDDX-OxoHUDV356k04krAC5MQjkvlwZc2T8Xb0tbpngXeqgTZZZlxzpLoXNd2B9McSprkg7GxbWIuyQ/s1109/182015%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1109" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByut1R1pxyCTS6Lv_CEBsRpTbd2hmCzejPF-ZLibjDQdnfCGCO8kvCZ-sEfpGUgUhv1BO3KsW6h-1TmPNyRilDxG1425cU16grKvJIeLaYFDDX-OxoHUDV356k04krAC5MQjkvlwZc2T8Xb0tbpngXeqgTZZZlxzpLoXNd2B9McSprkg7GxbWIuyQ/w400-h320/182015%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush silhouetted</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">For here we have</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">the unnoticed, the under appreciated and overlooked</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">miracle of small things</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">.</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEien05gL-HcQvR2xr7rHjLQXKKYjk4evNA4DF4GRyAFYSxkvjOaJ0P9MFUOlq7NDtUT7toUtJisCVKZZA5xK1GCvI2ydbw4LmqMKARcNg_vcyBT9j3HwgFp7F39S1-yeBSJx0BI9_bjcaHTelTGAn4JeNdTqvQ42AuPYfIBSUlW32BfbgBowBSneHDp/s3005/1ax.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2405" data-original-width="3005" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEien05gL-HcQvR2xr7rHjLQXKKYjk4evNA4DF4GRyAFYSxkvjOaJ0P9MFUOlq7NDtUT7toUtJisCVKZZA5xK1GCvI2ydbw4LmqMKARcNg_vcyBT9j3HwgFp7F39S1-yeBSJx0BI9_bjcaHTelTGAn4JeNdTqvQ42AuPYfIBSUlW32BfbgBowBSneHDp/w400-h320/1ax.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Naturally rolled up bark strip</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">A </span><span style="color: #38761d;">"small miraculous thing"</span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> cannot, should not,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">never will be reduced to </span><span style="color: #38761d;">"nothing special"</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">by anyone deigning to pass this way</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">who happens to glance at it for a mere second,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">only to . . .</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a75nR5Zx4c1y82qW-z2MJ-m2ODEXsieLbLrp0TbkOQFhN-Gr_YD3W46v0vVOZYzrehnLEvDH5iocDfSZI8aKCuAFTOQZ9nXd06QlLCBWeL7JkqMuP5FI3EMXkzl8bKwj4XXhZOsqUsJEEwBJ2LyQAOelHHchuWfbEFAkkQQaas4NUDqnhxoljPgZ/s1919/1a1s%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a75nR5Zx4c1y82qW-z2MJ-m2ODEXsieLbLrp0TbkOQFhN-Gr_YD3W46v0vVOZYzrehnLEvDH5iocDfSZI8aKCuAFTOQZ9nXd06QlLCBWeL7JkqMuP5FI3EMXkzl8bKwj4XXhZOsqUsJEEwBJ2LyQAOelHHchuWfbEFAkkQQaas4NUDqnhxoljPgZ/w400-h320/1a1s%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black beetle in orange poppy</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">. . . see "nothing"!</span></b></i></div></div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AQ_QMyxKKYPnuFBs2gJoXzB64Q5mewD4dKExpQzoniLRUntAf78hbWJl13qVsICAFtdzX8d6J8ck8KsmUIw_Pb01o-o6sN9IwHbmkHzXvAUIp4IPFuPgcYPteGKyR8AE0ZDpU4oyaPbVu7sniEuU0yoATaA-C-CUX5m39X42FcBcoliEn5F_uD74/s1920/1a1aaa%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AQ_QMyxKKYPnuFBs2gJoXzB64Q5mewD4dKExpQzoniLRUntAf78hbWJl13qVsICAFtdzX8d6J8ck8KsmUIw_Pb01o-o6sN9IwHbmkHzXvAUIp4IPFuPgcYPteGKyR8AE0ZDpU4oyaPbVu7sniEuU0yoATaA-C-CUX5m39X42FcBcoliEn5F_uD74/w400-h320/1a1aaa%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nothing special except . . .</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">For it is inordinately special.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94iu4SrwOdVdZSTPj3VsqGBw6zl6yJaw1czYgVWEgD61Yp3BgKQQlxUkRA0U2kjNpR4VBKuVtv5cPuueGN9fC3ghSnWzz1YYv2S-VCXjJ8k3KHGNBAadm8eahR2g5HLUsi-Lc-0AD4ezOqXSe6gbdzzQNO6HbRJ3mv7k8IJTA-tZbsv2r2qDMaLhr/s400/1a1ff.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94iu4SrwOdVdZSTPj3VsqGBw6zl6yJaw1czYgVWEgD61Yp3BgKQQlxUkRA0U2kjNpR4VBKuVtv5cPuueGN9fC3ghSnWzz1YYv2S-VCXjJ8k3KHGNBAadm8eahR2g5HLUsi-Lc-0AD4ezOqXSe6gbdzzQNO6HbRJ3mv7k8IJTA-tZbsv2r2qDMaLhr/w400-h300/1a1ff.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Blue Jay feathers amidst leaves and bark</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Just stop, look, listen, see,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">and appreciate the cavalcade of little miracles</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">unfolding on the moist rock lip</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">in the small sylvan acreage.</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqq3pjbXJSK7gxn1rAcX9Mj1S-pF62BO3n8P0RoIdZp_M6Xmdg6YyX_62tSgXYa-l4DdSiJIoVDzuUUrlpuhHdwKI-RGCAzk9C5Nqb7xBRCi5ym51ffgl9KqZ5A495wgjvGbmPvZpcVs-MIK4uRSNz8MwMmU3Wro7KPB9zVu-lY7tDOzsb1Kghm6Z/s1918/1a16b%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1918" data-original-width="1534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqq3pjbXJSK7gxn1rAcX9Mj1S-pF62BO3n8P0RoIdZp_M6Xmdg6YyX_62tSgXYa-l4DdSiJIoVDzuUUrlpuhHdwKI-RGCAzk9C5Nqb7xBRCi5ym51ffgl9KqZ5A495wgjvGbmPvZpcVs-MIK4uRSNz8MwMmU3Wro7KPB9zVu-lY7tDOzsb1Kghm6Z/w512-h640/1a16b%20(2).jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spring trickling produces a mesmerizing tinkle of watery melodies</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next time you can't make it to a place of <i>"grander"</i> scale or more <i>"precious"</i> intimacy, try one of <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Berkeley's</span></i></b> local parks, where perennial water, amazingly, flows down from the hills, even in drought conditions, and where tiny wild creatures are able to thrive on the modest bounty afforded.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODCcbUYiAGdfCgF4LyxdD7rA92KVK6293um05VdOp85SxjmUfy57HyIhd7WYHtNqNwrqV3z3rStt_kKE3zVYygyYNN1v_i4Y0nugCwH4ovQmUPefwfK8vaZucW4tUQPCbK7UsKsV8hzjfUDRpbRrXaRfgYFH07mksztD5-X3a0spXwtr38vT-ElNr/s4032/4192014%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODCcbUYiAGdfCgF4LyxdD7rA92KVK6293um05VdOp85SxjmUfy57HyIhd7WYHtNqNwrqV3z3rStt_kKE3zVYygyYNN1v_i4Y0nugCwH4ovQmUPefwfK8vaZucW4tUQPCbK7UsKsV8hzjfUDRpbRrXaRfgYFH07mksztD5-X3a0spXwtr38vT-ElNr/w400-h300/4192014%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Willow Flycatcher babies</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then open your eyes and really see. Take a lesson from old-time naturalist <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">John Burroughs'</span></b></i> playbook in the <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"art of seeing"</span></b></i> where <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"things escape us because the actors are small."</span></b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V0UcXdo6N4N_81okqXmzatbIZ_rG3sZT4R3TZoaMbY7Fi6PS9DVcMUEpMDSkX6MtX8gKxxmsTOuYs4TsgSNdwOqcdRMwJ0c2-ukON4vXZv_FJuTnDF6tRfP4Ul_mkncfacrqgBZmMPjGYQd5iPVB9OkGuTpRjBHtoW6dZoxmAMYfZZzWzXD8VfKO/s1920/1bb.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V0UcXdo6N4N_81okqXmzatbIZ_rG3sZT4R3TZoaMbY7Fi6PS9DVcMUEpMDSkX6MtX8gKxxmsTOuYs4TsgSNdwOqcdRMwJ0c2-ukON4vXZv_FJuTnDF6tRfP4Ul_mkncfacrqgBZmMPjGYQd5iPVB9OkGuTpRjBHtoW6dZoxmAMYfZZzWzXD8VfKO/w400-h320/1bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Colorful bay leaves arranged artfully at spring's pool</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Long ago in another time, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Burroughs</span></b></i> also exhorted us <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">"to look closely and steadily at nature"</span></b></i> and take pleasure in the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"minute things"</span></b></i> about you.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRbQJQcb8KoiA4IOjYqx-CKXOdDx9SLFCQ4Hr0p6jJT2jg8cZRcDewj3Ce-xGU0r9z_TxtV3rQjV0ixg7YHN-cYjvujIZmJmZLyX28VxAowtPDPxfuwEQLBtnEXRNFcWYWG_3LgvGvvgUoYwAP_Roze_r_I7QE4a8domffu6KcOFbccfuigj2we6T/s1263/1a1a1aa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRbQJQcb8KoiA4IOjYqx-CKXOdDx9SLFCQ4Hr0p6jJT2jg8cZRcDewj3Ce-xGU0r9z_TxtV3rQjV0ixg7YHN-cYjvujIZmJmZLyX28VxAowtPDPxfuwEQLBtnEXRNFcWYWG_3LgvGvvgUoYwAP_Roze_r_I7QE4a8domffu6KcOFbccfuigj2we6T/w400-h320/1a1a1aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">A minute thing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You just might find the spectrum of smallness to be as soul satisfying and spiritually rewarding as being on the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Merced River</span></b></i> in mighty <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Yosemite</span></b></i>.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMKu4ACwZYO_ThHMFXKFtwIZueQ03SoPCKuy-op4A-kEA_IlQ5BaISaJO7XKdarTmF1-eDovUwbjLiuqVAsbHMzPyBlYKKBR49gTD3A86IeqITMZNj37OrQz_haHlD32OjnL5UxuzVOvdPs_QiHp69ntO0_5TXZ-Fzre6RghCxRz4qJzbAN44Cr58/s1920/11112%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMKu4ACwZYO_ThHMFXKFtwIZueQ03SoPCKuy-op4A-kEA_IlQ5BaISaJO7XKdarTmF1-eDovUwbjLiuqVAsbHMzPyBlYKKBR49gTD3A86IeqITMZNj37OrQz_haHlD32OjnL5UxuzVOvdPs_QiHp69ntO0_5TXZ-Fzre6RghCxRz4qJzbAN44Cr58/w400-h320/11112%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">"Headless" pigeon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>PART 2: October 5, 2015</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I recently posted on hot,<b> </b>thirsty birds attracted to a small spring bubbling from beneath a city street trickling into a small ravine at <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">John Hinkel Park</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">North Berkeley</span></b></i>.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhh6JLNt8m46qJGTmaiJ26gU2rC-qJAI5ndP7HJDdjed3Ij_mfVKoYRyAahlvw0ruzK3qSa-15ORDhBsCXFDD4tkThixkbucQKkIJyg4sFYyvzU_4Q9jvV82H4r-CvsLkG2TL2PPT-Wlkk5d-Dkx0pSqiQ0CRgfEeLot6hR_uuOlO_SSCs5Lcj6qg/s2048/1aa1aaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhh6JLNt8m46qJGTmaiJ26gU2rC-qJAI5ndP7HJDdjed3Ij_mfVKoYRyAahlvw0ruzK3qSa-15ORDhBsCXFDD4tkThixkbucQKkIJyg4sFYyvzU_4Q9jvV82H4r-CvsLkG2TL2PPT-Wlkk5d-Dkx0pSqiQ0CRgfEeLot6hR_uuOlO_SSCs5Lcj6qg/w360-h640/1aa1aaa.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">View from below of John Hinkel spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>Not exactly an ooooh aaaaah,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>knock 'em dead,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>amazingly beautiful kind of place,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>but still!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i8aqHtI_MuwRnZqCQtp7oqWbeduumiXQzkTueF-GjLVvBR9TJ_dsYIbl5JfG79AAF8PIK0LnM-fPkym-fPM4qtsr0OfFzAnDi5YcLVLQ8x7kEyN92VXLTPrCBOQHRTeJn2pAoiAfd0NLE-iVEFoTmcu-D3sB8wiDc_kvXHYi06SIHvpPIHyeFbV5/s939/322015%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="939" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i8aqHtI_MuwRnZqCQtp7oqWbeduumiXQzkTueF-GjLVvBR9TJ_dsYIbl5JfG79AAF8PIK0LnM-fPkym-fPM4qtsr0OfFzAnDi5YcLVLQ8x7kEyN92VXLTPrCBOQHRTeJn2pAoiAfd0NLE-iVEFoTmcu-D3sB8wiDc_kvXHYi06SIHvpPIHyeFbV5/w400-h320/322015%20(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Nuthatch hungry for insects</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A place worthy of attention and recognition – <i>and yes, exultation!</i> – because it is a place revered and sought out by many birds for its year-round water source in a precious baptismal fountain where they're able to find succor and relief in an oasis like setting of refreshing water in dry conditions.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Ejta39E1SXCyYBFZwTtCNTmg7nXTtY4MjWdifChT1B9wM9vAwOKjI-UcTjWLGeWaaigTiTVIgj4g9FsRLo6s-T_9NyIdX2tRrnX1_hRFR4F0oZqOBDkvnrPsjrt-Ex107F2_l1IMdxfy1iJt7mbc2SOLEjRmaKa0JGflqKUByQvvI6R1A8Yjwos/s2048/11a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Ejta39E1SXCyYBFZwTtCNTmg7nXTtY4MjWdifChT1B9wM9vAwOKjI-UcTjWLGeWaaigTiTVIgj4g9FsRLo6s-T_9NyIdX2tRrnX1_hRFR4F0oZqOBDkvnrPsjrt-Ex107F2_l1IMdxfy1iJt7mbc2SOLEjRmaKa0JGflqKUByQvvI6R1A8Yjwos/w480-h640/11a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Small pools in spring cascade are natural bird baths</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the spring trickles down a small rock face, water pools ever so gently in tiny basins that attract birds to come and cool off and dip in without fear. On a return visit to check if the spring was still flowing, I'm happy to report it is, with a seeming increase in its modest discharge.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyxL4hz6P52I-AYsdKlmktHU0UafBJayoQzbfJaCIq-jspguAlr0RH-b-m-zsev6dMy3RoSLKWhsv9ndcLz3vxIhvDw5mp7k8NXbXfUPx8kp84noHDCx1ZQNKUdDV_ziaz2VjqW-7g2iM-xrUTQ7M7uqbxfkYw-l5aKhD5V4HarqnkS9oS9H85Vu2/s2046/2112019%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyxL4hz6P52I-AYsdKlmktHU0UafBJayoQzbfJaCIq-jspguAlr0RH-b-m-zsev6dMy3RoSLKWhsv9ndcLz3vxIhvDw5mp7k8NXbXfUPx8kp84noHDCx1ZQNKUdDV_ziaz2VjqW-7g2iM-xrUTQ7M7uqbxfkYw-l5aKhD5V4HarqnkS9oS9H85Vu2/w400-h320/2112019%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Towhee asserting landing rights</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm initially dismayed by the absence of bird activity, but things change real soon the quieter I am, the more patient I wait, the finer tuned my senses become.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDwADVNVCeCuLTYIgNmnrs1CoK2RpXrI8pccYmpyqjPO25sQq8s_i4sN-C_p8QMrEU4GP3X7iQhKLSjON6THKHe_dB_p7A9DO9A0eT3Z22eYvfAbAdfP45hqKisKenkC2Cnxivi5ky3cqnGIw3Iy6ku2gjefSfMzD3Uz1kPQYOfNFz0MeFVhn1oIq/s2048/1a1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDwADVNVCeCuLTYIgNmnrs1CoK2RpXrI8pccYmpyqjPO25sQq8s_i4sN-C_p8QMrEU4GP3X7iQhKLSjON6THKHe_dB_p7A9DO9A0eT3Z22eYvfAbAdfP45hqKisKenkC2Cnxivi5ky3cqnGIw3Iy6ku2gjefSfMzD3Uz1kPQYOfNFz0MeFVhn1oIq/w360-h640/1a1d.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Towering Redwoods provide plenty of shelter and sustenance</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Tree top activity springs to life with, first, frantic activity by several <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Chestnut-backed Chickadees</span></b></i>, then crashing the party a few <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Juncos</span></i></b>, followed by a <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Scrub Jay</span></b></i>, a <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Brown Creeper</span></b></i>, and soon, a family of <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Lesser Goldfinches</span></i></b> flies in above the spring's lower foliage.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yTo5-KAcy53y3BiuJhCH1k3gcLyhyJkEJ2iq1b2QDRVSrb4DYxmAnRRXhBGm43AakArc0df426vTkCpg0LAwBkK6w4Jf2uM_ZRUdlNBUq02zkR5cDbZtRXH5eMpCGsVaJDxEDZBlcFPdPAb9Q3F7fMNYrlFJFg9PdEjrhE05bn4KsOJQMeizunkm/s1611/1a1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="1289" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yTo5-KAcy53y3BiuJhCH1k3gcLyhyJkEJ2iq1b2QDRVSrb4DYxmAnRRXhBGm43AakArc0df426vTkCpg0LAwBkK6w4Jf2uM_ZRUdlNBUq02zkR5cDbZtRXH5eMpCGsVaJDxEDZBlcFPdPAb9Q3F7fMNYrlFJFg9PdEjrhE05bn4KsOJQMeizunkm/w320-h400/1a1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Brown Creeper foraging</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In a flash, I spot a mirage of a creature high up, resembling some kind of <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Warbler</span></b></i> I can't zoom in on in time to identify. It might have been a <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hermit</span></b></i> or <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Chestnut-sided</span></b></i> or <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Tennessee</span></b></i>, but I'll never know.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n5wmfODatPd3lvPIkdZgRdCywIp0Hv9DJqfe8Qxu68Z8y19WtIIUxGnuTnjgp77bGll609RKW48D0mByVEnM-O8uB3ahW0Gk0bQiiKiqOsfb7BHJVI2Xyb_w3WbLnHYGtUVlMetEgdI6xjMb60hh0TTli7ehBEr6FfmtDH9Mp40ZFB7pvEyDJE6U/s1714/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1714" data-original-width="1434" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n5wmfODatPd3lvPIkdZgRdCywIp0Hv9DJqfe8Qxu68Z8y19WtIIUxGnuTnjgp77bGll609RKW48D0mByVEnM-O8uB3ahW0Gk0bQiiKiqOsfb7BHJVI2Xyb_w3WbLnHYGtUVlMetEgdI6xjMb60hh0TTli7ehBEr6FfmtDH9Mp40ZFB7pvEyDJE6U/w536-h640/1e.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Townsend's Warbler basking in the cool water of the spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Soon, a recognizable little guy pops into view – the black masked, yellow-faced <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Townsend's Warbler</span></b></i>, always a joy to spot. And – <i>surprise of surprises!</i> – a <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Black and White Warbler</span></b></i> appears ever so fleetingly in the same tree, but chased off by a <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Spotted Towhee</span></b></i> after a very brief glimpse and no photograph. Dang. First ever sighting of a <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">B 'n W Warbler</span></b></i>, though, in the <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Bay Area</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEJrCoSBPA6kHKIwOWPXRTSOw8H5DuhUJdGuyFEg6OJAAO3WQNwg4bfJXg8CmVgGGWBKQtQrKglWFn_g3TmfBT_5uQV5BQyd_CS7i19gSMW4hxR3rv9HWOdtJt-v5vYNZ64n3DChdr6ZYHuj9O051x2Oxv0g_WU6HNl-e4Y2Y6l-QKubkupmpW7vs/s1440/1h.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEJrCoSBPA6kHKIwOWPXRTSOw8H5DuhUJdGuyFEg6OJAAO3WQNwg4bfJXg8CmVgGGWBKQtQrKglWFn_g3TmfBT_5uQV5BQyd_CS7i19gSMW4hxR3rv9HWOdtJt-v5vYNZ64n3DChdr6ZYHuj9O051x2Oxv0g_WU6HNl-e4Y2Y6l-QKubkupmpW7vs/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch is one of three mates at the spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>At the spring, the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Warblers</span></b></i> give way to the big <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Adult Male Green-backed Lesser Goldfinch</span></b></i> and his two female consorts. They perch at the lip of the spring, flick their feathers about, peck their beaks into the water, shake their little bodies free of excess moisture, and contentedly sit there for a good long while enjoying their private little bath while I capture it all on film <i>(as I was able to do with the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Townsend's Warbler</span></b> the week before)</i>.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGnd943EH0cQF3JbvdUFBcpL-VcC9p2R9oxLF2xxsp2teG0GWad5tb5VQMtASC_m03nXlEc5-nKUmtPnt3UXij-N2yg_nf9cUxA-ocLjNQ_WxQV-gLYKgK77VNAsoUAbKl6pJqSLXTjjFQzR_X84FCRU2IE_T5pm1U0uug0V0U5AILsnLx_Wogj_X/s1631/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="1299" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGnd943EH0cQF3JbvdUFBcpL-VcC9p2R9oxLF2xxsp2teG0GWad5tb5VQMtASC_m03nXlEc5-nKUmtPnt3UXij-N2yg_nf9cUxA-ocLjNQ_WxQV-gLYKgK77VNAsoUAbKl6pJqSLXTjjFQzR_X84FCRU2IE_T5pm1U0uug0V0U5AILsnLx_Wogj_X/w510-h640/1f.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinches sharing the perch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />It's a special place, this woodland oasis in our urban midst, where city birds live a wild life, unnoticed, unmolested by all – except maybe a stealth <span style="color: #783f04;"><i><b>Raptor</b></i></span> such as the predacious <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Red-shouldered</i></b></span> or <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Sharp-shinned Hawk</span></i></b> known to frequent the bosque in search of small unsuspecting songbirds . . . not this time, though, and the air fills with sweet tweets.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL_p0l429MfZshwjqP0avDCV08hPoCWnJrEqhKJ5vIkarLI6LOEj8KkNPc46RGxzkIZQ1NJXM_gmE-s6aBlRQiC6dIbIgBVKdn_lgbamI6R7HWGMZZwrPw2CfZhgVXMWTLzYiPZuVP6zTv0Aq--VM6UdccaNCkw1ftmBYF4QFs1Y57-Dmspf4wg5_/s1440/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL_p0l429MfZshwjqP0avDCV08hPoCWnJrEqhKJ5vIkarLI6LOEj8KkNPc46RGxzkIZQ1NJXM_gmE-s6aBlRQiC6dIbIgBVKdn_lgbamI6R7HWGMZZwrPw2CfZhgVXMWTLzYiPZuVP6zTv0Aq--VM6UdccaNCkw1ftmBYF4QFs1Y57-Dmspf4wg5_/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Townsend's Warbler can't get enough of the cool spring water</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">PART 3: December 6, 2015</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Winter's creep and a weak <i>(so far)</i> El Niño have proffered up a few quenching sprinkles so far, barely enough to alleviate the scary dry conditions of the past few months. Still, the refreshing moisture is a reprieve for once hot, thirsty birds suffering from the aridity and heat that roasted the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></b></i> and beyond last summer through the fall.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrhyLMmBuT5sCIpdBsMjQ5Qy93z0s1V-1syyZRvuRJjXsbnNlRsA3imT7wQ-WYTa0_CQJRa89thN-t-VMeI0VsP8rGGVmHK8lzRuuvrn5o0YCb9d8IbxveTpgmDLFkOM56gIpooG3CGLwXZXfM_j7pLV9P3gx1K8-E6cDCZP9uAhSVejBXq_xhg6r/s2048/1zz%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrhyLMmBuT5sCIpdBsMjQ5Qy93z0s1V-1syyZRvuRJjXsbnNlRsA3imT7wQ-WYTa0_CQJRa89thN-t-VMeI0VsP8rGGVmHK8lzRuuvrn5o0YCb9d8IbxveTpgmDLFkOM56gIpooG3CGLwXZXfM_j7pLV9P3gx1K8-E6cDCZP9uAhSVejBXq_xhg6r/w480-h640/1zz%20(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">John Hinkel spring after a night of rain attracts birds aplenty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Fresh run-off from the small spring in <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Berkeley's</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">John Hinkel Par</span></b></i>k spills melodiously over a volcanic rock shelf, a very modest discharge cutting a narrow channel through dew-tinged vegetation. This miniature tableau of <i>"grand nature"</i> is always a pretty and soothing sight.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAop2CDdmkH7IXQEQs7Tq0u6mJ1qKtnDyOIIsVfo6Z7ztXww0vQg6lwxFhLFJ7ikFXNRHchmvrXofRYYZhjyI8BAjZlJiU4oT6GdugMQnvuYiA38m8CNPo1Xnw4Spq7QdWsBBk2jNWzS5sCYk7i9atW45q4WQ2UJ7dXrGQQ_lw-PKalnRzHuagdAMt/s1440/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAop2CDdmkH7IXQEQs7Tq0u6mJ1qKtnDyOIIsVfo6Z7ztXww0vQg6lwxFhLFJ7ikFXNRHchmvrXofRYYZhjyI8BAjZlJiU4oT6GdugMQnvuYiA38m8CNPo1Xnw4Spq7QdWsBBk2jNWzS5sCYk7i9atW45q4WQ2UJ7dXrGQQ_lw-PKalnRzHuagdAMt/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spring viewed from a distance</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In a Zen-simple way, being here connects me and grounds me to the raw earth in the concretized urban environment. I patiently wait for a bird to visit, rapt in the calming sounds of soft gurgling water, attuned to sweet tweets of birds high in the tree tops.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI16zYLx4_48k3XqAP_SaNYUYAhAU_ObqF-gK1XGLgFZ5qxLngJ345l-x3dcHHe1dznhoS-pLLh2ioPMQj9skUQ7hgAik5hVfHyYLeCevC7Bk46ye4w-Pf6_OzBBzHVxeihEpf9NwtadjjwOvKJoZV6VDlxpeUTBCglCmiTOfaXzO7Yykt2PwZEKH/s1920/1aa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI16zYLx4_48k3XqAP_SaNYUYAhAU_ObqF-gK1XGLgFZ5qxLngJ345l-x3dcHHe1dznhoS-pLLh2ioPMQj9skUQ7hgAik5hVfHyYLeCevC7Bk46ye4w-Pf6_OzBBzHVxeihEpf9NwtadjjwOvKJoZV6VDlxpeUTBCglCmiTOfaXzO7Yykt2PwZEKH/w400-h320/1aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Easily overlooked simple beauty of small spring pool at base of cascade</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">When, snap, a pretty little <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Anna's Hummingbird</span></b></i> appears and begins flitting in place where a miniature curtain of water whooshes over the mossy rock lip.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQlNEiRJVU2DhPFoJxFY-fsS9SG5ri_Ur9L8XvPSuqv0tnPtLYJ-H7WzdRsfnH8IUuTfBBQ0WXbe7oF0UKr-SMu3j0a-09ejPAaRt-hTxhgadmZ_UAnI6u5TaB5PD27Kf7CKPykDsiHmPo0Q74GlqXU3nWdVQFkZDV_c1YNKGsyIwD1xYztQUyW3h/s1255/1o.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQlNEiRJVU2DhPFoJxFY-fsS9SG5ri_Ur9L8XvPSuqv0tnPtLYJ-H7WzdRsfnH8IUuTfBBQ0WXbe7oF0UKr-SMu3j0a-09ejPAaRt-hTxhgadmZ_UAnI6u5TaB5PD27Kf7CKPykDsiHmPo0Q74GlqXU3nWdVQFkZDV_c1YNKGsyIwD1xYztQUyW3h/w400-h320/1o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird with wings matching leaf color</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'm fascinated by how this bejeweled little dervish dances and hovers in blurry motionlessness, then deftly alights and manages to grip the mossy surface and proceed to sip and dip, dip and sip, shake things off, repeat several times – very much enjoying her private little spa moment!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspYbuj94ay1o9GKgmA8dMR2Z7Amd5CY_H5qrKCSaX2_VW_aPtuX1WlWxGDZu5jdF5vynAyq6YVk1BWuRMme1imH2Q7l3kIFVddcD_YpV2UAK5USIt-MWBiL5o8Vlqzvg4_JH8ybVE8LXXfkXpSZ_Vw9K6cS9IfxFYTk6T4WtfIAJMEnqifq_2WbDA/s1046/1j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspYbuj94ay1o9GKgmA8dMR2Z7Amd5CY_H5qrKCSaX2_VW_aPtuX1WlWxGDZu5jdF5vynAyq6YVk1BWuRMme1imH2Q7l3kIFVddcD_YpV2UAK5USIt-MWBiL5o8Vlqzvg4_JH8ybVE8LXXfkXpSZ_Vw9K6cS9IfxFYTk6T4WtfIAJMEnqifq_2WbDA/w400-h320/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird motionless in air</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>What unprecedented agility and ability, what a highly evolved talent, to just be able to hang in space like that! How does such a tiny creature generate and sustain the enormous expenditure of energy needed to accomplish such an everyday common feat? <i>(And much more during mating outlays of energy and insanely arduous migration treks.)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRuFjXOImBu16qNQl0sVXYUpUVVvJgNqImIkpV07Cfe7GxI0dgiPgeDOVPPfka_CJOExubmMkmvQymxknfQ_H_3gVe6rWk-IpngdCysdK_nijX-CV82eL12F7SdICtsWlgzLbOrbsVlSxUQjdtm9kSPfbHWQP5gJDuGLBSFWjZIKGkqmEGhMdeyVh/s1801/1m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="1801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRuFjXOImBu16qNQl0sVXYUpUVVvJgNqImIkpV07Cfe7GxI0dgiPgeDOVPPfka_CJOExubmMkmvQymxknfQ_H_3gVe6rWk-IpngdCysdK_nijX-CV82eL12F7SdICtsWlgzLbOrbsVlSxUQjdtm9kSPfbHWQP5gJDuGLBSFWjZIKGkqmEGhMdeyVh/w400-h320/1m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird at 70 beats a minutes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Imagine the tiny heart motor of this five gram bird beating a thousand times over to power her wings at <i><b>70</b></i> beats a minute during the half-second I'm able to capture her in action.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnFjkpITXNS3zH-SP4m79JeUZLh8RgTyrT4PD1Moy-OYc2DBtC90HkyfK_xJw4EHHXS0c2A-rIZXAZIxNmlvTQlJuLUAQbrc9SJpICW5Npi7vABq2v7GiPUH0uXhmevkD2WQzMfJ3408GN3yetX1z2tpBn2wQ1FEiv6gyx9AIrehTkCAuyjKBE3pc/s2048/a1ab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnFjkpITXNS3zH-SP4m79JeUZLh8RgTyrT4PD1Moy-OYc2DBtC90HkyfK_xJw4EHHXS0c2A-rIZXAZIxNmlvTQlJuLUAQbrc9SJpICW5Npi7vABq2v7GiPUH0uXhmevkD2WQzMfJ3408GN3yetX1z2tpBn2wQ1FEiv6gyx9AIrehTkCAuyjKBE3pc/w480-h640/a1ab.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">View of spring freshet from up top near road</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>It is who she is.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>It is what she does.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNHphOxkP7-BG72kJ_-mERR-kdvprhW3dK2_sr-pIJ5sqalGirKbd2Q75fmqGdkKAJGZciLpco-qACI4-IJpW4tRaXw7zWNKA0mocSS53MRQ7k31ybppzBp7n9Qd5m6G29KPO_PmeLHvxhDBAFXeUw91LdryfUYG38jKsiEjeEkGcYvZyy2On5UsA/s1611/1n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1611" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNHphOxkP7-BG72kJ_-mERR-kdvprhW3dK2_sr-pIJ5sqalGirKbd2Q75fmqGdkKAJGZciLpco-qACI4-IJpW4tRaXw7zWNKA0mocSS53MRQ7k31ybppzBp7n9Qd5m6G29KPO_PmeLHvxhDBAFXeUw91LdryfUYG38jKsiEjeEkGcYvZyy2On5UsA/w400-h320/1n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird fluttering around the spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This special bird is one of just <i><b>3</b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hummingbird</span></b></i> species out of <i><b>300</b></i> worldwide and <i><b>12</b></i> in <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">North America</span></i></b> native to our area. And hard to believe that for such a tiny being she possesses the largest brain capacity of any contender in the bird kingdom.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4ze1Sh5bf-KJ-aiiweemN1jKNUVyEMledvOxbxKau48IPxC8ySRc4tmjSm69eOVF6UWjHBV4zX2GodwOUNsFezwzOUuyJs03he585jz41KP1DyE0kYkiniMCEzaO-69ptVUUDTC6LQDqnbNMk82KxtcXf7oS0PI9U_BrF5dOCZVNkivzMgKdhonm/s1920/1p.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4ze1Sh5bf-KJ-aiiweemN1jKNUVyEMledvOxbxKau48IPxC8ySRc4tmjSm69eOVF6UWjHBV4zX2GodwOUNsFezwzOUuyJs03he585jz41KP1DyE0kYkiniMCEzaO-69ptVUUDTC6LQDqnbNMk82KxtcXf7oS0PI9U_BrF5dOCZVNkivzMgKdhonm/w400-h320/1p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird about to dip</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>(I've read many references to this body weight / brain weight ratio fact, but can it be true? This tiny being? No matter, they're smart little suckers!)</i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnUhBiSSAss75PqueA_28N21IBNhd35vdf59o0-HaOCy6bCN07U2hdQ4RoFVrrdQt32_ArY6f2goJ4H3QMx2dusg-H50NrD_hhNEDC1m7TDN6MTdwT_QphVVw_PHYdlLZAEpzh8u_kYOerjqrIMQk9CS-UARbyLAIySy7jaBVux-8btVaCOErk208/s2048/1q.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnUhBiSSAss75PqueA_28N21IBNhd35vdf59o0-HaOCy6bCN07U2hdQ4RoFVrrdQt32_ArY6f2goJ4H3QMx2dusg-H50NrD_hhNEDC1m7TDN6MTdwT_QphVVw_PHYdlLZAEpzh8u_kYOerjqrIMQk9CS-UARbyLAIySy7jaBVux-8btVaCOErk208/w360-h640/1q.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The precious spring is a life-giving gift to many creatures</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I can't take my eyes <i>(or video cam)</i> off her, watching her doing her unwatched thing, observing her operating unobserved in her magnificent <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Hummingbird</span></b></i> world . . . except there's me, a voyeur with a video cam. Is <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Ms. Anna</span></b></i> aware?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn1KTHIiB0--6ybmsBNYYsuNLD-mXJeit-DyliETG6CEJy6gPSerw_GbBQU5PIqPQQYSy3DndCthziGsSH5dnLF0QYXERYhf-0nSBXnVZkmBA8Q-bWozbeJNDxHpsDpllkrAsy_nCZrClludXVN9m58tYYsgKxLOg0bYZsULu6sJeaaB9x-r4DV_s/s1158/1w.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn1KTHIiB0--6ybmsBNYYsuNLD-mXJeit-DyliETG6CEJy6gPSerw_GbBQU5PIqPQQYSy3DndCthziGsSH5dnLF0QYXERYhf-0nSBXnVZkmBA8Q-bWozbeJNDxHpsDpllkrAsy_nCZrClludXVN9m58tYYsgKxLOg0bYZsULu6sJeaaB9x-r4DV_s/w400-h320/1w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dark-eyed Junco in the runoff for most time spent</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Probably she is, and she also intuitively knows I bear no harm or ill intent; more likely, the draw of the water, the prospect of a bath and a drink, is too powerful a magnet to keep her away. When, like her appearance before, snap, she's suddenly gone like a quantum particle.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jHAU2zyeSt30MMAnds1FtFIl97lizAE19DCDR87kK4LiXchO5xzf88y-IVoD1GDIGnkN7DvBJjmjd_J7QiTOHNj-5Im2L28uYwtYSQsndBjpHu7YjxD9bXNeeV63E1wrMJOCYVec_ZCoMUBTUj3lAbYd8IKonqn9ND7VbKFEtzxkIjZrR9N9bprQ/s1422/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1422" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jHAU2zyeSt30MMAnds1FtFIl97lizAE19DCDR87kK4LiXchO5xzf88y-IVoD1GDIGnkN7DvBJjmjd_J7QiTOHNj-5Im2L28uYwtYSQsndBjpHu7YjxD9bXNeeV63E1wrMJOCYVec_ZCoMUBTUj3lAbYd8IKonqn9ND7VbKFEtzxkIjZrR9N9bprQ/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hermit Thrush enjoying Toyon berry smorgasbord</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On the trail back, I thrill to the sight of a <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Hermit Thrush</span></b></i> flying into a red-berried bush to perch and munch. Pretty little thing.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdpDggb3xtACOW8pw_bxtMAaB7Encnf8T-0dKHQplvte0f1O70illKg_nuOy91Bjy_3WU9GPObwFGjnteB-iNl5d3YpJDoOGR9QvMxE1UlI50aK5fFRfx8dCKdxiIezAze3DZphkKuYGJcwYMf-AO-CwjwR9qDTrWuV_yGXnm2wcO6G5jjZa0p5gv/s1483/1aaa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="1483" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdpDggb3xtACOW8pw_bxtMAaB7Encnf8T-0dKHQplvte0f1O70illKg_nuOy91Bjy_3WU9GPObwFGjnteB-iNl5d3YpJDoOGR9QvMxE1UlI50aK5fFRfx8dCKdxiIezAze3DZphkKuYGJcwYMf-AO-CwjwR9qDTrWuV_yGXnm2wcO6G5jjZa0p5gv/w400-h320/1aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet deigning to show red "tam"</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, and a <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i> flashing his red crown for a nano-second.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV76DhkgNQyuO0IrG4rFuh5s9_dHFM-W8TT4mnwmoe3s3_aWGRkGXMhadRJ5pDYgQmRM2k5ilRR7VVb2xQq1A-dLKXRewvFocwzfgvPIWhYqCcEv5uK7dPcLD_w7eLIMbnfgZf2FOXjVHBzbP93igl6poZvI7uLXKcYgjGIUANGZ27s4uoc6xyC5YR/s1283/4_blog%20(88)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV76DhkgNQyuO0IrG4rFuh5s9_dHFM-W8TT4mnwmoe3s3_aWGRkGXMhadRJ5pDYgQmRM2k5ilRR7VVb2xQq1A-dLKXRewvFocwzfgvPIWhYqCcEv5uK7dPcLD_w7eLIMbnfgZf2FOXjVHBzbP93igl6poZvI7uLXKcYgjGIUANGZ27s4uoc6xyC5YR/w400-h320/4_blog%20(88)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren (as opposed to a Winter Wren - doh!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And a <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Winter Wren</span></b></i>, not <span style="color: #7f6000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Bewick's</span><span> </span><i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Wren</span></b></i>, I'm pretty sure, which would mark only a handful of sightings of the elusive <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Wren</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnSoyVxKtHl_zCNiIigG-NzoGLWu2S6jmX78YMexshVPmOHBaBFQX3ProxNYcTyaDWfLj2Hkf0Eca2nYmhqkjlBHIiQ1nI6k43rNfR3at-t9BvphJHlnKxninNy_EE1tGLnAzVXUJ5ud7rERoc740aFHqAjvSRniUIVTfVgcNE2blRNqIssaO9JY9/s781/1aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="781" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnSoyVxKtHl_zCNiIigG-NzoGLWu2S6jmX78YMexshVPmOHBaBFQX3ProxNYcTyaDWfLj2Hkf0Eca2nYmhqkjlBHIiQ1nI6k43rNfR3at-t9BvphJHlnKxninNy_EE1tGLnAzVXUJ5ud7rERoc740aFHqAjvSRniUIVTfVgcNE2blRNqIssaO9JY9/w400-h308/1aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Winter Wren</i></b></span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>(Photo courtesy of Rhododendrites,<br />CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The three sightings are, in my experience, somewhat rare, or let's say not seen frequently. One other time I saw a <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Hermit Thrush</span></b></i> eating red Toyon berries, and maybe I've seen the <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kinglet's</span></b></i> shock 'o ruby a dozen times, and the lovely <i>(but very busy)</i> putative <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Winter Wren</span></b></i>, I can't remember when I last saw a local <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Wren</span></b></i> that was not a <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Bewick's</span></b></i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Fdh1l6TJFwhb0JZxoKIMbYeZYuFIHrz3KHCjPpI69C4mO_ICFc-iLOqCx609r2YM25Rmn9EWqgWJXB7itYTt-GcTgjnHRCEz_dR6MalqzQE7Mq71dluF_i1y2j2UqymZAOQDTUWNEeYVceA-fhIejVw-QTmp6fyIOuT1G1O7xJhn4aFezD3K5QfE/s1440/a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Fdh1l6TJFwhb0JZxoKIMbYeZYuFIHrz3KHCjPpI69C4mO_ICFc-iLOqCx609r2YM25Rmn9EWqgWJXB7itYTt-GcTgjnHRCEz_dR6MalqzQE7Mq71dluF_i1y2j2UqymZAOQDTUWNEeYVceA-fhIejVw-QTmp6fyIOuT1G1O7xJhn4aFezD3K5QfE/w400-h320/a1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Step right up</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A visit to <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">John Hinkel Park</span></b></i> always yields an interesting bird encounter or three. The park itself is small and quiet, usually absent of people, the air is clean and free from barbecue or chimney smoke, and its moist forest provides a sanctuary for birds, snakes, newts, skinks, and skunks, and no doubt who else.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAbjqadUFfrR_Mi_c4Gm82Cj9jjYTYzF7ivvKJdrFTwgw-A8CPPDNSDm8tMhvwE-M91DNm5l64Qe_9l_0II1kZ-KGE8gh6hMR82YwW_DSJ_uivHT6fZnQg7JhZhNMP8dkOQ_bv_hkEH0ORsAQ_8vdErhl9rXK8OMTxg-hANoBGfqg4N413D2W5Vyy/s1328/1a15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="861" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAbjqadUFfrR_Mi_c4Gm82Cj9jjYTYzF7ivvKJdrFTwgw-A8CPPDNSDm8tMhvwE-M91DNm5l64Qe_9l_0II1kZ-KGE8gh6hMR82YwW_DSJ_uivHT6fZnQg7JhZhNMP8dkOQ_bv_hkEH0ORsAQ_8vdErhl9rXK8OMTxg-hANoBGfqg4N413D2W5Vyy/w414-h640/1a15.jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Excitable little Titmouse</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A night cam would reveal deer and possum, possibly coyotes and mountain lions passing through, right here in <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Wild Berkeley</span></i></b>. Recently the carcass of a <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Great Horned Owl</span></b></i> turned up with a mangled neck, probably self-inflicted by a collision with a fence while hunting for small songbirds.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7L_KtJFfox5WQ4SS8JLuwI8anoSkRi8_p9zyj5dIFXauMvtfBXsWsUPgQCcosXqkDaFBVEdQLcdQop7N2j2cKFwZzQA7V6UFTMIMVJdDs1EKExE5_mIu-UM-l6MNn_BRlShZZuWqFIiF4YN0hr0SMAlY0uiP7nBEaNJEuAVHNzuiQec_aqg-FMn5/s2048/12102013%20(18).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7L_KtJFfox5WQ4SS8JLuwI8anoSkRi8_p9zyj5dIFXauMvtfBXsWsUPgQCcosXqkDaFBVEdQLcdQop7N2j2cKFwZzQA7V6UFTMIMVJdDs1EKExE5_mIu-UM-l6MNn_BRlShZZuWqFIiF4YN0hr0SMAlY0uiP7nBEaNJEuAVHNzuiQec_aqg-FMn5/w400-h300/12102013%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow fattened up</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, thank goodness for our city parks, with their sheltering forests and riparian ways, to slake this city dweller's thirst for a tiny taste of nature; to sate this bird lover's fix to be among such heaven-sent creatures; to remind me of the deep connection with the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Spirit-That-Moves-In-All-Things</span></b></i>, right here in our humble little city parks.</span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP86p-eEOTXu95HGG35vvmpDQD8BIgyWndPagsgnxNV39zHeQctNh5l42Byhpnogr02Le8AF_BGgedsWxV1fgBTxAYCvfdL_8PEg8sw1fe3tlL8RSqjVfJ38d9ji4W6S6cAIbh_N3OXcitdG9u07dGMIdxxGTgW-JRLroGZdk8OjpUkSkBxzO69Cu/s2048/1v.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP86p-eEOTXu95HGG35vvmpDQD8BIgyWndPagsgnxNV39zHeQctNh5l42Byhpnogr02Le8AF_BGgedsWxV1fgBTxAYCvfdL_8PEg8sw1fe3tlL8RSqjVfJ38d9ji4W6S6cAIbh_N3OXcitdG9u07dGMIdxxGTgW-JRLroGZdk8OjpUkSkBxzO69Cu/w360-h640/1v.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">John Hinkel Park</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">spring oasis for</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">hot thirsty birds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>Read more bird-related posts</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>to discover Berkeley's "Nature Park" gems</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>providing urban recreational experiences & sanctuaries</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles & humans:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/berkeley-california-vibrant.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BACKYARD / URBAN BIRDING (July 23, 2013)</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/bird-walkabout-in-berkeley-hills-to.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRD WALKABOUT IN THE BERKELEY HILLS PARKS (December 10, 2013)</span></b></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/of-urban-redoubts-refuges-havens-and.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AVIAN HAVENS & REFUGES IN BERKELEY CITY PARKS (January 3, 2014)</span></a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/berkeleybackyardbirding-live-oak-park.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRD-LICIOUS MOMENTS @ LIVE OAK PARK (August 10, 2014)</span></a><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/backyard-birds-unseen-infinite-hidden.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UNSEEN BIRDS, INFINITE, HIDDEN WELL (May 17, 2015)</b></span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2016/04/teachable-moments-existential-lessons.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY URBAN BIRDS (April 24, 2016)</span></b></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/palm-warbler-stirs-imagination.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">URBAN PARK SIGHTING OF PALM WARBLER (February 11, 2019)</span></b></a><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">ESSAYS & MUSINGS ON THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BIRDS</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ABcwJr2UT1dZtsak9IDJqh-3KqDLnaw5HMbz7Izbc_rwOqUo1icR4yRR28M1rbnGB9wxRBVx_G4xmakDoiAPEQS7BHjxOxIEJkWhAi8G7GtLgLX-ih3B1w33SI63ZwXiLHNj8dveay2m_8ArPDLwt-3rofxFL7S1ErkZYC2RONU8r_S_vICoR6g/s2048/14d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ABcwJr2UT1dZtsak9IDJqh-3KqDLnaw5HMbz7Izbc_rwOqUo1icR4yRR28M1rbnGB9wxRBVx_G4xmakDoiAPEQS7BHjxOxIEJkWhAi8G7GtLgLX-ih3B1w33SI63ZwXiLHNj8dveay2m_8ArPDLwt-3rofxFL7S1ErkZYC2RONU8r_S_vICoR6g/w360-h640/14d.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Urban birds dwellings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Enjoy a walkabout with Gambolin' Man </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>in two of Berkeley's charming, bird-rich parks:</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/03/codornices-creek-paying-homage-to.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">HOMAGE TO CODORNICES PARK & CREEK (2009)</span></b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-oak-park-meditative-strolling-and.html"></a><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-oak-park-meditative-strolling-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LIVE OAK PARK WANDERINGS (2011)</span></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCbGbbU4CIuTgknd8hlODJAQNIcRVpORv2VNyhrhCux5qN0sbnYsHXwo8zkI-yrEQgjOFdirR7I0BhoLcLJctRpxG5UN9eUXtNutXieTAaNpLfogoj-B7YM5KB7C2Q_j00-Ca_UfDTS-QDdQhj7FpUB1PCFsDMYaV2tXB2nYswLPIHp7pz6vJSCr_/s1808/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1808" data-original-width="1357" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCbGbbU4CIuTgknd8hlODJAQNIcRVpORv2VNyhrhCux5qN0sbnYsHXwo8zkI-yrEQgjOFdirR7I0BhoLcLJctRpxG5UN9eUXtNutXieTAaNpLfogoj-B7YM5KB7C2Q_j00-Ca_UfDTS-QDdQhj7FpUB1PCFsDMYaV2tXB2nYswLPIHp7pz6vJSCr_/w480-h640/1a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">Codornices Creek</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>small falls on way</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>to John Hinkel Park</b></i></span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">Bonus videos of beloved parks & creeks in North Berkeley:</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9epiyAZ5M6OlMTYBCRIXeEl" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WALKABOUTS & BIRDING ALONG CODORNICES CREEK</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9f9hZpqoYTzavLJHe7plHat" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>WALKABOUTS IN JOHN HINKEL PARK</b></span></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW3ZWYyIqj4sE4RsDNtzEKC7ykAqNkklPkEib_LAwBmlSVHFGPV2L94u0K6DyOhMYlC2vMNERhdq64R3gp_0HyrLftE8oRCo6c9KUQCdhtSAtaA52qre20TT0-7Ob2i_aKv2M0aK19Q-i7gUW3_1soen8Uved3vAgbL-DrJZMzdqzYvhgrQADUGg1/s1471/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1103" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW3ZWYyIqj4sE4RsDNtzEKC7ykAqNkklPkEib_LAwBmlSVHFGPV2L94u0K6DyOhMYlC2vMNERhdq64R3gp_0HyrLftE8oRCo6c9KUQCdhtSAtaA52qre20TT0-7Ob2i_aKv2M0aK19Q-i7gUW3_1soen8Uved3vAgbL-DrJZMzdqzYvhgrQADUGg1/w480-h640/1b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">The Urban Birder</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">and</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">berkeleybackyardbirdBLOGGER</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-76192759143447562002015-06-18T20:19:00.134-07:002023-03-31T12:15:12.222-07:00Lazuli Bunting Sightings . . . Here & There (& Not Quite Everywhere)<span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSF4WPulXHlUP4QBAO6F5UofnSossTNEDvFXATZbhC7meVbww4blJB-BmFqAQY3hOS21cKNhpQuUiTYHXVQ0uwMHtpkzYaPhw87C8f85Oe5HrfG5PPZ8IRZPXSJ4U0K3Ho4OaMgHZjG7ye45_hoShbev9OWFSmoEeS2jvxti4poKV6RccELcxvmHo/s400/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSF4WPulXHlUP4QBAO6F5UofnSossTNEDvFXATZbhC7meVbww4blJB-BmFqAQY3hOS21cKNhpQuUiTYHXVQ0uwMHtpkzYaPhw87C8f85Oe5HrfG5PPZ8IRZPXSJ4U0K3Ho4OaMgHZjG7ye45_hoShbev9OWFSmoEeS2jvxti4poKV6RccELcxvmHo/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lazuli Bunting perched atop tree snag looking for mate</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Finally! A Lazuli Bunting!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcJkYXsF803IGHwmd1ptan2BPwK1N2DOl7cXaQhmFGmZrRzGstVfNHbqlV1X8viEDBEPHsEO4aw5DZYxdyZznLtO-Y11E6GhVLDSXv4arWIEWjnmzq0VmbdGB843-P1etbvRor0AAlII5f9cOsn7TN3c4vM2gdBxrNSMtitoasShvPnUEDGK0DU9r/s1277/1n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcJkYXsF803IGHwmd1ptan2BPwK1N2DOl7cXaQhmFGmZrRzGstVfNHbqlV1X8viEDBEPHsEO4aw5DZYxdyZznLtO-Y11E6GhVLDSXv4arWIEWjnmzq0VmbdGB843-P1etbvRor0AAlII5f9cOsn7TN3c4vM2gdBxrNSMtitoasShvPnUEDGK0DU9r/w400-h320/1n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Water District (EBMUD) land rich in bird and wildlife</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">A rare appearance in my birding experience,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">I'll have you know.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhypcmXZTvS0Z0fjJvFGyUuwEqEaCTgqvqRfRlO4zpDFGhH6_ECMETy_jw7oqYa2q8rMhe1puec-MfCa0uXfmMjohl-y0gpDz_eH8ipIp5F11cY4HAQ1C0TvNZwF7tiW4SekiGEpHOcPDjln7Gv57eMfBMxYVazOvNZmceBeNRifSfT-cy2F3Ttf-P/s3813/1f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3050" data-original-width="3813" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhypcmXZTvS0Z0fjJvFGyUuwEqEaCTgqvqRfRlO4zpDFGhH6_ECMETy_jw7oqYa2q8rMhe1puec-MfCa0uXfmMjohl-y0gpDz_eH8ipIp5F11cY4HAQ1C0TvNZwF7tiW4SekiGEpHOcPDjln7Gv57eMfBMxYVazOvNZmceBeNRifSfT-cy2F3Ttf-P/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lazuli Bunting mate with insect in beak</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>I've actually met people</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>who have shrugged them off</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>like they're common ol' birds to spot.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo6_qX2C8A2uCWDaoYC8dWMfGiSMbV1mZMbctKk6GVTA9jAPb2n1nPPldE68oHWYKWfeROyXOXiEGVA57RhDAvumpAFY8I5RUaPBYmF2jUvgtPSzgwDOCFZObuSM_YV69miCdT2jS-kKgaQ6G0kl0YyxlQjUqjTtF7sdETvuwsmHm6e_B8v8NEyaJ/s2046/1aa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo6_qX2C8A2uCWDaoYC8dWMfGiSMbV1mZMbctKk6GVTA9jAPb2n1nPPldE68oHWYKWfeROyXOXiEGVA57RhDAvumpAFY8I5RUaPBYmF2jUvgtPSzgwDOCFZObuSM_YV69miCdT2jS-kKgaQ6G0kl0YyxlQjUqjTtF7sdETvuwsmHm6e_B8v8NEyaJ/w400-h320/1aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Horses grazing on watershed lands</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Not so!</i></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCOyXuUp_kzkZ-uE-ehnV8yx_t8Bp-9VDzY5l-2O52pYLscezzQ9o-sgjG9W2VEe7YnfLv7FGlM1BL5k4aQxnSb7CRxU4HEhuUfNKWAhAu1-a2SWzqe9NIBTTGStD6skcnbEEWg1vMEmV1FvRZzaA8wzaSKezPsiOh2oLtobg6PH0JEm-LDA-T_bE/s2048/2_blogg%20(27)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="2048" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCOyXuUp_kzkZ-uE-ehnV8yx_t8Bp-9VDzY5l-2O52pYLscezzQ9o-sgjG9W2VEe7YnfLv7FGlM1BL5k4aQxnSb7CRxU4HEhuUfNKWAhAu1-a2SWzqe9NIBTTGStD6skcnbEEWg1vMEmV1FvRZzaA8wzaSKezPsiOh2oLtobg6PH0JEm-LDA-T_bE/w400-h313/2_blogg%20(27)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay on the move</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">First off, how can you not get excited</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">about seeing the exotic-looking cousin</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">of the even more exotic-looking </span><span style="color: #990000;">Painted Bunting?</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDEqDUpyhzPLr7jB5wgdiWyQ1scA5Z_sLz2zGMnqC_NwJ_MJw7bJELjzR9Cn9j4WCl3-2jjXwpmhFETBULMlBpKjPtrVluN1QysLmjmXW4nTIrS7BQ7pxJCfDjihmk43IVNq6nSTQNaH4DJvisNBwgc17undX2LLIeRZWMIkn0jBTe3_VZrrL9r_D/s766/Passerina_ciris-20090208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="766" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDEqDUpyhzPLr7jB5wgdiWyQ1scA5Z_sLz2zGMnqC_NwJ_MJw7bJELjzR9Cn9j4WCl3-2jjXwpmhFETBULMlBpKjPtrVluN1QysLmjmXW4nTIrS7BQ7pxJCfDjihmk43IVNq6nSTQNaH4DJvisNBwgc17undX2LLIeRZWMIkn0jBTe3_VZrrL9r_D/w400-h297/Passerina_ciris-20090208.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Painted Bunting (photo courtesy of Doug Janson)</span></b></i><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0<br />via Wikimedia Commons</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">And yet, the bird is considered common.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjd_SAjcZvSy2OtkTB1m4B3hfhRmIyKo2Nl9susTgwuz-3nbLHJtflFAXDGxRT8t4PpKek5yfzojjyKS95venv1I99nGp4G2QR0CYr5XQvHtdblomjmJ6oDhLrqgbvS0urcUZht56z7aT5HbFDIjCbNYAbunoNv4onEc1XXSxusmoI8tAjXxnJ3PR/s1440/1p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjd_SAjcZvSy2OtkTB1m4B3hfhRmIyKo2Nl9susTgwuz-3nbLHJtflFAXDGxRT8t4PpKek5yfzojjyKS95venv1I99nGp4G2QR0CYr5XQvHtdblomjmJ6oDhLrqgbvS0urcUZht56z7aT5HbFDIjCbNYAbunoNv4onEc1XXSxusmoI8tAjXxnJ3PR/w400-h320/1p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mama Turkey and her poults in tow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><i><b>Perhaps even drab by the unenthused and jaded.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuEPv7TZtBUTC9S7aBJH7wIcloViwvlWzm1mSbEVifL9IyiUW8lk2yQZhME_XScEhPJ746JGmKNwPsZJt16rdqc_vHF0ZBGvGdr7HZbbBV3cLfEEZOq2BknU-y9BTQZaSifj_augeaNtz0E2_RHIHY0V9JSmoN70xSXmPHYnQh0dttwDTrL7LnGLL/s1362/1l.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuEPv7TZtBUTC9S7aBJH7wIcloViwvlWzm1mSbEVifL9IyiUW8lk2yQZhME_XScEhPJ746JGmKNwPsZJt16rdqc_vHF0ZBGvGdr7HZbbBV3cLfEEZOq2BknU-y9BTQZaSifj_augeaNtz0E2_RHIHY0V9JSmoN70xSXmPHYnQh0dttwDTrL7LnGLL/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler of the "Audubon" variety (perhaps)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Many birder sites, including <span style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>All About Birds</b></i></span>, says the elusive <i>(my experience)</i> <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Bunting</i></b></span> is <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">"common in shrubby areas throughout the American West."</span></b></i> Audubon concurs in their conservation status report: <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">"widespread and common."</span></i></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3Z3uZPdbS6vvS9JymUEjbMkBfzKXvfUqdZ0RLePLb4__8l8jRclCnoQ9aFG4lKcRMrVPhXP03T0eai9V_OfWTNeqwjLNjE-X0rpMa_M4Njw2CIWTQ3DP_ZOeleCdHgpFTp_KegkLYPzJStagwamxIf_StioOuWlaEimuMyqeP6dNQZ3wvvgi8fQG/w400-h320/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">View of San Pablo Reservoir from El Toyonal Road</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Common?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">C'mon!</span></b></i> Such a designation belies the colossal wonder and irrepressible awe I experience whenever I see such a bird <i>(a la the</i> <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>;<i> in the vein of a</i> <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hermit Warbler</span></b>)</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMOwvK6wyuzItrzCW2cQK41AS-yGJw3SWnq_GAUazWja8xDqAKM1_625kQn28YFTlbI6IRBlC9n-oUDB-Wpa7uhiMoP3EKKc1QRyQFs3rZuTbjASMZ4NOU3BEDaagoP3s1tAtqz6vqwdJkBz7AnPIBJqMWT_u_emPN6p7QEevWCB6bzNlULZYp6Rn/s1565/4192014%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMOwvK6wyuzItrzCW2cQK41AS-yGJw3SWnq_GAUazWja8xDqAKM1_625kQn28YFTlbI6IRBlC9n-oUDB-Wpa7uhiMoP3EKKc1QRyQFs3rZuTbjASMZ4NOU3BEDaagoP3s1tAtqz6vqwdJkBz7AnPIBJqMWT_u_emPN6p7QEevWCB6bzNlULZYp6Rn/w320-h400/4192014%20(6).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finch emblazoned in color</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Makes me shake my head and wonder,</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">where art thou my sweet little </span><span style="color: #990000;">Bunting?</span></span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-d-cekfogYGXjD8Aoies05m6nx40OZhcQWnsx8VWOvO0PAGcRj1AFO_4ihapfHfbWXkibWq8olExbQjhHXckUPkE5peQrX_mPcgq2xXi9IIVhmUqfQiACMp_-X8qux6CYNIfcYVyOMgrCOxxxDvK-Krt3frj9xf9jonycWFnzOWXmqQ331XMdABO/s640/1g%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-d-cekfogYGXjD8Aoies05m6nx40OZhcQWnsx8VWOvO0PAGcRj1AFO_4ihapfHfbWXkibWq8olExbQjhHXckUPkE5peQrX_mPcgq2xXi9IIVhmUqfQiACMp_-X8qux6CYNIfcYVyOMgrCOxxxDvK-Krt3frj9xf9jonycWFnzOWXmqQ331XMdABO/w512-h640/1g%20(1).jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Lazuli Bunting sheltering in the brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Well, the other day I got lucky and happened to score a good look at the intensely pretty bird. A very fine specimen indeed was spotted hanging out in a small meadow near the horse stables on <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">El Toyonal Road</span></b></i>, an area seen in the photo I have not once ever set foot on.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsga78jdzc3NFt0Y5jMxFCK-EBb_oqFSLmcCCsfw7SgxxyWguqzO8Bi6ensLxmmD-P7VgvX_5BkHFgzHgh1muRSoPrvl4m_xS965IlMl48ueO_yR1kxuj6kqL43sXqV8PaVjNbkAEIeYMZTK2D5kOfzvhFH_V0MlDAantRoGbHIXKXZZOJLfbJLWbz/s862/1b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="862" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsga78jdzc3NFt0Y5jMxFCK-EBb_oqFSLmcCCsfw7SgxxyWguqzO8Bi6ensLxmmD-P7VgvX_5BkHFgzHgh1muRSoPrvl4m_xS965IlMl48ueO_yR1kxuj6kqL43sXqV8PaVjNbkAEIeYMZTK2D5kOfzvhFH_V0MlDAantRoGbHIXKXZZOJLfbJLWbz/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk motionless on thermals</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;">It's water district land, generally off-limits, but an easement allows equestrians right of passage. This is excellent bird habitat and foraging territory, plus downright beautiful and devoid of people.</span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw77NUs8E0u2iyLDBH4YZN43cW4Fzn0CS26FOxFh_wCfjGlZHbb1ZaeTHu-u3iR0QELsDPetUzIDBUdyhtMl4wkBsZjgR_81hvtTl6egoP4QYxXeWpcz4hjtTjp4QJQ5OQTCCiOlnkUv9wKtFBkkARWJBKmS6zDb6UAMGP0xj9bI6VeveuhhzSFS1/s1568/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1568" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw77NUs8E0u2iyLDBH4YZN43cW4Fzn0CS26FOxFh_wCfjGlZHbb1ZaeTHu-u3iR0QELsDPetUzIDBUdyhtMl4wkBsZjgR_81hvtTl6egoP4QYxXeWpcz4hjtTjp4QJQ5OQTCCiOlnkUv9wKtFBkkARWJBKmS6zDb6UAMGP0xj9bI6VeveuhhzSFS1/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren is a abundant - but never common!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I was bound to see a bunting.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Wasn't I?</span></b></i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQyPFYfp_ugxg9MqbaZq13eP2cMsVHnd_j7EPGhaN0BHuVh7EuKNnZFUQi1DNJ3pwB2aDqlG0uLlxp90aaS_KOPTdgDwBPpVRW9ClVK1WkhFHHW_aA87zL7X9Z-XrhjfNPQzueA_RQj4daQ4Wf_Fs7ZJrH4kCeFA1z52afsOY9Z8KmG7Qw26i5Rjm/s1319/1bbb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1319" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQyPFYfp_ugxg9MqbaZq13eP2cMsVHnd_j7EPGhaN0BHuVh7EuKNnZFUQi1DNJ3pwB2aDqlG0uLlxp90aaS_KOPTdgDwBPpVRW9ClVK1WkhFHHW_aA87zL7X9Z-XrhjfNPQzueA_RQj4daQ4Wf_Fs7ZJrH4kCeFA1z52afsOY9Z8KmG7Qw26i5Rjm/w400-h320/1bbb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow family pecking around</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Excellent timing, too, as all special first ever or rare / occasional sightings require. I delayed our bike ride for twenty minutes <i>(thanks Gambolin' Gal!)</i> while fixated, watching the animated bird fly back and forth from high tree branches then disappear in thick ground cover, before fluttering out into the bright open sunlight to reveal a most <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">"beautifully colored bird."</span></b></i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRRBuDE0Y_qiNjt7e_T0lnbJe6pncDG5bRiYUIoUA47T35iaP1R-WjHT1QLGCMVhB_arYASpfbgZk8VpqyFXhLoD8VivW1OBU53gHEGojFM78UYgprgxeSFkwy32FoDPILhUddUz2uUWBHM6e3vA0eQkk3ysVD4iu9DSg8_d1OmNOu4qTCp1ER4pj/s2806/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="2806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRRBuDE0Y_qiNjt7e_T0lnbJe6pncDG5bRiYUIoUA47T35iaP1R-WjHT1QLGCMVhB_arYASpfbgZk8VpqyFXhLoD8VivW1OBU53gHEGojFM78UYgprgxeSFkwy32FoDPILhUddUz2uUWBHM6e3vA0eQkk3ysVD4iu9DSg8_d1OmNOu4qTCp1ER4pj/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lazuli Bunting posing nicely</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> Oddly, on first espying the bird, I suspected but was uncertain it was even a <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lazuli Bunting</span></b></i>, the last bird I expected to see. I was confounded just enough to be convinced it had to be a very glittery <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i>Western Bluebird</i></b></span> with pronounced morph features or something.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuKZ9TSNH6Saqt6g9TLLbATD8P9PbT5b1XRLNdqrb5Sfv1FhC8EOVWM3N24f4DBhvrXcjH1QGoHif93u1fOLWFKKNtkmlRjbIW6jMoeY12EeUwnG5Jr_W9-glocWi_pRYNkQf5nk4XltvRgPhZDZSrRimhVNy3IDIzeC2UqeaJEM7C4OUjZ1tEO2e/s1458/1m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuKZ9TSNH6Saqt6g9TLLbATD8P9PbT5b1XRLNdqrb5Sfv1FhC8EOVWM3N24f4DBhvrXcjH1QGoHif93u1fOLWFKKNtkmlRjbIW6jMoeY12EeUwnG5Jr_W9-glocWi_pRYNkQf5nk4XltvRgPhZDZSrRimhVNy3IDIzeC2UqeaJEM7C4OUjZ1tEO2e/w540-h640/1m.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was about fifty yards distant, so not the best views were afforded, as you can tell by the blurry blow-up photos. And yet, the more I looked, the more excited I became, because this bird was evidently, plainly, a <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lazuli Bunting!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xACXS8iOIMGno6neTezFMI3633abKUBGjB-ilfQQuf65RXfPv7jevfyx-Xj-5bITVGaSiTLQe8soaXbHOqHEybIBCJrWyKB5JsKjkOX44au_d8PrHSxZTeTJR-Ond9E7RZh7KoSLLARmI9-kJ2FlhOxW3KdwuoWLSdmeJBV03LHZzkLrARbP1HFt/s3054/1h.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="3054" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xACXS8iOIMGno6neTezFMI3633abKUBGjB-ilfQQuf65RXfPv7jevfyx-Xj-5bITVGaSiTLQe8soaXbHOqHEybIBCJrWyKB5JsKjkOX44au_d8PrHSxZTeTJR-Ond9E7RZh7KoSLLARmI9-kJ2FlhOxW3KdwuoWLSdmeJBV03LHZzkLrARbP1HFt/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">No mistaking a Lazuli Bunting for anyone else</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Note the brilliant turquoise patinaed head and clean-cut rufous breast plate - two indicators that should have been an immediate tip-off. The characteristic white wing bars, which are totally absent on the <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Western Bluebird</span></b></i>, also should have clued me in right away.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9yFacerF5Ibkq21piKPREPQkxv7wkD2HWOBpKck1PmquCjj6LO3vGvzbhhw1cdPLbSJUjuOz7h6bxhUyewsr953HLx3ryKjQpACjqlb5rSHMswYgmIzQEeet6CIs__Q95Ww_38j-AeS3s_acqWu6sbo3VHkQJwZrfyNGZkpC3X1iH5707dmeR43q/s1440/1o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9yFacerF5Ibkq21piKPREPQkxv7wkD2HWOBpKck1PmquCjj6LO3vGvzbhhw1cdPLbSJUjuOz7h6bxhUyewsr953HLx3ryKjQpACjqlb5rSHMswYgmIzQEeet6CIs__Q95Ww_38j-AeS3s_acqWu6sbo3VHkQJwZrfyNGZkpC3X1iH5707dmeR43q/w400-h320/1o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildflowers in meadow looking toward Seaview Trail in Tilden Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">So, why was I so stumped and mystified? I think it must have to do with the rarity of actually sighting a <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lazuli Bunting</span></i></b>, despite what you read or what people tell you. Or me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm3wxlR4wKbnBp30BrdRm7-eoxjAOIz0kiOemKcgYiM53S9DUmPLaYj6__k2EyuWOJfuZKmtfsBt0FCoFF3MT9phx9P5NNL0yg32J6wyedfjZAomXx5bQuPD5MBW2mfX9HIhMT_Lu2LxPkRx3QHgCjMJUalUFSjIJbPj8oV818IpvIUXYSVNVuwOc/s1917/1k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1917" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm3wxlR4wKbnBp30BrdRm7-eoxjAOIz0kiOemKcgYiM53S9DUmPLaYj6__k2EyuWOJfuZKmtfsBt0FCoFF3MT9phx9P5NNL0yg32J6wyedfjZAomXx5bQuPD5MBW2mfX9HIhMT_Lu2LxPkRx3QHgCjMJUalUFSjIJbPj8oV818IpvIUXYSVNVuwOc/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">No mistaking a Western Bluebird for anyone else</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Checking the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">eBird Occurrence Map</span></b></i> just to see, a massive, amazing influx fans out in a color-coordinated animated map of their migratory patterns from southern <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Arizona</span></b></i> and <span style="color: #0c343d;"><b><i>Baja</i></b></span> during winter to dense movement north in spring and summer.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qRvvH4ie9ADLgOZhAKX6JGawJgbVXIHtjPIgtMI_nFaT6-SYQfPGRKcAAncxijR6RKWRlfqfJX97-_wf403UXiYu6FvWniEj7QolI7Tv1sqtdnfnCdhrQwkScnA_9JjNS9w59nAuAMmOe2KY38S3RZobqCpaNWDcOtTlv4xkvOtV7y_aAD4DdhmX/s1920/11202014%20(45).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qRvvH4ie9ADLgOZhAKX6JGawJgbVXIHtjPIgtMI_nFaT6-SYQfPGRKcAAncxijR6RKWRlfqfJX97-_wf403UXiYu6FvWniEj7QolI7Tv1sqtdnfnCdhrQwkScnA_9JjNS9w59nAuAMmOe2KY38S3RZobqCpaNWDcOtTlv4xkvOtV7y_aAD4DdhmX/w400-h320/11202014%20(45).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Call of the Robin</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Occurrence Map</span></b></i> must denote tens of millions of them! And I have seen but a handful over many years of birding in the <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d6bglw8cqheH3KOJQcvb-0O5oD6kGpG2GNr-EXVMm1jnoy9D53K5qfhRrA4H4Y-nq-B_Dgr__h3g9wcU5yBEq-qkjp1VLozSmPurM4gm59PtK9xl3TNFKdPGwlo1OAjzD_vWvG94P2T2MiDK2Eo4owYHmULC-9sAYPG1i6Pyrgpo21WcHsvkOUmJ/s1152/1i.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="922" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d6bglw8cqheH3KOJQcvb-0O5oD6kGpG2GNr-EXVMm1jnoy9D53K5qfhRrA4H4Y-nq-B_Dgr__h3g9wcU5yBEq-qkjp1VLozSmPurM4gm59PtK9xl3TNFKdPGwlo1OAjzD_vWvG94P2T2MiDK2Eo4owYHmULC-9sAYPG1i6Pyrgpo21WcHsvkOUmJ/w512-h640/1i.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lazuli Bunting singing in the trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lazuli Bunting</span></i></b> is now singing in the high tree top, perched on a leafy branch tweeting his sweet unique melody to the world, to whoever will hear him: a rival male, a breeding female, a curious <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Crow</span></i></b>, maybe a spellbound lucky human being . . .</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CLzIfeTkTpI3Q8vQ6iiJJd6Z0QT7Cr_PdjXps7OcBR5rkrGWTtvavn1W1Kd1t8Byb6UALrEy9QLRalgK2snsWZxFj5miQCyzy_kqtSVDKAfYFd3NY1Fu9B7I4J7z0tDdhiwFtUZ-CFqnZUZEsir33HfARqL51NGzVgT9XBfzK4iMO59yNIJ7La2F/s400/7132014%20(37).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CLzIfeTkTpI3Q8vQ6iiJJd6Z0QT7Cr_PdjXps7OcBR5rkrGWTtvavn1W1Kd1t8Byb6UALrEy9QLRalgK2snsWZxFj5miQCyzy_kqtSVDKAfYFd3NY1Fu9B7I4J7z0tDdhiwFtUZ-CFqnZUZEsir33HfARqL51NGzVgT9XBfzK4iMO59yNIJ7La2F/w400-h300/7132014%20(37).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gambolin' Man walkin' the walk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">. . . eyewitness to the</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">subtle majesty and beauty</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">of a </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">"common"</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> miracle . . .</span></span></i></b></div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwuE3-0elcBOx1uox1vYt--eI7e74pO8KEWxokjO9cz7ApICKje2SfaG-xSC_7d4qSDGKWCqMQqS5nIW4GLWKznqBSP3Ee6bpVQs46VM-neEB9bejW4hf6jYv2EuGX8ka9SB2gXXzLwmRRnVfNFPxkAUgp37jAxD350h99kLgOgcohiGL8FM6BT_b/s2048/1aaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwuE3-0elcBOx1uox1vYt--eI7e74pO8KEWxokjO9cz7ApICKje2SfaG-xSC_7d4qSDGKWCqMQqS5nIW4GLWKznqBSP3Ee6bpVQs46VM-neEB9bejW4hf6jYv2EuGX8ka9SB2gXXzLwmRRnVfNFPxkAUgp37jAxD350h99kLgOgcohiGL8FM6BT_b/w480-h640/1aaaaaa.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Simple beauty of a gully</span><br /><span style="color: #783f04;">cut by a seasonal creek<br />on watershed lands</span></i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-41665410040142341802015-05-17T13:34:00.253-07:002023-03-31T12:09:29.202-07:00Backyard Birds Unseen, Infinite, Hidden Well in Their Private Little Universe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvQFf0o5px5gBwFBlh6fxbS6Vj_cQ2MCBX2lJENHMj7v69zDPAGF-ViB6Fv-RUiyfCpc5IxX3kdYKywR0gDDRviFidF8arP-nLZ4kTZHAUKIDRBB-qlM4HfsuPN0zqXLyvo3wJW7tQBZ7rdo35-0M3geK5SuJ3W5ZE_1Bma5vTK2Y68awbbooCJhw/s1687/1d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1687" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvQFf0o5px5gBwFBlh6fxbS6Vj_cQ2MCBX2lJENHMj7v69zDPAGF-ViB6Fv-RUiyfCpc5IxX3kdYKywR0gDDRviFidF8arP-nLZ4kTZHAUKIDRBB-qlM4HfsuPN0zqXLyvo3wJW7tQBZ7rdo35-0M3geK5SuJ3W5ZE_1Bma5vTK2Y68awbbooCJhw/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rufous Hummingbird posing in resplendent plumage</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Of imminent springtime,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #800180;">Walt Whitman</span><span style="color: #351c75;"> wrote:</span></span></i></b></div></span><br /><span><i><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGUO2UqON2r9GueaCz08E3QMlOrLFO6d8QZL7mkq1ORlybB9MJSKvxUq8Kpy_jcNjl0h8PJ62o00BunWmvEc5EVaEH_pPvWDEh7bottnHodN_7nNkXoSVAaJr418-ZVv-jmvNr_PMyxpZn5dBcuoWm8uwfe8JFfpzScJD5YEvWxXJNGXWsH-gN-RJ/s1502/121212.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1502" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGUO2UqON2r9GueaCz08E3QMlOrLFO6d8QZL7mkq1ORlybB9MJSKvxUq8Kpy_jcNjl0h8PJ62o00BunWmvEc5EVaEH_pPvWDEh7bottnHodN_7nNkXoSVAaJr418-ZVv-jmvNr_PMyxpZn5dBcuoWm8uwfe8JFfpzScJD5YEvWxXJNGXWsH-gN-RJ/w400-h320/121212.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Small flower bud emerging</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></i></div></i></span><br /><span><i><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">" . . . unseen buds, infinite, hidden well."</span></i></b></div></i></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO056rHZC4QRJlT6_x8Jmw4lDeT1ROjbk6pumykDeuBvaEGvQ-BkNgFWZJ8m3KuOVa3jMeGQsu2HgtK4m8z_V9W3qtsEVh-6nBY4EdVfq-I8rrXd-UHYzTNEzoCUyZH-jiGo_X9u6T_xAWbpr8sXnte3ZnzObHLPg2INwQs6RgL-roXBhx6IMNc1RW/s400/1_blog%20(33)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO056rHZC4QRJlT6_x8Jmw4lDeT1ROjbk6pumykDeuBvaEGvQ-BkNgFWZJ8m3KuOVa3jMeGQsu2HgtK4m8z_V9W3qtsEVh-6nBY4EdVfq-I8rrXd-UHYzTNEzoCUyZH-jiGo_X9u6T_xAWbpr8sXnte3ZnzObHLPg2INwQs6RgL-roXBhx6IMNc1RW/w480-h640/1_blog%20(33)_7612.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">108-year old Interior Live Oak gracing side yard on Berryman Street in North Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><b>As with the birds </b></i></span><i style="color: #444444;"><b>he might have added,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>for every move the little ones make</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>is easy to miss.</b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl0DaHbX9x7c4i13dNOzFN8Ir1A6FLOfec1E74Dz9Z30B1PCGuqIB22K_xISzlXYMyLKmEA8wU7zx8p5ZMjSmOB2JMH5Y7zkAozXlWykJ4HL834gckyt-F4OhaklWfh9vaEqKTFGTkudFXOcZiSNEMKZleUw79e2u9SIpO7sFPnmwgYKkSEfsxpuc/s1806/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl0DaHbX9x7c4i13dNOzFN8Ir1A6FLOfec1E74Dz9Z30B1PCGuqIB22K_xISzlXYMyLKmEA8wU7zx8p5ZMjSmOB2JMH5Y7zkAozXlWykJ4HL834gckyt-F4OhaklWfh9vaEqKTFGTkudFXOcZiSNEMKZleUw79e2u9SIpO7sFPnmwgYKkSEfsxpuc/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Beautiful little Rufous Hummingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>And that's when you're paying attention.</i></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCu_pj52SiDsjtQ-Lw2U_RoKeAWp0RB1dmU4kpMP9x8hUF7-hUjFPSsD6WnhuPre7GYZIqzGEGspN9EcXO70uVAAU9RVZ0Ak80O8vVel99BG6Vzyac6vRhfjWVuOUcMWhvxGBsU5jV8GBwbcvAhyFbmysvL444D5x-m4czpiWS7H-GksBvDB26LRH/s4608/132014%20(29).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCu_pj52SiDsjtQ-Lw2U_RoKeAWp0RB1dmU4kpMP9x8hUF7-hUjFPSsD6WnhuPre7GYZIqzGEGspN9EcXO70uVAAU9RVZ0Ak80O8vVel99BG6Vzyac6vRhfjWVuOUcMWhvxGBsU5jV8GBwbcvAhyFbmysvL444D5x-m4czpiWS7H-GksBvDB26LRH/w480-h640/132014%20(29).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Surprise gusher (Benner Falls) just outside of Codornices Park in North Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">When tuned out,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">the infinitesimal activity of birds</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">might as well take place on a different plane.</span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdA-sM8qpqWHifpACC3h_BcCAYDAhFB0GlaTIaWfC0GfSnxooR87Gt8MRTGrJ08o65EF5YmJ3dPnO4ZZHMWvzzVkGoQWTE2KkzDIAcoszt1Q_dUDcVwx8WV978sBhQGMxPqvx8DPP7D7B3gTtdFmL8Ep4ec6IVHOXR1GhoFeE_n3JP-t-fv_S15Fl/s1642/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="1642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdA-sM8qpqWHifpACC3h_BcCAYDAhFB0GlaTIaWfC0GfSnxooR87Gt8MRTGrJ08o65EF5YmJ3dPnO4ZZHMWvzzVkGoQWTE2KkzDIAcoszt1Q_dUDcVwx8WV978sBhQGMxPqvx8DPP7D7B3gTtdFmL8Ep4ec6IVHOXR1GhoFeE_n3JP-t-fv_S15Fl/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird seeking honey to suckle</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Yet the cute, ubiquitous creatures</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">operate in plain sight,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">all about us, all day long.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKQLdNobrCCEEKNTVGcJgzVs5ygCsLksLZzKCHz6r2OILnpKRZGKSGTUaXmCNbMpPVZhSACLgYWpqts4IkdJux25_PA8f587rFvEQ7TGkQN6kNEIVWWtPkz3EjqgoPvYueUS7e8r559YLabuqQp72wDwmgZW9cGzUCeUzFDpObXyruZU8mhSPB0Z3/s1440/11172014%20(43).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKQLdNobrCCEEKNTVGcJgzVs5ygCsLksLZzKCHz6r2OILnpKRZGKSGTUaXmCNbMpPVZhSACLgYWpqts4IkdJux25_PA8f587rFvEQ7TGkQN6kNEIVWWtPkz3EjqgoPvYueUS7e8r559YLabuqQp72wDwmgZW9cGzUCeUzFDpObXyruZU8mhSPB0Z3/w400-h320/11172014%20(43).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">How is it possible to miss this pretty Robin</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">How is it possible to miss them?</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUarwCX4O8G5LcZlrtj7pTvkXb9AnKLVratsTrLiVv0DzYOa96H7c_U5hn1j0LWyP5Lz151vP3i6W4Mpg71hH8YP_HAm-2i_aHK981JsgiMYGZtsoNlKI_ootiofK9Rs_Nk7HfNRd6O7rwGv8MXI5LwUHp1TAt-Gv2hnLqtoYFZzTjzbS4zdjuXOcl/s2161/11112%20(12).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1729" data-original-width="2161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUarwCX4O8G5LcZlrtj7pTvkXb9AnKLVratsTrLiVv0DzYOa96H7c_U5hn1j0LWyP5Lz151vP3i6W4Mpg71hH8YP_HAm-2i_aHK981JsgiMYGZtsoNlKI_ootiofK9Rs_Nk7HfNRd6O7rwGv8MXI5LwUHp1TAt-Gv2hnLqtoYFZzTjzbS4zdjuXOcl/w400-h320/11112%20(12).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Tanager dropping in pines for a rare visit</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Yet we do.</i></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiQih4ZpPN5gb9W1mE_BKH1eB6q9DjZ5MELARCvb_dqsJv73xTMqxaB-_6v8WG3vI3BKSFwUIS1XQNDUEBb1_WLkrMoi8_dFeNj1pN59ATh4cs9kdZUX7sfx9UC5CHzSEDUWdF2Pn-jkNbQ57gD9silR935Py42yBf7RJyWG9rBQfbwfUwGLDOrVL/s2048/362014%20(40).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="2048" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiQih4ZpPN5gb9W1mE_BKH1eB6q9DjZ5MELARCvb_dqsJv73xTMqxaB-_6v8WG3vI3BKSFwUIS1XQNDUEBb1_WLkrMoi8_dFeNj1pN59ATh4cs9kdZUX7sfx9UC5CHzSEDUWdF2Pn-jkNbQ57gD9silR935Py42yBf7RJyWG9rBQfbwfUwGLDOrVL/w400-h295/362014%20(40).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Corvid family of 9</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>To appreciate their</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>flitty comings and flighty goings,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>timing is everything.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>Noticing and paying attention is another. </b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8r8Fya1-diJJumgI-RkRdgsqLBLZRj52REOMHREu-lKgpN1JzIaViJVEFocDsJI2EOLDIbPMoRjir84nFZMMvQjtl1xoX5SF5syd7MwgchFphbTyKQD4nIdxv5Hy9rWliaOdBjPrmEA6EzrmrLRvBOZ85rhoQDIbP9h9S7OXcW9pvWtomzMUyl09/s1652/1c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8r8Fya1-diJJumgI-RkRdgsqLBLZRj52REOMHREu-lKgpN1JzIaViJVEFocDsJI2EOLDIbPMoRjir84nFZMMvQjtl1xoX5SF5syd7MwgchFphbTyKQD4nIdxv5Hy9rWliaOdBjPrmEA6EzrmrLRvBOZ85rhoQDIbP9h9S7OXcW9pvWtomzMUyl09/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird perched on stem</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Then, and only then,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">will you be able to know and recognize birds</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">as singular, wild creatures,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">special individuals of the Earth</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">who know no boundaries</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">and owe no human a thing.</span></b></i></div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoAULcPvMcDUgaMUcfagh0As8-BBttAtCEk2ECdgk3rXYu2NoxpUQ1iVoEwllTF46DRSjm79G4LDV7RLDNJJZAhxHk4yi7Vk4nKoQ7AIWGhDFquVQFluv4PcGAZCZZytXg2AAXIcyksPmh0FNYKVF2ODbbt6zl6-6_kXBPvdpPa6Sc4rYpPLdWn0X/s400/1h%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoAULcPvMcDUgaMUcfagh0As8-BBttAtCEk2ECdgk3rXYu2NoxpUQ1iVoEwllTF46DRSjm79G4LDV7RLDNJJZAhxHk4yi7Vk4nKoQ7AIWGhDFquVQFluv4PcGAZCZZytXg2AAXIcyksPmh0FNYKVF2ODbbt6zl6-6_kXBPvdpPa6Sc4rYpPLdWn0X/w400-h300/1h%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Codornices Creek running through Live Oak Park - a stone's thrown from home</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>You must really want to appreciate them</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>with an up close and personal,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">oft-single (or absent)-minded effort.</span></i></b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ6OKMeyXHGDyqIv7rBw38qUu_GiVLxoRt4G0ksrRLb3jrzCMNRzptGInoS7drlYdEtO2HAvFTWR8qNceKaG5EQ5NwBjTjJrHPl5gzPve9NW2JY9jB-c5nxoYV6Xu_ZNSoPGGHcPczEILe1nUJKpOxb48yOFqubgpjGmUSQITuNSpEE-1j_DL7Z6g/s400/5102015%20(12).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ6OKMeyXHGDyqIv7rBw38qUu_GiVLxoRt4G0ksrRLb3jrzCMNRzptGInoS7drlYdEtO2HAvFTWR8qNceKaG5EQ5NwBjTjJrHPl5gzPve9NW2JY9jB-c5nxoYV6Xu_ZNSoPGGHcPczEILe1nUJKpOxb48yOFqubgpjGmUSQITuNSpEE-1j_DL7Z6g/w400-h320/5102015%20(12).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Not study them</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>so much as admire them.</i></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P4QxWa1Xnduohbdu-FYitJyOFJsRb6Cde3rZpNIAVy7lALH5pXDW24yHJJJ7SxyE8a_muOgB8WJ4j0ffg5F1osCPIs2O6piDSWBP-MgUgNXnIPKmAPRfBgy1SzIapbbtR_PfiYwG-KZIMuzag4FJTmFo7bhZ2c1Xn8HLGPxeWiOadwnuQ3TTrAAV/s400/111111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P4QxWa1Xnduohbdu-FYitJyOFJsRb6Cde3rZpNIAVy7lALH5pXDW24yHJJJ7SxyE8a_muOgB8WJ4j0ffg5F1osCPIs2O6piDSWBP-MgUgNXnIPKmAPRfBgy1SzIapbbtR_PfiYwG-KZIMuzag4FJTmFo7bhZ2c1Xn8HLGPxeWiOadwnuQ3TTrAAV/w480-h640/111111.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vibrant poppies popping out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>Not split feathers over lineage and genes,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>but to avoid the trap of</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>(as Emerson said to Thoreau):</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx4qCJf5Kw4sMh2MO7DV-niZW73nuEKqZRVewi24rFRwQYDnnstV2k7AkFbHBoaerbnNSXBc5KovJDRESqJZYhn_AjTQxOehFduR7QL2hoWFTI_9NEJWqJLuYl74GovokcThsdUDNcIvqtMKpbrC2nwtDJ3S4U3g5eyz2wBQLk2wjV5txlJxxsOxg/s2021/5blog_9412%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx4qCJf5Kw4sMh2MO7DV-niZW73nuEKqZRVewi24rFRwQYDnnstV2k7AkFbHBoaerbnNSXBc5KovJDRESqJZYhn_AjTQxOehFduR7QL2hoWFTI_9NEJWqJLuYl74GovokcThsdUDNcIvqtMKpbrC2nwtDJ3S4U3g5eyz2wBQLk2wjV5txlJxxsOxg/w400-h320/5blog_9412%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wary-eyed - or curious! - Junco</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">" . . . finding and booking it,</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">lest life should have nothing more</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">to show you."</span></b></i></div></div><div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVir_5TYjFASrkrn39oHe5NiqZEGYzA5-QZOLJYwUVRqIu-NXja7BVxPjD6-w_3FIrwnmBge4Hm0lx5o5wszRRNj3ac-IEahH5AC_3z-M95hcPeFVEpzQ5KeOuZxsHKzXDJFi8cRCA411UaSasXVClPf6lnsfTOIjqiUGvXpdUkz79DMs4m62sBEfJ/s400/2ww.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="400" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVir_5TYjFASrkrn39oHe5NiqZEGYzA5-QZOLJYwUVRqIu-NXja7BVxPjD6-w_3FIrwnmBge4Hm0lx5o5wszRRNj3ac-IEahH5AC_3z-M95hcPeFVEpzQ5KeOuZxsHKzXDJFi8cRCA411UaSasXVClPf6lnsfTOIjqiUGvXpdUkz79DMs4m62sBEfJ/w400-h343/2ww.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-backed Chickadee</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">A simple matter of attuning to birds (and all of nature):</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">just by paying attention,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">just by looking for their presence,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">just by listening for songs,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">just by detecting movement,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">just by noticing birds doing bird things</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">and behaving in uniquely bird ways.</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCizROBIGQIByIVQNDIVU1NKM_REfK0GKFyC0PAnmmkfYlhZkSc8YurrNzAZYq8sQBjm3Q3hAopMVQJGlhAd073r6ji-_7VmU-zrJSmvJrphg1FTayTprjHwbtiSbmZHgOogRk76MN997zU3B5KhddcI9R9EcFmsEDDcKpFF6vKsgwCzhLIHwzeeI2/s400/111111111.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCizROBIGQIByIVQNDIVU1NKM_REfK0GKFyC0PAnmmkfYlhZkSc8YurrNzAZYq8sQBjm3Q3hAopMVQJGlhAd073r6ji-_7VmU-zrJSmvJrphg1FTayTprjHwbtiSbmZHgOogRk76MN997zU3B5KhddcI9R9EcFmsEDDcKpFF6vKsgwCzhLIHwzeeI2/w400-h300/111111111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Redwoods gracing Berkeley city parks</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>Then, and only then,</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>will you become privy to</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i> the subtle rhythm of:</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0Iog2N2QxFNEnYyROh1iAaSfTsDb6r4hXlKsl0aoivfvec35EQjcz4iL0hRkYb1JyTiA9y-PaKMUSYtqDc0YjndH2zbSEUA39SLtEpRG8fRWqiFJqCjY8tn1CZFOYT0HHd-izofnFQl2E68RJztVSsDSi7uQ0_MKy5I-dHKYy1ny_NPqL8wr4ZTd/s400/1r.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0Iog2N2QxFNEnYyROh1iAaSfTsDb6r4hXlKsl0aoivfvec35EQjcz4iL0hRkYb1JyTiA9y-PaKMUSYtqDc0YjndH2zbSEUA39SLtEpRG8fRWqiFJqCjY8tn1CZFOYT0HHd-izofnFQl2E68RJztVSsDSi7uQ0_MKy5I-dHKYy1ny_NPqL8wr4ZTd/w400-h300/1r.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">. . . the miraculous unseen, infinite, hidden . . .</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVVpnNwbUPLSj41RnxJ541x1a4ZKh5SOgT9GHXQ4vS3hsmnCqNo2Dj0MbyzbHviQu1ForZXRKOKB2HSHxqvBLF5MAPOrF3aqsfwo3bbYUTh0XGSwRJvl_lERVrbJ5VswbQrFMOQa4Kh_E3oHWdA4nrbJIQOviIzvVo2C96JwQqmKHgZuigcFbGdwx/s400/22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVVpnNwbUPLSj41RnxJ541x1a4ZKh5SOgT9GHXQ4vS3hsmnCqNo2Dj0MbyzbHviQu1ForZXRKOKB2HSHxqvBLF5MAPOrF3aqsfwo3bbYUTh0XGSwRJvl_lERVrbJ5VswbQrFMOQa4Kh_E3oHWdA4nrbJIQOviIzvVo2C96JwQqmKHgZuigcFbGdwx/w400-h320/22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-shouldered Hawk in Berkeley city park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">. . . LIFE OF BIRDS . . . !</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8nvqzhr25KIvAMBfvx8GYmHb33wAkdMxPzwj7p4HjbwIjjqGX0Yxe5gcn-2OGYeX91bY7aqapFd4fIij7zsI7cNNPzL6Jc4cLQ34fjiWw0O7bFhiJphxBx_rAQbyUjlbVyZHpGIA-naiDVHTRZNI-nT4_x2wZjXsycm1t4zZhT0_JfJj3XSqAm42/s400/26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8nvqzhr25KIvAMBfvx8GYmHb33wAkdMxPzwj7p4HjbwIjjqGX0Yxe5gcn-2OGYeX91bY7aqapFd4fIij7zsI7cNNPzL6Jc4cLQ34fjiWw0O7bFhiJphxBx_rAQbyUjlbVyZHpGIA-naiDVHTRZNI-nT4_x2wZjXsycm1t4zZhT0_JfJj3XSqAm42/w400-h320/26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay on wire perch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thank goodness <i>(say hundreds of thousands of birds)</i> for the forested, creek-fed parks of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Berkeley</span></b></i> and attractive gardens and backyard stands of tall trees offering bounty and shelter for our avian amigos who go about their daily business largely unnoticed and ignored by most.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCkH_xkoJaenoTLLaNRu4z_dUXCJglJ9hbAYoZ5X2a94X16FgRG7cso-lgotFo1oQccDIloulsNiCI_n1a1jpsVE-Gv3qyEFcQkYDNBqR2qk9WpF4o1HFc1RQccXDubZwGMG8FATDpNCWTUZXbAhKJLCJvZg2GrsEkaitjsvHyaEkQ9U2bTFHxeoH/s400/24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="400" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCkH_xkoJaenoTLLaNRu4z_dUXCJglJ9hbAYoZ5X2a94X16FgRG7cso-lgotFo1oQccDIloulsNiCI_n1a1jpsVE-Gv3qyEFcQkYDNBqR2qk9WpF4o1HFc1RQccXDubZwGMG8FATDpNCWTUZXbAhKJLCJvZg2GrsEkaitjsvHyaEkQ9U2bTFHxeoH/w400-h333/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Grosbeak in Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And thank goodness <i>(say a hundred thousand residents)</i> for <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Berkeley's</span></b></i> advocacy of the <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">“City Beautiful Movement”</span></b></i> in <i><b>1914</b></i> to create <i>"nature parks,"</i> urban sanctuaries protecting what's left of what was once wide-spread wilderness in coastal bay hills.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8ukT0sJTDPSdvfgRIyw9zzg-1h255m6Q4Sewi1JCpjWquFx3ZuU6uPGupxT5zhehsD-ALz8PrnQWBqfKd2DQvr_qlAzScYnChNywHG5Z9kRd3LhwRXGKOBJZ-cyn5AjsnKxUMYe46o_qMtRZMdIhu0SJzVL3UPLJfRVwMppftKclKWhdhSZnPLUB/s400/1111.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8ukT0sJTDPSdvfgRIyw9zzg-1h255m6Q4Sewi1JCpjWquFx3ZuU6uPGupxT5zhehsD-ALz8PrnQWBqfKd2DQvr_qlAzScYnChNywHG5Z9kRd3LhwRXGKOBJZ-cyn5AjsnKxUMYe46o_qMtRZMdIhu0SJzVL3UPLJfRVwMppftKclKWhdhSZnPLUB/w480-h640/1111.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Giant Redwood towering above the forest floor in Tilden Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Redwood forests.</span> <span style="color: #351c75;">Canyon waterfalls.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><i>Steelhead running streams.</i></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bay shoreline.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLWIeqHwrdjow9Lb-mh-W6h_wOS3sARC_AtZD-8wJrG9M3xsnadg-8IMjL7aMDcjJNEjijhQ7PehdRu3ihMbsQ4rtOLjq6vDXOuhp67hM31T3gH_aRkJl-fwE_zxI5QTuvN-L2bcc3XO9ij6XrF5fIfCnpTRcniaaIG-efTLlix89utB4GFimNtOX/s1718/11172014%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLWIeqHwrdjow9Lb-mh-W6h_wOS3sARC_AtZD-8wJrG9M3xsnadg-8IMjL7aMDcjJNEjijhQ7PehdRu3ihMbsQ4rtOLjq6vDXOuhp67hM31T3gH_aRkJl-fwE_zxI5QTuvN-L2bcc3XO9ij6XrF5fIfCnpTRcniaaIG-efTLlix89utB4GFimNtOX/w400-h320/11172014%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty Nook Pool along Wildcat Creek in the Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Microcosms of grandiose nature.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Right here in <span style="color: #38761d;">Berkeley.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Anyandeverywhere you live.</span></span></i></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujZSx3krAforyvL-5gDEDkfdOVI26bTlmJNh767xc9yqoEvWdaORjXPvs30F9GJJ1BwOFce9Vnbr9TKRGD0OF-OqHF4w1o6fzW5OffStwLnUlcsWtaWNZSInecYqPWN95BP4SZf5aYZKE-nkgi0GIqY_pisL4PTU5kUK1zVOC706VjmZ4fDGH52y8/s400/23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujZSx3krAforyvL-5gDEDkfdOVI26bTlmJNh767xc9yqoEvWdaORjXPvs30F9GJJ1BwOFce9Vnbr9TKRGD0OF-OqHF4w1o6fzW5OffStwLnUlcsWtaWNZSInecYqPWN95BP4SZf5aYZKE-nkgi0GIqY_pisL4PTU5kUK1zVOC706VjmZ4fDGH52y8/w480-h640/23.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Industrious Acorn Woodpecker</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's anyone's guess how many species and individual birds call <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Berkeley</span></b></i> home. Could be <i><b>200</b></i> species and over <i><b>5,000,000</b></i> residents. In my overgrown backyard, bedrock-cutting <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Codornices Creek</span></i></b> runs through lucky neighbors' property.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyxDS2CRMMaGUwIz0u34KvIy-MRDIdgAsJe1TuVBzGbDyX9tTmU2jEqyUA4MLP6Z9OC0AYnKTrJaIYmLKPyKmPVEWUoQLd0OVFZtsrhnAoR7mKCF2hbEnC7L2QxjO4Un8V08aTmML4lJtHuyNNzH25eSCmjJgo9-DZPzCyu8C39iT6RSOKllMugz1/s1440/1j.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyxDS2CRMMaGUwIz0u34KvIy-MRDIdgAsJe1TuVBzGbDyX9tTmU2jEqyUA4MLP6Z9OC0AYnKTrJaIYmLKPyKmPVEWUoQLd0OVFZtsrhnAoR7mKCF2hbEnC7L2QxjO4Un8V08aTmML4lJtHuyNNzH25eSCmjJgo9-DZPzCyu8C39iT6RSOKllMugz1/w400-h320/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Inspiration for BerkeleyBackYardBirdBlog</b></i></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In a secluded nook harboring a mini-forest, I can hear the soft soul-soothing mellifluous whoosh of the creek. I crane my neck peering into high thick oak boughs, pausing to listen, ever attuned to some skittering or fluttering or flocking, some foraging or nesting or playful interaction.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Iw-ezNqrEEw-V8h5gynZX_OES9QGcvaZNv0jOMnJP57w1FaB_-lluYrwuY6LTzE3TovK0Hlae7I0zScDowT8hMJn5lq207FaZy2mniQ1myh_OiBT3dkIcnzN2K97LpYltPKL8OTosJYNvRESVkzhatzzjo-TsBCNMYH5ZlbDzrB4JFukR3m43gBo/s366/4_blog%20(69)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Iw-ezNqrEEw-V8h5gynZX_OES9QGcvaZNv0jOMnJP57w1FaB_-lluYrwuY6LTzE3TovK0Hlae7I0zScDowT8hMJn5lq207FaZy2mniQ1myh_OiBT3dkIcnzN2K97LpYltPKL8OTosJYNvRESVkzhatzzjo-TsBCNMYH5ZlbDzrB4JFukR3m43gBo/w400-h320/4_blog%20(69)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Brown Creeper snagging some nesting material</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Brown Creepers</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Cooper's Hawks</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Nuttall's </span></b></i><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Woodpeckers</b></i></span> <i>(or </i><i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Downy</span></b></i> <i>or</i> <span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i>Ladderback?</i></b></span><i>)</i>, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hummingbirds</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Finches</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Juncos</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jays</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Kinglets</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Warblers</span></b></i>, you never know who next will show up in my overgrown <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Berkeley</span></b></i> backyard.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc46KM0RX1naD0IA6P9bavY-weOS6PaJdfjbJQoEhB-HGzB1mhyTKb0FlL4zsGJ08q6G4ixpT9dBxyUdD3wIxud2tGz27ooef9j_9JJgLLnLH163k9rUhVT2-0I321HNQHGzHjcQwO8p1HDdmXmXPRfFioSJaEICcMkSoTj1AHY-sr7QL7_uFi1iX/s400/2w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc46KM0RX1naD0IA6P9bavY-weOS6PaJdfjbJQoEhB-HGzB1mhyTKb0FlL4zsGJ08q6G4ixpT9dBxyUdD3wIxud2tGz27ooef9j_9JJgLLnLH163k9rUhVT2-0I321HNQHGzHjcQwO8p1HDdmXmXPRfFioSJaEICcMkSoTj1AHY-sr7QL7_uFi1iX/w400-h300/2w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Oak canopy provides shelter and food for countless species of birds and insects</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">The bucolic setting affords great birding opportunities.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Over the past several weeks, I observe:</span></b></i></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe34Mly6rnKzT1L3KD8tFC38-gCe69j-QafR0scV36rAYXrL-453HE_byIooTHt1IFIjK6vL62fb_sN0Vrs7L2yVZpkF-7vCC1HvahM-V3cC-nvEF-bUCBzRd0k3fflhFrKD-YlsFlroZQef15e_OSgK-aOqSufXT6jJ5y-vc8k2tgjsM5DQXo7w6X/s1439/1g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1439" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe34Mly6rnKzT1L3KD8tFC38-gCe69j-QafR0scV36rAYXrL-453HE_byIooTHt1IFIjK6vL62fb_sN0Vrs7L2yVZpkF-7vCC1HvahM-V3cC-nvEF-bUCBzRd0k3fflhFrKD-YlsFlroZQef15e_OSgK-aOqSufXT6jJ5y-vc8k2tgjsM5DQXo7w6X/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rufous resting for a moment after nectar gathering activity</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Rufous Hummingbird sucking nectar from Chinese Lanterns.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lsBuqdDfyzkfGYHzPe7nFEbGS3fEXlVDby__1QlUfPbLojfbUyuX5vqCdF0MFG5K_wUdbmuBxhCpAyWqmRBomepHD0TLDaZZU8U0MCINF7qqOeFXYlBmKI1esqI2LpgdDauYrntfPtTVvRKmKU2bAe6Q9sJzrxPMxyCaT49pDtfdyy7u0JHtIYze/s1666/1f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lsBuqdDfyzkfGYHzPe7nFEbGS3fEXlVDby__1QlUfPbLojfbUyuX5vqCdF0MFG5K_wUdbmuBxhCpAyWqmRBomepHD0TLDaZZU8U0MCINF7qqOeFXYlBmKI1esqI2LpgdDauYrntfPtTVvRKmKU2bAe6Q9sJzrxPMxyCaT49pDtfdyy7u0JHtIYze/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird in repose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Anna's (?) with bold plumage taking a break.</span></b></i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt77Q-E_Klf73aAWK8sUgkFiCIhOfTLPweOgv3-RqrLlGorLLUh878c1FiT3UBkH2JCMntUdV-s1Co3IXLY1bMNefGxRY9_ltnUeoO4zPIJ4J_eMiMzbuxwtMi8uj3BSu1JXQLja99Qq0LjTnX9Fnyk5fVgeHCfXo1v1F0yn12OSH3ip3l1N9bwq5/s1758/12112014%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt77Q-E_Klf73aAWK8sUgkFiCIhOfTLPweOgv3-RqrLlGorLLUh878c1FiT3UBkH2JCMntUdV-s1Co3IXLY1bMNefGxRY9_ltnUeoO4zPIJ4J_eMiMzbuxwtMi8uj3BSu1JXQLja99Qq0LjTnX9Fnyk5fVgeHCfXo1v1F0yn12OSH3ip3l1N9bwq5/w400-h320/12112014%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo warbling away</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Warbling Vireo</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> for one second</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">but enough to say, Wow!</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">That was a </span><span style="color: #800180;">Warbling Vireo!</span></b></i></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I6RPl2AIIGjLFjgnu8SbYpp73b-hcrJjtEc5PA_Sm0XYMvLkf_Yo2YnGRUp4w3k_leOQr0-3vVL36r5vD13yohbPM1Tb603xjUltULJpaJe6inaxVrGp3OugfRmwHpwCHdq7hq0UDMlg0d8gIwsz2R-25x0T-RqOxysydjMTSSySq_iEUzEqsHyU/s1440/5blog_9412e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I6RPl2AIIGjLFjgnu8SbYpp73b-hcrJjtEc5PA_Sm0XYMvLkf_Yo2YnGRUp4w3k_leOQr0-3vVL36r5vD13yohbPM1Tb603xjUltULJpaJe6inaxVrGp3OugfRmwHpwCHdq7hq0UDMlg0d8gIwsz2R-25x0T-RqOxysydjMTSSySq_iEUzEqsHyU/w400-h320/5blog_9412e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler revealing himself</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Brief sighting of a </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Wilson's Warbler</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">the first ever in the big oak tree</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">of the pretty seasonal stop-over.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWhz18cJKVowSlyczN_8boLlBaHrqFBlZSN0PmMj6OtOygl2-cqUKVCBhRY52zETCrxMeG8y80H-V8dg_Xbr0x0epD8ZFRO78s8aCI415CdNSsTezC3vnDbg27CGSBJRTO2BRCQZCsyP5SWyZ2PvMu6neZEljCE7oWKvQEMSthwUY7-XbOX4iJehb/s400/1bb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWhz18cJKVowSlyczN_8boLlBaHrqFBlZSN0PmMj6OtOygl2-cqUKVCBhRY52zETCrxMeG8y80H-V8dg_Xbr0x0epD8ZFRO78s8aCI415CdNSsTezC3vnDbg27CGSBJRTO2BRCQZCsyP5SWyZ2PvMu6neZEljCE7oWKvQEMSthwUY7-XbOX4iJehb/w400-h320/1bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren on the prowl</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">A pair of nesting </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Bewick's Wrens</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSwCUug-sZqW8iwG5Q2Xb6IRftJkg6ZpWphYjJLzEQp4xH48SA5r2CMt57ZXRaGgXE2GyTtT-8aBXyLhkVz8CiUTZCSqpM-QNpKIIg5IVWWcRsdNlAs1XMEcKqfpE1pjLzsxr70z1evyWbv3VOlXNgP4eQvCy5O-6NY-1rIvTpgEWu_lJ3pS9Yynn/s1440/2e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSwCUug-sZqW8iwG5Q2Xb6IRftJkg6ZpWphYjJLzEQp4xH48SA5r2CMt57ZXRaGgXE2GyTtT-8aBXyLhkVz8CiUTZCSqpM-QNpKIIg5IVWWcRsdNlAs1XMEcKqfpE1pjLzsxr70z1evyWbv3VOlXNgP4eQvCy5O-6NY-1rIvTpgEWu_lJ3pS9Yynn/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pacific-slope Flycatcher resident of my backyard</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">A </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Pacific-slope Flycatcher</span><span style="color: #444444;"> family</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">with a fledgling making its way</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">into the cruel, harsh, scary world.</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YuUOFa2mldhrzXBkXMMaaIa_hi1ljKxufrvKK2ILfkpRsofaPYOt8dg_ZQlw0fzGvQPDRo74ZTK6JUh-ovUfLGqJUXemjbKHm6yleys3aDctyX6WVUoFkkydRI3sCEKebV1PtbJZD59o7TEaEKHqBYHY2qArsacbw8CrjGNNSycm-mrnceukIkXU/s400/25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YuUOFa2mldhrzXBkXMMaaIa_hi1ljKxufrvKK2ILfkpRsofaPYOt8dg_ZQlw0fzGvQPDRo74ZTK6JUh-ovUfLGqJUXemjbKHm6yleys3aDctyX6WVUoFkkydRI3sCEKebV1PtbJZD59o7TEaEKHqBYHY2qArsacbw8CrjGNNSycm-mrnceukIkXU/w400-h320/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch dipping in spring in city park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Rufous Hummingbird</span></b></i> encounter surprises the holy crap out of me when the near weightless bird suddenly lands out of nowhere a few feet away and poses motionlessly for several priceless seconds, revealing an iridescent gorget emblazoned in <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">orange,</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">turquoise,</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">lime</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #ffa400;">tangerine.</span></i></b></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_fMx0Cm6cnJEd8YWfXb7JCG-8imfRrf8abKdO7XR4shJqU1jEj5g5yFdTomkqnEQDJKyGIPK1Qv7WSeSOepq2EY5gChJCehhKOEDux8BqS11GA0tOXyNkst63z0Yq-nnhvLqqoS0oWkNuOg5PwvgpYNfZxlZJ9lEU_wO18XZLmbbmsflGtTg8Cu5/s1920/4_blog%20(73)_8312.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_fMx0Cm6cnJEd8YWfXb7JCG-8imfRrf8abKdO7XR4shJqU1jEj5g5yFdTomkqnEQDJKyGIPK1Qv7WSeSOepq2EY5gChJCehhKOEDux8BqS11GA0tOXyNkst63z0Yq-nnhvLqqoS0oWkNuOg5PwvgpYNfZxlZJ9lEU_wO18XZLmbbmsflGtTg8Cu5/w400-h320/4_blog%20(73)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gathering of Cedar Waxwings</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm stunned by such uncommon beauty, mesmerized by the bold display of colors, but cursing myself for not having camera in hand for that million dollar shot. Still, it's a highly satisfying moment for this <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Hummingbird</b></i></span> lover – no different, say, from spotting a beautiful, brightly patterned diminutive cousin from the exotic tropics, it's that special.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-HCWhP9MdvNMOAGlGf-f5cs2w-wdijPLrSzMq5EDrarM_ZB9p1JxLlkpm9dVdGpLvsIedQaYoX9xd2zSNlEfbpDLOyiMWEwQtWh3yQO0unXPyvAxIVOhuDPJUxeIZD6gaKIW1n36o2QrAioGVsth33otQsF_8B6UR4lA5Op41G50NlxO2R9i-PQ6/s814/182015%20(7).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-HCWhP9MdvNMOAGlGf-f5cs2w-wdijPLrSzMq5EDrarM_ZB9p1JxLlkpm9dVdGpLvsIedQaYoX9xd2zSNlEfbpDLOyiMWEwQtWh3yQO0unXPyvAxIVOhuDPJUxeIZD6gaKIW1n36o2QrAioGVsth33otQsF_8B6UR4lA5Op41G50NlxO2R9i-PQ6/w400-h320/182015%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in the Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;"> Rufous</span></i></b> finally zips off – but I have a feeling not for long, so I rush up to fetch my camera and rush back down, certain he's not finished with his posturing and nectar-gathering.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP0osFzJIb_iEB8TLF8oSF9Bekkn9c2Eh9CLkQIiQsuJ24W9CgLlBtQUO-G-WMoN1Q35DMnU3M80hpzWZMCxGzpzCtKfA1QYyjj9_AuCRJlA6Mm-eUvDRHLwYk-c6SebcqT9GYK4C2RgMg_sCLwQgGxURGfLhqEE-MnT-waAyAcZ_NTF-B-Tju1qi/s1333/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP0osFzJIb_iEB8TLF8oSF9Bekkn9c2Eh9CLkQIiQsuJ24W9CgLlBtQUO-G-WMoN1Q35DMnU3M80hpzWZMCxGzpzCtKfA1QYyjj9_AuCRJlA6Mm-eUvDRHLwYk-c6SebcqT9GYK4C2RgMg_sCLwQgGxURGfLhqEE-MnT-waAyAcZ_NTF-B-Tju1qi/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna collecting nectar</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm lucky and right, catching him darting in and out of the Chinese Lanterns, and finally landing on a wire strip of fence for some great looks, but with a different angle of light, his gorget is not quite as incandescently brilliant.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7Y97iiOwMHifHfe8nPtno7uthWgX9nX9fHC6P5dZGNv1ZUrzjbT9HBxHU7OBE4i8aiye3EBQttnkQH7Lh31Pv2ecD1XnEu8jq7OFJu9L6aGg1J446VJunH8TPdcnEMCMtQGNTnZApYM0HH6rTG9P7d01v_HdEAsE9nbTJ54os4su-OsvxwsBCHeZ/s400/2wwww.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="400" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7Y97iiOwMHifHfe8nPtno7uthWgX9nX9fHC6P5dZGNv1ZUrzjbT9HBxHU7OBE4i8aiye3EBQttnkQH7Lh31Pv2ecD1XnEu8jq7OFJu9L6aGg1J446VJunH8TPdcnEMCMtQGNTnZApYM0HH6rTG9P7d01v_HdEAsE9nbTJ54os4su-OsvxwsBCHeZ/w400-h335/2wwww.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Townsend's Warbler in the bushes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Still. Amazing.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7qIRvPI__79XsrGoGuw9RhAe0De_bwTVhAWxh_jHZcMqP-r3wM1YFnMyFnX5n7uaOZYSE1gNU-ApmMgAWcsAQ3O6c08D6XB5tvw7ONhVBIVe17TNCrJHPyKyvKQZkdwtZu_kY3QQ2l3IJ3OKeLhzyhCe2wLJWhn9NYKN1N6xbrtFDzzAYWnXB4Eu/s925/1b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7qIRvPI__79XsrGoGuw9RhAe0De_bwTVhAWxh_jHZcMqP-r3wM1YFnMyFnX5n7uaOZYSE1gNU-ApmMgAWcsAQ3O6c08D6XB5tvw7ONhVBIVe17TNCrJHPyKyvKQZkdwtZu_kY3QQ2l3IJ3OKeLhzyhCe2wLJWhn9NYKN1N6xbrtFDzzAYWnXB4Eu/w512-h640/1b.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna caught with her tongue flitting out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The next day, I spot another <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Hummingbird</span></b></i> flitting around and landing for a few seconds, hair-strand thin tongue lashing out for a drop of water, perched in still-life with light refraction coaxing out the most exquisite pastel radiance ever to befeather a bird.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-8EBLz8S72bVlv4CwPS-WuvuDGnRvLDXcPyfC2XNmkhy1CZattm9rh8r3BQRzcqEAalWAARnAImStVDNfVhzDdF-HYSolCXCCZE10mk2ZoDR0njtLPo8MGqrlicIDazwTMK8ZZrlqrCE2KXNQ1lNwQenLmfVCxlY52PBYZJYcxCw3tAK5DEWW_XR/s1920/4_blog%20(57)_8312.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-8EBLz8S72bVlv4CwPS-WuvuDGnRvLDXcPyfC2XNmkhy1CZattm9rh8r3BQRzcqEAalWAARnAImStVDNfVhzDdF-HYSolCXCCZE10mk2ZoDR0njtLPo8MGqrlicIDazwTMK8ZZrlqrCE2KXNQ1lNwQenLmfVCxlY52PBYZJYcxCw3tAK5DEWW_XR/w400-h320/4_blog%20(57)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finches of a feather at the feeder</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I know, I have not seen ninety-nine point nine percent of the world's most beautiful exotic birds, but this one, and <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Rufous</span></b></i>, ah, they are right up there with the prettiest of them. And exotic, in the sense that their color schemes are just out of this world.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUEyQXJcvAbH19dMN8mPXTnIPqz7ZsrVPXth7m1UXpuve4zjdcPQRDGFBPDrKApdNuTQ3ZTcbWqYRdzR13hmcWJXIiYTxKmqnbr4rzFG2a3F62ZBEdsANGdi62bJyAngTRmaFCoB8EC8SGUkj6cuDe243L28e0el7t6cptGWY1PyBISzB99FImyw9/s1835/1a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUEyQXJcvAbH19dMN8mPXTnIPqz7ZsrVPXth7m1UXpuve4zjdcPQRDGFBPDrKApdNuTQ3ZTcbWqYRdzR13hmcWJXIiYTxKmqnbr4rzFG2a3F62ZBEdsANGdi62bJyAngTRmaFCoB8EC8SGUkj6cuDe243L28e0el7t6cptGWY1PyBISzB99FImyw9/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Precious little Rufous Hummingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Right here in my Berkeley backyard.</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsoJgZhVS4ci0O3pzzQdUUPuWeg__wRKCXtSaTaIfvBsusZLZhISiJY5wD0TllkkGGZs7ZVhho3FjQJgcGq372HtvyScMn1NbMj7RBHlDudT3BWxyThi9N37NB77fLB1DLOWI93IoDbQLdXmTuCbQTC1U4F2Pl4W4bV5fLz2SSDFi8QboPE03hjW3/s1367/2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsoJgZhVS4ci0O3pzzQdUUPuWeg__wRKCXtSaTaIfvBsusZLZhISiJY5wD0TllkkGGZs7ZVhho3FjQJgcGq372HtvyScMn1NbMj7RBHlDudT3BWxyThi9N37NB77fLB1DLOWI93IoDbQLdXmTuCbQTC1U4F2Pl4W4bV5fLz2SSDFi8QboPE03hjW3/w400-h320/2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pacific-slope Flycatcher resident of backyard</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Earlier in the week, I notice a <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Pacific-slope Flycatcher</i></b></span> bumping up against the side of the house, then landing in a nearby bush, only to flip straight up, with a worm firmly gripped in beak, to a nest constructed beneath a stairwell!</div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyqLjXPVcP-D9Ozt9ruJ3UB7rDNyF9D2wUJu0kxFx2dnLaGbeQnVIpIR6mW_KpBjXB8M3_o1ug7BYlQKnZBOimfTMweLTQqFSzfG40FsZNbx-BW9r7Oo7i7CCgDkEjyYOOUpOYDHksCiPa8i5UZ4dw8AIVrYnwHemfczLSMUXCwnNkatf30ILOO5L/s1679/2g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1679" data-original-width="1344" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyqLjXPVcP-D9Ozt9ruJ3UB7rDNyF9D2wUJu0kxFx2dnLaGbeQnVIpIR6mW_KpBjXB8M3_o1ug7BYlQKnZBOimfTMweLTQqFSzfG40FsZNbx-BW9r7Oo7i7CCgDkEjyYOOUpOYDHksCiPa8i5UZ4dw8AIVrYnwHemfczLSMUXCwnNkatf30ILOO5L/w512-h640/2g.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Flycatcher inspecting her nest under stairwell</i></b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It looks like a sloppy stringy piece of work, but must be serving its purpose efficiently, as Mama seems quite comfortably ensconced raising her brood or protecting the prospects. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBYzMMnJe8kU6yS5-2nL--3n9CBoDydkKM0Qc3apeSHpWvXnpPkx8RkGTT4LmRE57_9Ba1Os054-Vy5pmaWWrTPD_7UCf_TAYx0-BNaMO9tq4GOSEZsyvVhRkNAiiiz3YZl0nFhAAihQinURkiMYPTQSOtJ4Ao0NTO6RMsdlUcW3Kk7aPfnOmSJPH/s910/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="910" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBYzMMnJe8kU6yS5-2nL--3n9CBoDydkKM0Qc3apeSHpWvXnpPkx8RkGTT4LmRE57_9Ba1Os054-Vy5pmaWWrTPD_7UCf_TAYx0-BNaMO9tq4GOSEZsyvVhRkNAiiiz3YZl0nFhAAihQinURkiMYPTQSOtJ4Ao0NTO6RMsdlUcW3Kk7aPfnOmSJPH/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mama Flycatcher awaiting her fledgling to join her</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't tell if it's just eggs at this point or if there are hungry little ones. She keeps flying in and out, back 'n forth, on endless forays returning with bits of food, so maybe there are nestlings, after all.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3BWLdMVromzkKMcNiILAhySzpmCSZHNaoHR4kNv-fCIrdH8g1DxMl_t6wda47lwu3Gj2nN3oAZ2rr3NS52pIfd2aVcr-vVazLO1aLJxTIJwJ25TA5U3sXD9N3mc_X8YWjPPDA94Su3IchZ6g_K8ZAhFjSKJFbb6F2ohAxH2wfK6gmTBUJ6qLLGKF/s1188/2c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1188" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3BWLdMVromzkKMcNiILAhySzpmCSZHNaoHR4kNv-fCIrdH8g1DxMl_t6wda47lwu3Gj2nN3oAZ2rr3NS52pIfd2aVcr-vVazLO1aLJxTIJwJ25TA5U3sXD9N3mc_X8YWjPPDA94Su3IchZ6g_K8ZAhFjSKJFbb6F2ohAxH2wfK6gmTBUJ6qLLGKF/w400-h266/2c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mama and fledgling united</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The following day, I happen to see a baby bird frozen with fear in a bush. <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Who? Which? What?</span></b></i> Turns out to be a fledgling <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Pacific-slope Flycatcher!</span></b></i> Mama is egging him on to fly, fly away, my little birdie.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6HRUkmchyOsxzFU3HGL2Zg9rUmh_BlU7_OR2V2MqDphIMDKI6C_nToLiNCyAjd-QrjWUsoBu0Ase0g6_2QNRHBEBViTYQSKz_EPBHiFmWpQ4xmX3oi1ddBZidH6b94q6lPtq7P_H4z4qQ8fh79BnJpEySwLQhHxEYLAVMht1h8Xnw8xJvnrpulq6/s735/1aaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6HRUkmchyOsxzFU3HGL2Zg9rUmh_BlU7_OR2V2MqDphIMDKI6C_nToLiNCyAjd-QrjWUsoBu0Ase0g6_2QNRHBEBViTYQSKz_EPBHiFmWpQ4xmX3oi1ddBZidH6b94q6lPtq7P_H4z4qQ8fh79BnJpEySwLQhHxEYLAVMht1h8Xnw8xJvnrpulq6/w400-h320/1aaaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fledgling Flycatcher alone in the bush after shaky take-off</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He must have been pushed from the nest under the stairwell and landed in the bush. Now, he's faced with the challenge – <i>daunting task!</i> – of flying up to a high tree branch to join Mama.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC5hMyWzU585yGHRENaAAeDhRqDFjDpZljQp6Q0dmlZY-OKJhZsQuiJQFr0LbA-aJkaMRxcKsQXAwSYfEGYYKfCvdmzZTGBMKDUInqP6hodyzihI1kharb9W4m2zuoywxeyDDBr8KzGIT46w4Uo5xQRhfvtRrtMsmSviGx-s0dwiRdanaw3Y7YhNf/s1084/2a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1084" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC5hMyWzU585yGHRENaAAeDhRqDFjDpZljQp6Q0dmlZY-OKJhZsQuiJQFr0LbA-aJkaMRxcKsQXAwSYfEGYYKfCvdmzZTGBMKDUInqP6hodyzihI1kharb9W4m2zuoywxeyDDBr8KzGIT46w4Uo5xQRhfvtRrtMsmSviGx-s0dwiRdanaw3Y7YhNf/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Fledgling Flycatcher in bush</i></b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Can he do it?</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8VlVpdvJBNdM6FfvdlUEs-DhVBMEwHvm8rvEbfM8yOOYvsb79XI2RJn4k_q9TnI5AiczT5kRu3Ai9JBhYrGFJnFciNg_-aKDkwk5q1IfYaBL2N0GXr9yt36EcQsXxMI99NCy5N2M25lPLfmCy1FcV4-M2576RJuosusEHC4BeVaFu1JNKpg483L_/s1018/4_blog%20(111)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8VlVpdvJBNdM6FfvdlUEs-DhVBMEwHvm8rvEbfM8yOOYvsb79XI2RJn4k_q9TnI5AiczT5kRu3Ai9JBhYrGFJnFciNg_-aKDkwk5q1IfYaBL2N0GXr9yt36EcQsXxMI99NCy5N2M25lPLfmCy1FcV4-M2576RJuosusEHC4BeVaFu1JNKpg483L_/w400-h320/4_blog%20(111)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Goldfinch is a beauty of a bird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I watch for several minutes. Sensing Mama's impatience, the little bugger finally successfully accomplishes the aerial feat, overcoming a deadly hurdle of survival so as not to be caught, mangled and eaten by that damn neighborhood fat cat stalking the premises.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLjP7d_T8otOvRQ0BgzIleEl27F9jmtNACUp20aWw_N_NTwXO5zPamT62H-q6T8LZSiq7thRJ-Agx-_3MFrtd7OrLs_nvZhiXv0iQnDWFy4db75bFKn0WPZ8sFmU-Siz0YHNfDEfgAD-mdq5XF_LHsTQvxeVC0mMkrPX9uZGom95vTnLV0F2N98AQ/s400/34.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLjP7d_T8otOvRQ0BgzIleEl27F9jmtNACUp20aWw_N_NTwXO5zPamT62H-q6T8LZSiq7thRJ-Agx-_3MFrtd7OrLs_nvZhiXv0iQnDWFy4db75bFKn0WPZ8sFmU-Siz0YHNfDEfgAD-mdq5XF_LHsTQvxeVC0mMkrPX9uZGom95vTnLV0F2N98AQ/w400-h300/34.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Neighborhood deer munching on tasty leaf bits</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My next door neighbor noticed a nest constructed in the jasmine of her trellis. I peek through the foliage, on my tip-toes, and see an upright <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Wren</span></b></i>-looking tail. Must belong to <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Ms. Bewick</span></b></i>, for a few minutes earlier I watched a pair feeding on the ground nearby. For sure, it's not the <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">House Finches</span></b></i>, who are making their residence in deep crevices of roof top pipes.</div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B3usBuLzCAVF388rF-j1OkXc0zL9D7BgMuhbTCWm_loR5hCD_7GvJ4EFqQ3ll7mm_RcMey1zsmV6v9ntgaWtBQBAd-oT5xHvk88H67kRuHMYWN2Nnp9BRsYFaXhm-KjAQsnrvML3hQ29A1tHUGyK-eGFUU_-0_CJpRwoIUQVl56QPCX377Ig0jUS/s2048/1_blog%20(50)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B3usBuLzCAVF388rF-j1OkXc0zL9D7BgMuhbTCWm_loR5hCD_7GvJ4EFqQ3ll7mm_RcMey1zsmV6v9ntgaWtBQBAd-oT5xHvk88H67kRuHMYWN2Nnp9BRsYFaXhm-KjAQsnrvML3hQ29A1tHUGyK-eGFUU_-0_CJpRwoIUQVl56QPCX377Ig0jUS/w400-h300/1_blog%20(50)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sharp-shinned Hawk sounding the alarm - get away!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Very resourceful, our backyard birds, able to adapt traditional nest-building preferences, such as tree cavities for the <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Flycatcher,</span></b></i> to suit a particular niche to ensure the propagation and survival of their young in our urban-cum-rural backyards.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IeQkjAnsOGkDcW7rP1UDMkK8GwBrcsxdRqIjkQguFtkqBhrFgZWhj4P9eGoLE3jacT0wP4OrvprPHRiYQY5yPwFX-ibxWH8arqlG4dXSaxWSIP6S_RPY18PKwmWwXYt7KlEXsa80oSCrplX1BsCuNE1Pv1r7xS3umLSbvrpEZfcXkOXLRzAk0IQx/s400/333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IeQkjAnsOGkDcW7rP1UDMkK8GwBrcsxdRqIjkQguFtkqBhrFgZWhj4P9eGoLE3jacT0wP4OrvprPHRiYQY5yPwFX-ibxWH8arqlG4dXSaxWSIP6S_RPY18PKwmWwXYt7KlEXsa80oSCrplX1BsCuNE1Pv1r7xS3umLSbvrpEZfcXkOXLRzAk0IQx/w400-h300/333.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Now, if only I might be privy to the</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Hummingbirds'</span> nesting locations.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNCWLpnXE3XoVSmnnWfgoylbEslmkpQ5OiSNyWkoZe567ZqClKlhppj5I1dS8wHcdBxr0ALWI02Y3Q-9gmsiYVB5-1aU3UEN6Dw_OwxLRtbTxJOx6Pa6z83KqFJ2nx6jOpv5MASUe8-UxdZr-FDMYylcxXfY8e-wvvJZDAmDlNV6F9BkaTJtVQAxg/s400/1bbb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNCWLpnXE3XoVSmnnWfgoylbEslmkpQ5OiSNyWkoZe567ZqClKlhppj5I1dS8wHcdBxr0ALWI02Y3Q-9gmsiYVB5-1aU3UEN6Dw_OwxLRtbTxJOx6Pa6z83KqFJ2nx6jOpv5MASUe8-UxdZr-FDMYylcxXfY8e-wvvJZDAmDlNV6F9BkaTJtVQAxg/w400-h300/1bbb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hummingbird nesting in Codornices Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Must be many, many of them,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">tiny and hard to spot,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">unseen, infinite and hidden well.</span></i></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aNy6kJIJ5KqEwmng04snRURRkGpf5g4CxjJJ0uvFxY8QR1AhkTCoAcHHIufdkkmq-SlxUd_GbBFaKDx020G9bDISl_FsmgO0rfVtE34FNmjUN4ulQikSP0A8X_gQPoFjBKc7JEuLHbCOZcZi-Ua0Hl2I1C3FKa3wVSOHk9StZ0sNjPxqC-k_ZieG/s400/111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aNy6kJIJ5KqEwmng04snRURRkGpf5g4CxjJJ0uvFxY8QR1AhkTCoAcHHIufdkkmq-SlxUd_GbBFaKDx020G9bDISl_FsmgO0rfVtE34FNmjUN4ulQikSP0A8X_gQPoFjBKc7JEuLHbCOZcZi-Ua0Hl2I1C3FKa3wVSOHk9StZ0sNjPxqC-k_ZieG/w480-h640/111.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Primo bird (and wildlife)</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">habitat in Berkeley city parks</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>Read more bird-related posts</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>to discover Berkeley's "Nature Park" gems</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>providing urban recreational experiences & sanctuaries</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles & humans:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/berkeley-california-vibrant.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BACKYARD / URBAN BIRDING (July 23, 2013)</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/bird-walkabout-in-berkeley-hills-to.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRD WALKABOUT IN THE BERKELEY HILLS PARKS (December 10, 2013)</span></b></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/of-urban-redoubts-refuges-havens-and.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AVIAN HAVENS & REFUGES IN BERKELEY CITY PARKS (January 3, 2014)</span></a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/berkeleybackyardbirding-live-oak-park.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRD-LICIOUS MOMENTS @ LIVE OAK PARK (August 10, 2014)</span></a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/hot-thirsty-birds-attracted-to-little.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">JOHN HINKEL PARK BIRDBATH SPRING (August 23, 2015)</span></b></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2016/04/teachable-moments-existential-lessons.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY URBAN BIRDS (April 24, 2016)</span></b></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/palm-warbler-stirs-imagination.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">URBAN PARK SIGHTING OF PALM WARBLER (February 11, 2019)</span></b></a><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">ESSAYS & MUSINGS ON THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BIRDS</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFaUNrPkC9Oy9Ge5pboOsd_JaaF9Oda7krcDVkqVt_jxIOzq8tpWzfbd4I-LJJGPGefyDQ8iacZqwanwwsme8S49wm4531dfDhNQovr_l_bqnr6YVA-3dMDiWVCHo6dqkoHlDa5zye2zvCV-698EIYol8cHF-Z82RdzO3GKrUaqgofnln7juvtfSH/s1855/14b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1855" data-original-width="1391" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFaUNrPkC9Oy9Ge5pboOsd_JaaF9Oda7krcDVkqVt_jxIOzq8tpWzfbd4I-LJJGPGefyDQ8iacZqwanwwsme8S49wm4531dfDhNQovr_l_bqnr6YVA-3dMDiWVCHo6dqkoHlDa5zye2zvCV-698EIYol8cHF-Z82RdzO3GKrUaqgofnln7juvtfSH/w480-h640/14b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Cordornices Creek</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">running through the park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Enjoy a walkabout with Gambolin' Man</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>in two of Berkeley's charming, bird-rich parks:</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/03/codornices-creek-paying-homage-to.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">HOMAGE TO CODORNICES PARK & CREEK (2009)</span></b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-oak-park-meditative-strolling-and.html"></a><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-oak-park-meditative-strolling-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LIVE OAK PARK WANDERINGS (2011)</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWvh5Yyj25-Zc3gT0huLFYENdx_lLALoqfKguehfpBiZRVr9AvIcs103Ne_yaSZAVKWDRAi-AXufJdmxd2_mfQfE99Iw1Hpu8sCzBc3hqVTRI-ApnceDFOWomFO3CpQqFsG6Zj0m0_SV1JZsIvAgyS6H0i6UESRddv3XF_BkGZaMpBOgWnPEXecBu/s1449/14e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1025" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWvh5Yyj25-Zc3gT0huLFYENdx_lLALoqfKguehfpBiZRVr9AvIcs103Ne_yaSZAVKWDRAi-AXufJdmxd2_mfQfE99Iw1Hpu8sCzBc3hqVTRI-ApnceDFOWomFO3CpQqFsG6Zj0m0_SV1JZsIvAgyS6H0i6UESRddv3XF_BkGZaMpBOgWnPEXecBu/w452-h640/14e.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Chick(adee) Chickie</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">peeking out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">Bonus videos of beloved parks & creeks in North Berkeley:</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9epiyAZ5M6OlMTYBCRIXeEl" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WALKABOUTS & BIRDING ALONG CODORNICES CREEK</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9f9hZpqoYTzavLJHe7plHat" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>WALKABOUTS IN JOHN HINKEL PARK</b></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVmTDoG0lmbPjYNyKU590CcvGQNRwPwmHsaQrfgLLrqbL9Xz8KdGcpRE4YwEnv9bAPSXSyWU4zpA_PGBV8izfO3H9JToQ0cpN4Vh0Cte645puRwp8TbwakgZU82stTOPYi9bf6AZ_Mc2o29G_JgnAPq1WJh-Tx-V8FUd_aIKw6XElqIn5YWyxiBju/s1430/14a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1073" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVmTDoG0lmbPjYNyKU590CcvGQNRwPwmHsaQrfgLLrqbL9Xz8KdGcpRE4YwEnv9bAPSXSyWU4zpA_PGBV8izfO3H9JToQ0cpN4Vh0Cte645puRwp8TbwakgZU82stTOPYi9bf6AZ_Mc2o29G_JgnAPq1WJh-Tx-V8FUd_aIKw6XElqIn5YWyxiBju/w480-h640/14a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Pretty Finch</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-24863127730325800542015-05-10T14:00:00.083-07:002023-04-01T14:38:41.543-07:00Hermit Warbler (Rare Visitor) Glimpsed in High Treetops in Tilden Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xSLGKjU_OdDStR7LAc34Q7aJyoAXsfsp1dG7e3vVtl9j3DRNjkp7G67Rf9djkYaQhMAIyf5zSOaCziWyl4VdkW0XexWJpr52jPLzJPNrYVy2enlM8_AL5aHO3FIA7chFTCHfB6V_h6WInEr791z72MTbTc4nCpxRQL2ScMWlvX804dvbPtUfdAl8/s400/11aaa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xSLGKjU_OdDStR7LAc34Q7aJyoAXsfsp1dG7e3vVtl9j3DRNjkp7G67Rf9djkYaQhMAIyf5zSOaCziWyl4VdkW0XexWJpr52jPLzJPNrYVy2enlM8_AL5aHO3FIA7chFTCHfB6V_h6WInEr791z72MTbTc4nCpxRQL2ScMWlvX804dvbPtUfdAl8/w400-h300/11aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">San Pablo Reservoir and Mount Diablo from Nimitz Way</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><span><div style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I'm on a routine outing</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>to a place I've been to countless times.</i></b></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjv8_NYiZ1EAXg_DG9IhGCtOuuAOen-c2r_jeQRVHSNyo3eCujq5kFFxE6q2jILhu3dDtTjuZCjffNhO2QNocebiZEcmtdiuqgkVyOZanuisaZ7uBxisjY263V0n1C4w4hbM9YJz-aj4fsI0SWgAA9NRwwbTWAYX4H6wpr3QCDfxHHTZ9eFGqojyv/s1440/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjv8_NYiZ1EAXg_DG9IhGCtOuuAOen-c2r_jeQRVHSNyo3eCujq5kFFxE6q2jILhu3dDtTjuZCjffNhO2QNocebiZEcmtdiuqgkVyOZanuisaZ7uBxisjY263V0n1C4w4hbM9YJz-aj4fsI0SWgAA9NRwwbTWAYX4H6wpr3QCDfxHHTZ9eFGqojyv/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Inspiring view north from Inspiration Point</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The overlook bench at</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Inspiration Point</span> / <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Tilden Regional Park</span>.</b></i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq7ywNfeFk0B_AwprV_Aw_RXGVXRdw8kHP7dAuukbvtXvXpt7LH1WMMygqE1t7fTewg3eBia-6cqpKlC9rS6xFn5kjE_oTTjGtlg5MiGdW2dMjIgCcA9WGrqC93blgscLAhXPGtoEPRnvHjP478Zxqe2xhcg1AmIM9kj38HCKyeZmqCRKqLinunpc/s1919/13a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq7ywNfeFk0B_AwprV_Aw_RXGVXRdw8kHP7dAuukbvtXvXpt7LH1WMMygqE1t7fTewg3eBia-6cqpKlC9rS6xFn5kjE_oTTjGtlg5MiGdW2dMjIgCcA9WGrqC93blgscLAhXPGtoEPRnvHjP478Zxqe2xhcg1AmIM9kj38HCKyeZmqCRKqLinunpc/w400-h320/13a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nimitz Way is a great get-away!</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">About a mile in from the parking area, it's always worth a stop and short breather to take in the expansive beauty of the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i> and beyond to <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Mount Diablo</span></i></b> and <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Rocky Ridge</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpXgGf7NCMnaIxxYvkAlLkJYGu9AptaY2SOIksnOxiFLbr7hswIeUcfu2Qc4BV4iMuBwCWfINxRtQFC7S6tG-BwAerCPPVrYre_-aKBY47rmpWn4XIrVPaFghrm8HSeK_phUCBpElhpCUqssHfHTUfXfvsLKf2YJI4_dSMbDsJnbUvoO0V3Sc35Cv/s400/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpXgGf7NCMnaIxxYvkAlLkJYGu9AptaY2SOIksnOxiFLbr7hswIeUcfu2Qc4BV4iMuBwCWfINxRtQFC7S6tG-BwAerCPPVrYre_-aKBY47rmpWn4XIrVPaFghrm8HSeK_phUCBpElhpCUqssHfHTUfXfvsLKf2YJI4_dSMbDsJnbUvoO0V3Sc35Cv/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow posing nicely</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I commonly see <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Red-tailed Hawks</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Vultures</span></b></i> soaring above; sprightly <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Juncos</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Chestnut-backed Chickadees</span></i></b> on the make; and <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglets</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Spotted Towhees</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Golden-crowned Sparrows</span></i></b>, and <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Blue Jays</span></i></b> spilling over into abutting <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">EBMUD</span></i></b> watershed lands.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5DSA6FynOQN18valTCp23lNQsGrvrgVWTWALuezlTEkp5ugqilZW5h-1ur3dR5qlxo5NEyXz1GFMzeugIpWGp3Nrs2gb75HeiLRfEg332joGj-Dna9FffFEDNp7F29nT1aHbz0blLfOyQEJe_J9xpAc_6dRT9-5Z2AyJdaQbPdIf_-xN5wX3UuKX/s400/12a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5DSA6FynOQN18valTCp23lNQsGrvrgVWTWALuezlTEkp5ugqilZW5h-1ur3dR5qlxo5NEyXz1GFMzeugIpWGp3Nrs2gb75HeiLRfEg332joGj-Dna9FffFEDNp7F29nT1aHbz0blLfOyQEJe_J9xpAc_6dRT9-5Z2AyJdaQbPdIf_-xN5wX3UuKX/w400-h320/12a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vulture lifting off</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've also seen one <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">California Quail</span></i></b>, one <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">American Kestrel</span></b></i>, three <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Tree Swallows</span></i></b>, one <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">California Thrasher</span></i></b>, and the occasional <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Townsend Warbler</span></b></i>. A relatively busy thoroughfare for thousands of hikers, strollers and group outings, the bench overlook area is not an ideal locale to hope to see anything too, too exotic.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3GJDcuMqjtoyd-1395LXyrvmH3znWusm5vxaW_VyM3fzwF4sbHbpPaam7HXA1sq8CcvBhQc34AGBRsKgq1MLXbDAUpw9-sp-AJpa17Z9b4uqpe7_FWeX1nqkYvMukQMHrg6IlG8QC1OTEiYo_awnv343aqbFJugP3GL_TCKghmEfk1h1dGGxwjfb/s400/2aaa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3GJDcuMqjtoyd-1395LXyrvmH3znWusm5vxaW_VyM3fzwF4sbHbpPaam7HXA1sq8CcvBhQc34AGBRsKgq1MLXbDAUpw9-sp-AJpa17Z9b4uqpe7_FWeX1nqkYvMukQMHrg6IlG8QC1OTEiYo_awnv343aqbFJugP3GL_TCKghmEfk1h1dGGxwjfb/w400-h320/2aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">A back-end glimpse, high in treetop, of a Hermit Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But today, flying into my life, is my very first <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hermit Warbler!</span></b></i> Although at the moment I have no idea that I'm looking at a <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Hermit Warbler</span></b></i>. I just know the flighty little bird is one beautiful little bird I've never laid eyes on before.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A3eODpPcXmhqdDKHmE9MGwASQfb4_qBFuEQWjImJ_0nLWdbIdXeTfkqB0Bik8Jx0YUZlFsbJptuXWSZC4-QXVFwx14Kc0hg-MMJ4yA5Nzam-jc-Njili9fZQ5GIY4teeTnHQDqt-GtefzACtr-C-nlRbbK0jeZ-aGXdWEYKExioeBDPP6r_IYjxH/s400/4a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A3eODpPcXmhqdDKHmE9MGwASQfb4_qBFuEQWjImJ_0nLWdbIdXeTfkqB0Bik8Jx0YUZlFsbJptuXWSZC4-QXVFwx14Kc0hg-MMJ4yA5Nzam-jc-Njili9fZQ5GIY4teeTnHQDqt-GtefzACtr-C-nlRbbK0jeZ-aGXdWEYKExioeBDPP6r_IYjxH/w400-h320/4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fox Sparrow staring out from hiding spot in brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>And I'm excited as a little boy in a magic shop!</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1YEooS_kW2HSsOnesXBk1fedAxjLhSS5Gtz_ZwsH23UgmIcM2SH3oTwWSp_dF9pLFngYDuF5LHhEZ2zvm_Gw1kbcch1RDNvwBu4GifDeH63LYl-GwRvCx9fikUN0icvBKSS33RgaBle81eYkT3ml_3P94QRLcQgT47FEB_AAMXWd0PjbvZCpU19k/s400/11a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1YEooS_kW2HSsOnesXBk1fedAxjLhSS5Gtz_ZwsH23UgmIcM2SH3oTwWSp_dF9pLFngYDuF5LHhEZ2zvm_Gw1kbcch1RDNvwBu4GifDeH63LYl-GwRvCx9fikUN0icvBKSS33RgaBle81eYkT3ml_3P94QRLcQgT47FEB_AAMXWd0PjbvZCpU19k/w400-h300/11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>At first I suspect it's another <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Wilson's Warbler</span></b></i>, the precious, tiny, black-pated, brilliant yellow bird making the rounds this time of year in the park's forested and riparian areas along <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Creek</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHObduF6t8hXrwErWhlFtv9WhezMVe_YwT8GVtaDbhLYHJisV5rR65-OPqSoV18yxhLB_a6clwo86OWzneMsNxWDe0NCWWNsxTTn-mSOEFvf0ZWEUyZKrIWbQMojkK-2FrPDdaobScvtOOG_fd_dVI9gHidv_8U72RSuZVZ2gOrDCPo8-fZAG51T2/s400/1cc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHObduF6t8hXrwErWhlFtv9WhezMVe_YwT8GVtaDbhLYHJisV5rR65-OPqSoV18yxhLB_a6clwo86OWzneMsNxWDe0NCWWNsxTTn-mSOEFvf0ZWEUyZKrIWbQMojkK-2FrPDdaobScvtOOG_fd_dVI9gHidv_8U72RSuZVZ2gOrDCPo8-fZAG51T2/w400-h320/1cc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler peeking out for me</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm surprised when one flies onto a branch, since I've never seen one here. I'm afforded a good look and recognize him and his high-pitched <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">CHIT! CHIT! CHIT!</span></b></i> instantly, before he disappears into thick vegetation.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0sSlNIvBrb7z6moXzvHecmaiW3AgVvKN7YDRGmNPPpirYQFtPzKVof3ChMuFMsjDJgWtHFeg-_AW_jtmcp7wl9vOhJ9DSYxMYH1CNYpFNW_ZAuHHRZOOux0TAWkCYXdfoxwOGVxEzrLw4sFuReeMXT7ZhrgWTqlVL9BNWC_jImKiqAqA-sl4nduN/s800/Hermit_Warbler_(Dendroica_occidentalis).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0sSlNIvBrb7z6moXzvHecmaiW3AgVvKN7YDRGmNPPpirYQFtPzKVof3ChMuFMsjDJgWtHFeg-_AW_jtmcp7wl9vOhJ9DSYxMYH1CNYpFNW_ZAuHHRZOOux0TAWkCYXdfoxwOGVxEzrLw4sFuReeMXT7ZhrgWTqlVL9BNWC_jImKiqAqA-sl4nduN/w400-h266/Hermit_Warbler_(Dendroica_occidentalis).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hermit Warbler<br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;">(https://www.flickr.com/photos/37699157@N00, CC BY 2.0 <br /><https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Moments later </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> maybe they're in concert </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> I espy subtle movement in higher branches and zoom in quickly before it's too late. Luckily, for a few jubilant seconds, I'm privy to witness the pretty bird's striking black-throat and all yellow head, but I manage only a poor shot of him looking up from behind.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXXm8pB13ZV2Wg0uwPJsxeQOx26U5ra9IbsdGrqJyKuKFdCmmVl5f_r7Q42fNN6m4evBfYqrBSXM1iQ0icaA6d5ZDKS5EVUTMfriitUj5SOSkSriHYWcbaZ6GTuDUHfRxzaN-BReUyJ8omhwS_7JqXEEJHsT08VXc1Ptz0Hn-uPc7ed2skPdiSbXR/s400/1aaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXXm8pB13ZV2Wg0uwPJsxeQOx26U5ra9IbsdGrqJyKuKFdCmmVl5f_r7Q42fNN6m4evBfYqrBSXM1iQ0icaA6d5ZDKS5EVUTMfriitUj5SOSkSriHYWcbaZ6GTuDUHfRxzaN-BReUyJ8omhwS_7JqXEEJHsT08VXc1Ptz0Hn-uPc7ed2skPdiSbXR/w400-h320/1aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Perky Oak Titmouse</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps an expert bird IDer could peg it from this, but the rest of you will just have to trust me that I saw who I saw, in the accompanying photo.</span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRTaDEm_2mjbRIxhIEt4utl8s0mCPSuQjTQ8ivVA-YMrBWZL0iJyMLp0Wui7jSRyyGX-xJbCvdeF5CbxYNyzr8gqndACink0fW5gknUcwNQDJ2vHV2LVhV3iKRotPIvBbUnJOJ30Bzqf-f1yWryMgKrvyzSRDkU8avqzHx2U3kqKtoqQASbWi_HXW/s400/1ee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRTaDEm_2mjbRIxhIEt4utl8s0mCPSuQjTQ8ivVA-YMrBWZL0iJyMLp0Wui7jSRyyGX-xJbCvdeF5CbxYNyzr8gqndACink0fW5gknUcwNQDJ2vHV2LVhV3iKRotPIvBbUnJOJ30Bzqf-f1yWryMgKrvyzSRDkU8avqzHx2U3kqKtoqQASbWi_HXW/w400-h300/1ee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow after a little bath</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>A fortuitous moment</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>with a very elusive,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><i>never before spotted bird.</i></b></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU_TAo4IpIfsQ-A0Wr9u_mFMlrz7SsuA_QrPJH1IJouuE-je0ZJqbmJqW-zXB2P2u5BJX8SZBcxiVAtJyAzBIuElPyXX-5Ip-15M6wVMTYygLGyF6C56FNChjoVXe5iVxlDaJ24H14AFEr_axeMoH_NY_Mlgbz78jTl8XoFXD5CbvUPsobk2o5ULx/s772/1_blog%20(55)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="772" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU_TAo4IpIfsQ-A0Wr9u_mFMlrz7SsuA_QrPJH1IJouuE-je0ZJqbmJqW-zXB2P2u5BJX8SZBcxiVAtJyAzBIuElPyXX-5Ip-15M6wVMTYygLGyF6C56FNChjoVXe5iVxlDaJ24H14AFEr_axeMoH_NY_Mlgbz78jTl8XoFXD5CbvUPsobk2o5ULx/w400-h300/1_blog%20(55)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tail Hawk on the wing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The feeling can't be explained.</i></b></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe1V6OMSUX6ZeysArC9D32gUTuUkpWDtdX1TtdTXof46IpmV1Tt94UrPFNT8aMetN4At-Gey6V0F2yrz1vFLv2P6jTMZwox2tFqEc2rmshXED4vUEaT7AFIEbq0zuMkgRghr4LCS5lzmXKsV09YnA6v9tukIxmlUQK_k6AmhfhV6rb4pjK7PRv8nm/s960/4_blog%20(85)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe1V6OMSUX6ZeysArC9D32gUTuUkpWDtdX1TtdTXof46IpmV1Tt94UrPFNT8aMetN4At-Gey6V0F2yrz1vFLv2P6jTMZwox2tFqEc2rmshXED4vUEaT7AFIEbq0zuMkgRghr4LCS5lzmXKsV09YnA6v9tukIxmlUQK_k6AmhfhV6rb4pjK7PRv8nm/w400-h320/4_blog%20(85)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Quail sittin' purty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>Maybe like hitting a big scratch ticket or something.</b></i></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyOwdc8L4Fhjod1c3p9wgx9ntorBIQZNSOPN1u0Bg6THNSdHIXvCZhArod7_ujLziLhm9HByPvAJ_n0ACNV1Y59L0hOIrGqYHz5fCzfOKtaCCNaR5pHnfCEVm0rX5fKoIgMkSItjeSxuma9TLTIqGfK1851VlFn_LRAirWeOG39kyAFhU39DBZQ_I/s399/1dd.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="399" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyOwdc8L4Fhjod1c3p9wgx9ntorBIQZNSOPN1u0Bg6THNSdHIXvCZhArod7_ujLziLhm9HByPvAJ_n0ACNV1Y59L0hOIrGqYHz5fCzfOKtaCCNaR5pHnfCEVm0rX5fKoIgMkSItjeSxuma9TLTIqGfK1851VlFn_LRAirWeOG39kyAFhU39DBZQ_I/w400-h336/1dd.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Thrasher </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Deemed <i>"common"</i> but shy by Wikipedia standards, around these parts a <span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i>Hermit Warbler</i></b></span> is considered a <i>"rare"</i> visitor, so I'm marking this one down on my slowly expanding <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Life List</span></i></b> as a confirmed new sighting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6pjpBWDD3v99yO2KOc9sX-JguhCEE2--EAU1tUVaTy-I1gYx4HsK9VUOtZ-0W7Be0fsLl9_RNFEqDupzM4hCRYO2tXen13LhJrSNfzCQHZAhvqXnXid8eWOFp7kvGDzxw_Fo7AD9NvfXHYujFsfW1i3UhlgCVBKryF-WEKoYCQUlUYmhIn0vhZdg/s400/1bb.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6pjpBWDD3v99yO2KOc9sX-JguhCEE2--EAU1tUVaTy-I1gYx4HsK9VUOtZ-0W7Be0fsLl9_RNFEqDupzM4hCRYO2tXen13LhJrSNfzCQHZAhvqXnXid8eWOFp7kvGDzxw_Fo7AD9NvfXHYujFsfW1i3UhlgCVBKryF-WEKoYCQUlUYmhIn0vhZdg/w400-h320/1bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow fattening up</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">My first since the </span><span style="color: #444444;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I happened to spot in</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">a few months ago.</span></i></b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnYLzm7cFkETwst8-pPTDQTzKj8OJewbXbvzRA5c_Oo6imGLetTFiWxXHRZuN5zCyRAbdIuIE9mHnb1eLlpEpckaQWIcJz8IZ_mOwRaFKy5Wp9R_OKr0c7qxAwNhiUGdbfKAHRZgR7--d2M28chLh84zxOF3eh9Q8k80ZqC9NxCvq1VPOYlU5Ngdo/s320/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnYLzm7cFkETwst8-pPTDQTzKj8OJewbXbvzRA5c_Oo6imGLetTFiWxXHRZuN5zCyRAbdIuIE9mHnb1eLlpEpckaQWIcJz8IZ_mOwRaFKy5Wp9R_OKr0c7qxAwNhiUGdbfKAHRZgR7--d2M28chLh84zxOF3eh9Q8k80ZqC9NxCvq1VPOYlU5Ngdo/w512-h640/2a.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Townsend's Warbler</span></b></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read about another first (or rare) sighting</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">of a passing-through or perhaps year-round</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Bay Area resident Warbler:</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/just-how-common-is-black-throated-gray.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>RARE (FOR ME!) SIGHTING OF A</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/just-how-common-is-black-throated-gray.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>SO-CALLED COMMON WARBLER (September 19, 2017)</b></span></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1sEavSjfAUwtR9-CcTFkfpHsYw38xK12gRajEBJYncBmd1c59TZD7H3dRuX_SufVrbVil1VdlyzkmIef2SE6ypbUpc50vXt6ZjM0IyR_ivtrCQLnRUonNCIqxWvISDILtQV0v0Sk8nwOQiO4EkEr6ncxQ93OPIV8aORC2XTkFoqEnPS2338f7Zao/s1535/222222222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1sEavSjfAUwtR9-CcTFkfpHsYw38xK12gRajEBJYncBmd1c59TZD7H3dRuX_SufVrbVil1VdlyzkmIef2SE6ypbUpc50vXt6ZjM0IyR_ivtrCQLnRUonNCIqxWvISDILtQV0v0Sk8nwOQiO4EkEr6ncxQ93OPIV8aORC2XTkFoqEnPS2338f7Zao/w480-h640/222222222.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Yellow-rumped Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-70673931586284019342015-05-02T11:35:00.121-07:002023-03-31T11:54:47.891-07:00Avian Sanctuary & Nature Refuge Along SF Bay Trail / McLaughlin Eastshore State Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKIdXOptXZyqOE-zF6XUEzoND5rU-MPYbNNP4qwYL2uySJjsJ2_KJ9kTKK8IhNZJ-WX5cBLwRK5kR0xYiVGNJVxKUyDusKI3PjR9D3ugQUYschsF4e5wYbSjYvJonEtHIcsM51y8Z3ej7kQ5N25pajwNvjhLMyDt2eLZn6KaYDnR0COwYWoWXN-Lk/s1125/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKIdXOptXZyqOE-zF6XUEzoND5rU-MPYbNNP4qwYL2uySJjsJ2_KJ9kTKK8IhNZJ-WX5cBLwRK5kR0xYiVGNJVxKUyDusKI3PjR9D3ugQUYschsF4e5wYbSjYvJonEtHIcsM51y8Z3ej7kQ5N25pajwNvjhLMyDt2eLZn6KaYDnR0COwYWoWXN-Lk/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gathering of the Birds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Near <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Emery Point</span></i></b>, a small seaweed strewn beach is abuzz with dozens of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Sanderlings</span></b></i> devouring flies and gnats. Rhythmically attuned as a single organism to the ebb and flow of gently lapping waves, the frisky flock dances to and fro in concert with receding waters, hungrily stabbing at the exposed sand with their short black bills.</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa5OL3puX1Etj6JoEk_AkNXMamin1XaY_p3NlfF4oYjVSC7LGJ8AYVtspakaqJpvAcs-3_tFfnh5VQOHM6XjIPVduMRHkLq9YUp7WcYOnOmbSzycRpxR0LIoA4Yo5tpK02B4hM5fl7lTflotkOUI6D8ZsbqTTSZfqw6yY57YeuDm4NAl7oKAL0GGo/s1015/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa5OL3puX1Etj6JoEk_AkNXMamin1XaY_p3NlfF4oYjVSC7LGJ8AYVtspakaqJpvAcs-3_tFfnh5VQOHM6XjIPVduMRHkLq9YUp7WcYOnOmbSzycRpxR0LIoA4Yo5tpK02B4hM5fl7lTflotkOUI6D8ZsbqTTSZfqw6yY57YeuDm4NAl7oKAL0GGo/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sanderlings populate nutrient-dense shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Then an oblivious dog owner arrives and sets her pooch loose, creating panic and havoc as the small <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sanderlings</span></b></i> lift up en masse, flying off to a farther shore in a flurry of bleeping disapproval.<br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWwd1p1me10KL1rA-S6mcpecF4uGh304L2_5b9MCnH4LOAc5_CVsuEUmmudb31tj1bblNU46uJoRY0lDX-U97G8Hb8eNddPLGkWZSIYoDLq5M7DGLmh2tvt1Y7yF0gQksEXWAx4wnds7VaWLQ63J3mwsWFAZuICGujENjZ3ieIoeaYxU86GMsif1D/s399/2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWwd1p1me10KL1rA-S6mcpecF4uGh304L2_5b9MCnH4LOAc5_CVsuEUmmudb31tj1bblNU46uJoRY0lDX-U97G8Hb8eNddPLGkWZSIYoDLq5M7DGLmh2tvt1Y7yF0gQksEXWAx4wnds7VaWLQ63J3mwsWFAZuICGujENjZ3ieIoeaYxU86GMsif1D/w482-h640/2f.jpg" width="482" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Marshland, mudflats, shoreline, creeks and ponds exist on the fringes of mega-urban sprawl</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Near busy University Avenue and Frontage Road, glistening mudflats attract hundreds of <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Gulls</span>, <span style="color: #444444;">Coots</span>, <span style="color: #b45f06;">Killdeers</span>, <span style="color: #741b47;">Avocets</span>, <span style="color: #660000;">Willets</span>, Whimbrels, <span style="color: #38761d;">Wigeons</span>, <span style="color: #4c1130;">Mallards</span></i></b> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> one and all convivially joining in on the <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"feast-ivities"</span></b></i> of rich pickings upturned by roiling tidal action.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2AY7uyLlLROSqSO6KU2C7vPnj4TSmEEXH2UPFCPXfA71XNMrFRVfVP20cfT9IOMUY2kJ8aXY532t9oy8veV7ulhcG7xHjeo5Fpm_Gt-Fr8AzITklaqzS2-RG-wZgX6Pg67fVlLlLdHjt_nVhJknoWM9SRRZxKe-aczPqYVqOJHglfyoS-_itYuQV/s1125/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2AY7uyLlLROSqSO6KU2C7vPnj4TSmEEXH2UPFCPXfA71XNMrFRVfVP20cfT9IOMUY2kJ8aXY532t9oy8veV7ulhcG7xHjeo5Fpm_Gt-Fr8AzITklaqzS2-RG-wZgX6Pg67fVlLlLdHjt_nVhJknoWM9SRRZxKe-aczPqYVqOJHglfyoS-_itYuQV/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Meet 'n greet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>Terns</b></i></span> circle and dive bomb in the calm bay, surfacing with limp fish clutched in their beaks. Pole-sitting <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Cormorants</span></i></b> flash wings in garish displays of territorial bragging rights, or maybe they’re just airing things out. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4egN0lmc9Fm-Sk2eWPdJqv31FMdEumyZuZf4ld3Qea_0U-bBO9U8fEg0PJZda_qrZ1WN_XROaIqz4cbB7d0Y_rYSsSUxR2-LG-FoNSQSghBY1zw0aow-e5l9limmhuMy8G4rIqqgyrkQkzGWkXGEQheczOWuG4gDuoc2J5U_y_UkqWnnO9daogSP/s906/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="906" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4egN0lmc9Fm-Sk2eWPdJqv31FMdEumyZuZf4ld3Qea_0U-bBO9U8fEg0PJZda_qrZ1WN_XROaIqz4cbB7d0Y_rYSsSUxR2-LG-FoNSQSghBY1zw0aow-e5l9limmhuMy8G4rIqqgyrkQkzGWkXGEQheczOWuG4gDuoc2J5U_y_UkqWnnO9daogSP/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scooting down on water's surface for a smooth landing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> A troupe of <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Gray Pelicans</span></b></i> flies overhead in graceful V-formation, much prettier air-borne birds than they appear in their awkward <i>terra firma</i> mien. A motionless <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Great White Egret </span></b></i>stalks near the freeway in stony silence next to a discarded old tire, hoping for a tasty meal of fish, frog or snake.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNtS0OYIPZq9WBY0uGxSrUtVyP27jvHBQN1REClBBym41_DzQJdy-NSOuFADhLY8XfogV93MmqIBZvoSCXhHh-TGrNDZFhwuEJjBi-QYuTIcdaasD40D-M9sPS-E3f4TzZRisBvzwR2yK627_472RmokXKpiaAIhYvGYIW0tBLw-eO1Vtts2uugp1/s1125/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNtS0OYIPZq9WBY0uGxSrUtVyP27jvHBQN1REClBBym41_DzQJdy-NSOuFADhLY8XfogV93MmqIBZvoSCXhHh-TGrNDZFhwuEJjBi-QYuTIcdaasD40D-M9sPS-E3f4TzZRisBvzwR2yK627_472RmokXKpiaAIhYvGYIW0tBLw-eO1Vtts2uugp1/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Disembodied reflection of Great White</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I wait a full five minutes hoping to see the old boy strike, but the <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Great White Egret</span></b></i> remains laser focused on his phantom meal, a fixated and statuesque creature of the wild not a stone’s throw away from roaring 6-lane I-80 traffic.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIfXlKy7pVHhMmMbaEAhRioKwzXvI2zE0Tt8bsBDXxHCXAvpwwOgHt4VtzbHHzlgH7QHxkvehXUNFlYtk2xwOWiWrspMpaWkji9GVzGS8DYBRwA8Yyj8X32uVBE-JK24dr4hzCnPR6ExEYU2w_pcFNPtkYycTiuKlvdh0cw8jSXJOmvqTLHqN0Ea8/s640/2l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIfXlKy7pVHhMmMbaEAhRioKwzXvI2zE0Tt8bsBDXxHCXAvpwwOgHt4VtzbHHzlgH7QHxkvehXUNFlYtk2xwOWiWrspMpaWkji9GVzGS8DYBRwA8Yyj8X32uVBE-JK24dr4hzCnPR6ExEYU2w_pcFNPtkYycTiuKlvdh0cw8jSXJOmvqTLHqN0Ea8/w360-h640/2l.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bay Area Wild on the edge of Bay Area Madness</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">North past the bird sanctuary <i>(aka the <b><span style="color: #800180;">Albany Bulb</span></b>)</i>, on toward doggy heaven <i>(aka <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Point Isabel</span></b>)</i>, the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Bay’s</span></b></i> mud-caked bottom glistens in provender-rich pasturage laid bare, hosting tremendous bird life. Hundreds of flying creatures enjoying nature’s bounty of insects, worms and micro-organisms.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm_IYxD_uajDnL0vYgqDDY64vZRPYBi8cmGMMFYDqOX3i_Oyyu5jGc1ggxpkLQSKqYeSj0aQ-DPtsA5duwbpFtOHmy7qqeG_LmnL9P_ApI-acE2t6cA4OmD9VRzhGyX1uYPF0gZ609oekLQR1FQgYogHQHvrTT8i_2Pxdg_mjpm4UGlUJpx89z3WO/s1124/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm_IYxD_uajDnL0vYgqDDY64vZRPYBi8cmGMMFYDqOX3i_Oyyu5jGc1ggxpkLQSKqYeSj0aQ-DPtsA5duwbpFtOHmy7qqeG_LmnL9P_ApI-acE2t6cA4OmD9VRzhGyX1uYPF0gZ609oekLQR1FQgYogHQHvrTT8i_2Pxdg_mjpm4UGlUJpx89z3WO/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Three <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">East Bay</span></b></i> creeks converge here, draining into the bay to create an auspicious foraging habitat. When the tide's out, and conditions are right, an inconceivable <i><b>20,000</b></i> individual birds might be spotted.<br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNbzdb7TRsai9TsgWkogfsdDnq8brRLFfQsi0iGWnl9RGzk7qIl662TGYeqJyCkULng1iTXVGOGCejpNIyTfDV2bMGb8GDbV0Eo91fkal_R4UchU0MJkM92EURoOAnut3_D91z6IBZoo0wpQUhnRSBZPbEr4u0VgIiir0b9xhBjp6DUd5fmeGOpvn/s900/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="507" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNbzdb7TRsai9TsgWkogfsdDnq8brRLFfQsi0iGWnl9RGzk7qIl662TGYeqJyCkULng1iTXVGOGCejpNIyTfDV2bMGb8GDbV0Eo91fkal_R4UchU0MJkM92EURoOAnut3_D91z6IBZoo0wpQUhnRSBZPbEr4u0VgIiir0b9xhBjp6DUd5fmeGOpvn/w360-h640/1f.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Peregrine Falcon with prey (Towhee or Crow?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />One unexpected among them – a <span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>Peregrine Falcon!</i></b></span> Imagine that, coming upon the regal bird, feathers unruffled as I pop off my bike nearly trembling, fumbling to shoot a few frames and reel off a decent shot or two.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdrE9U0LmvmQgj5zAgrsoiCr1iP_xeXaWmpXdNvfhE59zfE7NY6RbfIhwhnm5usWAv-dAijYa_T4pgrL4iCsoEAMxaGRfs7cfpkxEeKljsQmJb-IVUhnU5_IjklXUdlJGS8skNCzWZ6g20ibINf7WmDipL4nEGD3MWtZ_hBkwtqIpEiaC_0ZZMfsD/s1440/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdrE9U0LmvmQgj5zAgrsoiCr1iP_xeXaWmpXdNvfhE59zfE7NY6RbfIhwhnm5usWAv-dAijYa_T4pgrL4iCsoEAMxaGRfs7cfpkxEeKljsQmJb-IVUhnU5_IjklXUdlJGS8skNCzWZ6g20ibINf7WmDipL4nEGD3MWtZ_hBkwtqIpEiaC_0ZZMfsD/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Peregrine Falcon guarding his meal</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have only seen a <b><i>Peregrine Falcon</i></b> – pairs of them – in flight, never under such intimate circumstances for close unfettered scrutiny . . . at least for ten to fifteen seconds, which seems like a very long time watching him perched on a rock with a mangled <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">California Towhee, Crow </span></i></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">or</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04;"> Pigeon</span></i></b> <i>(it appears)</i> clutched in his deadly orange talons.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOO_qknRHHm-HB_w1KxfTb4Z7_swBz7faOMlbx0eJdIe23ehRNwuBzPvGmURLBTaawIWtSbB11vQkWuptbfwfpsYGFtjSp7RIE8HFo5BOGgE9aS5tUj_MGhUL8GvZp9_enFPt1hqsLaFvQ0KzUQqt6JFG4Z0ycXtKEW73ATU7bH7VaGo9XX9pCcZd/s1774/1a3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1774" data-original-width="1419" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOO_qknRHHm-HB_w1KxfTb4Z7_swBz7faOMlbx0eJdIe23ehRNwuBzPvGmURLBTaawIWtSbB11vQkWuptbfwfpsYGFtjSp7RIE8HFo5BOGgE9aS5tUj_MGhUL8GvZp9_enFPt1hqsLaFvQ0KzUQqt6JFG4Z0ycXtKEW73ATU7bH7VaGo9XX9pCcZd/w512-h640/1a3.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Peregrine Falcon hunter before flying off with prey</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He flies off at last with his prized catch to another bay side rock <i><b>500</b></i> feet distant to enjoy his meal in peace and quiet without a <i>paparazzo</i> bugging him!</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu45erDI0V-po2cwjTVjAZY3Z1LggVA1KVYXMVPw2-hGLhf0LwhgfKkCZ1ucNyjOLY0qDePpeBNPLCmFUQav9ZgjNdTUA4Hvcv8JTDNz-3tdXpfRTig9uHz13LOlve0ZGoa3xdp4SjuxwgRexoPlSF-skE1FX3wRVUWBpviKMK4iEFNESfuhGi1LP/s400/2h.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu45erDI0V-po2cwjTVjAZY3Z1LggVA1KVYXMVPw2-hGLhf0LwhgfKkCZ1ucNyjOLY0qDePpeBNPLCmFUQav9ZgjNdTUA4Hvcv8JTDNz-3tdXpfRTig9uHz13LOlve0ZGoa3xdp4SjuxwgRexoPlSF-skE1FX3wRVUWBpviKMK4iEFNESfuhGi1LP/w400-h320/2h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">State Park managed by East Bay Regional Park District</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><div style="text-align: left;">Welcome, bird lovers, to the <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">San Francisco Bay Trail!</span></b></i> For views, history, recreation, and exemplary urban development in natural, sensitive areas, it can't be beat.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCJzIzP8H-JBJ_Rv7wamF1cOJ0Dp8dkDm0YpezknU6WHT_NfyBuEwcsGSLaaZto43C2a_GvZh65QAkVrI1FzsJP0llQ_4MwpROwynLOoXuMDN1lVy9mcV5Go9jZxqkqcRIMPmokG9SYTTP-bxMTz4IQbSmeR3A8Z4-6uYHWmIpSJZa6Ms9v7SDFYq/s400/2j.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCJzIzP8H-JBJ_Rv7wamF1cOJ0Dp8dkDm0YpezknU6WHT_NfyBuEwcsGSLaaZto43C2a_GvZh65QAkVrI1FzsJP0llQ_4MwpROwynLOoXuMDN1lVy9mcV5Go9jZxqkqcRIMPmokG9SYTTP-bxMTz4IQbSmeR3A8Z4-6uYHWmIpSJZa6Ms9v7SDFYq/w400-h320/2j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">One of three East Bay hill creeks ending its journey at the Bay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Years of behind the scenes efforts by dedicated individuals have resulted in successful habitat reclamation up and down the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Bay Trail</span></b></i>, providing sorely lacking foraging and breeding territory for coyote, fox, deer, bobcat, skunk, raccoon, and many reptiles and amphibians.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28SvEDH-PT72ScXiasfAwDYE_LlzK-qsPswMqi5v4hYZhMlxyntVdl9qggIG67pScNqBUqDVzgkq6CfFz84JW6oZ0gGmMMHR2lZfSdpYNjFq5a_cv-Nvj37P8oeUuAZ8-F6_b0nnNc3_bCZnWy7-OdKltlwxcn5vpT6-9pVm5GdhdZ-iv27Mv6Knh/s400/2g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28SvEDH-PT72ScXiasfAwDYE_LlzK-qsPswMqi5v4hYZhMlxyntVdl9qggIG67pScNqBUqDVzgkq6CfFz84JW6oZ0gGmMMHR2lZfSdpYNjFq5a_cv-Nvj37P8oeUuAZ8-F6_b0nnNc3_bCZnWy7-OdKltlwxcn5vpT6-9pVm5GdhdZ-iv27Mv6Knh/w400-h320/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Stilt foraging in bayside pool</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Notably, birds and native plants have struggled to regain a foothold in once endemic nooks and crannies of the long abused shoreline. Despite set-backs and countless perils and innumerable threats to their existence, by all measures, the birds et al are doing a great job in and around <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">San Francisco Bay</span></i></b>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayeRwmHVKWI30UDmqZHSHeHn18HCXMD9QrJDcJw3aF1S_47_qF1blFlJohfcUj0bXFiWxQiStLQnlh_s76Z1q7i47KoLBXIe7IcY5AN3jONyI5PyEY65ljAnNNt70coz2vqg8AZmL8SO5V7p1z5VQeQpZc648KGhWxGxadqRTvhlODY7gitssXHdL/s400/2a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayeRwmHVKWI30UDmqZHSHeHn18HCXMD9QrJDcJw3aF1S_47_qF1blFlJohfcUj0bXFiWxQiStLQnlh_s76Z1q7i47KoLBXIe7IcY5AN3jONyI5PyEY65ljAnNNt70coz2vqg8AZmL8SO5V7p1z5VQeQpZc648KGhWxGxadqRTvhlODY7gitssXHdL/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">SF Bay Trail extends for miles along eco-bio-diverse shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Viva Aves!</i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDRXo28FGL79A5y_jAdVYifcUs6WkFisU0ewWyxbRQ775DkoJzgh7ngI9kAV_1sWOa74Fod-6cjJUFrAwrrrw_eNEEbJLMr14yOSuMSGOpVp3STVprk9kh1cF_ZC6vtGlug2ZYaScLv1sKabpOiTNumoSHzN0alTWs-TuNmxScwtFO4TAw00-mrFd/s400/2i.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="400" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDRXo28FGL79A5y_jAdVYifcUs6WkFisU0ewWyxbRQ775DkoJzgh7ngI9kAV_1sWOa74Fod-6cjJUFrAwrrrw_eNEEbJLMr14yOSuMSGOpVp3STVprk9kh1cF_ZC6vtGlug2ZYaScLv1sKabpOiTNumoSHzN0alTWs-TuNmxScwtFO4TAw00-mrFd/w400-h280/2i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Three Mallard Amigos</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Still undeveloped patches of land – e.g., <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Berkeley's</span></i></b> waterfront area known as <span style="color: #783f04;"><i><b>The Brickyard</b></i></span> – are good bird territory. Somewhere around here, you look for where <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Strawberry Creek</span></b></i> drains into the bay.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsRaL3JvFUZNsd5OuFF7ycT9_HaHHD9SJx9mxZA4LY3JqqcauWatZ5jpks0QUn6KHLgs1yojz64jNsc0dIZWPqr8uiJUiiZMuqy_UWsOElqCHljGStcj282idctpylCAVOrcd1VVdHreZjQNsd3MrmaQA39rlgH42Z2OZ0ethe0U7flTNgUchfa99/s1440/4_blog%20(108)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsRaL3JvFUZNsd5OuFF7ycT9_HaHHD9SJx9mxZA4LY3JqqcauWatZ5jpks0QUn6KHLgs1yojz64jNsc0dIZWPqr8uiJUiiZMuqy_UWsOElqCHljGStcj282idctpylCAVOrcd1VVdHreZjQNsd3MrmaQA39rlgH42Z2OZ0ethe0U7flTNgUchfa99/w400-h320/4_blog%20(108)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron on the hunt</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Opposite University Avenue and Frontage Road, an intriguing gateway exhibit welcomes visitors to explore a unique feature of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">California’s</span></b></i> newest jewel, the <i><b>1854</b></i> acre <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">McLaughlin Eastshore State Park</span></i></b>.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWzRSj9WQ3RwH_MktslFn555jAxNPKY687Z0COYWmxG-hkJ4CBbrqs7nbV9f-kfOucm06kPXj9mt3kN2h8gSQI_u7jvWSbcvod4sX4WKCzXnTZyDTXAQoGIX6-2cicDHxwyVaF6YfPoOKeO7o-7653jEuEBqSt7FuWZIQ-j6MIWaWGbrnPCfbEBNT/s1125/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWzRSj9WQ3RwH_MktslFn555jAxNPKY687Z0COYWmxG-hkJ4CBbrqs7nbV9f-kfOucm06kPXj9mt3kN2h8gSQI_u7jvWSbcvod4sX4WKCzXnTZyDTXAQoGIX6-2cicDHxwyVaF6YfPoOKeO7o-7653jEuEBqSt7FuWZIQ-j6MIWaWGbrnPCfbEBNT/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rehabilitated "upland meadow" land along SF Bay shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A diorama, commemorating the park’s namesake, co-founder of <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Save the Bay</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Sylvia McLaughlin</span></b></i>, tells the story of this unique natural feature once common along miles of <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bay</span></i></b> shoreline but today exists as a mere remnant of salvaged habitat that once characterized shoreline ecology.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X87Nu1FmiUxwXK8ebE_oXeSnRBMxJdMNg-r1EgsxSLjBKzSNUD9C8ae7myQjN7zeGqBLwk3UbopzxP4nV2G3wFxoBXOJ8M1yFqGrFddFqgO-XvXD_9qusMbicXcWbYuoWO6py0jIMIMBXE4KIF4H4-cSYXBQCpLybOgRlyh8F0w7zFumEtGJZtES/s400/2e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X87Nu1FmiUxwXK8ebE_oXeSnRBMxJdMNg-r1EgsxSLjBKzSNUD9C8ae7myQjN7zeGqBLwk3UbopzxP4nV2G3wFxoBXOJ8M1yFqGrFddFqgO-XvXD_9qusMbicXcWbYuoWO6py0jIMIMBXE4KIF4H4-cSYXBQCpLybOgRlyh8F0w7zFumEtGJZtES/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pelicans swimming in creek channel through mudflats</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />The <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Berkeley Upland Meadow</span></b></i>, with it protected <i>(fenced in)</i> acreage of brush, swale, and copse, at first blush appears as relatively uninteresting, but on closer scrutiny you realize it’s a skillfully terraformed intervention of a land in crisis.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsW0uYiCNB9Hj4Z6plbl--8VyXYvzF_eaCrxRUl25Fdk5_MOJoaPXy2_Bq-kBzrbiHVuqARHKW3jLqyOhHlW_wpzjNd6nbqDNyEcItwbO0KFMYJiI0pMUExifPWwXUFeMfz4EZ9tYdYyGE2ldXLCDHRS-jrMqDtsjA87Z8axuV0wRSjcEaEV476FP/s400/3a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsW0uYiCNB9Hj4Z6plbl--8VyXYvzF_eaCrxRUl25Fdk5_MOJoaPXy2_Bq-kBzrbiHVuqARHKW3jLqyOhHlW_wpzjNd6nbqDNyEcItwbO0KFMYJiI0pMUExifPWwXUFeMfz4EZ9tYdYyGE2ldXLCDHRS-jrMqDtsjA87Z8axuV0wRSjcEaEV476FP/w400-h300/3a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Burrowing Owl emerging from his burrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Agencies and volunteers have successfully restored its original character to once again attract <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Raptors</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Burrowing Owls</span></b></i>, coyotes, foxes, deer and raccoons – an ecological treasure and birdspotting wonderland in our urban midst!</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWv4K34LbveDfngEZlytCN3EJ7Aa5any0-tChecv30_15M6VHVGV4F0LzdFB1JcYHwZFK_wBRcacw5yVD1bczCxSbqX2cKCjPMFg2XAHUGBlK7qtKb51Vlb9mgRk2dymSWXVtI2imQavRIkBsmqeYVt19OT1Yh5l4ICf0fdJDjnoUgKslBjxBZuVz/s400/2d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWv4K34LbveDfngEZlytCN3EJ7Aa5any0-tChecv30_15M6VHVGV4F0LzdFB1JcYHwZFK_wBRcacw5yVD1bczCxSbqX2cKCjPMFg2XAHUGBlK7qtKb51Vlb9mgRk2dymSWXVtI2imQavRIkBsmqeYVt19OT1Yh5l4ICf0fdJDjnoUgKslBjxBZuVz/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">May be a Dowitcher?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />Where water and coastline meet, edged by meadow and scrub brush, <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Nature</span></b></i> provides for and nurtures so much variegated bird life. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpLacUDWPUeW8knzPIQIrVj6x2G9QjHa4ewVfhwnxouV3WtZn4X7gKea3Y9OrlJ12dfVQcat1ktjnNpWGSNt7W3dqa0VpO07eKuC-i3VaFHAmgU1WoCjJghWDST0RSIOU3pk1t348e8QJ_QlhNJtKo_TcNX6GRpZe75KbPoxAOSsAoJSJslVbRKwb/s400/2k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpLacUDWPUeW8knzPIQIrVj6x2G9QjHa4ewVfhwnxouV3WtZn4X7gKea3Y9OrlJ12dfVQcat1ktjnNpWGSNt7W3dqa0VpO07eKuC-i3VaFHAmgU1WoCjJghWDST0RSIOU3pk1t348e8QJ_QlhNJtKo_TcNX6GRpZe75KbPoxAOSsAoJSJslVbRKwb/w400-h300/2k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Outgoing tidal shifts expose a birds' smorgasbord: mudflats</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All in all, a fine day to witness many small miracles of creation who call these salvaged gardens their home – <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">American Pipits</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Scrub Jays</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglets</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Lark Sparrows</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">Golden-crowned Sparrows</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">White-crowned Sparrows</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Dark-eyed Juncos</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Red-winged Blackbirds</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Black Phoebes</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">California Towhees</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Spotted Towhees</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Red-tailed Hawks.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lMaKzLKCEYODcHq-vuNN3Ed-aV_I7xRh2JkjiacPC0ENoOy6DyXtPi057fisE5uHvEVxmdrV0Oq4QCVpp4_Q0OHa1Gc96eb0CVWCC5JxTqUC9tFuJqne2F8mgeX6VdrIfBc5cU1lju8EApJz9Kd4kPwYFGh2RPE9xSJUF5cLpmFGJFZjZSuhfpDx/s1707/11112%20(23).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lMaKzLKCEYODcHq-vuNN3Ed-aV_I7xRh2JkjiacPC0ENoOy6DyXtPi057fisE5uHvEVxmdrV0Oq4QCVpp4_Q0OHa1Gc96eb0CVWCC5JxTqUC9tFuJqne2F8mgeX6VdrIfBc5cU1lju8EApJz9Kd4kPwYFGh2RPE9xSJUF5cLpmFGJFZjZSuhfpDx/w400-h320/11112%20(23).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mourning Dove posing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And the usual assortment of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Crows, <span style="color: #351c75;">Starlings</span>, <span style="color: #660000;">Vultures</span>, <span style="color: #990000;">Robins</span> </i>and<i style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="color: #7f6000;">Chickadees</span></i>.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZMQTuv0kLC_Jru01O0JygYXWB8ZJVZYSglDcRTRd2K3-lQ6kqTujv7zeiD5rko0X9liIl9xCGfxL1N8f6EZX_kZvFWYfLY-yhT1O_vsUsdXel30b-NLP914Lan7c_a4TazavKsAiG0Dx8FMRO7jOw2pp9_mATfhQJhbO8SwobdG7eipFjHQpuFgb/s400/222014%20(27).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="400" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZMQTuv0kLC_Jru01O0JygYXWB8ZJVZYSglDcRTRd2K3-lQ6kqTujv7zeiD5rko0X9liIl9xCGfxL1N8f6EZX_kZvFWYfLY-yhT1O_vsUsdXel30b-NLP914Lan7c_a4TazavKsAiG0Dx8FMRO7jOw2pp9_mATfhQJhbO8SwobdG7eipFjHQpuFgb/w400-h318/222014%20(27).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow twins</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Read selections from the</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"word botching bird watching"</span><span style="color: red;"> Gambolin' Man</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">about the Burrowing Owls & more</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">at Albany Bulb / SF Bay Shoreline:</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/birds-galore-at-albany-shoreline-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDING GALORE AT ALBANY BULB & SHORELINE (2014)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/albany-bulb-redux-and-geese-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">INSATIABLE BIRDING AT ALBANY BULB (2015)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-first-glimpse-of-burrowing-owls.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BURROWING OWLS TAKE UP RESIDENCE AT ALBANY BULB (2017)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q7fx8OPjKtRCFNMos4arK-u4h4oM3X5e9KQXK-8C0aorK94n7oRnzLd6WZ-hBkx1yEqIUxn72WQL2AqJro2mzxeeliJ_2AARZIMzp2eBqWh1tJ3_pyUJb1cziBVc1Yz3tf4PyaDd6JsXIrsgQY9djPeJem47rPktZoLiAH4PfW4nh4y6wTzteVND/s399/8a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q7fx8OPjKtRCFNMos4arK-u4h4oM3X5e9KQXK-8C0aorK94n7oRnzLd6WZ-hBkx1yEqIUxn72WQL2AqJro2mzxeeliJ_2AARZIMzp2eBqWh1tJ3_pyUJb1cziBVc1Yz3tf4PyaDd6JsXIrsgQY9djPeJem47rPktZoLiAH4PfW4nh4y6wTzteVND/w514-h640/8a.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">White-crowned Sparrow</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;"> feeding on stalk seeds</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>Check out Gambolin' Man's write-ups</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>\on the amazing biodiversity & scenic wonders</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, Albany Bulb</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>& the San Francisco Bay Trail / Shoreline</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><i>recreation & birding hotspots:</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/11/albany-bulb-nature-sanctuary-outdoor.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALBANY BULB ART, BIRDING & NATURE APPRECIATION (2009)</span></b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2015/01/san-francisco-bay-trail-nature-refuge.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SF BAY TRAIL & SHORELINE WONDERS (2015)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIDht6jFglLCqLheY___TEE9rnc7fxM2B6Vp1CEHDNY-6hHKBAE2pNsW5qYLpoN9njtw75a4qKfKHz1hMdMOyuZei1Gju-2dZwrUr7UdhuufKGJ-v0WYz_LIn9r6CAEH4wfR8cEmKu_sKL-mrMSfAjZhSngDLBVDw7EkhG3PdiC3exMHUfvTqaAod/s344/8C.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="298" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIDht6jFglLCqLheY___TEE9rnc7fxM2B6Vp1CEHDNY-6hHKBAE2pNsW5qYLpoN9njtw75a4qKfKHz1hMdMOyuZei1Gju-2dZwrUr7UdhuufKGJ-v0WYz_LIn9r6CAEH4wfR8cEmKu_sKL-mrMSfAjZhSngDLBVDw7EkhG3PdiC3exMHUfvTqaAod/w554-h640/8C.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Western Grebe</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">plying the nutrient-rich waters</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">of SF Bay</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Check out some bonus footage (shaky!) of birds in action & biking along the waterfront:</i></b></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Z0geT2SbAL8" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">PEREGRINE FALCON WITH PREY</span></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgpYZ-RTDX4" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BURROWING OWL @ ALBANY BULB</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9fJxt8ue3E_k6SieEAsuXE_" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">42 VIDEOS OF BIRDING ETC AT ALBANY BULB</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/V2DVegrW0b0" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIKING ON THE SF BAY TRAIL</span></b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwqV8juoNEuDzO_38VGlEQVH2MvsTroh01Rdrg5BqWUL0k5FOE0IJkJoof5-hshfj23sPwqNxKda-yLpLgAOCUnW73KlRdK8wMWZ5j9QWANE_b9FOF_gN7yQS24vlb-ybpsxk7gZfb76olrg69j1im5HGO1ZvjXT-tbB4paUtMorSTbRcB8LSqa-7/s320/8b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwqV8juoNEuDzO_38VGlEQVH2MvsTroh01Rdrg5BqWUL0k5FOE0IJkJoof5-hshfj23sPwqNxKda-yLpLgAOCUnW73KlRdK8wMWZ5j9QWANE_b9FOF_gN7yQS24vlb-ybpsxk7gZfb76olrg69j1im5HGO1ZvjXT-tbB4paUtMorSTbRcB8LSqa-7/w512-h640/8b.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Glorious sunset</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">capping a fine day exploring</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;"> the SF Bay Trail & environs</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-21041528974885778592015-04-06T08:29:00.157-07:002023-03-31T11:48:02.048-07:00Birdlicious Beauty Abounds in "Badlands" Landscape of Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yVXQeEt94oM5iZTAlYBOaq5Y-7OE42MO2WdiRcB-_BkBVRGiDY5v9uGX2mFazB59i2TuqTQLNa-uQiszFC2Cq1FJqML4GU0de2ienDOcFy0HZ8RZga55ZQqym721NdqA3FynixHlMVyF7cBjVZB-Yj5aEaotMDB3pxv7KujC56qn6nfbgUoYSBxN/s1440/3b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yVXQeEt94oM5iZTAlYBOaq5Y-7OE42MO2WdiRcB-_BkBVRGiDY5v9uGX2mFazB59i2TuqTQLNa-uQiszFC2Cq1FJqML4GU0de2ienDOcFy0HZ8RZga55ZQqym721NdqA3FynixHlMVyF7cBjVZB-Yj5aEaotMDB3pxv7KujC56qn6nfbgUoYSBxN/w400-h320/3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Marker identifying geologic formation on self-guided tour</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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<span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">In the hills above <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Oakland</span></i></b>, a geologic wonderland and nature lover's delight awaits in a unique <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">East Bay Regional Park District</span></b></i> land holding with a blasted history:</div></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJx3TJ6mb9c_ckjThc9B_-0Kf4yUioNCmISj99-j-QoRzzKUkrx1qpg6-DKV2ZRMDAAZ3VmnYwarRGlDW-QfHtagHlOIi3ERhzE9gOND9y1wGeqUVXMSkq_X4aLgKZAnHmStMEONYdZCvaHSCZxSudLxZSyZbsXTpU8HXik-TBSGDUZ0NiL_LosBOf/s1440/36503087393_da1bc67ffe_o.jpg.crdownloadB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJx3TJ6mb9c_ckjThc9B_-0Kf4yUioNCmISj99-j-QoRzzKUkrx1qpg6-DKV2ZRMDAAZ3VmnYwarRGlDW-QfHtagHlOIi3ERhzE9gOND9y1wGeqUVXMSkq_X4aLgKZAnHmStMEONYdZCvaHSCZxSudLxZSyZbsXTpU8HXik-TBSGDUZ0NiL_LosBOf/w400-h320/36503087393_da1bc67ffe_o.jpg.crdownloadB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red rock outcroppings at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CV52d5-z9dIQoS9SWuwJ05woQ9VKLAYnSIG8takqmDTAMQQ9jAOI90u0VCGCVFVA628w-FondTWZwpoQMN-Mo4wkidjKPRtKjt804rruAvLGALwChgFTSUPcgbTbtwVjkW6RSqzBzNQfN4GuXZLzfq0kDLPChb1EF4gvs8FePnbrscurVHpTwMY2/s1125/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CV52d5-z9dIQoS9SWuwJ05woQ9VKLAYnSIG8takqmDTAMQQ9jAOI90u0VCGCVFVA628w-FondTWZwpoQMN-Mo4wkidjKPRtKjt804rruAvLGALwChgFTSUPcgbTbtwVjkW6RSqzBzNQfN4GuXZLzfq0kDLPChb1EF4gvs8FePnbrscurVHpTwMY2/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sibley's rugged volcanic and human-shaped landscape</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> A gouged out ridge system on the mend after decades of quarrying activity, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Sibley</span></b></i> looks like a land tortured not only by the <i>"hand of man"</i> but by <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Mother Nature's</span></b></i> ravaging forces. A <i><b>10,000,000</b></i> year old volcano, <span style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>Round Top Peak</b></i></span>, has eroded and been laid bare, tilted on its side eons ago by shifting fault lines and crushing pressure to expose ancient bedrock.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WJ8gZ03QUE4yk9fexH1FVEoZyGsVoH7G4gVzE2oW3n8Govr-jD4fflvnQlvGxGV_cvzZqxZ71p_gFeHutmsPaq_haKRPdxtiiAxtl1XZ5Xk4vw3HXSMLBxeX49Kwp2hSI3yRJ1rMW9y3nulNy6y4LSdM3AkDFNFQxOKF5SGnWQmSYiofkvRyThus/s1125/1i.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WJ8gZ03QUE4yk9fexH1FVEoZyGsVoH7G4gVzE2oW3n8Govr-jD4fflvnQlvGxGV_cvzZqxZ71p_gFeHutmsPaq_haKRPdxtiiAxtl1XZ5Xk4vw3HXSMLBxeX49Kwp2hSI3yRJ1rMW9y3nulNy6y4LSdM3AkDFNFQxOKF5SGnWQmSYiofkvRyThus/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Eroded red cliffs give the impression of being in the desert Southwest</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Sibley's</span></b></i> protruding boulders, rocky bluffs and steep scree slopes give the place a veritable red rock desert look and feel. As for the birds and animals, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Sibley's</span></b></i> biodiverse ecosystem provides safe haven in a rugged nature refuge abutting a large metro area.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56uQtKAgT4ZGEgg6xWQtKiFIDa6NHfvYPoviJzd6ngBnVUlUEOyuLhNqAf-pnATgsFHi3qYw3Qbnn0INcwZ1WljOc0Vq9aPCx56QoM6l30U1D3QijQsvB-ZmOhGL2aTuaN3g6uHviyJGfDqKIBGjzD_n8MYrRBTBhJdUlhVHnOBL8aqhYSRgTmvut/s1565/4192014%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56uQtKAgT4ZGEgg6xWQtKiFIDa6NHfvYPoviJzd6ngBnVUlUEOyuLhNqAf-pnATgsFHi3qYw3Qbnn0INcwZ1WljOc0Vq9aPCx56QoM6l30U1D3QijQsvB-ZmOhGL2aTuaN3g6uHviyJGfDqKIBGjzD_n8MYrRBTBhJdUlhVHnOBL8aqhYSRgTmvut/w512-h640/4192014%20(6).jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Finch in bold colors</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">What more could our urban</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">nonhuman animal friends ask for.</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74X3-x9rEZCxvPXujhnMldzsfIHvFOsA_iL7RB6TPt2AYAlZ267UjKOAPRzq6m21GcnM2ZFoSzJmpOSS86NO6nfADTpZAftQLcAWm_r3MRlArtush0uciekwZhIWZHg6kdRUlLMpmnz44aUrMhseeQuA5DSsAYPH28_afgvC-tSb3CKxLD6qsP5kt/s1125/11212013%20(21).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74X3-x9rEZCxvPXujhnMldzsfIHvFOsA_iL7RB6TPt2AYAlZ267UjKOAPRzq6m21GcnM2ZFoSzJmpOSS86NO6nfADTpZAftQLcAWm_r3MRlArtush0uciekwZhIWZHg6kdRUlLMpmnz44aUrMhseeQuA5DSsAYPH28_afgvC-tSb3CKxLD6qsP5kt/w400-h320/11212013%20(21).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-crowned Sparrow gorging on seeds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">A car-free <i>(and carefree)</i> approach to <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sibley</span></b></i> requires no small effort grinding up steep <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Claremont Canyon Road</span></b></i> on a hard tail mountain bike. Along the way, the birding is fantastic at <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Claremont Canyon Preserve</span></i></b>, perfect for a breather before tackling the short but wicked <b><i>1000</i></b> foot stretch to crest at <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Grizzly Peak</span></i></b> and <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Fish Ranch Roads</span></b></i>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIVwkK2VWJ1rK_T6zItXMEfDCzK271LpYCitXcaUMPy4rwcwg6LttYZOGIF_WynfKIZiwIkcYSAIufipouqevKaFH36TrsVAf_wagQ2jvDQvz9xu3NFFGi9mp2VjBuU2ciVEX3woifC1t48FnWdKM6Os3bX0qC7k2mJhFHMVMTfb4I4WOSaiRhYfn/s1440/2b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIVwkK2VWJ1rK_T6zItXMEfDCzK271LpYCitXcaUMPy4rwcwg6LttYZOGIF_WynfKIZiwIkcYSAIufipouqevKaFH36TrsVAf_wagQ2jvDQvz9xu3NFFGi9mp2VjBuU2ciVEX3woifC1t48FnWdKM6Os3bX0qC7k2mJhFHMVMTfb4I4WOSaiRhYfn/w400-h320/2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lush forest along stream provides food and shelter for birds and wildlife</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> From there, it's zoom zoom down to the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Old Tunnel Road</span></b></i> entrance in a fairly unfamiliar area. The main <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Skyline</span></i></b> entrance to the park is about a mile up the gorge trail, with a final leg to choice viewing spots with interesting geology, labyrinths, and poppy painted hills.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuJu3HOmKBELSQU6RgtnWV7IkiO09N2TGsYJMcoN2HqOtO7cj9Kalajh2P5MgIrsQ0GNRBg8nPLs4IIaXzpPEENXp-xLOVhZWYkfAf4DjlcPDSXH8NKNKowXfJu4kw4KFpDutVMR3GW9XTtJ3-fqTJE6C3j5VOdlcW4oSQ6wFZpvJTAfQU2tk-w40/s1125/1g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuJu3HOmKBELSQU6RgtnWV7IkiO09N2TGsYJMcoN2HqOtO7cj9Kalajh2P5MgIrsQ0GNRBg8nPLs4IIaXzpPEENXp-xLOVhZWYkfAf4DjlcPDSXH8NKNKowXfJu4kw4KFpDutVMR3GW9XTtJ3-fqTJE6C3j5VOdlcW4oSQ6wFZpvJTAfQU2tk-w40/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Blasted out quarry pit today looking like a meteor crater</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> I'm hoping to see the magical <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></i></b> again on the eastern flanks of the park's large hills. Why I think this whimsical little creature will appear in my life for a few brief moments, when I know I'll never see the bird again, utterly captures the marvelous sense of <i>"I must do it anyway"</i> futility that defines the hopeful wishing and optimistic pursuit of the quixotic birder. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6MoXSYeHChhYF0quI74abbbBZ0RSDq6CYPn2ItmMBFgLcWzZThzXokdMct7WfZ1rHKmMeC_0N8jQ_qhL_xAmwTQHh5bRHN3C2vWuQQEMqJO9Woa-Hw0cWE_KxrQywdzj3CRf-kXanVyTYTYRvip60qa4ubFqFoj2rc0g3LK9p8JzF5watdDJ0S8t/s635/1h.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="635" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6MoXSYeHChhYF0quI74abbbBZ0RSDq6CYPn2ItmMBFgLcWzZThzXokdMct7WfZ1rHKmMeC_0N8jQ_qhL_xAmwTQHh5bRHN3C2vWuQQEMqJO9Woa-Hw0cWE_KxrQywdzj3CRf-kXanVyTYTYRvip60qa4ubFqFoj2rc0g3LK9p8JzF5watdDJ0S8t/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler showed himself to me one day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Against all odds,</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Nec Aspira Terrent:</span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Difficulties Be Damned!</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTbhhAX6cLIGeNR7fi-vuWWTnyJpP99EcjIAHtKlaNoyMRUrEWKd0U6kDplFuwir8_7yVaUVK1C8t8RG9hhW0kC9PfP5F6GXsEVdF4aHJrCGTxJaWxt_3bi-78oeMM7CaWNkEvgr7814SD-Kuz3vQduOIMfjA_v2uh6BLPY5SJhQtGUtk0ZsbuTwK/s2048/2k%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTbhhAX6cLIGeNR7fi-vuWWTnyJpP99EcjIAHtKlaNoyMRUrEWKd0U6kDplFuwir8_7yVaUVK1C8t8RG9hhW0kC9PfP5F6GXsEVdF4aHJrCGTxJaWxt_3bi-78oeMM7CaWNkEvgr7814SD-Kuz3vQduOIMfjA_v2uh6BLPY5SJhQtGUtk0ZsbuTwK/w480-h640/2k%20(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Round Top Creek (like any creek) always charms and enchants, even in low flow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Suddenly, I'm aware of all the <i>"bird energy"</i> emanating from the brush and copse, in the canopy and hillside and high above. Instantly enthralled, I pass through the gate onto <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Skyline Trail</span></i></b>, following the gentle course of unpretentious <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Round Top Creek</span></b></i>, on first glance one of those nothing little piss-ass ditches of a gully crick. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMrlDwSHHvVIWqelFTLJaEtOmO4Tc0Le4Bb_lraU1tz_jCaYYzP0ZIQa3Yd-IenDYRu8YlsBIY8pdRXAtJp_5usnfSoE02eIYh9rlYOtCL1V2pIQ_07uC-EUqFV9v16DSmxGHjhRU1fc7fgHbtQaPnLPFO03mom7VG9oq0FoOYDh0VrL6S_ny_WIy/s1440/3c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMrlDwSHHvVIWqelFTLJaEtOmO4Tc0Le4Bb_lraU1tz_jCaYYzP0ZIQa3Yd-IenDYRu8YlsBIY8pdRXAtJp_5usnfSoE02eIYh9rlYOtCL1V2pIQ_07uC-EUqFV9v16DSmxGHjhRU1fc7fgHbtQaPnLPFO03mom7VG9oq0FoOYDh0VrL6S_ny_WIy/w400-h320/3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Postcard perfect vista of Sibley hills and Mount Diablo</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But on more intimate communion soon reveals her true hidden nature of small miracles, subtle charms and nuanced beauty. Never fails.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQgRfVGN8wx87S12NRMFzuBvpppIQe0iu8f9uPAGI7hVdEtkc7Xcugn69h23KxZ6w64J3Jlu0_BAUjocPmLdKP03E_MR7WL5AhkB6gQvCqnpfXZewjTYbwg4_cw6kozjXff7VnQ-i-3ZLl4GtkyHBtIfDCaF2lfKNxfUFTSy-V2aXc1liQuNJsjAr/s1600/1d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQgRfVGN8wx87S12NRMFzuBvpppIQe0iu8f9uPAGI7hVdEtkc7Xcugn69h23KxZ6w64J3Jlu0_BAUjocPmLdKP03E_MR7WL5AhkB6gQvCqnpfXZewjTYbwg4_cw6kozjXff7VnQ-i-3ZLl4GtkyHBtIfDCaF2lfKNxfUFTSy-V2aXc1liQuNJsjAr/w360-h640/1d.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mesmerizing beauty easy to find along Round Top Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> No particular hurry, no agenda today, except to spot some birds in the lush sylvan surroundings. Exhausted though I am from a recent bout of something, I persevere, determined to do justice exploring this <i>"new"</i> territory in my back yard. In the process, expending reserves of energy by needlessly bushwhacking up a bone dry drainage and stumbling around down on the creek. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMddljuzdZIi9AZ18Xz6apz8-X_CwAdmimvglciVimW17KJoHJNTP8Gdc-JrOcD-RfhO-sWhWjYU6xZmrsXG4VwqWBrXuH_4zNnEXf7kp7vkZUdThqWY9iVWNp969bHEFPpU_mV4bv06dbVsx4wH9Mau-ywRKfXC5OFn-DJ_fwZmcE5RKLlIJ4eN4/s1919/2j%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMddljuzdZIi9AZ18Xz6apz8-X_CwAdmimvglciVimW17KJoHJNTP8Gdc-JrOcD-RfhO-sWhWjYU6xZmrsXG4VwqWBrXuH_4zNnEXf7kp7vkZUdThqWY9iVWNp969bHEFPpU_mV4bv06dbVsx4wH9Mau-ywRKfXC5OFn-DJ_fwZmcE5RKLlIJ4eN4/w400-h320/2j%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Round Top Trail follows the creek through dense foliage and past beautiful trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My every step is tuned to miniature, barely spotted movement in the trees and bushes, immersed in a private quiet world, absorbed in a never ending quest to bear witness to a unique or rare bird. An interesting assortment soon begin making their appearance:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKguUSb3OAKIUmksogpbz6YPFnyN6Hmi_xl3AiODkitAORiBMmbUZVFvC0EIIwtSljYrjbtRTYo4K0j4cX_XkbqvaTCWHc2qLnoOL1PUBBLYDEqEgtoWypKbz8TLwlFbqEG9nIJ7vrNziiquOizEAcd-NRPUA7dOzmDnsNM4AC40YStyj3rRZQjCQ/s852/2e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="852" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKguUSb3OAKIUmksogpbz6YPFnyN6Hmi_xl3AiODkitAORiBMmbUZVFvC0EIIwtSljYrjbtRTYo4K0j4cX_XkbqvaTCWHc2qLnoOL1PUBBLYDEqEgtoWypKbz8TLwlFbqEG9nIJ7vrNziiquOizEAcd-NRPUA7dOzmDnsNM4AC40YStyj3rRZQjCQ/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay taking it all in</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jays</span></i></b> </span><span>& <span style="color: #7f6000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Juncos</span><span> /</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Warblers</span></b></i> & <span style="color: #0b5394; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Bluebirds</span><span> / </span><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Kinglets</span></b></i> & <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Thrushes</span></b></i></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Quails</span></b></i> & <span style="color: #b45f06; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sparrows</span><span> / </span><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hawks</span></i></b> & <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Vultures</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIARFgoQOx4KIhJdhTZKEOHwSeTZgiGqCPnDBJknevor1eLLCz9UcSJNuAbbwJT-9yDVtB7r5yEw7wYfJyk9OeHD96kBfFKmpAyBTRaVNfNfLt7FOZDftF2lej4Hc7iZatiDvH3RsopaqcrKtl9tXmB2xEz9U-dJRByDukdvc5DeD9lGzlBV3PtOj/s1440/3d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIARFgoQOx4KIhJdhTZKEOHwSeTZgiGqCPnDBJknevor1eLLCz9UcSJNuAbbwJT-9yDVtB7r5yEw7wYfJyk9OeHD96kBfFKmpAyBTRaVNfNfLt7FOZDftF2lej4Hc7iZatiDvH3RsopaqcrKtl9tXmB2xEz9U-dJRByDukdvc5DeD9lGzlBV3PtOj/w400-h320/3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Heading out on the trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">I'm lovin' it!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">The birds are lovin' it!</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZPa9-W33_Zzy3LK2IUx8lBLTfphi_2uu-Jg-Mm6yKifMdNKSHXStdjoGeTGADB0xG1iwm1A6Np7w_iw5uPuoKud6JPsiAIjLIxmzm0-rhOOtRl64byIZDOCS8m5aEuGWZZHYtb9wHlo-nQnXNWanC0XGXn9dpnNptAb75RmYcF7N_4zrI8cSN4ia/s1440/1_blog%20(37)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZPa9-W33_Zzy3LK2IUx8lBLTfphi_2uu-Jg-Mm6yKifMdNKSHXStdjoGeTGADB0xG1iwm1A6Np7w_iw5uPuoKud6JPsiAIjLIxmzm0-rhOOtRl64byIZDOCS8m5aEuGWZZHYtb9wHlo-nQnXNWanC0XGXn9dpnNptAb75RmYcF7N_4zrI8cSN4ia/w400-h320/1_blog%20(37)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk soaring high above hills scouting for a vole</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A couple of weeks ago, along <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wildcat Creek</span></b></i>, repeated high-pitched <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">CHIT! CHIT! CHIT!</span></b></i> of <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Wilson's Warblers</span></b></i> fooled me, and they're fooling me again with their recondite ruckus in the trees edging <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Round Top Creek</span></b></i>. Preferring to sing and play in heavy foliage, and being minute creatures who blend in to the point of disappearance </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> they're hard as heaven to spot!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDsO2bdBKHzgzD-ThnQpEWR-rqIbqgwy4dZ8H9ksdha-Cg6Ds-2AMgwsUm5cEvHv07Bk9SHc5pMQFh2jfSP_O2VfHwQ8mnZUzx786X2JZ7pYKe6JaBVmGvMUaKAn9NLC27319i0b-bNSNGEoUsipsdQJHI_AOiQzn3cscy3KULrdwxjo-0ioPTDpn/s1440/5blog_9412e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDsO2bdBKHzgzD-ThnQpEWR-rqIbqgwy4dZ8H9ksdha-Cg6Ds-2AMgwsUm5cEvHv07Bk9SHc5pMQFh2jfSP_O2VfHwQ8mnZUzx786X2JZ7pYKe6JaBVmGvMUaKAn9NLC27319i0b-bNSNGEoUsipsdQJHI_AOiQzn3cscy3KULrdwxjo-0ioPTDpn/w400-h320/5blog_9412e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler exhibiting fancy black "tam"</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">So when you do manage to connect on some level with this bird's secretive existence, it's a joyful revelation of <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">"unseen birds, infinite, hidden."</span></b></i> Still, a 2-second glimpse of a playful pair of <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Wilson's</span></b></i> high in an oak tree is enough to cry triumphant, but that's it, except for their invisible presence and constant calls and responses that keep merry company.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWH9sUfUvEmPhKnSuA3AY-5IqkkqlZEWdsBy-hKt4xCCwM6id7_uZk1PAsVEAcvU6b4mVPVOS_Wc7qs2hNfJYKbuFjk4OS7NrAutKNfS1vG6AHRhSUZWMT3Li_vlNVn2KHWns7NL3dMyoRhP1NS2c_2cqOboVXTjK07WPvAk-xzmgN2QvbnKhQBpY/s1720/3f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWH9sUfUvEmPhKnSuA3AY-5IqkkqlZEWdsBy-hKt4xCCwM6id7_uZk1PAsVEAcvU6b4mVPVOS_Wc7qs2hNfJYKbuFjk4OS7NrAutKNfS1vG6AHRhSUZWMT3Li_vlNVn2KHWns7NL3dMyoRhP1NS2c_2cqOboVXTjK07WPvAk-xzmgN2QvbnKhQBpY/w400-h320/3f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sibley ridge looking north toward Napa and Sonoma coast ranges</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In this unseen world, I lose my self to the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">birds bein' birds</span></b></i>. Their nonstop scurrying and skittering. Their obliviousness to the world and the passing of time. Their indefatigable fluttering and flittering. I'm just standing around staring into dense foliage when a flicker of movement catches my eye in distant brush. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz2FEcKnpS989oAaRbZfpey1vxG9v9ipTvNW2WbnezsZw6BYmWQGxbCuYlAbLA5fGpsHomHwowm-WMK0F8U4dndzO7NlHdS_B65hB8maHkdP2TMLkC6NOE8LoMemfiRU75FVJIDvqUv0M4WCwyeO_gqfKY-RcOckI8Dfnu4TbBrforPELkFVp1t0W/s2048/3_blog%20(33)_71112.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz2FEcKnpS989oAaRbZfpey1vxG9v9ipTvNW2WbnezsZw6BYmWQGxbCuYlAbLA5fGpsHomHwowm-WMK0F8U4dndzO7NlHdS_B65hB8maHkdP2TMLkC6NOE8LoMemfiRU75FVJIDvqUv0M4WCwyeO_gqfKY-RcOckI8Dfnu4TbBrforPELkFVp1t0W/w400-h300/3_blog%20(33)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">A pair of White-tailed Kites were hunting one day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Quick to the draw with the binos, I immediately zero in on the bird's imperceptible doings and am luckily rewarded with a half-second glimpse of the very lovely <i>(and, for me, very rarely seen)</i> <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Golden-crowned Kinglet!</span></b></i> Now darting instantaneously out of sight with the grace and mystery of a quantum particle – <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Ping!</span></b></i> – the very lovely little bird is gone.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHohtBWOLMDi9n4o97OE63mWVchjwJvE28wKWM7GyS_pf_qhlFLAcdk8GWEnKpjLzmGqkgo_6XOEczeO-QJMMd5DWMAJ1Q0eWTZ1s6wtv0b7yE0gGVBXJzYTHLy8PlpXHbTHvHhQNKkluoi2i58q7OxSC5P7o239eBhxH66XTHkTLD2GzWgO6uEd_1/s375/4_blog%20(68)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHohtBWOLMDi9n4o97OE63mWVchjwJvE28wKWM7GyS_pf_qhlFLAcdk8GWEnKpjLzmGqkgo_6XOEczeO-QJMMd5DWMAJ1Q0eWTZ1s6wtv0b7yE0gGVBXJzYTHLy8PlpXHbTHvHhQNKkluoi2i58q7OxSC5P7o239eBhxH66XTHkTLD2GzWgO6uEd_1/w400-h320/4_blog%20(68)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Horned Lark (sighted years ago at nearby Briones Regional Park)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I could while hours away soaking up the atmosphere of <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Round Top Creek</span></b></i>, birding, photographing pretty remnant pools and bizarre sculptured trees, observing the minutiae of the natural world about me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0vuc2qKlkvbycxjbOdRGaeZCoMIDYIfVpsSkw1qQemMe5BkmKGdy5zTppEdZaFjX_pTFjk8-4QJlD8kn2gifYxPadoTCUtf05lnqCLE-FHODp94NheoErsyd216mJeKBALd1Jd4r_gBT79edDfwCYy_fNpjs2ow3CvJKwkdI_3VSyOo8CZ_sojUP/s2048/5a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0vuc2qKlkvbycxjbOdRGaeZCoMIDYIfVpsSkw1qQemMe5BkmKGdy5zTppEdZaFjX_pTFjk8-4QJlD8kn2gifYxPadoTCUtf05lnqCLE-FHODp94NheoErsyd216mJeKBALd1Jd4r_gBT79edDfwCYy_fNpjs2ow3CvJKwkdI_3VSyOo8CZ_sojUP/w360-h640/5a.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steep inclines test your mettle whether on foot or bike</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This stuff takes time, and patience, but now, after nearly two hours exploring the small riparian canyon, it's time to get my blood flowing again. There's more work to do. My end destination is still three miles and <b><i>500</i></b> feet of elevation away.</div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0w9NyWvndT4MYTLgOdiy4MlP-qIAESU0_rF3CSgIAHwguDbEUAIu0bUJ7E5vhGd3tYBgO688BXGq_NnyDY4rbC_qATbcQ2gKdHw-cVQ42qh2738AemdgK9ilin8JaC--KlxcIVma8zsnbtXCC9cD2e1WJ-2TDRg-F0VX-7htBLZPTkzvlyUP-Ibo/s2047/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0w9NyWvndT4MYTLgOdiy4MlP-qIAESU0_rF3CSgIAHwguDbEUAIu0bUJ7E5vhGd3tYBgO688BXGq_NnyDY4rbC_qATbcQ2gKdHw-cVQ42qh2738AemdgK9ilin8JaC--KlxcIVma8zsnbtXCC9cD2e1WJ-2TDRg-F0VX-7htBLZPTkzvlyUP-Ibo/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rufous-sided Spotted Towhee tweeting in the brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br />Back on my bike, I pedal and push up the tough single track to the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Staging Area</span></b></i>, where, for the umpteenth time, I dutifully read each informational display on the geology and natural history of the <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Volcanic Preserve</span></b></i>, always mindful of and impressed by the vast scale of history and extinction unfolding and on view here.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka3PQoDFeSRdRrbaf-i5Az9abyMFY5RwEoMG4MEDYiYrEzpLXUOJbkeMILs1yerQv98v8wqiVSLDWW9GmichBuU36as_nmOWIZmz9skdV_-TZqFA5py0Xe1f-dQ9XX6TT78vRjRWw8D4W0z-5TyjdYEzGAw8jHaVljAzKB80njJxCccZ77BTiAAhn/s1536/2g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka3PQoDFeSRdRrbaf-i5Az9abyMFY5RwEoMG4MEDYiYrEzpLXUOJbkeMILs1yerQv98v8wqiVSLDWW9GmichBuU36as_nmOWIZmz9skdV_-TZqFA5py0Xe1f-dQ9XX6TT78vRjRWw8D4W0z-5TyjdYEzGAw8jHaVljAzKB80njJxCccZ77BTiAAhn/w480-h640/2g.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Beautiful labyrinth with Mount Tamalpais in background</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Now bumpety-bumpin' down <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Sibley's</span></b></i> cobbly-ass trail, respectfully slowing down for hikers and dogs. Amazed at the popularity of the place, but I'm headin' where they ain't – to the park boundary on the back side of the whacked out cliff.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMCdUUli4O1bVY0H1C3ANuQ9QCGCug9nEsIqFk6-Zopc1fsgSoX7EgBpJ_7nt4ASNLPA40g3mz8h7MtD-ElwmHmcgIxWU2Vvk6TymEPMVskBUPBFpGXAlUDlQDwvfZoHNWrXkaPrB5lFYKyR4XoQjs43PBEijiXRI6AxqjgZ2fCjPbtdmTu8JYUC5/s1311/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMCdUUli4O1bVY0H1C3ANuQ9QCGCug9nEsIqFk6-Zopc1fsgSoX7EgBpJ_7nt4ASNLPA40g3mz8h7MtD-ElwmHmcgIxWU2Vvk6TymEPMVskBUPBFpGXAlUDlQDwvfZoHNWrXkaPrB5lFYKyR4XoQjs43PBEijiXRI6AxqjgZ2fCjPbtdmTu8JYUC5/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler (rare bird for me)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not a soul in sight, I can assure you. I drop my bike and hop over the fence to enter a new and different world – all mine and the birds'! It was right over there, in that tree, where I spotted the <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i>.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIceUuifMRofS-LjRK3db3bgPRhCAkOADa7geOLNieav9rvamPs1C9rAyuq83PSOYGQu7rIL_FKHPWqTHW61QM48jNDU_78YHSyjtvB-Oy9NketM5cpD64AdjdXrMS_1jD9mPzNCoKAZE39TGCHHX_dkj0pq-RJSdBVrPqIwbryK5w0WTNutda1Js/s1908/2i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIceUuifMRofS-LjRK3db3bgPRhCAkOADa7geOLNieav9rvamPs1C9rAyuq83PSOYGQu7rIL_FKHPWqTHW61QM48jNDU_78YHSyjtvB-Oy9NketM5cpD64AdjdXrMS_1jD9mPzNCoKAZE39TGCHHX_dkj0pq-RJSdBVrPqIwbryK5w0WTNutda1Js/w400-h320/2i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Round Top Trail cresting out in Springtime</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> I love the private <i>"out of bounds"</i> setting for the beautiful rolling hills, ample forest cover and open meadows edged by brush, for the extensive <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Diablo Range</span></b></i> views of the 3,849 ft. mountain and <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Las Trampas</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Rocky Ridges</span></b></i>, rising to over <i><b>2,000</b></i> feet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUOjevZvelt-YNL5DcYmOEueO3K7ANsNOqLEjy1KAgWkOFquVWZoEYVXoMickrFdD0W2hGcXzB6o9__Hd37pyOosuEgL9xs3Q2WlosgsZNuThVeoLrzMZYuNfCbltyKJ6-NoAyHmkZD1A3lWGMEkELqpN21wu-RLUPXAw-90VF6jmHRi7-yTkyhwz/s1160/11202014%20(30).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUOjevZvelt-YNL5DcYmOEueO3K7ANsNOqLEjy1KAgWkOFquVWZoEYVXoMickrFdD0W2hGcXzB6o9__Hd37pyOosuEgL9xs3Q2WlosgsZNuThVeoLrzMZYuNfCbltyKJ6-NoAyHmkZD1A3lWGMEkELqpN21wu-RLUPXAw-90VF6jmHRi7-yTkyhwz/w400-h320/11202014%20(30).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Raptor staring down on smorgasbord meadow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I kick back in silence, hoping, hoping, for the magical cameo of <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Black-throat</span></i></b>, but only <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Anna's Hummingbird</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Bewick's Wren</span></b></i> show.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjy0mo8ekYwyUacqP5beAD8GZsDuiZRPKcLx9vSQ5vnGAFI3_xQXAMpqaEDxw8nk4acDIrX_b73EomyoiiwBg9o40BaVCWJldB7lH5w-wzJipKbh8UJaJK2v15qGecfc4HwReNF2_xDihvdvI7s85r9TcEOsmmJNl2UcGBlhx5ByTcPHhbiuqdOrIm/s1920/2l%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjy0mo8ekYwyUacqP5beAD8GZsDuiZRPKcLx9vSQ5vnGAFI3_xQXAMpqaEDxw8nk4acDIrX_b73EomyoiiwBg9o40BaVCWJldB7lH5w-wzJipKbh8UJaJK2v15qGecfc4HwReNF2_xDihvdvI7s85r9TcEOsmmJNl2UcGBlhx5ByTcPHhbiuqdOrIm/w400-h320/2l%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Round Top Trail cresting out in Summertime</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Still appreciative. In the forest gully, it's a <i>Hobbit's</i> world of bent over trees with eyes and faces and gnarled roots. I rouse a pair of deer who hastily retreat up a steep ravine and out of sight. No birds in here, though, where you might expect to see a <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> or <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Band-tailed Pigeon</span></i></b> maybe.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxUQpM3ON8KTq9Sb8Qa-Jn_gcatvfo_yngKSiHIK7SJB20v95xVAeYbClgH0AIaJxeRmVBYW4VObAwiiuCZR179bUnDwHPdsn-eAr1uMjVU4gYxNbMgpaavBeF8eY3QYBhL52kf9LyLuQ6d4pNZO2NYFjb1WjbIVwiDSL0JVID_G5u22ilRxsYt8W/s1283/4_blog%20(88)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxUQpM3ON8KTq9Sb8Qa-Jn_gcatvfo_yngKSiHIK7SJB20v95xVAeYbClgH0AIaJxeRmVBYW4VObAwiiuCZR179bUnDwHPdsn-eAr1uMjVU4gYxNbMgpaavBeF8eY3QYBhL52kf9LyLuQ6d4pNZO2NYFjb1WjbIVwiDSL0JVID_G5u22ilRxsYt8W/w400-h320/4_blog%20(88)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren hoping to snatch a grasshopper or spider</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On the climb out, I stop at the overlook. A <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">California Quail</span></b></i> is vocalizing loudly on a brush twig, stumping me – what an amateur! Even my non-birder wife recognizes the unique trilling of <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Quail!</span></i></b> The pretty tousled bird flies out into the open for a couple of seconds, but, no fooling me now, babe, I see you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctUd245QnQlJHBOa4y2ODSoLQviI0O5bvlnQTgn8T41_o6DrC7Wu7nCsF-1J6yoYIe9Cyxu3uAVPGczqlJa-NptHZcau4RaxOFm2NtLFSCcAw2srRATYGdLq1GWK4Pb2MCwkXCBFZ88T-sQyeBj51I5BEbwRCi7lRGH1wk-liQb5_IhRTzevBhXXM/s4050/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctUd245QnQlJHBOa4y2ODSoLQviI0O5bvlnQTgn8T41_o6DrC7Wu7nCsF-1J6yoYIe9Cyxu3uAVPGczqlJa-NptHZcau4RaxOFm2NtLFSCcAw2srRATYGdLq1GWK4Pb2MCwkXCBFZ88T-sQyeBj51I5BEbwRCi7lRGH1wk-liQb5_IhRTzevBhXXM/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Handsome California Quail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then, next thing I know, a startling whoosh right over my head of a pack of fast-flying <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Doves</span></b></i> bustin' butt to the safety of tall firs across the way. I remember large flocks of them from last time. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVvrGRZSPc4I4Sw9bnO7Lza1F_3MebFQ4sIqAaP7kBo8ro-yFnqkzakZsJZ1ULL6uGVyMwSD-6P_-foVMt-TFJjGwUln254usWsirWj6WBSgsy8WLmMOr_jNiJkdNsLw5UUJAveLa_znNG02C0KAMkPYO7V1WLJVgiQ5Re4U9ADpxl29d00OKDd1h/s1172/1b.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1172" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVvrGRZSPc4I4Sw9bnO7Lza1F_3MebFQ4sIqAaP7kBo8ro-yFnqkzakZsJZ1ULL6uGVyMwSD-6P_-foVMt-TFJjGwUln254usWsirWj6WBSgsy8WLmMOr_jNiJkdNsLw5UUJAveLa_znNG02C0KAMkPYO7V1WLJVgiQ5Re4U9ADpxl29d00OKDd1h/w400-h320/1b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebirds perched and observing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And, up there, who's that? Moving in closer, I espy a pair of <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Western Bluebirds</span></i></b> resting in a fallen tree. Just the two of them, perching lovebirds. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MjSwhGHwOPJi_RLpluO4sZ86JkdSzuYkdlzHvSlmj-HiaZDF05Azknz3suxTcTeAZeYbPyaNHBa7MMv7876FoGqOlkppG-_k_MSDuInyFRLDnc3CGAviz4A08wjz7Y_a5V1rbaBBiAqjUFLYtsgk3xBNPKzaEEhLnDKtFAq04iaj0ydmLqAiwCFk/s1484/1c.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1484" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MjSwhGHwOPJi_RLpluO4sZ86JkdSzuYkdlzHvSlmj-HiaZDF05Azknz3suxTcTeAZeYbPyaNHBa7MMv7876FoGqOlkppG-_k_MSDuInyFRLDnc3CGAviz4A08wjz7Y_a5V1rbaBBiAqjUFLYtsgk3xBNPKzaEEhLnDKtFAq04iaj0ydmLqAiwCFk/w400-h320/1c.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fine looking Varied Thrush came popping along</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And then, in quick succession, a <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Varied Thrush</span></i></b>, of all birds, and a few odd looking crashers gliding in for a landing around some bushes dropping their tiny seed pods for their benefit. <i>(Both the plants' and birds'.)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3ysOtA2dTpxSlQZuE6qSi3XCH-SDQUHdjj7Ul9h8KCq43ZqRFrqBt54FjitklQD_nTqa8-stCKgrU72MU_dWCalZRJ6i8wmQBl9rFoyR0VVa68wI4zPddIWG9B90UVSg59WJGQ6jM1KCOi9gey87GjHVY200qITcUG-Ej7GZcb0cb4DJ8QL0N9KH/s1920/5blog_9412%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3ysOtA2dTpxSlQZuE6qSi3XCH-SDQUHdjj7Ul9h8KCq43ZqRFrqBt54FjitklQD_nTqa8-stCKgrU72MU_dWCalZRJ6i8wmQBl9rFoyR0VVa68wI4zPddIWG9B90UVSg59WJGQ6jM1KCOi9gey87GjHVY200qITcUG-Ej7GZcb0cb4DJ8QL0N9KH/w400-h320/5blog_9412%20(6).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rufous Hummingbird (?) landing on tiny branch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm stumped yet again, unable to identify what kind of sparrows they are, until back home, when I learn they're <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Lark Sparrows</span></b></i>, surprisingly, and representing a first ever sighting of the masqueraded bird at that!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvcTXouefbGkpxCAko6vJR4Pz3hHiiEo3GvoyvK9PV70xKdqnP4dbdGhLHCBYrZM6XP6A1go_PZ0IjuVd_8E3s5Yrbk01U7JFFQszNTsOTy6tLizeI9TVxp01cG0lxaATYCxjXCWs2ycRyYjUzZ6CPcnJbzozJ5Ac5lGFIrEndQa_PMOWtsm9MbcR/s1598/1a.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvcTXouefbGkpxCAko6vJR4Pz3hHiiEo3GvoyvK9PV70xKdqnP4dbdGhLHCBYrZM6XP6A1go_PZ0IjuVd_8E3s5Yrbk01U7JFFQszNTsOTy6tLizeI9TVxp01cG0lxaATYCxjXCWs2ycRyYjUzZ6CPcnJbzozJ5Ac5lGFIrEndQa_PMOWtsm9MbcR/w400-h320/1a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Several Lark Sparrows appeared one day</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Turns out, I've been confusing <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Lark Sparrows</span></b></i> with some other kind of sparrow all this time! Now, if I can just remember what the other sparrow was. How could I possibly have confused the very distinct <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Lark Sparrow</span></b></i> from another, more pedestrian, drabber one?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpANbWY8gU0h-oHhBtY7DIUntQY2FGYmwoAyqiBSz7Rbl5meeTK82phu6UHkwEUBbaIgMa7iwIRC9dBF4B29QdMB93rT6tcLpYlL1uO_p-mzdrOxq9Fpf48zt7arKLJyX1IwjhqU8IAmhYuCaYv7JaPqsne-AXI_uzdgbLLVrPe6l4MpUhj0rlG94/s1440/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpANbWY8gU0h-oHhBtY7DIUntQY2FGYmwoAyqiBSz7Rbl5meeTK82phu6UHkwEUBbaIgMa7iwIRC9dBF4B29QdMB93rT6tcLpYlL1uO_p-mzdrOxq9Fpf48zt7arKLJyX1IwjhqU8IAmhYuCaYv7JaPqsne-AXI_uzdgbLLVrPe6l4MpUhj0rlG94/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mount Diablo ("Tuyshtak") viewed from Sibley "Badlands"</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Nothing to muse on for too long, not with the last vestiges of <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Big West</span></b></i> scenery to chew on – sacred <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Tuyshtak</span></i></b> filling the sky and the purplish <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Ohlone</span></b></i> range so alluring. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sn-TyFrhUK_Q81fEys5fgIQ-ZgUU7kyvvTaNLDNnopn_CS-L7_z1xpr4RP9X5XFMs7K-xlKINZ02i0XOciq4eRaeeFruzuesaR3jzwB1e473ZWo_lkI-nLXLK2Cm0oFn4Rzr4h_0i3F2nHb51K4teQe55nyVlxTrCMNNrnNBdBJll7oCgnZZYds1/s1167/1f.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="851" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sn-TyFrhUK_Q81fEys5fgIQ-ZgUU7kyvvTaNLDNnopn_CS-L7_z1xpr4RP9X5XFMs7K-xlKINZ02i0XOciq4eRaeeFruzuesaR3jzwB1e473ZWo_lkI-nLXLK2Cm0oFn4Rzr4h_0i3F2nHb51K4teQe55nyVlxTrCMNNrnNBdBJll7oCgnZZYds1/w466-h640/1f.JPG" width="466" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lark Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And when you're dead tired from it all. One last longing lovelorn look before heading back for good, a full day of <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">birdlicious</span></b></i> biking and exploring.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_5BQ5PN-8Be9KfnY0ZCC1qsNTHC55ygBSuq7CUsDu6pv0_Msqf_ULKxcA7LalMDvbRV-NZihJufc1jP3hb4sOyj8QrE55ZE0R-0CLXHC8PuQfHSYxKixYnj9tiDfRQ8IUXaexKEdEhNEQQR2KOCbUf6pmu1M6RHLKG3_0cl4X9lLJen_hpQu07c4/s1440/3t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_5BQ5PN-8Be9KfnY0ZCC1qsNTHC55ygBSuq7CUsDu6pv0_Msqf_ULKxcA7LalMDvbRV-NZihJufc1jP3hb4sOyj8QrE55ZE0R-0CLXHC8PuQfHSYxKixYnj9tiDfRQ8IUXaexKEdEhNEQQR2KOCbUf6pmu1M6RHLKG3_0cl4X9lLJen_hpQu07c4/w400-h320/3t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">My trusty '98 hard-tail Gary Fisher</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">And truly thankful</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">it's all downhill from here.</span></b></i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcOouPPXK2Fs-cFC1HFXzu6OdI_7TahJdHsYjeIVjm2VEIkX5cX4WFCCyl2tb1Y23uD-TxMDcYT14LdGpWQrB-9wisNU4ceSBTRfAmdMaxefG6vBUizVceGm1MzZ58W5Woz9QwHAB9wl_GrdchomSO6KKrejfdRAyievOE7DI7SwrLIfPUUYexB77/s3888/3y.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="2916" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcOouPPXK2Fs-cFC1HFXzu6OdI_7TahJdHsYjeIVjm2VEIkX5cX4WFCCyl2tb1Y23uD-TxMDcYT14LdGpWQrB-9wisNU4ceSBTRfAmdMaxefG6vBUizVceGm1MzZ58W5Woz9QwHAB9wl_GrdchomSO6KKrejfdRAyievOE7DI7SwrLIfPUUYexB77/w480-h640/3y.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Lazuli Bunting</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">always a special sighting</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></b></i></div></div><b><i><span style="color: red;"><div><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read about my other Sibley adventure</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">when I spotted the Black-throated Gray Warbler:</span></i></b></div></span></i></b><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/birdspotting-sibley-volcanic-regional_20.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDSPOTTING @ SIBLEY (November 20, 2014)</span></b></a><i><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0Rf10n8dIeGAiKXVn0-5jFTQ-JnGQVSEoJ0ULprJ7xGP870mU7jpE-zqdlL8Fd3vLRPx28Wv4sUSP8xSBnTrEPTs-Je48yMX1XUk2jb51c-kB6cI282xDCkHpm5-hKmw67XaWkAD1f1H3ELYsgwXy3l4x9n3_lW451wRZI7DFI8_jvFYhYAAsS5T/s2048/4r.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0Rf10n8dIeGAiKXVn0-5jFTQ-JnGQVSEoJ0ULprJ7xGP870mU7jpE-zqdlL8Fd3vLRPx28Wv4sUSP8xSBnTrEPTs-Je48yMX1XUk2jb51c-kB6cI282xDCkHpm5-hKmw67XaWkAD1f1H3ELYsgwXy3l4x9n3_lW451wRZI7DFI8_jvFYhYAAsS5T/w360-h640/4r.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Sibley's Sacred Center</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read my post at </span><span style="color: #351c75;">gambolinman</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">about Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">& three other East Bay parks</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">in the Berkeley / Oakland Hills:</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/05/chabot-redwood-huckleberry-sibley-four.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>AN AMAZING "RED ROCK" VOLCANIC PARK</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/05/chabot-redwood-huckleberry-sibley-four.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>IN THE OAKLAND HILLS (2009)</b></span></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz65_JaZgsLje6miFXXiZaGoIYq24yZFNrHmwRaKtqXd48SfoXq835q4dkGzhfax4u5EUs6NScbOehEwxJYMZVDsAjrW4ASBbIge0Dxy_QgHFd5-RHbU7nTy15X7QYT9IFrbMwyCNMKD-SfagZtRvODTjU-9PyV8mveVGjiQ61OulwZfdiI4rf6E6/s1369/13aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1239" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz65_JaZgsLje6miFXXiZaGoIYq24yZFNrHmwRaKtqXd48SfoXq835q4dkGzhfax4u5EUs6NScbOehEwxJYMZVDsAjrW4ASBbIge0Dxy_QgHFd5-RHbU7nTy15X7QYT9IFrbMwyCNMKD-SfagZtRvODTjU-9PyV8mveVGjiQ61OulwZfdiI4rf6E6/w363-h400/13aa.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">California Thrasher</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">singing his heart out</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Dig into Gambolin' Man's photo gallery</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">of over 500 scenes of the geologic & biodiversity</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">scenic wonders & beauty</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve:</span></b></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4azbCk" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE: A PHOTO GALLERY</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHAkLu1mDFEaOc-h367GFLgiYNWb85XoCwNcrCJetEFvAhbvqC9iMJ3CNnTkEB_n6_Hxoy8IuAJ7MZH9XYj8AzEHxa8-Khc0tcPNXwY6LHkpzHBHyITUovy44AY7u9dchGs9wDyxcK4OZKlVjHr76JxkiZv1pcUkEzSm-jHuFQogghbJhm3a_AbcW/s1536/12aaaaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHAkLu1mDFEaOc-h367GFLgiYNWb85XoCwNcrCJetEFvAhbvqC9iMJ3CNnTkEB_n6_Hxoy8IuAJ7MZH9XYj8AzEHxa8-Khc0tcPNXwY6LHkpzHBHyITUovy44AY7u9dchGs9wDyxcK4OZKlVjHr76JxkiZv1pcUkEzSm-jHuFQogghbJhm3a_AbcW/w480-h640/12aaaaaa.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Sibley Hill Country</span><br /><span style="color: #274e13;">in summertime</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-40354696295727631612015-03-24T18:51:00.201-07:002023-04-01T13:58:39.176-07:00Year-Round Birding at Jewel Lake & Tilden Nature Area Never Gets Old<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aIE_YLvD6j51CQy6vGci8UAzigrouqdXSnGkYxh9br6plGRRC7daMnLmCuHtvBU2Ov_XFWXTtnL1916E51xAQ4wweeSK0uln5szZA4OzfrxBYms_i_AOVZ_e9a43BLZoKkNIS3Ao2N-kSnTk3jh3g1sG8ZHkobWdebLbzsQiqGLExAQ9b5jgdClu/s1919/1m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aIE_YLvD6j51CQy6vGci8UAzigrouqdXSnGkYxh9br6plGRRC7daMnLmCuHtvBU2Ov_XFWXTtnL1916E51xAQ4wweeSK0uln5szZA4OzfrxBYms_i_AOVZ_e9a43BLZoKkNIS3Ao2N-kSnTk3jh3g1sG8ZHkobWdebLbzsQiqGLExAQ9b5jgdClu/w400-h320/1m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Egret on the hunt at Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>One writes about the places</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><i>one cherishes </i></b></span><b style="color: #351c75;"><i>and returns to</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #351c75;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">time and time again.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH46axE8hxT1Eq3lLrFSMUr1aW6HSKuZDHUMEN03_GMFes1gvzdWnVD5Jt0Nc978JOsVd9WlOL_RlATlvPNNH71RXRlOp6u98D5OnpvBEfWVYD0n_fbd2tFzKzcERpxamO31_CgpNoyLXB3nkO-GAF1ATzaPABMypP8TTn9YS-moi2RZZajnkIwjs/s1920/1p%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH46axE8hxT1Eq3lLrFSMUr1aW6HSKuZDHUMEN03_GMFes1gvzdWnVD5Jt0Nc978JOsVd9WlOL_RlATlvPNNH71RXRlOp6u98D5OnpvBEfWVYD0n_fbd2tFzKzcERpxamO31_CgpNoyLXB3nkO-GAF1ATzaPABMypP8TTn9YS-moi2RZZajnkIwjs/w400-h320/1p%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">A drab Towhee showing off a subtle patch of blue</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Perhaps because each time,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">and time again,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">there's always something</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">new and different to experience.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI93p0BMvzBUauqhEa6SFtgfpDUr8V1kuewGQWiKq1Qj7fHwNmDG1tZLwwbdqATNghJ4DJyZXDWiI8Dm-gOXTllP8VrhNih_SBZCk4FdnzLwT3Zz2Agt77Yr0cZj-_S5y5aE9VMV49AT2vV_TfYTvLmCvhSbj6oXsZVFj-YfJjUNQihvsuqwb5VE7/s1440/1ff.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI93p0BMvzBUauqhEa6SFtgfpDUr8V1kuewGQWiKq1Qj7fHwNmDG1tZLwwbdqATNghJ4DJyZXDWiI8Dm-gOXTllP8VrhNih_SBZCk4FdnzLwT3Zz2Agt77Yr0cZj-_S5y5aE9VMV49AT2vV_TfYTvLmCvhSbj6oXsZVFj-YfJjUNQihvsuqwb5VE7/w400-h320/1ff.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty maids all in a row</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Nothing is ever the same,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">throughout the seasons,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">or even a week later,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">or the next day.</span></b></i></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB76a7cHe08IIVDwvlQE7gQ1pVbaJsVL2mHN9-8X0h_KLStWd2OAVqjPpswPuKPNYNAA0Y9ghbeqBQU8B7TNDz4JWC4LF434nOh1fqeNn3x30fpJet6ZkBFbhGelfYEtO1i5LqBuZrI-kt2ehK-iYPp2p4HuPrCPq84oq9V9XgF5oat--AjEWhDS2/s1920/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB76a7cHe08IIVDwvlQE7gQ1pVbaJsVL2mHN9-8X0h_KLStWd2OAVqjPpswPuKPNYNAA0Y9ghbeqBQU8B7TNDz4JWC4LF434nOh1fqeNn3x30fpJet6ZkBFbhGelfYEtO1i5LqBuZrI-kt2ehK-iYPp2p4HuPrCPq84oq9V9XgF5oat--AjEWhDS2/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tilden Nature Area in autumn's colorful cloak</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Which accounts for my numerous posts</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">on the </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">splendors and treasures</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">of Tilden Regional Park.</span></i></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHRbp-KspaQNHamtznpvVvbm5UspASjc7T4savRfxujaefYnAGa22TdXHl2eUjToGCUt7TGpivNlWPu32yna5ojZnlOHbojNLTPiB_2BXJa0BpV_PiLJ5lvovatHAxaIZWY2qm0dxtokhPL5kboA7QOSvvCQfeeE9Ld_hD7cKq8mZLgZ66oFjzVyf/s1440/1h.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHRbp-KspaQNHamtznpvVvbm5UspASjc7T4savRfxujaefYnAGa22TdXHl2eUjToGCUt7TGpivNlWPu32yna5ojZnlOHbojNLTPiB_2BXJa0BpV_PiLJ5lvovatHAxaIZWY2qm0dxtokhPL5kboA7QOSvvCQfeeE9Ld_hD7cKq8mZLgZ66oFjzVyf/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron stalking</span></b></i> </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The overlooked splendors, the inappreciable treasures, the small miracles, perhaps, of a gem of a <i>"park"</i> in our backyard. Accessible by bike from my <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">North Berkeley</span></i></b> home, I'm there in forty minutes, dialed in to endless trails for choice, secluded birding spots.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOHLXSU2Na3C_5W2xXtta1i-j4hih-hdl29oDbIBbmAefnDljLJDywPM5C8HD-C0d3HbYJW50uaGD4tIPx0uxcTfPrTxlzy1Y8gtOweo8-C05oaMVIK7fJ5aPnLYidqJQPagcerbUXXUE54GoR4ioPa5Z6M9afJkaThGZ9xS_idA0_cG8eiCP5fkq/s1919/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOHLXSU2Na3C_5W2xXtta1i-j4hih-hdl29oDbIBbmAefnDljLJDywPM5C8HD-C0d3HbYJW50uaGD4tIPx0uxcTfPrTxlzy1Y8gtOweo8-C05oaMVIK7fJ5aPnLYidqJQPagcerbUXXUE54GoR4ioPa5Z6M9afJkaThGZ9xS_idA0_cG8eiCP5fkq/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-backed Chickadee in a (rare) still moment</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There being grueling mountain bike rides to ridge tops hoping to spot <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Meadowlarks</span></i></b> or <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Horned Larks</span></b></i>, certain to see <b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Red-tails</span></i></b> circling or an <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">American Kestrel</span></b></i> perched on a fence post.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Dn25M_tHZcEq1-hYZM_Dh8bRrN8TGYHc6vcvxdA3UqYqSqcuz6tnaIB-aFuITMc5KqkQoQxhCKQc8o_DSUEEEUI8LK4OLcpF6IsIBYPyGMCjD6h7w7L6SbCkq4irKgGvc9a3E8qXTPBD8iFxNR3siCcAYetRayGm2EHpEPVVNAdIUrtuwLF4xSA/s1228/1t.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1228" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Dn25M_tHZcEq1-hYZM_Dh8bRrN8TGYHc6vcvxdA3UqYqSqcuz6tnaIB-aFuITMc5KqkQoQxhCKQc8o_DSUEEEUI8LK4OLcpF6IsIBYPyGMCjD6h7w7L6SbCkq4irKgGvc9a3E8qXTPBD8iFxNR3siCcAYetRayGm2EHpEPVVNAdIUrtuwLF4xSA/w400-h320/1t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk perched on fence post</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>There being a recondite bend in the small but rugged and infinitely charming <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Wildcat Creek</span></b></i>, where I first spotted a <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Wilson's Warbler</span></i></b> and, like any discovery, waxed childlike in my enthusiasm at having finally spotted the marvelous bird.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjpEfIGJLGMs14pFgV3SrbFM0tGKDzvP3rWnJn27rRI4Ec9QLGCsGosmq29Trenn7dpCinyqHT5Tc6YkIFRa3GddQLITVUY8NdNqs0eo4D7bUTgEgi9tosRFkprBgUQ9h7NxFCpsbNrOyrRwc_pm8bVYr5sMVJwmyTmp7m7HMEdn7AlZJDFf6S-oe/s2048/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjpEfIGJLGMs14pFgV3SrbFM0tGKDzvP3rWnJn27rRI4Ec9QLGCsGosmq29Trenn7dpCinyqHT5Tc6YkIFRa3GddQLITVUY8NdNqs0eo4D7bUTgEgi9tosRFkprBgUQ9h7NxFCpsbNrOyrRwc_pm8bVYr5sMVJwmyTmp7m7HMEdn7AlZJDFf6S-oe/w480-h640/2b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Creek raging after Spring rain</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There being <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Conlon Knoll</span></i></b>, in a recent post, always a fun place to hang out in the vicinity where I saw my only <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lazuli Buntings</span></i></b> and <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Winter Wrens</span></b></i>.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5oBLxe8fozvTgx2xp6DI7sAiy7ZPrzzbFR_JwGM6PlPeF8AamlbAVT_c-ZzDMbnWXlLYiWY1moMJgl48U75Hosh09xQGNsCGgIvL4cnLUiXzYOFYIDy707XS4VApAv_7G5WArx3cMjKszI1py4_r0QI8dud_yDP1qsZL0YPSVxrPASwuWVwA5zi0/s1920/1y%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5oBLxe8fozvTgx2xp6DI7sAiy7ZPrzzbFR_JwGM6PlPeF8AamlbAVT_c-ZzDMbnWXlLYiWY1moMJgl48U75Hosh09xQGNsCGgIvL4cnLUiXzYOFYIDy707XS4VApAv_7G5WArx3cMjKszI1py4_r0QI8dud_yDP1qsZL0YPSVxrPASwuWVwA5zi0/w400-h320/1y%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mount Diablo vista from Tilden Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And there being . . . <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Jewel Lake</span></i></b> and <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i> . . . where birding is a year-round, world-class prospect. Fanatic birders, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities love the place.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZPj_zc7gTYPpjzxDmUOqDkO2xXo1ghzyhSGK3dKTIipI5xtmo-PMJsNqvYs8VBO0y5JOYtIEQVn63pKL_y4jtF3wjKMPuieSDRRUYV-DxugYIriJ5Ya769aSWLQp6os3oixlkzK44csw8uyV7NvKOtsciXg5AzGVtiyDL22cJ63TaAHlWyV3Tn8s/s1440/1r.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZPj_zc7gTYPpjzxDmUOqDkO2xXo1ghzyhSGK3dKTIipI5xtmo-PMJsNqvYs8VBO0y5JOYtIEQVn63pKL_y4jtF3wjKMPuieSDRRUYV-DxugYIriJ5Ya769aSWLQp6os3oixlkzK44csw8uyV7NvKOtsciXg5AzGVtiyDL22cJ63TaAHlWyV3Tn8s/w400-h320/1r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Turtle convo on Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> In earlier times, I neglected to appreciate the hills above <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Berkeley</span></b></i>, living as I did below the <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Oakland Hills</span></i></b>, always off to <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Redwood Regional Park</span></i></b> or somewhere farther to the southeast.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H-6NwP3ARTzVskZj8aMIkul8xCTOIUeHS0QkE8O28OwpCYgXFMEQ1mnmPlSOUL-Ns0IhXq3yPlEQrArSlH_MFRBooYhN2D9GD45v9G_lpg33boi9uteJhFw4fh4W88wvxw_OS3-8f7MHuwQjgV3-Z2ZrvG1I3WaFmXaWnUnMqstfDP2FPcWoXLEk/s1440/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H-6NwP3ARTzVskZj8aMIkul8xCTOIUeHS0QkE8O28OwpCYgXFMEQ1mnmPlSOUL-Ns0IhXq3yPlEQrArSlH_MFRBooYhN2D9GD45v9G_lpg33boi9uteJhFw4fh4W88wvxw_OS3-8f7MHuwQjgV3-Z2ZrvG1I3WaFmXaWnUnMqstfDP2FPcWoXLEk/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler baring his black pate</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, it's a sanctuary, a get-away, a must-do / must have place of spiritual retreat where I go to wind down and just take a long slow look around.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwgG1SKgUEzTet3nkFnJ_Mb9tc3ICm8b-5OiKZQnstVkBULpnMNaznj83WCq7Td5_RfXkDlNU3C2IBomfYsOGdOnvQMV2Mrgcu9emsN-nFH44fzJWw5SEo0tNBCXFX-muC5PIdLwY9w0ZWBx6CwgBdrQon_8E8nEf7LPD8yXf-VzUyJaqx5GDC9g3/s1440/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwgG1SKgUEzTet3nkFnJ_Mb9tc3ICm8b-5OiKZQnstVkBULpnMNaznj83WCq7Td5_RfXkDlNU3C2IBomfYsOGdOnvQMV2Mrgcu9emsN-nFH44fzJWw5SEo0tNBCXFX-muC5PIdLwY9w0ZWBx6CwgBdrQon_8E8nEf7LPD8yXf-VzUyJaqx5GDC9g3/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wild Turkeys are abundant in the Berkeley Hills (and flats!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Instagram that!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmbRzrGb20SEwlf7HUUc3XuR2QR2yfVhnP08Gny_I-QRkFeFwaRBCb6yRmiKSD317mx1CTOXG0IxGg4MXwAOAWhoz73BDYH97xVcMpiLgkDrHoM1gF_TknmtuDCfTIiUcaVb0-dhe86o7oyDa9LtYBe7rBjEE2IbrAsibwu-nEG6jhipcDjCNQPVL/s1920/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmbRzrGb20SEwlf7HUUc3XuR2QR2yfVhnP08Gny_I-QRkFeFwaRBCb6yRmiKSD317mx1CTOXG0IxGg4MXwAOAWhoz73BDYH97xVcMpiLgkDrHoM1gF_TknmtuDCfTIiUcaVb0-dhe86o7oyDa9LtYBe7rBjEE2IbrAsibwu-nEG6jhipcDjCNQPVL/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Beautiful tree along Laurel Canyon trail in Tilden Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps my affinity owes itself more to proximity and ease of access than to – blasphemy! it being a very beautiful place and ecological wonderland. After all, where else does a car-free couple have to go?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXlUhhmbR22-VGRdjZ4oU3-LRiFDEo2myZlm6JhgxL90lV_lHbJgZW8Boo5zC7BPGCLZvtHGfSzGA1lstwlNQod0lb6bx4KdS9yuc3g2zHcD9ZTm0-DKm0J08gGeSdaadHvE6nIPBhgZ0bANq2dbz4yDKqxXW9mdRIa_k2sKtJ6ne1TZVFENVaq8e/s1864/1u.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXlUhhmbR22-VGRdjZ4oU3-LRiFDEo2myZlm6JhgxL90lV_lHbJgZW8Boo5zC7BPGCLZvtHGfSzGA1lstwlNQod0lb6bx4KdS9yuc3g2zHcD9ZTm0-DKm0J08gGeSdaadHvE6nIPBhgZ0bANq2dbz4yDKqxXW9mdRIa_k2sKtJ6ne1TZVFENVaq8e/w400-h320/1u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Robin gathering nesting material on the creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But now that I know what I know, and being a birder on top of it, I designate this little parcel of protected land, with a creek running through it, to be a <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">VSP</span></i></b><i><b>:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1M1ZP7BTnNmSdlLBqaY2a8WA_3F3Jy5UfD2GCuFCW8pXbRFfy-jf78WJGM6Hx-iiFhMAeuWe57JCoNg0vtOWNGeAUnHczEDORmGlm4ceaNr39feXF4cxb8L7rxCEeTZr4CTO6X2Hd4GzfYOF1BSdsEg0QXHbZ2Oz7oVuBEOZcP99CVy15c_yf8WY/s1062/1ee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1062" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1M1ZP7BTnNmSdlLBqaY2a8WA_3F3Jy5UfD2GCuFCW8pXbRFfy-jf78WJGM6Hx-iiFhMAeuWe57JCoNg0vtOWNGeAUnHczEDORmGlm4ceaNr39feXF4cxb8L7rxCEeTZr4CTO6X2Hd4GzfYOF1BSdsEg0QXHbZ2Oz7oVuBEOZcP99CVy15c_yf8WY/w400-h320/1ee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sharp-shinned Hawk eyeing me from nest above Wildcat Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">VERY SPECIAL PLACE!</span></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7yzs8EqhvHIqqyMjDAJA_Qa9SGzdp8ehPdwIAHKjtz9DWAxS6O6z7gdoetdlJkG8pp671-aoUrFinu91TsiWwSgzV10d97uRrLUsMf6_Ger1roZQbtX7o18u31XOUAkShg2mwzyv44u0hoo4je_kVjr_Fs8p_wk0RCSdLFZG6S7KdbHCZP_371Fi/s2048/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7yzs8EqhvHIqqyMjDAJA_Qa9SGzdp8ehPdwIAHKjtz9DWAxS6O6z7gdoetdlJkG8pp671-aoUrFinu91TsiWwSgzV10d97uRrLUsMf6_Ger1roZQbtX7o18u31XOUAkShg2mwzyv44u0hoo4je_kVjr_Fs8p_wk0RCSdLFZG6S7KdbHCZP_371Fi/w480-h640/1c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Seasonal artery to Jewel Lake in the heart of Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Take yesterday, for example,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><i><b>where in a few short, quickly passing hours</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><i><b>I spotted 30 different birds!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEPuCHwX3_WEX895U5pGgSftoBc0FvZr3g7EzQcVenOu9JfcyRejQfIZ6Nxu1dn1T1j5JW5f9fogLG3nCKWHXEtSrn0asvXv2cYffMXtHnRnyByxSEDqlS4G5gibO6Wn0EMFhGDyGTDQSfDIQKrS_lgPQg7tpohHO4aP_Hk9ritFuFowFmqnta1kk/s1440/1aa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEPuCHwX3_WEX895U5pGgSftoBc0FvZr3g7EzQcVenOu9JfcyRejQfIZ6Nxu1dn1T1j5JW5f9fogLG3nCKWHXEtSrn0asvXv2cYffMXtHnRnyByxSEDqlS4G5gibO6Wn0EMFhGDyGTDQSfDIQKrS_lgPQg7tpohHO4aP_Hk9ritFuFowFmqnta1kk/w400-h320/1aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black Phoebe taking a time out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Twitter that!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqiLfTwpeMYj0nicBABAqpFhY-ohaLy7GKLkRtgl8fNg0eYPGtXaD_zPvnOPbMk1GYQkO0itNOTm06Q_pvNn2uncdKmbOkWTfZI7w4wd26QWwiyS5QcPFQUr1cMFZ-u0r3AoQ7gtd6-nDt-L7cAP7V4UsE6ZH9c_YAxSk5w-B7dr9lMrYd6rKPU9E/s1737/2c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1737" data-original-width="1569" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqiLfTwpeMYj0nicBABAqpFhY-ohaLy7GKLkRtgl8fNg0eYPGtXaD_zPvnOPbMk1GYQkO0itNOTm06Q_pvNn2uncdKmbOkWTfZI7w4wd26QWwiyS5QcPFQUr1cMFZ-u0r3AoQ7gtd6-nDt-L7cAP7V4UsE6ZH9c_YAxSk5w-B7dr9lMrYd6rKPU9E/w361-h400/2c.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">My first sighting of a Warbling Vireo in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Including my second sighting ever of a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Warbling Vireo!</span></b></i> I spot the little cuss in a tree near the Boardwalk – managing a decent snapshot! Oddly, this guy looks quite different in color and appearance from the less distinct image of the same bird I spotted – <i>ecstatically!</i> – <i>(in the same area)</i> – a few months ago.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZMy7mvKilyzHgd5i1peB65NFJiq8pVThtS2b-tmvKCgZPZ6hQzDyd0j9aVeOEdk_ZVEXa4xppASktZyE7-MVg7RpB0UwKZd44xMJzKryaPtTHH9XxRBAGOqb5MJMEiFqk9Se0zNMhEcUju9X35566o4V-EGJ7Vw5CkiLgIs-qZdgYwAaJvFGG6dm/s1440/1j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZMy7mvKilyzHgd5i1peB65NFJiq8pVThtS2b-tmvKCgZPZ6hQzDyd0j9aVeOEdk_ZVEXa4xppASktZyE7-MVg7RpB0UwKZd44xMJzKryaPtTHH9XxRBAGOqb5MJMEiFqk9Se0zNMhEcUju9X35566o4V-EGJ7Vw5CkiLgIs-qZdgYwAaJvFGG6dm/w400-h320/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tilden Nature Area boardwalk showcasing ancient Horsetail stand</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Could be an <i>"Adult, Eastern"</i> variety, but probably not. <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">AllAboutBirds</span></b></i>, even though it's barely spring, notes:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZu4ZLMLDzSmT-TMq8Eu_4dlrJg4vijr1LfVdeFLteMkt3NQMqRx30fUQKPgxeWS2CBvX71r67C4mrHPAndRZFcLZ2CEO-Q2i5rGI7K1LQSBhw8IMyuV_uUQpeYK83b-DaWGWfPa_EspbHs80BkHbbue2eFmmjvGGjGSfEvHLlIPW9eHNoD6Z19kc/s1828/1a1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZu4ZLMLDzSmT-TMq8Eu_4dlrJg4vijr1LfVdeFLteMkt3NQMqRx30fUQKPgxeWS2CBvX71r67C4mrHPAndRZFcLZ2CEO-Q2i5rGI7K1LQSBhw8IMyuV_uUQpeYK83b-DaWGWfPa_EspbHs80BkHbbue2eFmmjvGGjGSfEvHLlIPW9eHNoD6Z19kc/w400-h320/1a1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo looking pretty different from above photo</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Worn midsummer birds</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i>can be </i></b></span><b style="color: #134f5c;"><i>nearly entirely gray</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">above and whitish below."</span></i></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkzvZtqReIAOs6K2Cbx174sCI9mY17jCUzIIOo0zHmITLwW8XKZPOfL-X1p4H0K5aXNDDBmwoVhEahF3Di8TFI_Utufodo4FGyGnY65NIMdEXFMM4w2YceCeKiQvIWVBcNCmmdVcuYiT1r6LZHtX2PW9v4AeLY8jysujWFtW8WCQGKLCPqBCwhtKE/s1543/1aaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1543" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkzvZtqReIAOs6K2Cbx174sCI9mY17jCUzIIOo0zHmITLwW8XKZPOfL-X1p4H0K5aXNDDBmwoVhEahF3Di8TFI_Utufodo4FGyGnY65NIMdEXFMM4w2YceCeKiQvIWVBcNCmmdVcuYiT1r6LZHtX2PW9v4AeLY8jysujWFtW8WCQGKLCPqBCwhtKE/w400-h320/1aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hermit or Wood Thrush, I never know!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Which describes my baby. See for yourself. Probably not an <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Eastern</span></b></i>, but the difference is subtle, and my two sightings seem like two different birds.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHg6SUJsLvM-AYieGAvEHFSxksAQafRZX0efWi8-ewUxER1EyP9D5p4U7jxEVnwC1PeWpIQVZTMPNGKV5mLYyPgPpQqKe2GOnn6pCrpnq3LVpUcV2GSWbF6K3s-cy5QsD19e1OCmIKQwTalu_8aQdfDqKmJqJl040dVslTtNN2TP5HyHutaPakG7m/s1440/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHg6SUJsLvM-AYieGAvEHFSxksAQafRZX0efWi8-ewUxER1EyP9D5p4U7jxEVnwC1PeWpIQVZTMPNGKV5mLYyPgPpQqKe2GOnn6pCrpnq3LVpUcV2GSWbF6K3s-cy5QsD19e1OCmIKQwTalu_8aQdfDqKmJqJl040dVslTtNN2TP5HyHutaPakG7m/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fox Sparrow poking around</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'd heard <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Wilson's Warblers</span></b></i> were out 'n about in force, but I only saw one or two, and for just a short time, on the Boardwalk – fabulous habitat for birds along <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Creek</span></b></i> in thick protected forest. Nothing doing for a photograph or hearing their sweet <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">"chip chip"</span></b></i> calls.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUaLAOejQp3fOXj959OTTDkwX63iNslrRlF0wlfpgNLp0aMVqNBoITovo4po1KRK15p_2kKlTd8Id7bEtezGPU2JkjevJ4EWivlZK6FagTpbHBbY_JuitupuaUirf8HKTaNJL619yAGUpaE2wxEwVkTiqjnNZsIF2uhdN3CBtizuhFzz2ALtywZ3Z/s1919/1l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUaLAOejQp3fOXj959OTTDkwX63iNslrRlF0wlfpgNLp0aMVqNBoITovo4po1KRK15p_2kKlTd8Id7bEtezGPU2JkjevJ4EWivlZK6FagTpbHBbY_JuitupuaUirf8HKTaNJL619yAGUpaE2wxEwVkTiqjnNZsIF2uhdN3CBtizuhFzz2ALtywZ3Z/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake overrun by Wildcat Creek flooding (big rain!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Do see two <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Steller's Jays</span></b></i>, which an elderly gentleman I meet soon thereafter – <i>John Smayles</i>, walking with his grandson – claims are imitating the cawing of a <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Hawk</span></b></i>. Never heard of it, I say, but he says, yes, it's true, and we go on to have an hour long conversation about birds, birding, <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">"birdier than thou"</span></b></i> people, and his association as one-time director of the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Point Reyes Bird Observatory</span></b></i> back in the seventies.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFQj5Du2wqAGuw8gFGDtIGehVqHEQEnWKq37h8SGWLwie3kQ34WDROvkle-Kw3svECHeXMuaSRi6cJCRipN9pnjeFEEe1gGJgsmwVb3sqoeaFdDZ633-IhGUSlSOByjiblmYT5HFqFriD9gD3XNj3QnoWSqrNsGqQqsyLsE1eOirqG1pDtLAaZXpN/s1404/2e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1003" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFQj5Du2wqAGuw8gFGDtIGehVqHEQEnWKq37h8SGWLwie3kQ34WDROvkle-Kw3svECHeXMuaSRi6cJCRipN9pnjeFEEe1gGJgsmwVb3sqoeaFdDZ633-IhGUSlSOByjiblmYT5HFqFriD9gD3XNj3QnoWSqrNsGqQqsyLsE1eOirqG1pDtLAaZXpN/w286-h400/2e.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">John Smayles</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Engaged in a story he's telling about the subtle nuances between certain species of <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Terns</span></b></i>, suddenly, high in the eucalyptus branches, two <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Hawks</span></b></i> cry out and begin to scuffle, one soon flying off. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6292MQatknuK0vyD0MiSMrquGzVCGUw-pnQSjZRwpl2ZFdFuermS3e7LoHqSpzY_WtKU5CaberTjwyLxVeSFd7ygFQ91ztygvpeZLjruaI7ch6btQdqn6Pfh6iYpJ--hqOoSkYLE3yxK1EQ2AguVrPw3V7ULNfaG6fcelNqzKBNom6je6K8LxMLe/s935/2a2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="935" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6292MQatknuK0vyD0MiSMrquGzVCGUw-pnQSjZRwpl2ZFdFuermS3e7LoHqSpzY_WtKU5CaberTjwyLxVeSFd7ygFQ91ztygvpeZLjruaI7ch6btQdqn6Pfh6iYpJ--hqOoSkYLE3yxK1EQ2AguVrPw3V7ULNfaG6fcelNqzKBNom6je6K8LxMLe/w400-h320/2a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-shouldered Hawk in the Ukes of Tilden</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Turns out, they're <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Red-shouldered Hawks</span></b></i>, and despite <i>Mr. Smayle's</i> determination, I suspect they provided the earlier <i>"imitation"</i> <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jay</span></b></i> caws . . . but I could be wrong, and <i>Mr. Smayle</i> sure seems intent on that as being the explanation. As well as a bit annoyed with me.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatTUlMK9WI8Ptnjf6fRRwxU7LjY7BKlYEdoEOGKOn28ah6QoeRNzpWA-YLNBkYTSznx_EwMcvXlR9__K1kHbW8zehNY1CuRKhw48RvI9cshFth2WGKiALzeYcQg7-irnj5HqAOgNXm6RkLUyVPZvp73vczmNNV9-HwHvbaOxKerneOJgKaNGNIiev/s1440/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatTUlMK9WI8Ptnjf6fRRwxU7LjY7BKlYEdoEOGKOn28ah6QoeRNzpWA-YLNBkYTSznx_EwMcvXlR9__K1kHbW8zehNY1CuRKhw48RvI9cshFth2WGKiALzeYcQg7-irnj5HqAOgNXm6RkLUyVPZvp73vczmNNV9-HwHvbaOxKerneOJgKaNGNIiev/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay grooming self</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, the appearance of the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Red-shoulders</span></b></i>, just a coincidence, perhaps, but I will defer to he who seems more expert, seasoned and wiser than I. <i>(And grumpier!)</i></span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglXYPZ4DV63z4qJHX3FgiQhQWEhiCj3t9aNBkBDfDCPMtRQfh7cGqo0gz5q4InSIJzBSdUXcWwmyMB6c2hoKq7E-RzSVrtaOzgiH8JcugJsammeovN669S3MVJY04D9gGGW-Kb0ivHNYjrVUv4UnlcOa7-RGWY18SZcCh5myBp9vb-iCyKvKOMLXO/s1440/1z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglXYPZ4DV63z4qJHX3FgiQhQWEhiCj3t9aNBkBDfDCPMtRQfh7cGqo0gz5q4InSIJzBSdUXcWwmyMB6c2hoKq7E-RzSVrtaOzgiH8JcugJsammeovN669S3MVJY04D9gGGW-Kb0ivHNYjrVUv4UnlcOa7-RGWY18SZcCh5myBp9vb-iCyKvKOMLXO/w400-h320/1z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Towhee in the brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Also seen along <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Blue Gum Trail</span></b></i> – several large male <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Toms</span></b></i>; <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Anna's Hummingbirds</span></b></i>; <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Crows</span></i></b>; <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Spotted Towhees</span></i></b> and – what <i>Mr. Smayles</i> referred to as <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Rufous-sided"</span></b></i> ones; <i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">Golden-crowned Sparrow</span></b></i> flocks <i>(ground-feeding as usual)</i>.</span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qP9TU7nozHxrOPOKU_bhWwXlSFMoB40GiNAY5LIx-LPp5C9dYfiDgptmZxP008hv-pIaOQY79upGiOx5NlGH9i4YAtLd6IpblnWP3HHZve-W0qzk0wAfgg5flCLZpdZGjjK6jPPldOsGGPxjg-nh1oQmnIeQKMFLZd7LDbuu4z3Yi3JqwdUQa3hp/s1920/1v%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qP9TU7nozHxrOPOKU_bhWwXlSFMoB40GiNAY5LIx-LPp5C9dYfiDgptmZxP008hv-pIaOQY79upGiOx5NlGH9i4YAtLd6IpblnWP3HHZve-W0qzk0wAfgg5flCLZpdZGjjK6jPPldOsGGPxjg-nh1oQmnIeQKMFLZd7LDbuu4z3Yi3JqwdUQa3hp/w400-h320/1v%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Some kind of ground foraging Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Around the lake,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">including the marshy pond area,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I see ton of birds:</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fcEJu4_tPsjKWpUDh9QjyTLya2Qw017KBdtnX4ExSpuvQgzC_D9r1Ko3JeV2c3QTXQxTUfbyYmi0PpGEK2P3KyN922EwHvqq54iVcddr5Nab6gfKdBscnTe9GZV0GQCQOSctXQ_4UWYcTeEClRf-Ss3TNjl8J-81qvkKfvKGyYc4tGzRh6zRts1M/s1920/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fcEJu4_tPsjKWpUDh9QjyTLya2Qw017KBdtnX4ExSpuvQgzC_D9r1Ko3JeV2c3QTXQxTUfbyYmi0PpGEK2P3KyN922EwHvqq54iVcddr5Nab6gfKdBscnTe9GZV0GQCQOSctXQ_4UWYcTeEClRf-Ss3TNjl8J-81qvkKfvKGyYc4tGzRh6zRts1M/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Woodrat nests abound in the dense woodlands, even in treetops</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>All the usual <span style="color: #741b47;">Warblers</span> and <span style="color: #783f04;">Juncos</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>and <span style="color: #990000;">Woodpeckers</span> and <span style="color: #7f6000;">Goldfinches</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>and <span style="color: #38761d;">Sparrows </span><span style="color: #444444;">and</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">whonot</span>.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgT9oPdTigi_kVmBshfpSJtkkqs19kyujXIgXBi3zRtq1MW7nx6e0afy-td6t8Y9TzAa_T32uem9HAHDSi2ZroqCxNtQtshJIk0aG_O-ePZYbwLWZ0qxHnVQc-jDDuKC40k0M5KX5EkZcdnOkJQ2JVBBJdCKWqvYVVMeImoJT4iCmOSdnx7iKmn84/s1073/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1073" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgT9oPdTigi_kVmBshfpSJtkkqs19kyujXIgXBi3zRtq1MW7nx6e0afy-td6t8Y9TzAa_T32uem9HAHDSi2ZroqCxNtQtshJIk0aG_O-ePZYbwLWZ0qxHnVQc-jDDuKC40k0M5KX5EkZcdnOkJQ2JVBBJdCKWqvYVVMeImoJT4iCmOSdnx7iKmn84/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Belted Kingfisher zooming in for a landing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>And some unID'd <span style="color: #800180;">Flycatchers</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>performing aerial antics</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>over the replenished lake surface,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>then landing to roost</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>like a pair of love birds</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>in willow branches.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN_X_c28Nk1UiNlLNtBZ3jm2E77ahW11mrmasch0YjUTXV-Pz5NS8hFTmVtHETkHt-QR02EBeBlrD8Jb-qdSAeFndM-hvklWYmDqRWi5FYA2NYX6OfOZwHJre2yzppOH8x7rNQ36knM58JrqKDCW7fU-XY8U4Dyba-e1S1mi9K5B0Eea2KJlg6yrC/s1646/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="1323" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN_X_c28Nk1UiNlLNtBZ3jm2E77ahW11mrmasch0YjUTXV-Pz5NS8hFTmVtHETkHt-QR02EBeBlrD8Jb-qdSAeFndM-hvklWYmDqRWi5FYA2NYX6OfOZwHJre2yzppOH8x7rNQ36knM58JrqKDCW7fU-XY8U4Dyba-e1S1mi9K5B0Eea2KJlg6yrC/w514-h640/1f.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird inspecting something</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Who are you, my friends?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">I cannot ID you by the book.</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuAtQwOwbvT2bG1CK8_-mcKavxbxA6Rp9zOkmEBTKUnTOUqcXfl1gp2fk_ggyRJhMTLobroP99xi6ZgXbme6hVWt9dQPEWelylr62ksIBZyUp2QyfQdmHbl8HsO1mxp-RNXist7Eei-AGMhVAln9CRADjG-KUPcbv2Tpfzst5rFrIWmbfAHo4eTH8/s1919/1n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuAtQwOwbvT2bG1CK8_-mcKavxbxA6Rp9zOkmEBTKUnTOUqcXfl1gp2fk_ggyRJhMTLobroP99xi6ZgXbme6hVWt9dQPEWelylr62ksIBZyUp2QyfQdmHbl8HsO1mxp-RNXist7Eei-AGMhVAln9CRADjG-KUPcbv2Tpfzst5rFrIWmbfAHo4eTH8/w400-h320/1n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tilden Nature Area seasonal newt ponds under rehab</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i> Jewel Lake</i></b></span> <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">/ Tilden Nature Area</span></i></b> is a full of other wildlife surprises apart from <i>"just the birds."</i> On the trail to the ponds, a turtle inches along, but disappears by the time I circle back a few minutes later. I'm impressed with his quickness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06kO8uLXcKBFoIVph0gq9Poctg5eSzU84cTtHrBi_UvrCx3O77BdtlssiUvvQr4ClPdZg3TMRaQFVrgal-x4Ny85rbmYu8th2grAJ8m3EMUipRtV2R90nNe7URmyZx5iqyy0YLoVbGa6ULfd4m2n27G_Ne0Icw2I0ytIssOX5af0o2d4eeXHhNHNx/s1440/1q.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06kO8uLXcKBFoIVph0gq9Poctg5eSzU84cTtHrBi_UvrCx3O77BdtlssiUvvQr4ClPdZg3TMRaQFVrgal-x4Ny85rbmYu8th2grAJ8m3EMUipRtV2R90nNe7URmyZx5iqyy0YLoVbGa6ULfd4m2n27G_Ne0Icw2I0ytIssOX5af0o2d4eeXHhNHNx/w400-h320/1q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Young buck hiding out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>Four deer crash through a woodsy curtain</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i><b>down a gully and out of sight.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmHxaPsQKZ1KDz54MeXBbyQYskggQDhFHuvO3skCszoQnMNHyncDvVtXt3p0RDYK5GDr_p3ZpdAgRX4WDn4m28zkPmqfq39HzhzP7NcXailMW3GkuGq_37u3YdL5kASD8O5_YVJa1OMx0OA70Q8Fa4Om-OHr94i7vkc8QvFzSgc1u7oOh-xRQHfgl/s2048/1o%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmHxaPsQKZ1KDz54MeXBbyQYskggQDhFHuvO3skCszoQnMNHyncDvVtXt3p0RDYK5GDr_p3ZpdAgRX4WDn4m28zkPmqfq39HzhzP7NcXailMW3GkuGq_37u3YdL5kASD8O5_YVJa1OMx0OA70Q8Fa4Om-OHr94i7vkc8QvFzSgc1u7oOh-xRQHfgl/w480-h640/1o%20(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake from the impoundment's Spillway</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span>Minnows or tadpoles </span><span>–</span><span> which would a fourth grader say? </span><span>–</span><span> </span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;">can be found in the muddy shores of the lake.</span></span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9lSY5Xu9J49XDnDlnPg0bUVfr9dChLDpbcwegzBnTaM0PSBkcKvXRafoM9lFt-G2lLu6A_5BxQquElUCov1xbqslI4vCUlDkxYHQRAnEMYsfknzu8Fm5i79wfZgxm46Fz8HDZMd-0BnwMfS7vyesnj47UFJvYr2tCkXo9nTuySQI4dYp_9f6W05m/s1308/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9lSY5Xu9J49XDnDlnPg0bUVfr9dChLDpbcwegzBnTaM0PSBkcKvXRafoM9lFt-G2lLu6A_5BxQquElUCov1xbqslI4vCUlDkxYHQRAnEMYsfknzu8Fm5i79wfZgxm46Fz8HDZMd-0BnwMfS7vyesnj47UFJvYr2tCkXo9nTuySQI4dYp_9f6W05m/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pacific Tree Frog poking out of thrushes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Tiny green <span style="color: #38761d;">Pacific Tree frogs </span>mate in season and can be seen clinging to sedge grasses in the marshes like tiny survivors holding on for dear life until big enough to retreat to the safety of the tall trees where they chirp up a cacophonous chorus announcing territorial and amorous intentions.</i></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdxCLNR7wEuh3b3EEmVe7v0jrfYjjy_0mCFnWTXsjTWXvf4XgNifMYTplMEEixD6HzrHfdnnr9PVPl2MN9VywQwNfYjc3JFpF2B2ZvV7xotvboX7HoKN_Qm5czYNoFxzuTm_zO0V3XfN6pVAZHkgfJakfNDTT-e7uLODGO-vTOvwTFr0mLjTGaoVT/s1440/3b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdxCLNR7wEuh3b3EEmVe7v0jrfYjjy_0mCFnWTXsjTWXvf4XgNifMYTplMEEixD6HzrHfdnnr9PVPl2MN9VywQwNfYjc3JFpF2B2ZvV7xotvboX7HoKN_Qm5czYNoFxzuTm_zO0V3XfN6pVAZHkgfJakfNDTT-e7uLODGO-vTOvwTFr0mLjTGaoVT/w400-h320/3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Western Fence Lizard</i></b></span> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Western Fence Lizards</span><span style="color: #073763;"> dart and scurry on rocks,</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;">posing languidly in sunny patches,</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;">or actively, doing "push-ups."</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafJmrNrtPv7CxfQGw_fqLpdY6AOt5CeSFjIONdB6_XA3yaRHU2kjk-kMiNKWRUisBO0BW40yYHPDhs9eAX1ndWUlPvrpfB4Bar8HVbcjrx2HVnmGGWNlPHGOut9LcRwsZJsv5KRQRM88X2ffMuvKk_h0EnV_lSedkK2byXRASqY0-1qG-D9uUKcHG/s2046/1cc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafJmrNrtPv7CxfQGw_fqLpdY6AOt5CeSFjIONdB6_XA3yaRHU2kjk-kMiNKWRUisBO0BW40yYHPDhs9eAX1ndWUlPvrpfB4Bar8HVbcjrx2HVnmGGWNlPHGOut9LcRwsZJsv5KRQRM88X2ffMuvKk_h0EnV_lSedkK2byXRASqY0-1qG-D9uUKcHG/w400-h320/1cc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Baby Rattler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Expect to see rattlesnakes now and again.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQG5GRujCvjZJWVVOvgSkO60x-pJ8v9Id1xHJUTsYxec72ur6PSrhbdieJ1wkCuIkrLsH5lLrFqgriwo1zZ8ynU22HK7fUiKlcQsVCykUh7WGUhmOVYLUwrp3G3yHEUsp-nlss_GO_JH4qbQYVu698CzK-hRcphsdHyrFux5qbK6wjGfulfd0dN4r/s2048/1dd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQG5GRujCvjZJWVVOvgSkO60x-pJ8v9Id1xHJUTsYxec72ur6PSrhbdieJ1wkCuIkrLsH5lLrFqgriwo1zZ8ynU22HK7fUiKlcQsVCykUh7WGUhmOVYLUwrp3G3yHEUsp-nlss_GO_JH4qbQYVu698CzK-hRcphsdHyrFux5qbK6wjGfulfd0dN4r/w480-h640/1dd.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mountain Lion on display at Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center </span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">One of these days, a mountain lion.</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6BoAuPvhLpvafM1IsmLVKUvxvO7zFTzhKmBprxYxbKdvq-vjIE6feih3kzybscxqGucC_0EBQUShSmnwrPRpbyAy4AsvJS5YCes9JlqmUdxmIaFC58uEv1so4f5bWbSaFNi19qEnrj8AvIYFIp8u_7hOPva-LBzbdVvL4hwtqkaYRSxSod5vm4qU/s1920/1x%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6BoAuPvhLpvafM1IsmLVKUvxvO7zFTzhKmBprxYxbKdvq-vjIE6feih3kzybscxqGucC_0EBQUShSmnwrPRpbyAy4AsvJS5YCes9JlqmUdxmIaFC58uEv1so4f5bWbSaFNi19qEnrj8AvIYFIp8u_7hOPva-LBzbdVvL4hwtqkaYRSxSod5vm4qU/w400-h320/1x%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron on the lookout</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">And always, blessings from birds who come near and far</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">to find welcoming shelter and plenty of pickings</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">in the lush surroundings of </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;">Tilden Nature Area</span><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;">.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66_eph3qlCfYQD0HH7UhVW2rXxHZJwsiExwiIYWMHzTvVVpSqIt_jqiuxmFxIkdcPdO1R5KsRtN_zOSw3cwYS-yzV3CSqgANSXMa4N_xhefoIDazCwScyeWYld3hRp5ABX5CIJdRNAsieK0lk9qQRPa4ojeaCvNmSwhlZaVjLe6-K8457naD8AebY/s1509/1s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66_eph3qlCfYQD0HH7UhVW2rXxHZJwsiExwiIYWMHzTvVVpSqIt_jqiuxmFxIkdcPdO1R5KsRtN_zOSw3cwYS-yzV3CSqgANSXMa4N_xhefoIDazCwScyeWYld3hRp5ABX5CIJdRNAsieK0lk9qQRPa4ojeaCvNmSwhlZaVjLe6-K8457naD8AebY/w400-h320/1s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Band-tailed Pigeon settling in</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">That's how wild the Berkeley Hills are.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuOF1-uOgO1eoSap2Rrw398MILMe_ySAy5AcOk2C-sYDNOxOeH6jOkWMe3i6CXa3ai6Usmu8mCmyRHkp7GqQjGX79Dy39ZNJnU929wfcPKVS6gN5z8ncyeUwFsqsLBRjW1XOb_YmTY9LpkFC4dVe0jeShQtuoaZBNb6WC6huQOOl-eSg9K1RyM-Ve/s1919/1k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuOF1-uOgO1eoSap2Rrw398MILMe_ySAy5AcOk2C-sYDNOxOeH6jOkWMe3i6CXa3ai6Usmu8mCmyRHkp7GqQjGX79Dy39ZNJnU929wfcPKVS6gN5z8ncyeUwFsqsLBRjW1XOb_YmTY9LpkFC4dVe0jeShQtuoaZBNb6WC6huQOOl-eSg9K1RyM-Ve/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Trail through the woods</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Read more essays from Gambolin' Man</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">on birding in beautiful & hidden Wildcat Creek & the Watershed,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">along with a link to all bird posts at his backyard bird blog:</span></b></i></div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/of-insignificant-but-titillating.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDS BEIN' BIRDS ON WILDCAT CREEK (September 4, 2012)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/ecce-ave-prime-time-bird-watching-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>PRIME TIME BIRDING IN THE BERKELEY HILLS (June 3, 2014)</b></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/more-insatiable-birding-in-berkeley.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">INSATIABLE BIRDING IN THE WILDCAT CREEK WATERSHED (June 23, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/one-fine-day-of-birding-at-jewel-lake.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">JEWEL LAKE BIRDING (July 25, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/of-unexpected-additions-to-my-life-list.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FIRST SIGHTINGS DOWN ON THE CREEK (October 20, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/birding-delights-jewel-lake-wildcat.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDING AT JEWEL LAKE (November 17, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/of-black-headed-grosbeaks-warbling.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MORE "CAN'T GET ENOUGH" BIRDING IN TILDEN NATURE AREA (July 9, 2017)</span></b></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">POETIC & INSIGHTFUL ESSAYS ON OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS</span></b></a></div></div></div></div></div></span></div><div style="font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zL9FQqUcnBSHeuR73j1gEDTTyJSnNAxns5WsRgLrlYp9ssY3HKV9tD3P0VXKQ_JNRwyXb3Tx3HPNaM8LyFS02nntwK3Xl176-OT1iVtHnS4mxHCpzvP4qQP8EO3ImNunIvjkOMIlXzaD4cq714EM702_CnH_IzjHM8P1D2XIsQN_xpgDSfxTlwe4/s320/12a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zL9FQqUcnBSHeuR73j1gEDTTyJSnNAxns5WsRgLrlYp9ssY3HKV9tD3P0VXKQ_JNRwyXb3Tx3HPNaM8LyFS02nntwK3Xl176-OT1iVtHnS4mxHCpzvP4qQP8EO3ImNunIvjkOMIlXzaD4cq714EM702_CnH_IzjHM8P1D2XIsQN_xpgDSfxTlwe4/w512-h640/12a.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Robin Red Breast</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">striking a pose</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read more from Gambolin' Man</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">about the simple wonders & charming splendors</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">of Wildcat Creek (& watershed) in the Berkeley Hills:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2006/02/wildcat-creek-watershed-backyard.html"></a><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2006/02/wildcat-creek-watershed-backyard.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe;">BACKYARD EXPLORATIONS DOWN ON THE CREEK (2006)</span></b></a></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2007/12/bay-area-hiking-best-of-2007-gambolin.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe;">CALL OF THE WILD IN OUR BACKYARD (2007)</span></b></a></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2008/02/tilden-regional-park-replenishing.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe;">TILDEN TRANSFORMS IN BIG RAINS (2008)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/10/wildcat-gorge-trail-seeking-wonders-of.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe;">WILDCAT GORGE TRAIL IN THE MUD & DRIZZLE (2009)</span></b></a></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2010/04/east-bay-regional-park-district-hidden.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe;">SPLENDOR DOWN UNDER IN WILDCAT'S BACK STRETCHES (2010)</span></b></a></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/03/tilden-regional-park-humble-little.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe;">SEEKING OUT TILDEN'S AMAZING (HIDDEN!) (EPHEMERAL!) WATERFALLS (2011)</span></b></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2013/02/regional-parks-botanic-garden-native.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #2b00fe;">AN INTIMATE LOOK AT WILDCAT CREEK IN THE BOTANIC GARDEN (2013)</span></b></a></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8J4qrRgIRlAe8xaMzjGp83Z3uASvSFoHamRyLZqACNOmQV4Pab-m9SAOCrK558r7QPdyjMIlB9D4k9Y4GLoRaJzXPwSyWbsKXqOgvk6Ii1q02ByixPfsHSzTP8ZPUVL5LA01iMhsAFpcWM9k9Jl5HkqwpBv5UcNF6GfNZp265T-Cx9u-tvL_X_EZ/s400/12b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="303" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8J4qrRgIRlAe8xaMzjGp83Z3uASvSFoHamRyLZqACNOmQV4Pab-m9SAOCrK558r7QPdyjMIlB9D4k9Y4GLoRaJzXPwSyWbsKXqOgvk6Ii1q02ByixPfsHSzTP8ZPUVL5LA01iMhsAFpcWM9k9Jl5HkqwpBv5UcNF6GfNZp265T-Cx9u-tvL_X_EZ/w484-h640/12b.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Great White and Mallard</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Enjoy dozens of live-action scenes</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">of a special creek & watershed in the Berkeley Hills:</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9e7MnSnVIO1Z0ZZlp6yPC71" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SPLENDORS OF WILDCAT CREEK & WATERSHED</span></b></a></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9dzReVtw7ZR7tKzOcP6AxZY" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SMALL MIRACLES ABOUND IN TILDEN REGIONAL PARK</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/9XXGJX9t9js" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">THE WARBLING VIREO WARBLING AWAY</span></b></a><br /></div></div></div></span></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFp7m6eaU6W0ijrIEpmvKxJaGg5jFtFky6e-NFoUouc9UHpnEq1VBOtXAgkPQ58hBhbZqf1HA4jye_6_1svFqmWNnpmf_aiXXv06h57bqbjYKgBjuFUSIKTvmDdJPc_WumLCEKOU2hmSffC8ZbY7rGEmnClQackjA6ldsDgaihwpjDfdMMSYmeb25/s1152/1aab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFp7m6eaU6W0ijrIEpmvKxJaGg5jFtFky6e-NFoUouc9UHpnEq1VBOtXAgkPQ58hBhbZqf1HA4jye_6_1svFqmWNnpmf_aiXXv06h57bqbjYKgBjuFUSIKTvmDdJPc_WumLCEKOU2hmSffC8ZbY7rGEmnClQackjA6ldsDgaihwpjDfdMMSYmeb25/w360-h640/1aab.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Wildcat Peak @ 1200+ ft.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">more like a knoll, but still:</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">FABULOUS 360 degree views!</span></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>
</div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-57425132776945293102015-03-15T15:57:00.095-07:002023-03-31T11:10:00.930-07:00Bluebirds & Warblers Flash Mob Near Wildcat Peak in the Berkeley Hills<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ud8A1_b6pE74qrXqpoOxBtKtWZupR8bJgD_hL7RArd3FSykPiETD6yjygF-qZJJT-peCIz2o7ckDIn7u7thjR8kA8GtD7ww3Hr6vDCrNLMydVopMb95RhcKbXALzVhzkOZVabnCS3-9-bPjW9foe2kEIWXcy7GKYW9ODDAJnjt6Eb_FvIX5crrUe/s1501/2i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ud8A1_b6pE74qrXqpoOxBtKtWZupR8bJgD_hL7RArd3FSykPiETD6yjygF-qZJJT-peCIz2o7ckDIn7u7thjR8kA8GtD7ww3Hr6vDCrNLMydVopMb95RhcKbXALzVhzkOZVabnCS3-9-bPjW9foe2kEIWXcy7GKYW9ODDAJnjt6Eb_FvIX5crrUe/w400-h320/2i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">LoveBirds in the branches (Western Bluebirds)</span></b></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Is one bird watching spot</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">better than another?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjC3ATnfbsiPylFTSIwup0xW-6ekKFmdALjtdrwritFQTS9Qy71k1lOv1zDWwO1CyNvNxmCxrhGAFQtcUAd1Zb9LmlqiK7Cw5bEyn_uNwKj535Y15-loEA700eSpUm5o2qjMuX9XL7ADvcpPOkT4M1OP51a3prgn7A4q4sFGXePCxP4VGTbj0FpsUZ/s1920/2s.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjC3ATnfbsiPylFTSIwup0xW-6ekKFmdALjtdrwritFQTS9Qy71k1lOv1zDWwO1CyNvNxmCxrhGAFQtcUAd1Zb9LmlqiK7Cw5bEyn_uNwKj535Y15-loEA700eSpUm5o2qjMuX9XL7ADvcpPOkT4M1OP51a3prgn7A4q4sFGXePCxP4VGTbj0FpsUZ/w400-h320/2s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Atop Conlon Knoll near Wildcat Peak</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">Is a riparian / woodland setting </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">preferred</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">over bay / pelagic shoreline viewing?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig61GvsXKPLyC0NLgyKU0x-2c7NfzWH4X6brLmKfgHtirMHPJB1Oj3UsfI6yfiiRrpNBtJ6gtwokUV60dm2ZVTdtPXBDGir2jL2qGn6fd9uqDBDlnXba_OJOd2VNTV_Oy9lgVwIa1RKKWf2aovMneOCXmrtphZr1xxtl41UiH3oB3kz7rg4l521mOp/s1440/2p.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig61GvsXKPLyC0NLgyKU0x-2c7NfzWH4X6brLmKfgHtirMHPJB1Oj3UsfI6yfiiRrpNBtJ6gtwokUV60dm2ZVTdtPXBDGir2jL2qGn6fd9uqDBDlnXba_OJOd2VNTV_Oy9lgVwIa1RKKWf2aovMneOCXmrtphZr1xxtl41UiH3oB3kz7rg4l521mOp/w400-h320/2p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler in private, still moment</span></b></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Is meadow / range country more attractive</i></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">than desert scrub / High Sierra sparsity?</span></i></b></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO3o2eSCo-higjtZdyUpt-21zPrJvPClPzN6xhxJ34G0Kdv1Gtg3j25raqO_8Ro1h4LBrnFFgXZVNe-Qopd-7-h2qorxdrLq1pbAynXpFH2lMxKA--MNIyQ_U3l_wrk93gszmA6m1ulgQFz-TE3-pC1Emqoot5mJD0IHGXM6MtgMT8ZINCUJ15ZBP/s1073/3b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="802" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO3o2eSCo-higjtZdyUpt-21zPrJvPClPzN6xhxJ34G0Kdv1Gtg3j25raqO_8Ro1h4LBrnFFgXZVNe-Qopd-7-h2qorxdrLq1pbAynXpFH2lMxKA--MNIyQ_U3l_wrk93gszmA6m1ulgQFz-TE3-pC1Emqoot5mJD0IHGXM6MtgMT8ZINCUJ15ZBP/w478-h640/3b.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Canyon hills and Quail family crossing trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">Does altitude matter?</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rGxbAwTneXez8NezcjMCFpVdCvRMYf1BnsYqS1ME73ZeiRFAiyDxMDLxxKNIT_Q0oYQJynad7-WbJsHFQJElb1zRcoq2cNpx0Wpbiq8__vTiporCFijHNBOV1yiq5NKNQMS_5ulEhdqmsMPRZ2B0G5bV9DTpTq0Zkpw_DR6enculLyLGpnIDKny5/s1505/2l.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rGxbAwTneXez8NezcjMCFpVdCvRMYf1BnsYqS1ME73ZeiRFAiyDxMDLxxKNIT_Q0oYQJynad7-WbJsHFQJElb1zRcoq2cNpx0Wpbiq8__vTiporCFijHNBOV1yiq5NKNQMS_5ulEhdqmsMPRZ2B0G5bV9DTpTq0Zkpw_DR6enculLyLGpnIDKny5/w400-h320/2l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler at attention</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I suppose it all matters and depends on <b style="text-align: center;"><i>–</i></b> <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">many factors!</span></b></i> Including seasonal migration patterns, weather conditions, climate influences, and birds' adaptability to varied ecosystems, which we know is infinite and shrewd.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jDvqo96i7Z3xfcSsmMSx9zs4DTcmb2MWiwzKuoDXClowyHOdsuqGFXWvQ-XysueUMcs5jN6rEZ3ujgc8v7WKDMVLtoDsm_BKNAKDffgOSheQ0Vu00fHFTWmONXLVAo78WlIEyHcYAX6iFjq_SCIxpL6AkA6wtS9b5xfGDsY5m518lUCMMSZ7woeF/s1440/3e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jDvqo96i7Z3xfcSsmMSx9zs4DTcmb2MWiwzKuoDXClowyHOdsuqGFXWvQ-XysueUMcs5jN6rEZ3ujgc8v7WKDMVLtoDsm_BKNAKDffgOSheQ0Vu00fHFTWmONXLVAo78WlIEyHcYAX6iFjq_SCIxpL6AkA6wtS9b5xfGDsY5m518lUCMMSZ7woeF/w400-h320/3e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Always a stop-off and bike drop to picnic and spot birds here</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The good news is that no matter where you find yourself, birds will be there, too, in all their physiological diversity, richness of behavior, and pure delightful quirkiness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv3KfZzpn4dbgdS_oDqz-sZuxO3JGfpCfq906oZ09E39QP-p6Rnwwo4k8nGKHdj6z2cweFOc-SXgm2JTswQb-N4mXpGpZn9QaqL6atWR0UeurSp4rLiXxs-ldxwbn0-PIHVXU6tf721_uwfmTcEyZdoDxaVsAjdriS1bZJTstTm0K3xaulAg93B3K/s1012/1a%20(1).jpeg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv3KfZzpn4dbgdS_oDqz-sZuxO3JGfpCfq906oZ09E39QP-p6Rnwwo4k8nGKHdj6z2cweFOc-SXgm2JTswQb-N4mXpGpZn9QaqL6atWR0UeurSp4rLiXxs-ldxwbn0-PIHVXU6tf721_uwfmTcEyZdoDxaVsAjdriS1bZJTstTm0K3xaulAg93B3K/w400-h320/1a%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Northern Flicker pops in for a brief appearance</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span>It's why you love birding </span></i></b><span><b><i>–</i></b></span><b><i><span> birds! </span></i></b><b><i>–</i></b><b><i><span> so much.</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinANwz0-Hd4g7oD7JWwbYGY187AYpaubNCIrmc-zXniXO_-vR384KOvrN7jtJHQPc6zVt-llkpUsQUJxcHV4PhRDKsxLwqIc7sPWV2DSaw-tqAtb4wVy2nyawQnFg5MH2nS2Egm0hrQdmNpTzVS3BnWPpyxAfUodPifxuekhYQA-9UE9layIYLBxOg/s1533/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinANwz0-Hd4g7oD7JWwbYGY187AYpaubNCIrmc-zXniXO_-vR384KOvrN7jtJHQPc6zVt-llkpUsQUJxcHV4PhRDKsxLwqIc7sPWV2DSaw-tqAtb4wVy2nyawQnFg5MH2nS2Egm0hrQdmNpTzVS3BnWPpyxAfUodPifxuekhYQA-9UE9layIYLBxOg/w480-h640/2b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Beautiful colors of Western Bluebird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">A rise of land in <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wildcat Canyon Regional Park</span></b></i> beckons up a final stretch of gravelly trail to attain a high plateau and eventually <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Conlon Knoll</span></i></b>, as I call it. One of my favorite places for birds and more.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwKfwh1N-roHPXRuMgRYlcRfrf_qOpxlSodUaaQcAHVaoInb_00oQoEiIsoqLGdxpJlO9ApdNuU4m7vpV0R2N5Jx1rz7jY_M4rGaWeunpB0YuGuH9LPeqJMeyVAtrPfWlUps0SDoj_nGGT-uSzhx1AOSXxF9IVjqB9C7q9ZG_cluORNBqx46Zc0Bc/s1125/1a%20(3).JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwKfwh1N-roHPXRuMgRYlcRfrf_qOpxlSodUaaQcAHVaoInb_00oQoEiIsoqLGdxpJlO9ApdNuU4m7vpV0R2N5Jx1rz7jY_M4rGaWeunpB0YuGuH9LPeqJMeyVAtrPfWlUps0SDoj_nGGT-uSzhx1AOSXxF9IVjqB9C7q9ZG_cluORNBqx46Zc0Bc/w400-h320/1a%20(3).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">One of the dying but still majestic trees on the knoll</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Up here, maybe <i><b>1150</b></i> ft. elevation, fabulous near <b><i>360</i></b> views of <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">San Francisco</span></b></i>, the <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Golden Gate Bridge</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Marin Headlands</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Angel Island</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Mount Tamalpais</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Briones</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">San Pablo</span></b></i> watershed lands, <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Las Trampas</span></i></b> wilderness, and <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Mount Diablo</span></b></i> radiate, stretching as far south as the <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Santa Cruz Mountains</span></i></b> to <i><b>4000</b></i> ft. <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Bay Area</span></b></i> visible peaks.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MUSTxaXpo7Qowjm73FHGEpz07T2bcaUNNm7IJRSakpf2jdnL5nNdfEJAi3XNOsdz8Upsi0lwLG5Jh4fYgpEATUv5TWlmAhOGBRdD8wsAB1PYD5Gywr-7NfZMQ6MYBdFPJZnYGqsh0LGQa1K-5ruiiVBKjV5H7T6RLMWEquAv3gAELk6cwvpxo5oK/s1440/3f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MUSTxaXpo7Qowjm73FHGEpz07T2bcaUNNm7IJRSakpf2jdnL5nNdfEJAi3XNOsdz8Upsi0lwLG5Jh4fYgpEATUv5TWlmAhOGBRdD8wsAB1PYD5Gywr-7NfZMQ6MYBdFPJZnYGqsh0LGQa1K-5ruiiVBKjV5H7T6RLMWEquAv3gAELk6cwvpxo5oK/w400-h320/3f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mount Diablo viewed from the bird hot spot knoll</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Up here, it's a detour off the main path; few people pass through, despite a connector from <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Conlon Trail</span></i></b> to <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Wildcat Peak</span></b></i> and the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Peace Grove Lookout</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqrMslNZk1u1RACCmmiafI-xXBxNcnnxlyMVV35xG3EeUfNJGDbXNAdszWDrnt7EEPEsTh8aeeKhrQZw8XFIfTTGEn2UGfjflt_-HuWCLgfP3gszgiE6teUqpJK2ZBurf9HCt8NOF0xvF97bD33nhtfJhStTJ8-UvK8z_hphFyVwfqa2WvjCkUVPp/s1440/2j.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqrMslNZk1u1RACCmmiafI-xXBxNcnnxlyMVV35xG3EeUfNJGDbXNAdszWDrnt7EEPEsTh8aeeKhrQZw8XFIfTTGEn2UGfjflt_-HuWCLgfP3gszgiE6teUqpJK2ZBurf9HCt8NOF0xvF97bD33nhtfJhStTJ8-UvK8z_hphFyVwfqa2WvjCkUVPp/w400-h320/2j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warblers can sometimes fool you</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Up here, I've seen my only instances of <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Lazuli Buntings</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Ash-throated Flycatcher</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Winter Wrens</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRE7xblfhMlzY6ooOsOGBT0kx3JJlZTAN8Mt7lYcgNtbHmZYkBuA9arxw_sYNs6ASx9er8W0yuk7o2gVXggi7ULDrk_lTDGhvSA4_2DqbtmbGEJPU03AYPj4OI3cj3WbBnQn8q8C17hkDFJCSrecPjzyZs4qiANsxICwgj1kzRfV_Zp96FeSnZvOd/s1126/2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1126" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRE7xblfhMlzY6ooOsOGBT0kx3JJlZTAN8Mt7lYcgNtbHmZYkBuA9arxw_sYNs6ASx9er8W0yuk7o2gVXggi7ULDrk_lTDGhvSA4_2DqbtmbGEJPU03AYPj4OI3cj3WbBnQn8q8C17hkDFJCSrecPjzyZs4qiANsxICwgj1kzRfV_Zp96FeSnZvOd/w400-h320/2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebirds perching together</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Up here, four <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Monterey Pines</span></b></i> dominate in the shadow of <i><b>1250</b></i> ft. <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Wildcat Peak</span></b></i>. A gigantic healthy tree stands alone on the bare ridge, an iconic natural feature seen from <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">San Francisco's</span></i></b> waterfront.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVdiqnYT3QD0buTEUGGxEi5tPxGWqDdGDbOvDBlza8JQEglgM3cYSLXpk_hZyd_BlVZNWrEw07CYzQ66rdzknUry_tHb-CyPqO8H5yJ2xxhzeWCnIJgaonF9X8PKxGZ_5Z2nikGh7s9stW9OF4zDQ90EW6ANJaH5KbpRx_Y9V14jpQZczGUTrsngv/s2048/7a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVdiqnYT3QD0buTEUGGxEi5tPxGWqDdGDbOvDBlza8JQEglgM3cYSLXpk_hZyd_BlVZNWrEw07CYzQ66rdzknUry_tHb-CyPqO8H5yJ2xxhzeWCnIJgaonF9X8PKxGZ_5Z2nikGh7s9stW9OF4zDQ90EW6ANJaH5KbpRx_Y9V14jpQZczGUTrsngv/w360-h640/7a.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Iconic sentinel Pine atop Conlon Knoll seen from afar</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two other nice sized trees grow nearby, but, rather suddenly, it seems, a third tree has perished, for after many visits over the past few years, I'm only now noticing it is completely, <i><b>100%</b></i> dead.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAtC2orAeGqSOhWV8vV2su386lV0etNj8djmeUndb82YNPbZ_L36DzHDYI550y5NhxZu9_s5Z-K6tYqTKm0jDqeyv1aBoH6t5IuwtuRNcpjad_PRNXvmOwGF87besLFuzWpgmBf4cJuAJHsbFl4n3kOYPdC_4fVgMvKY1xbtlfwSJmzAV2MHohPI/s1274/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VAtC2orAeGqSOhWV8vV2su386lV0etNj8djmeUndb82YNPbZ_L36DzHDYI550y5NhxZu9_s5Z-K6tYqTKm0jDqeyv1aBoH6t5IuwtuRNcpjad_PRNXvmOwGF87besLFuzWpgmBf4cJuAJHsbFl4n3kOYPdC_4fVgMvKY1xbtlfwSJmzAV2MHohPI/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird hunting and pecking</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But like all dead things in nature, it continues to provide life <i>(or life-giving gifts)</i> in countless ways.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJskzrMKYTgDdz0DGVPats8XqWNE4thSJdXq9qnLmUp89nOTz4Zbg0Ju8Lia2whPxFTiUlpva0JIkya86UVHUgumotQzmQHVi_vISIMgdApSNUnjksTlI0IA3kVythfJ2i6emVTJSknoN0WhKMWR3xV0nxbdo8-qUryod7XnbaZlag6WsqlBTNcCU/s1933/2m.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="1933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJskzrMKYTgDdz0DGVPats8XqWNE4thSJdXq9qnLmUp89nOTz4Zbg0Ju8Lia2whPxFTiUlpva0JIkya86UVHUgumotQzmQHVi_vISIMgdApSNUnjksTlI0IA3kVythfJ2i6emVTJSknoN0WhKMWR3xV0nxbdo8-qUryod7XnbaZlag6WsqlBTNcCU/w400-h320/2m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler in a tangle of branches</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Why the tree died, while the other trees live on, is a mystery. Maybe it's older and naturally at the end of its life? If not that, I have my suspicions: climate change / drought drove the nail through the coffin of this great tree that was somehow already compromised.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeXBKcL2ikVN661xtTfPjJ6qUO4j14M5W-zNwMtooCQvmPYUxwG7JsskZrzQGxzSTu9mhj2LMiNjpEz530yuBtW9OPMjedrb9Hq2REkAd9ASpJwtQOi3x1k8GBDyht7lsviNwKP-pQ5PIWONIRERd9XMPAkH4KXwRKJ7KPHuXoI6SGCAkEPcKI22P/s2592/3c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeXBKcL2ikVN661xtTfPjJ6qUO4j14M5W-zNwMtooCQvmPYUxwG7JsskZrzQGxzSTu9mhj2LMiNjpEz530yuBtW9OPMjedrb9Hq2REkAd9ASpJwtQOi3x1k8GBDyht7lsviNwKP-pQ5PIWONIRERd9XMPAkH4KXwRKJ7KPHuXoI6SGCAkEPcKI22P/w480-h640/3c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Creek churns and burbles below in the small gorge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We're seeing this pattern of mortality throughout the <i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>American West</b></span></i>, where aspens are being ravaged by beetle infestation and stately oaks in <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">California</span></b></i> are under severe attack by <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Sudden Oak Death</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUZEAO7NlvnVu5IyLn73pBj_ugu3QBCyoC9AqFdydNTmsYRL-MW66GaguL3gO29OhC-m3pPN_iGWdaMOlvp01vjWTeYJnn6Q4FSYtBZBF-URE9o2A_aewqkkGEtMTrWbiYo4OyDe2HXJj0A6DQyfEGONnQIE-ikgo1D7BumrbKmy4_t0kgrojqJEG/s914/1a%20(4).JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUZEAO7NlvnVu5IyLn73pBj_ugu3QBCyoC9AqFdydNTmsYRL-MW66GaguL3gO29OhC-m3pPN_iGWdaMOlvp01vjWTeYJnn6Q4FSYtBZBF-URE9o2A_aewqkkGEtMTrWbiYo4OyDe2HXJj0A6DQyfEGONnQIE-ikgo1D7BumrbKmy4_t0kgrojqJEG/w400-h320/1a%20(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hence, the name</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change is probably to blame for this unprecedented dying off of the planet's most important living things </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> taking place before our eyes, and we wonder, are we powerless to prevent, is it too late to stop, the disappearance of trees.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHupF9m0Q6TYxQUFRN_EZGKA04DUykfy05WKomFhT3AL74Z_pqou79vE3R1kYjGpOmCV_mpotZ3xWz6T9ICvK2fqT1282u79tShURiOmHQCpKQRnfn9tmZ08G2COPdEMjW3FHq6fMFMceCrtGIbIFYqm6eJ_070ydkm72ZDzdHPWIYyPHv7CR4leR3/s1787/2r.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1429" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHupF9m0Q6TYxQUFRN_EZGKA04DUykfy05WKomFhT3AL74Z_pqou79vE3R1kYjGpOmCV_mpotZ3xWz6T9ICvK2fqT1282u79tShURiOmHQCpKQRnfn9tmZ08G2COPdEMjW3FHq6fMFMceCrtGIbIFYqm6eJ_070ydkm72ZDzdHPWIYyPHv7CR4leR3/w512-h640/2r.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Egg fallen from nest</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, for now our bird friends don't mind the tree's <i>"non-living"</i> status. They arrive in flocks to roost in the gnarled branches and roust up seeds and insects on the ground.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sgAmbuHYoBwl77QVk7qc2aJI8L6szujSIXqXeEqYr_dIMwal_8j_1kYVPagrLcBho0rGnWmX7fPJqmezH-W9WcEvJLHkgczbjMUcp1ZkpHj2pgB8mi1mN21T4Nb2FYaBtGHzIonnuX9pNKAeBsfMNEWpgZ3cfQQcPDxLRe9EWFlAnSkF2LZPsmNv/s1440/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sgAmbuHYoBwl77QVk7qc2aJI8L6szujSIXqXeEqYr_dIMwal_8j_1kYVPagrLcBho0rGnWmX7fPJqmezH-W9WcEvJLHkgczbjMUcp1ZkpHj2pgB8mi1mN21T4Nb2FYaBtGHzIonnuX9pNKAeBsfMNEWpgZ3cfQQcPDxLRe9EWFlAnSkF2LZPsmNv/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird ground feeding for grub</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Just passing time up here, lackadaisically, hoping for a bunting sighting, wouldn't that be something. So far, nothing much exciting: a few <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Juncos</span></b></i>, solitary appearances of <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Hermit Thrush</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Scrub Jay</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Red-breasted Nuthatch</span></i></b> and <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Northern Flicker</span></b></i>. Above circle <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Red-tailed Hawks</span></i></b> and <i><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Vultures</b></span></i>, the usual stuff.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHaEens2IvBFrhEfTHw2lWobBBosGiNQUwXEGhOFDodZP_HIRz-7RhZyMIQ117XkrmbErLH8AM5Lbp3T3mh4IgFXU_8YRtRaS3wJM4dF2PjIh9zlTI425xplw9A0F5gH8Rn8IACAmDrJKacBR_665UQU2kkQMbl53Uq27LkAq3pASwLXr73QShyzG/s1440/3d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHaEens2IvBFrhEfTHw2lWobBBosGiNQUwXEGhOFDodZP_HIRz-7RhZyMIQ117XkrmbErLH8AM5Lbp3T3mh4IgFXU_8YRtRaS3wJM4dF2PjIh9zlTI425xplw9A0F5gH8Rn8IACAmDrJKacBR_665UQU2kkQMbl53Uq27LkAq3pASwLXr73QShyzG/w400-h320/3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-breasted Nuthatch finds bounty of insect delights</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">When suddenly, leaving to go scout out a woodsier area, in fly a bunch of colorful birds, drawn to the dead tree and rich pickings beneath. It's the return of my little lovelies, <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Western Bluebirds</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Yellow-rumped Warblers</span></b></i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N3m0MIEfxmC8mkfUNYcXab6JlrNC3_vlWT-qvKyGp6onx-82Z_jfWTqsbexjG0_KEP1QG807EOqJUjNvVKOD4YDFVSPEOXO7iK0_SG6K8rDF3aT7JKhHEfA1Lscb32SVJ9Wl84qJkoOasfllZ4_2LLWs3DQGQou83sz0f2J869PP4MA84bCie8k8/s1602/2k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1602" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N3m0MIEfxmC8mkfUNYcXab6JlrNC3_vlWT-qvKyGp6onx-82Z_jfWTqsbexjG0_KEP1QG807EOqJUjNvVKOD4YDFVSPEOXO7iK0_SG6K8rDF3aT7JKhHEfA1Lscb32SVJ9Wl84qJkoOasfllZ4_2LLWs3DQGQou83sz0f2J869PP4MA84bCie8k8/w400-h320/2k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler clutching to thin stalk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">They flit out and float in and aeroglide to the ground to find a seed or a nut or a worm, putting on an absolute show, adding dashes of avian spice and elan to the once quiet scene.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvmrl8WDiUTQT3wtzZ6sJSBWPtDTHSDGdd5jhpMdXFRyQgQc1N64qF-D3UBjwhz9dYHFYG5DdX8pqmy-8MbaLs3ydsb4ikrjHd8ajdZisErn7JWCfOBsFpa7ux6AejDwAc9TJGcWgI3M8u-77eLK9p7chqvkZtnfQd7d7UbhTIe8ssNCDyKkbpdcn/s3240/3a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvmrl8WDiUTQT3wtzZ6sJSBWPtDTHSDGdd5jhpMdXFRyQgQc1N64qF-D3UBjwhz9dYHFYG5DdX8pqmy-8MbaLs3ydsb4ikrjHd8ajdZisErn7JWCfOBsFpa7ux6AejDwAc9TJGcWgI3M8u-77eLK9p7chqvkZtnfQd7d7UbhTIe8ssNCDyKkbpdcn/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Canyon country</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Up here, that's why I love it!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y4JstGZyn0x-zpNugapX_a8K4hPlCjM-2WC97vdgFGOKUeO8tyhobuBiaDEH9Rm_VBNowCNTrfTihv18dQ980sBxcWIExOf9kEggUzQpsNtbugjdqhx2qJzVIIXJaAmgJurcgfIqL8GB6c8W5jW4FKoAroXjeIJUPyIVdfPu1bASniPuMuSi2NX9/s1362/2g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y4JstGZyn0x-zpNugapX_a8K4hPlCjM-2WC97vdgFGOKUeO8tyhobuBiaDEH9Rm_VBNowCNTrfTihv18dQ980sBxcWIExOf9kEggUzQpsNtbugjdqhx2qJzVIIXJaAmgJurcgfIqL8GB6c8W5jW4FKoAroXjeIJUPyIVdfPu1bASniPuMuSi2NX9/w400-h320/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler loving it</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">That's why the birds love it.</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3cpnqNkU3t52rKWW_4uQQBYFHZYny43BYH02W_vuf1XZ_fZDRG9bz1V28rgWTmbe7nReqcyFbyiO5aeDIrf1JdzJm6XZTKz76U_CaIbVhTqzGsSa6HCkoIjRk-TUzx69c7mP3rZC9D4EFJJsxNh48H0Y8Bi7Vpmn-zOuRyzyxb48Y-PNeaaDQyvT/s1145/1a%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="820" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3cpnqNkU3t52rKWW_4uQQBYFHZYny43BYH02W_vuf1XZ_fZDRG9bz1V28rgWTmbe7nReqcyFbyiO5aeDIrf1JdzJm6XZTKz76U_CaIbVhTqzGsSa6HCkoIjRk-TUzx69c7mP3rZC9D4EFJJsxNh48H0Y8Bi7Vpmn-zOuRyzyxb48Y-PNeaaDQyvT/w458-h640/1a%20(2).jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pretty Western Bluebird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The sociable, smart <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bluebirds</span></b></i> are delightful and very pretty. Males come in a shade of <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">blueberryblue</span></b></i>, with a handsome rust <i>"vest"</i> and white breast belly combo.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdOOrNw75C6QcC0FKZLW118eE7uBrDtxLQMaGX572TypqREhlpDUty4UdzFPXBFYSHfwRNWOPB8iGH4SKYlvCZ1wH0IIxcyShxTH9VNB66wiAuTGklGL8VOqkrPTpnNjVX1V06ZA9dh5EtOuh2OLc8nmnc7H5bwlSuuMyMOlpx-HJmwfAo5D2nBb3/s1271/1a%20(6).JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1271" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdOOrNw75C6QcC0FKZLW118eE7uBrDtxLQMaGX572TypqREhlpDUty4UdzFPXBFYSHfwRNWOPB8iGH4SKYlvCZ1wH0IIxcyShxTH9VNB66wiAuTGklGL8VOqkrPTpnNjVX1V06ZA9dh5EtOuh2OLc8nmnc7H5bwlSuuMyMOlpx-HJmwfAo5D2nBb3/w400-h320/1a%20(6).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warblers are delightful birds to watch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The <b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;">Warblers</span></i></b>, of the <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Adult Male Audubon's</span></i></b> variety, are handsome fellows adorned with yellow throats, yellow side streaks, yellow rump patch, and a pat of sunshine atop the pate.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylECy2vjMkNWiKD9pmgwxi0Ie6PGic4Nb9y2bryjHeFC-7n7nqZ-Vg7J_BYKLzmPRoPy_AOEGV47dlTDOI6hdo-UPcY1QD2apGprr-HMJXlQbTz8bDwdlKKQQpSqKgqYohrvvgz6AOmgPC0dPtusunOmLaIWCoeSfLICFsPnxJrxoZSqwuAzt5rVE/s1531/2h.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylECy2vjMkNWiKD9pmgwxi0Ie6PGic4Nb9y2bryjHeFC-7n7nqZ-Vg7J_BYKLzmPRoPy_AOEGV47dlTDOI6hdo-UPcY1QD2apGprr-HMJXlQbTz8bDwdlKKQQpSqKgqYohrvvgz6AOmgPC0dPtusunOmLaIWCoeSfLICFsPnxJrxoZSqwuAzt5rVE/w400-h320/2h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird in repose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Fine birds, indeed,</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>these precious, sensitive,</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>vulnerable creatures.</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcNjXU6HgM_1OlNR7B8jzZ87aOqDg4YUCE3dM9vg9l4saGIbNqH0lKdDHFEWfesMm-Popz6UVMhcFu_LRrkG477PUNBO_-PGXd_oDmH6dRuZlHFkLGzOHT50oq-4sEPatfEvucVU1uW8DMxsoXSZn2tjjsdAqMVrqlJJtSfdbBnFlAHbo2bgF9pA0/s1440/7c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcNjXU6HgM_1OlNR7B8jzZ87aOqDg4YUCE3dM9vg9l4saGIbNqH0lKdDHFEWfesMm-Popz6UVMhcFu_LRrkG477PUNBO_-PGXd_oDmH6dRuZlHFkLGzOHT50oq-4sEPatfEvucVU1uW8DMxsoXSZn2tjjsdAqMVrqlJJtSfdbBnFlAHbo2bgF9pA0/w400-h320/7c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Arboreal and avian richness in Tilden and Wildcat Parks</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">As well as the trees they </span><span style="color: #38761d;">(and we)</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">depend on for their </span><span style="color: #38761d;">(our)</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">very survival and existence.</span></span></i></b></div></span></div><div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSlLbfDr6BRI1YafKc5K1G0zTPyTMH6CIrXK8uVSfoinhL5WAZrHeaflgkmQLxf0tAxpRFwQbmTEsuulew-kkjUbvKUY_nGrmdQrY-oLvp0__UW5U3pit93JLv6pXaPql2WWsVLJ3FtRTB_xml4ZcvnvD2U_J4sNepEnG7nnUh71zbR0Xnm_JV--l/s2048/2n%20(2).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSlLbfDr6BRI1YafKc5K1G0zTPyTMH6CIrXK8uVSfoinhL5WAZrHeaflgkmQLxf0tAxpRFwQbmTEsuulew-kkjUbvKUY_nGrmdQrY-oLvp0__UW5U3pit93JLv6pXaPql2WWsVLJ3FtRTB_xml4ZcvnvD2U_J4sNepEnG7nnUh71zbR0Xnm_JV--l/w400-h320/2n%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler ground foraging</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Read more about "Conlon Knoll" at Gambolin' Man's bird blog:</span></b></i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/bonanza-of-birds-in-tilden-wildcat.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDING ATOP THE WORLD AT WILDCAT PEAK (2012)</span></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_hDyJid33eO6r0JQ-9MbpYogO5HVI-UzWNBdVM70uEeWGz8mEwXY0MAm6DCMeUe3r-Q9kMF6qO4SGcymhqEQGeVTx3r0DCXXRkxWrK0yYnokBaJ6OMMceySXzbrgXmGdz-uzbY0TEr51hNZvTKnX9y3lhCniVDPyQBj32h5bHuPcwuszV2HpbLCk/s1152/7d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_hDyJid33eO6r0JQ-9MbpYogO5HVI-UzWNBdVM70uEeWGz8mEwXY0MAm6DCMeUe3r-Q9kMF6qO4SGcymhqEQGeVTx3r0DCXXRkxWrK0yYnokBaJ6OMMceySXzbrgXmGdz-uzbY0TEr51hNZvTKnX9y3lhCniVDPyQBj32h5bHuPcwuszV2HpbLCk/w360-h640/7d.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Birding delights include sightings of Vultures</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-1588130263759275372015-03-02T19:01:00.103-08:002023-03-30T13:43:51.866-07:00Beauty and Bounty Bring Out Birds in Bunches at Sunol Regional Wilderness<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_YQ6dmzqEaWcwoZiXjQyv9dLPuEtVYpqbejKy6DyOxHzBYvqB0BmQvr6baOEAQmSkqjXKkU0asu6JFR_ZhFncbNLCJTIvjXLHhlxWT-BhhEVTNMHU2BLMVGVLZ9-sZhmC9SRVzp-iapc9XfymznjrcRvPEl279cDHn45Z7xonNwN37c9ohOwDqOP/s1125/1h.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_YQ6dmzqEaWcwoZiXjQyv9dLPuEtVYpqbejKy6DyOxHzBYvqB0BmQvr6baOEAQmSkqjXKkU0asu6JFR_ZhFncbNLCJTIvjXLHhlxWT-BhhEVTNMHU2BLMVGVLZ9-sZhmC9SRVzp-iapc9XfymznjrcRvPEl279cDHn45Z7xonNwN37c9ohOwDqOP/w400-h320/1h.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sycamore-lined Alameda Creek cuts beautiful riparian swath</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Anytime is a great time to visit</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">Sunol Regional Wilderness!</span></span></i></b></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw081fNqMb9urMCW7EtFp6qW5B0Np0gzyfYVDQ9zxh2kZr7gZ3ELQ6cJGuW-th7u4071eEhx_EBi90y9KNwlu2o2Zt_v8Vtg1Bj_9pzDBSYbPENW0a_XMZMo4HqVENay5bsbht69QFVk26jeWPveHOZDAhzxIyX0MUovqG6RVqa64k1CcJBt6EBp8/s4320/6a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw081fNqMb9urMCW7EtFp6qW5B0Np0gzyfYVDQ9zxh2kZr7gZ3ELQ6cJGuW-th7u4071eEhx_EBi90y9KNwlu2o2Zt_v8Vtg1Bj_9pzDBSYbPENW0a_XMZMo4HqVENay5bsbht69QFVk26jeWPveHOZDAhzxIyX0MUovqG6RVqa64k1CcJBt6EBp8/w400-h320/6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 700;"><i>Sunol ROCKS!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><i>Surely one of my all-time favorite</i></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><i> nature refuges in the Bay Area!</i></b></span></div></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitni_-Mff4tXggNNy01pdDIcy6lP8yHWFfQJc4Kp04BYUM75M1LkCIAiBYZzLGIO6vq2GvQVIm7YZZyWvS4stEbGwjnKw7Z-DhJI6p-kwJ08iO02tWJe3gRnZixIZE0FVpI_OJmg6Q2BMHUk_NChd0scfcCe8vbn5Mu-l9vN6SCTJyWY3M0Vin2ZD4/s939/1b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="939" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitni_-Mff4tXggNNy01pdDIcy6lP8yHWFfQJc4Kp04BYUM75M1LkCIAiBYZzLGIO6vq2GvQVIm7YZZyWvS4stEbGwjnKw7Z-DhJI6p-kwJ08iO02tWJe3gRnZixIZE0FVpI_OJmg6Q2BMHUk_NChd0scfcCe8vbn5Mu-l9vN6SCTJyWY3M0Vin2ZD4/w400-h320/1b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Nuthatch working the stump</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Three years have passed since my last visit, after averaging half a dozen visits yearly for <b><i>30</i></b> years. Just as well, because over these past years crews had been repairing <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Calaveras Dam</span></b></i> resulting in park closures, a rebuilt bridge over <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Alameda Creek</span></i></b>, and lots of serpentine and asbestos dust flying around from the demolition and reconstruction.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPkHj2RHf4Mb4rlk2fsGS0YAKG4_7DTdmAZJS88-MfGoHAmuvR4kzjkBRVFR1zJ_G2XU_CIX-8MvXu8mUJ1XX3UyUYvQ5QGjZKVBPejn9z3fCxzjyric2J9OrLLJ7X_Yj0yv_7sXpeyBuc1Kx4_CfiCjAgiW6M7w6DjqatnpSfIVF7Cklo6pcOqCu/s1125/1g.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPkHj2RHf4Mb4rlk2fsGS0YAKG4_7DTdmAZJS88-MfGoHAmuvR4kzjkBRVFR1zJ_G2XU_CIX-8MvXu8mUJ1XX3UyUYvQ5QGjZKVBPejn9z3fCxzjyric2J9OrLLJ7X_Yj0yv_7sXpeyBuc1Kx4_CfiCjAgiW6M7w6DjqatnpSfIVF7Cklo6pcOqCu/w400-h320/1g.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Volcanic plug dome heading up into Ohlone territory</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, though, is postcard picturesque with perfect temperatures. Unlike back East where they've been in a month-long deep freeze. Ah, the price we pay to live in sunny, beautiful <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">California!</span></i></b></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1enCzXsukgvA6vCPFrpR4OnQAou2-RqCLfwObXdih1MwSri_osjn_GNNFBQmaTh0jEPLzxI83uAoEbs8eLiIg8PgVFD0cvTpg3kQ5FXR4H63OnAbO7OLJagSNycZpGVFD308FIr1TnQtxXM_CJnXrQF0uJjozSMlWT68QmFE6tms0RH4suWylbup/s1382/1f.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1enCzXsukgvA6vCPFrpR4OnQAou2-RqCLfwObXdih1MwSri_osjn_GNNFBQmaTh0jEPLzxI83uAoEbs8eLiIg8PgVFD0cvTpg3kQ5FXR4H63OnAbO7OLJagSNycZpGVFD308FIr1TnQtxXM_CJnXrQF0uJjozSMlWT68QmFE6tms0RH4suWylbup/w400-h320/1f.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Acorn Woodpecker taking a break from caching</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't recall a single other <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Sunol</span></b></i> outing where the idea of birding might take precedence over another agenda. Instead of the usual big miles we put in exploring the sprawling park, I would be content to just slowly stroll a mile or two up and down along <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Camp Ohlone Road</span></b></i>, birding.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm3eRo3Byf7GpRjyt39rOhx4-nTSzeWtynRrBvTx1_TxSWRV7ui5MAeJELYkScR6sw4RE0w9cV5Df5opV8u5_h1Tg4Q7LmFVzd0MVSDna9j58YJv2xR4oxN6kZzj89s5KNdqLEPFZrQ3tJEn7MD5btpVYOwbjgsgJkEiKfYOm7QOywmV-ba4xe0VH/s1059/1c.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1059" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm3eRo3Byf7GpRjyt39rOhx4-nTSzeWtynRrBvTx1_TxSWRV7ui5MAeJELYkScR6sw4RE0w9cV5Df5opV8u5_h1Tg4Q7LmFVzd0MVSDna9j58YJv2xR4oxN6kZzj89s5KNdqLEPFZrQ3tJEn7MD5btpVYOwbjgsgJkEiKfYOm7QOywmV-ba4xe0VH/w400-h320/1c.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler perching</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Pretty <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Alameda Creek</span></i></b>, flowing through a jumble of blue and green andesite boulders, is the largest watershed in the <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">South San Francisco Bay</span></i></b>, and a <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Neotropical</span></i></b> bird hot spot where up to <i><b>40</b></i> species reside, half of which I may not have seen in my life, such as <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Western Wood-Pewee</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Western Kingbird</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Orange-crowned Warbler</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Hutton's Vireo</span></i></b>, and <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bullock's Oriole</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqRrIarJ8xKo1Wuxiqd9NWUTuS8NtqXJMe8Qd6kKoXAgbpOQflbvh474V3FrSkrR6YzNQMi62ZcUmy197MjvkebpixZ6bM1VwbKGkcO4OopN0ojmBmPv5RKjs-RCrpJmzY20WT5tVXVQAWN60N0F5dLbeFD3N1fMXpkkKRqpkUT_LfcD6nHDNkTZC/s400/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqRrIarJ8xKo1Wuxiqd9NWUTuS8NtqXJMe8Qd6kKoXAgbpOQflbvh474V3FrSkrR6YzNQMi62ZcUmy197MjvkebpixZ6bM1VwbKGkcO4OopN0ojmBmPv5RKjs-RCrpJmzY20WT5tVXVQAWN60N0F5dLbeFD3N1fMXpkkKRqpkUT_LfcD6nHDNkTZC/w480-h640/2a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Alameda Creek gushing through Little Yosemite Gorge after big rain</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A recent study by EBRPD concluded that upwards of <i><b>60</b></i> variant species may be found in richer, higher elevation stretches of the creek where habitat is pristine and human activity limited. The study concludes that:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiCxIxv_yHE2BoU8pZPyRkdt0r0uklCkDK0vZHmhbWVMLuxKfd1klXttBj3EYh1jeNFmllMLksNFE1tiJx9V-sD6IYK8-yytL_HWrVoemW1e1mjXpM7enfAo9HdJ3TIRrNo9QIvvggcD_Otwx7CtrfyYfchAm6Lqc7OJL5uHKU5ZsLa_-UK_ys0TG/s1919/12102013%20(17).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiCxIxv_yHE2BoU8pZPyRkdt0r0uklCkDK0vZHmhbWVMLuxKfd1klXttBj3EYh1jeNFmllMLksNFE1tiJx9V-sD6IYK8-yytL_HWrVoemW1e1mjXpM7enfAo9HdJ3TIRrNo9QIvvggcD_Otwx7CtrfyYfchAm6Lqc7OJL5uHKU5ZsLa_-UK_ys0TG/w400-h320/12102013%20(17).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Squat and plump Steller's Jay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">" . . . up to 95% of Western riparian vegetation communities</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">have been lost or degraded over the past century,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">and many of the bird species associated with these systems</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">have been extirpated or have experienced severe declines."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmUycDTTjNBj4034SsUzVM9gxCxVnZZ4-nvBjsl_4HrylwoVw3Vb5zU11vH9mxckRA60g1FXN8QfBtE5puxXUjaMWFAWHMSWjV_nPQbeXFpR__jDhr5JPIwmw_jiCxIJOagYmMWu0WHHgmXBNE9Kq5LMZSd527JVampm-fH8Hu-dEx4h5ZGZoymUL/s3533/11292014%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2827" data-original-width="3533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmUycDTTjNBj4034SsUzVM9gxCxVnZZ4-nvBjsl_4HrylwoVw3Vb5zU11vH9mxckRA60g1FXN8QfBtE5puxXUjaMWFAWHMSWjV_nPQbeXFpR__jDhr5JPIwmw_jiCxIJOagYmMWu0WHHgmXBNE9Kq5LMZSd527JVampm-fH8Hu-dEx4h5ZGZoymUL/w400-h320/11292014%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Kingbird caught posing near Vernal, Utah</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not good. But thankfully, stewardship efforts are paying off big in countless urban back yards where riparian corridors have been disrupted, altered, compromised, or wiped out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATp48wpqmO95JaaVP9Fa9n2Vye2jcWHxcxavlV85zNryVOu-RoOXcH0Opf15wmL5S_gAOfqVJGrtL-cLZAY4z0j-twmvtPZ2j97aVUxVdX_TUqB9Kn3FTruS5DtnXKcRUIoa2-U3iGLo15Y97aONwldoc_PV-U821S6OMnstejbzMVzKL_aAPW7_J/s1920/7312014%20(34).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATp48wpqmO95JaaVP9Fa9n2Vye2jcWHxcxavlV85zNryVOu-RoOXcH0Opf15wmL5S_gAOfqVJGrtL-cLZAY4z0j-twmvtPZ2j97aVUxVdX_TUqB9Kn3FTruS5DtnXKcRUIoa2-U3iGLo15Y97aONwldoc_PV-U821S6OMnstejbzMVzKL_aAPW7_J/w400-h320/7312014%20(34).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, ah, what a day of pure brilliance, of sheer unbridled joyful being, set loose in <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Diablo Range</span></i></b> hill country for the <b><i>200th</i></b> time . . . this time with birding heavily on my mind. But I hardly see any birds at all on <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Camp Ohlone Road</span></b></i> out toward <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Little Yosemite Gorge</span></b></i>.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP6OvV3rjiOwMabp_b5Qd3ag0m4OJ6tMNtuoQs23XcHAd55xFQCKEaSHezBoO2HLeNMo7gp3XI_18YN3pL3VX9TpoyBrUqv2FF_wC9yxbJNL0mhFbwQ7EVURW8dXAh7qZyM-2rOsS_POujZ3OXZSj8Mtvz9tA0JO42UO9O9Sv6u_zkygx7P1Or4V4/s400/3f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP6OvV3rjiOwMabp_b5Qd3ag0m4OJ6tMNtuoQs23XcHAd55xFQCKEaSHezBoO2HLeNMo7gp3XI_18YN3pL3VX9TpoyBrUqv2FF_wC9yxbJNL0mhFbwQ7EVURW8dXAh7qZyM-2rOsS_POujZ3OXZSj8Mtvz9tA0JO42UO9O9Sv6u_zkygx7P1Or4V4/w400-h300/3f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Little Yosemite Gorge area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Just too many people out enjoying things, so the birds stay hidden or fly to higher ground. It's OK. The creek is running low anyway, and higher elevations beckon, where the birding is sure to be stellar. <i>(Yes, saw several <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Steller's Jays!</span></b>)</i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bozlyDgCFPeRcHVU0IVMELblAj6ciLTwy92tta2Bhs1VPRBG2wSlIQReSu8Q-rTMqJ7-5Af0Ut4tiyeLstS9URN00YY5Xxrq5_ESmNa2aQTTy2-6Yv_Gak2BknOmnUpsWI_t6wkg9mMWEXIiozG80AG9sQXOMX7OseFyuhe8Ctv70549i_-el9xI/s400/2b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bozlyDgCFPeRcHVU0IVMELblAj6ciLTwy92tta2Bhs1VPRBG2wSlIQReSu8Q-rTMqJ7-5Af0Ut4tiyeLstS9URN00YY5Xxrq5_ESmNa2aQTTy2-6Yv_Gak2BknOmnUpsWI_t6wkg9mMWEXIiozG80AG9sQXOMX7OseFyuhe8Ctv70549i_-el9xI/w400-h300/2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Supernal reflections along gentle stretch of Alameda Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Not far along, I recognize the fellow in a wheelchair strongly propelling himself up a gently sloping grade that tests my mettle pedaling up on my mountain bike. It's none other than <b><i>Bob <span style="color: #741b47;">"4WheelBob"</span> Coomber</i></b>, out 'n about enjoying the immense beauty and fresh air of <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sunol</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUUay1cQ0K8yaRRyk5VdFfFvrLFwoe6uNHookDPd6Gd-qiH5OoTYZbMTSHZoj60JwQ0KQdalgG4LbUgXRwZZh4nxnmxsHdBBsqzeKamQQ6uXmPR7MItMuYZj5b43ZJPNyZCYNfzlUzeUf9yKbGfp82Ry2m9I82LaMcBVGVYQbjaD3qqXvOG9wDk5j/s1125/1e.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUUay1cQ0K8yaRRyk5VdFfFvrLFwoe6uNHookDPd6Gd-qiH5OoTYZbMTSHZoj60JwQ0KQdalgG4LbUgXRwZZh4nxnmxsHdBBsqzeKamQQ6uXmPR7MItMuYZj5b43ZJPNyZCYNfzlUzeUf9yKbGfp82Ry2m9I82LaMcBVGVYQbjaD3qqXvOG9wDk5j/w400-h320/1e.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Me 'n 4WheelBob meet on Camp Ohlone Trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I hop off my bike and say, <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">"Hi Bob, it's Gambolin' Man!"</span></b></i> Although we've met but once before on the trail, Bob immediately responds in kind; it feels like I've known Bob for years and been his best friend!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-_bKhkpvvxR4x2804iw68SUCZZtIl2c7e5kfsCgS-NBg9xEOx1eakLy22yar8Z3RqsmOzfQe5Jc8KuRQqoVA1c9u-fnjbEZGOh2KYH2sXBWGZVOE_TpwlKrOzVQfIs24gb-sKciuWyI8HZCQrKh8ssmxQ9lRv5uAz633HMhwVByER4U8X99o1lIo/s1536/5a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-_bKhkpvvxR4x2804iw68SUCZZtIl2c7e5kfsCgS-NBg9xEOx1eakLy22yar8Z3RqsmOzfQe5Jc8KuRQqoVA1c9u-fnjbEZGOh2KYH2sXBWGZVOE_TpwlKrOzVQfIs24gb-sKciuWyI8HZCQrKh8ssmxQ9lRv5uAz633HMhwVByER4U8X99o1lIo/w480-h640/5a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">4WheelBob Coomber rolling along at Las Trampas in 2007 outing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">4WheelBob</span></i></b> is amazing in his abilities, inspiration and determination to enjoy the great outdoors. He hikes to places most able bodied people can only dream of, including <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Mission Peak</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Mount Diablo</span></i></b> <i>(no easy feat by feet)</i>, and, more incredulously, a belabored <i><b>11</b></i>-hour assault up the <i><b>14,246</b></i> summit of <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Inyo County's</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">White Mountain</span></b></i>, the third tallest in <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">California</span></i></b> <i>(not an everyday summit to bag)</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMpZPSkMnm7Viz9ZdMnVDBCUj7_V0Jz023dsS6O7IWP2aAynBrjl1-NA2SUdrVj6rgQZPq0SHLaqK14glWSKYs72W0Fu5DtVRVoIZ7n78idQ-_kDcHN6fjhR6o71T9YHn1HFjbnzkqQBsc9v0DXEVaOiIkoG7Lum9vh5rgaB9EafPYyEAaNQoIUq4/s400/5c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMpZPSkMnm7Viz9ZdMnVDBCUj7_V0Jz023dsS6O7IWP2aAynBrjl1-NA2SUdrVj6rgQZPq0SHLaqK14glWSKYs72W0Fu5DtVRVoIZ7n78idQ-_kDcHN6fjhR6o71T9YHn1HFjbnzkqQBsc9v0DXEVaOiIkoG7Lum9vh5rgaB9EafPYyEAaNQoIUq4/w480-h640/5c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">W Tree Rock Scramble cascades and falls</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rolling along, past <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Little Yosemite</span></i></b> <i>(barely worth a glance today)</i>, past the iconic Sycamore <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"W Tree"</span></i></b> and the always fun <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Rock Scramble</span></b></i> up a sharp defile of jumbled boulders, drop falls and pools, up beyond pretty rock strewn meadows and sylvan gardens to ascend a steep stretch for open views of the big <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Diablo Range</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGgeCDGPicizQC9Zww6pBjfKKn7DwoD9qubLKEYMxTz0b65OEulovGYgS4pJFlS7PylASnZFpakKnB6gBNYoOX_9NJNE1AhDSIm_vlkl7YFqz9f96s_nti5hPj9-_OaOhF1qbmW45_GUT3kRfLYSxwcpv4SLjjNzrCVn7aJ1VDIpDCVvNjdPEVnFw/s1738/4_blog%20(110)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGgeCDGPicizQC9Zww6pBjfKKn7DwoD9qubLKEYMxTz0b65OEulovGYgS4pJFlS7PylASnZFpakKnB6gBNYoOX_9NJNE1AhDSIm_vlkl7YFqz9f96s_nti5hPj9-_OaOhF1qbmW45_GUT3kRfLYSxwcpv4SLjjNzrCVn7aJ1VDIpDCVvNjdPEVnFw/w400-h320/4_blog%20(110)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Human's eye view of Townsend's Warbler striking nice pose</span></b></i> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then up <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Backpacker Road</span></b></i> to drop our bikes and cross over the fenced area into the ecologically sensitive <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Sunol Backpack Area</span></b></i> – a long-time favorite place especially prized for remote views and rolling hill beauty.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvvh-5muA5aseFzOyD9Sg0nM_ERXZa9qvbsvYIH8zXoGvWdtx2v8X8n3MGohqTAUkBXQv6MZkFoYwEkgi2SkiVDzCWgsdv4nVZR-_-t1d3ZWFTkxkTi65aPhF6ZR951zmQDqhV1fpCCh3c-zJPpfi6-kO_74icM7IMliKSBEbevbxVx1BcdaIp6hK/s400/2c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvvh-5muA5aseFzOyD9Sg0nM_ERXZa9qvbsvYIH8zXoGvWdtx2v8X8n3MGohqTAUkBXQv6MZkFoYwEkgi2SkiVDzCWgsdv4nVZR-_-t1d3ZWFTkxkTi65aPhF6ZR951zmQDqhV1fpCCh3c-zJPpfi6-kO_74icM7IMliKSBEbevbxVx1BcdaIp6hK/w400-h300/2c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Never ending beauty throughout the seasons at Sunol</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, though, it looks like a bird's paradise. We hike up the steep path with a thick stand of gully brush to the left and wide open views of <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Sunol</span></i></b> valley, eventually huffing and puffing our way to the top of the hill.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP_T5oTUP3FnYXmJZ_9mT5crl5uOgYV-VP-hQ-PgTRPt5jq-_SX5x_ZjqeKQHHpZifOVuzNhV16yuklUC19MQKg9AAW72r19jSmcfBGEWvjCObL4TDHmLdyyJHwWu2iMaUQUGCdcESAIOTauoA2V-_U_Rpge2Gj2w54397LI7g-7zzlecFotN7_nE/s1125/1d.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP_T5oTUP3FnYXmJZ_9mT5crl5uOgYV-VP-hQ-PgTRPt5jq-_SX5x_ZjqeKQHHpZifOVuzNhV16yuklUC19MQKg9AAW72r19jSmcfBGEWvjCObL4TDHmLdyyJHwWu2iMaUQUGCdcESAIOTauoA2V-_U_Rpge2Gj2w54397LI7g-7zzlecFotN7_nE/w400-h320/1d.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The gigantic knoll hosts five camps, all unoccupied. At <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Hawk's Nest</span></b></i>, the views are all-encompassing and heady. We kick back in the presence of a totemic boulder and a rotted old tree trunk bullet hole riddled with old acorn caches.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsp2XEhx-njEF2mE6vxInVhPjjXS6NtoCZjk6HoGzFZC3UOinW-iepssy2a_LVQ2cc2fr1wUYgfskntMnCE3-3Yj8ckAXapa4BUGaIQyeVY57BXyA-N5zRC5WagAi2Z0ENk-PPg271HvCzlk0qZnu3rbCxz_yaVU7Kn9RoeA8hy8fPPhAMdwLh_2o/s400/152013%20(18).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="400" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsp2XEhx-njEF2mE6vxInVhPjjXS6NtoCZjk6HoGzFZC3UOinW-iepssy2a_LVQ2cc2fr1wUYgfskntMnCE3-3Yj8ckAXapa4BUGaIQyeVY57BXyA-N5zRC5WagAi2Z0ENk-PPg271HvCzlk0qZnu3rbCxz_yaVU7Kn9RoeA8hy8fPPhAMdwLh_2o/w400-h318/152013%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow lovely couple</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We lounge around in a sunny patch of grass for a couple of hours, ticks be damned, enjoying the solitude, clean air, views and lively bird activity. Several different birds are busy working the branches and patrolling the ground <span style="text-align: center;">–</span> territorial <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Acorn Woodpeckers</span></b></i>, a lone <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Western Bluebird</span></b></i>, a pair of <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Yellow-rumped Warblers</span></i></b>, and two or three <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">White-breasted Nuthatches</span></b></i> ground-foraging and feeding along branches.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv2hbIHkpF5JmtIAR9dH2_D1Nw_4lSX1SqkUfi9-acfquTkAd9ON72nY0Q4twjZBASbgyNgKDCVd25nHY-Gzds_gNxmNN_ywLV0RVa7MP9ArQda15HSN5hjBO9oFQXmgiBp6ua-bPFd7fIA3uPR6_aydBXS2YUc8RF7sG1NzrvusOEvwaUs-XEdO6/s1243/1a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1243" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv2hbIHkpF5JmtIAR9dH2_D1Nw_4lSX1SqkUfi9-acfquTkAd9ON72nY0Q4twjZBASbgyNgKDCVd25nHY-Gzds_gNxmNN_ywLV0RVa7MP9ArQda15HSN5hjBO9oFQXmgiBp6ua-bPFd7fIA3uPR6_aydBXS2YUc8RF7sG1NzrvusOEvwaUs-XEdO6/w400-h320/1a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Nuthatch drilling into bark for insect tidbit</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Watching the animated little avian hop along the ground is an unexpected sight. I almost don't recognize the bird because I've only observed <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">White-breasted Nuthatches</span></b></i> high in the trees.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlBU9-m0y5UcDwyzVVDySa1QEdTF2p39-FJxq3-YbG7UK_EBwHomiSVk4b2nlZa2gWpc3JAAwm0JE3ncWTOwESdGRK6GR8bpjxzgYI-JnMHsHzCuyWHpi8ylm0P466nXdITDP3_qSMcmnEuRZgcJpxy52D7ZtnBbtRE0fL3cdtHrurderIa5S-BCA/s400/5d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlBU9-m0y5UcDwyzVVDySa1QEdTF2p39-FJxq3-YbG7UK_EBwHomiSVk4b2nlZa2gWpc3JAAwm0JE3ncWTOwESdGRK6GR8bpjxzgYI-JnMHsHzCuyWHpi8ylm0P466nXdITDP3_qSMcmnEuRZgcJpxy52D7ZtnBbtRE0fL3cdtHrurderIa5S-BCA/w400-h300/5d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">3,000 ft. Ohlone Wilderness ridge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I expend my remaining energy reserves hiking up to <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Eagle's Eyrie</span></b></i>, and then to <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Sky Camp</span></b></i>, perched on the edge of a small tor with a stunning overlook of expansive green rolling hills. A <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Red-tailed Hawk</span></b></i> circles above, joined by a mate and disappearing over a ridge. It's an amazing place up here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzwfAIw-_KaByJYhT7wLnu609UmVxJnw_rnEicfsddoCPAteOf3tgrFfjnNRWK4cv4x5Ack9XFo3JG5ectY6aKaC5JGGBArdqOS8S1hdkCTRxLG9YRuG0Htf2RZjIKCqzTzZ9AJKgT29wmAit9UcDoYTooYd6I4k7bYnnogMjOk2ASD9lK30tbJeS/s400/3d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzwfAIw-_KaByJYhT7wLnu609UmVxJnw_rnEicfsddoCPAteOf3tgrFfjnNRWK4cv4x5Ack9XFo3JG5ectY6aKaC5JGGBArdqOS8S1hdkCTRxLG9YRuG0Htf2RZjIKCqzTzZ9AJKgT29wmAit9UcDoYTooYd6I4k7bYnnogMjOk2ASD9lK30tbJeS/w400-h300/3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Roosting Vulture surveying domain</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Eventually, with the day waning, it's time to pick ourselves up and head back to the staging area, of course taking twice as long to return owing to stops here and there to investigate pretty areas of the floodplain and creek, and, as always, delayed endlessly by <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">birds</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">birds</span></b></i> and more <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">birds</span></i></b>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlKmM3NMFiuYrgkjr_9paaoLg-EDeYjnPlHSmqPC3SKc7F4bjrlSxOSW7to-bhZbvkYFHQQ7VUERLyjnxIeuxL-5-u3gHDvd7kShZuYuh9-tcjqVZE_6yV9Xur7EXnUiECfyaA86X-dlQCTYi7kqASC7mytoH4PVzkcCzD0r8JUbt6jYdPFMG944j/s400/5e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlKmM3NMFiuYrgkjr_9paaoLg-EDeYjnPlHSmqPC3SKc7F4bjrlSxOSW7to-bhZbvkYFHQQ7VUERLyjnxIeuxL-5-u3gHDvd7kShZuYuh9-tcjqVZE_6yV9Xur7EXnUiECfyaA86X-dlQCTYi7kqASC7mytoH4PVzkcCzD0r8JUbt6jYdPFMG944j/w400-h320/5e.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The Word-Botcher takin' it all in</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>Check out several videos of Sunol & Alameda Creek</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>showcasing its splendor & beauty:</i></span></b></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9c5rk9wr7h7rhEVvVwofo4p" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SURROUNDED BY BEAUTY AT SUNOL REGIONAL WILDERNESS</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ksFD4_HNqN-Gh7YwYfp2RfkuX4TtMltNzYyXhusTISVmo7ImTLJvb3lXoR5w8BkrBQhTNVGWFb16P6lpcSOlSchNl86BDPY3bXAMOsXg4Sqz7Ro3UMP7fEEypSSuuE5ZyRSaMyL2O4LhSM0kAWm3jsSduMYi7ak1QMuZnh6E9VtFQwetWUrtFP5v/s2048/6A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ksFD4_HNqN-Gh7YwYfp2RfkuX4TtMltNzYyXhusTISVmo7ImTLJvb3lXoR5w8BkrBQhTNVGWFb16P6lpcSOlSchNl86BDPY3bXAMOsXg4Sqz7Ro3UMP7fEEypSSuuE5ZyRSaMyL2O4LhSM0kAWm3jsSduMYi7ak1QMuZnh6E9VtFQwetWUrtFP5v/w360-h640/6A.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Sycamore</span><br /><span style="color: #e69138;">in golden stream</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>Read more about 4WheelBob & his hiking adventures in Bay Area parks:</i></span></b></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/hiking/bob-coomber" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">HIKING WITH "4WHEELBOB" IN & AROUND</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/hiking/bob-coomber" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT</span></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1z4E0r75vMSvFHch7rcKLUO8wqwI9cQM1onJJashshnXaphTJVGTqF_4D9paF0kuOQTAxS_ai9lQAVVngEg27RqGbbBbDS5uyKgbzIlGbf8nJ_qANuA578IP6KvAOTh1ze8STbehJ265zmH1Xs_cUfZtdOvx2TN6x4lO37cOjx12dddn_Ck6PDpq/s3288/6b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3288" data-original-width="2694" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1z4E0r75vMSvFHch7rcKLUO8wqwI9cQM1onJJashshnXaphTJVGTqF_4D9paF0kuOQTAxS_ai9lQAVVngEg27RqGbbBbDS5uyKgbzIlGbf8nJ_qANuA578IP6KvAOTh1ze8STbehJ265zmH1Xs_cUfZtdOvx2TN6x4lO37cOjx12dddn_Ck6PDpq/w524-h640/6b.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;">Hooded Oriole</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">spotted in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico</span></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Read Gambolin' Man's write-ups about one of his all-time favorites,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Sunol Regional Wilderness:</span></b></i></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2006/04/sunol-regional-wilderness-ramblin-n.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">RAMBLIN' 'N GAMBOLIN' AT SUNOL (2006)</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2007/04/sunol-regional-wilderness-favorite.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SUNOL'S ALLURING SIREN CALL (2007)</span></b></a></div>
<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSi2Is7M1ul1dvJBGHq4M_3JXwKvPytHx4W-g9Vr1x8d9jYQO9Rt0dT3mpiqlaLQLqc4qmK_uvyKOr6ayMCwlXOM4-MM0EFmFKNiy54X4TeG9XdTIqjOP2bGk1XuJyZAQkMfU12dnWMkJ_InunetpdCgz9b0LbYMXda0aEwYvSM7FGLJDIlEis8Fn/s4032/6c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSi2Is7M1ul1dvJBGHq4M_3JXwKvPytHx4W-g9Vr1x8d9jYQO9Rt0dT3mpiqlaLQLqc4qmK_uvyKOr6ayMCwlXOM4-MM0EFmFKNiy54X4TeG9XdTIqjOP2bGk1XuJyZAQkMfU12dnWMkJ_InunetpdCgz9b0LbYMXda0aEwYvSM7FGLJDIlEis8Fn/w480-h640/6c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Little Yosemite Gorge on Alameda Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-30901561801457425062015-01-08T19:07:00.279-08:002023-03-30T13:35:42.459-07:00The Mysterious Nature of Varied Thrushes (Parts 1 - 7)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktgsshrRSiUNgXGKwYVYwCDaGcK5RRZZpmtzIGJEQ-NzvMuUAjx7HSwwxcCzX_o-8K6BgCTdNWR_rFB44WES0ACOW8TJNxHrPWFnDzm3LsL0IbfHb46COWBlw4wNdSRyqC_dUWQ_XvPR4AsGmulPWYY_OjK7xzPweApxiqeALyz6zRMYozp5NBQdD/s1125/5c_wc%20gorge%20trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktgsshrRSiUNgXGKwYVYwCDaGcK5RRZZpmtzIGJEQ-NzvMuUAjx7HSwwxcCzX_o-8K6BgCTdNWR_rFB44WES0ACOW8TJNxHrPWFnDzm3LsL0IbfHb46COWBlw4wNdSRyqC_dUWQ_XvPR4AsGmulPWYY_OjK7xzPweApxiqeALyz6zRMYozp5NBQdD/w400-h320/5c_wc%20gorge%20trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush tree hopping along creek in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>PART 1: January 8, 2015</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">What is it about all the </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Varied Thrushes</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444;">I've been seeing with uncommon frequency lately?</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1S27t5YmN_CQA05tswgX7t9e_qjUk3eh_FdYgFOjMON5DRxNfeg2UsHxNuDcez6Afli7hjLHBc81SDq53PZQSIBTRjIuAcc29D9_iOgx6YNmYRacredM4IF_pS25nvf7GGcxPKiKKv-OJp15i6wE_Cl5mZNIn7_DmLJcaV9kaBBdNgS1BSTsMXPR/s1109/1b_jcc%20property.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1109" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1S27t5YmN_CQA05tswgX7t9e_qjUk3eh_FdYgFOjMON5DRxNfeg2UsHxNuDcez6Afli7hjLHBc81SDq53PZQSIBTRjIuAcc29D9_iOgx6YNmYRacredM4IF_pS25nvf7GGcxPKiKKv-OJp15i6wE_Cl5mZNIn7_DmLJcaV9kaBBdNgS1BSTsMXPR/w400-h320/1b_jcc%20property.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in silhouette near Live Oak Park in Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And I'm not the only one. In the past couple of months, many reports have been posted on the bird's presence. Which makes me wonder </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> is there an upsurge in <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrush</span></i></b> activity around the <b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Bay Area?</span></i></b></span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8csXM_GLm8WDMJjpsvZDfTB7ESz3nnQHJbXDx_bGnNqYPHuRYZv93doSzzS3k53qnonxiAWBkd-2DqfBUdWwDDT1VKUs9elDYzAQvug5P9yXhhycXGmx_ATc8zIMP3raFkBn__uWWhhOJ9cMfLRLNWyv_X4G6KEHM6aMPHFOiTKXjGGuvgmPzwOm/s890/3c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="890" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8csXM_GLm8WDMJjpsvZDfTB7ESz3nnQHJbXDx_bGnNqYPHuRYZv93doSzzS3k53qnonxiAWBkd-2DqfBUdWwDDT1VKUs9elDYzAQvug5P9yXhhycXGmx_ATc8zIMP3raFkBn__uWWhhOJ9cMfLRLNWyv_X4G6KEHM6aMPHFOiTKXjGGuvgmPzwOm/w400-h320/3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay in a quiet moment</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Does anyone know?</span></b></i> </span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEfdQd9Yz-xCvhlTUCvVUJtqFWWkuOX7mqwSh7wASM8sKncDzT8c3jLu5OFvLjUJUFEw5qbgY6NEbxfc_W2gVSQ6qLDBxi4zHX22O6MO7NFItQDCiBqyQ_xJlmkuj_Th_HPPSHOpFEjqAf8xw8QucpDu_3I12mHFlECPH_3lNyl-jq1SQNf4kjDvL/s1440/12g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEfdQd9Yz-xCvhlTUCvVUJtqFWWkuOX7mqwSh7wASM8sKncDzT8c3jLu5OFvLjUJUFEw5qbgY6NEbxfc_W2gVSQ6qLDBxi4zHX22O6MO7NFItQDCiBqyQ_xJlmkuj_Th_HPPSHOpFEjqAf8xw8QucpDu_3I12mHFlECPH_3lNyl-jq1SQNf4kjDvL/w400-h320/12g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Briones Reservoir and hills from Wildcat Peak</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All I know is that I had not seen <i>(nor heard of)</i> this pretty bird until three years ago when I pulled over during a bike ride to see what a group of people with binoculars and high-powered camera equipment were looking at in a swathe of brush adjacent to the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">East Bay Regional Park Botanic Gardens</span></b></i> parking lot – two <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i> flying around and ground feeding.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0w-gyDMTGK_pDtaeIiXQMPa7RdAv5NTGj_LHS3S5MklCqtiaZRWjcX4Kt4Km3F1SZkcPZCXyUAvlXOWBT8PzLRQltmkIEgzx6l5GtQNzbOUgciRuz7sKMeuxyqiLCkVUicaoL_ba23NNHoR6oGdYlR8-J64OIp8hmyyrsO1VDj6Y0pRWOyz19NsI/s1125/5a_tna.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0w-gyDMTGK_pDtaeIiXQMPa7RdAv5NTGj_LHS3S5MklCqtiaZRWjcX4Kt4Km3F1SZkcPZCXyUAvlXOWBT8PzLRQltmkIEgzx6l5GtQNzbOUgciRuz7sKMeuxyqiLCkVUicaoL_ba23NNHoR6oGdYlR8-J64OIp8hmyyrsO1VDj6Y0pRWOyz19NsI/w400-h320/5a_tna.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nice looker at Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I must have watched them for an hour. For the next several rides whenever I passed by that area, I always stopped to see if I could spot the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i>, and often did, but eventually they left and did not return.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8O4gwNxxk9GJl-HDPMZd06cCPiIMy30QD8GbCZINPvsY3pkDI6T7ULw149ghjr5wXNF5lRRnWzK4Z3fZnbtcp2kLif2Is8pTysvb0hcjcg59hSIMGsLfVIr772HAp_7MD7bjGOBCL3KF-FQgnIY8Sx80BT1nothVS--fm29T8G9KoddGXr0Q3Pfd/s1920/12d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8O4gwNxxk9GJl-HDPMZd06cCPiIMy30QD8GbCZINPvsY3pkDI6T7ULw149ghjr5wXNF5lRRnWzK4Z3fZnbtcp2kLif2Is8pTysvb0hcjcg59hSIMGsLfVIr772HAp_7MD7bjGOBCL3KF-FQgnIY8Sx80BT1nothVS--fm29T8G9KoddGXr0Q3Pfd/w400-h320/12d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rich bird habitat in the Wildcat Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> In the intervening years, I spotted <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i> just a couple of times, each sighting an occasion of joy and wonderment at the exciting presence of this special bird emblazoned with an orange breast and eye stripes and slate blue body with a distinctive band running across the throat.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIamrhjRjRBx3EjfeiliZGrUeJK4bbYr7KKmIt3KQ2TIXFZi9MvP7thc87Cbwu0YrlIprNXvigm0WVReemXtKxbvKm6eAYHWfTAkJVYZGs1yHbounfpT_5vgE3iEuqx5dirEbOAghgxR2uyM2jdNSiM-8c3T-_HlgOCs_y_bWxjrvPhd0WEb0Im3B6/s802/3a.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="802" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIamrhjRjRBx3EjfeiliZGrUeJK4bbYr7KKmIt3KQ2TIXFZi9MvP7thc87Cbwu0YrlIprNXvigm0WVReemXtKxbvKm6eAYHWfTAkJVYZGs1yHbounfpT_5vgE3iEuqx5dirEbOAghgxR2uyM2jdNSiM-8c3T-_HlgOCs_y_bWxjrvPhd0WEb0Im3B6/w400-h320/3a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in North Berkeley "urban wilds"</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">But lately, just in the past few months,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">it's been nothing but</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Varied Thrushes!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DBbNSJU8FhDS2LAbWhXa7f4utkRzZ3YN06cd9Vc4W2htLeHUrBN1b2rWWMKn0agarS-8bp5UjUrEKavpZ0QHz9woJwzUP17ZlMty8LCPT4PPFcxzU77UCVfCZlpWALoKeFeZKmuvqCoq-j-cN8emH3JJaPwt3uzRmSAMqEa60TnPCjajRDFz5GHU/s1046/12p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DBbNSJU8FhDS2LAbWhXa7f4utkRzZ3YN06cd9Vc4W2htLeHUrBN1b2rWWMKn0agarS-8bp5UjUrEKavpZ0QHz9woJwzUP17ZlMty8LCPT4PPFcxzU77UCVfCZlpWALoKeFeZKmuvqCoq-j-cN8emH3JJaPwt3uzRmSAMqEa60TnPCjajRDFz5GHU/w400-h320/12p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sky high Vulture</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I can count a dozen sightings over the past month alone, mostly in <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Berkeley</span></b></i>, to the point of finding myself less and less enthused with a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> sighting today. I hesitate to call it a downgrade, but truly the <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> has gone from rare to downright common. Which is kinda sad, because the mystique <i>(and thrill)</i> is gone . . . <i>(oh, really now?)</i> . . .</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyoQPGikdafc_iI9y5kDT5lWrsox0t1a5preMLJVqP6zOmAObrJ2Bz3XQ67puQZi9CpL2gUD7v3qa_6FsYrJkmMBG2oKqLjH_D1vk75FTJQtipLeugCT6txsota9tScPuZ9IEEAi8deTUeai9WJuFfvV38D2vGC1HOGZRAhfLonMCLNxcRHdbtFH7/s4320/12k.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyoQPGikdafc_iI9y5kDT5lWrsox0t1a5preMLJVqP6zOmAObrJ2Bz3XQ67puQZi9CpL2gUD7v3qa_6FsYrJkmMBG2oKqLjH_D1vk75FTJQtipLeugCT6txsota9tScPuZ9IEEAi8deTUeai9WJuFfvV38D2vGC1HOGZRAhfLonMCLNxcRHdbtFH7/w480-h640/12k.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Reflective beauty captured in hidden stretch of Wildcat Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> These furtive birds mostly stick to the safety of dense woods where they remain undetected, but recently I saw one bold little guy ground-feeding in the <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i> near the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Quarry Trail</span></b></i> staging area, unconcerned with my encroaching presence to snap a half-way decent photograph. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I saw one in the playground area of the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Jewish Community Center</span></b></i>, perched on a branch, backlit in high contrast for a perfect silhouette shot.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVtbE1RqJH9Yo1Gr4j9XgUUn7e_-ua_58MS9XXD44uYMsiy368mDgO0FhaYqpG_5FgpCnxqiiesi_DPlWAcvo9pOT6AlZfDQvkl4Tvt9fMt9HW_a4tBZw1NTjsCfBWV1zMpG8CuR_wLsVUZ4uTGH8UksRBaur8zxPaxAJbcdXOXSjZ-vhDGqIYPdJ/s2048/1_blog%20(60)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2034" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVtbE1RqJH9Yo1Gr4j9XgUUn7e_-ua_58MS9XXD44uYMsiy368mDgO0FhaYqpG_5FgpCnxqiiesi_DPlWAcvo9pOT6AlZfDQvkl4Tvt9fMt9HW_a4tBZw1NTjsCfBWV1zMpG8CuR_wLsVUZ4uTGH8UksRBaur8zxPaxAJbcdXOXSjZ-vhDGqIYPdJ/w398-h400/1_blog%20(60)_7612.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Populations of White-tailed Kites have rebounded in the Bay Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Most of my sightings of the once elusive bird are in three woodsy <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Berkeley</span></b></i> parks –</span><span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">John Hinkel</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">Codornices</span>, <span style="color: #0b5394;">Live Oak</span></b></i> </span><span>–</span><span> and in <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i> in the <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i>. Not too long ago, I saw one at <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Mount Diablo State Park</span></i></b> on <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Mitchell Canyon Trail</span></b></i>, ground feeding in the open. I even saw one early last autumn landing on the ground in my side yard!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMzSYkUUghYyJ_nfRv4kyyvpGCWWHHJzG_2WVKGwaJui8fwYwrcgt4fD_NSA30_7BLTZ7WTYTV5PGy9vkzUEuNlKHX6kKdG97FjPybzVF6wOIYaPRdxE2PQETVqmqTXaEpwqlJEGVE2UXN1DSLVYS8nFc8sCYUV54XlnmGdTq4XqPh9oOstFdvDnU/s400/111h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMzSYkUUghYyJ_nfRv4kyyvpGCWWHHJzG_2WVKGwaJui8fwYwrcgt4fD_NSA30_7BLTZ7WTYTV5PGy9vkzUEuNlKHX6kKdG97FjPybzVF6wOIYaPRdxE2PQETVqmqTXaEpwqlJEGVE2UXN1DSLVYS8nFc8sCYUV54XlnmGdTq4XqPh9oOstFdvDnU/w400-h300/111h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tranquil riparian beauty at Mount Diablo State Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But the weirdest thing of all was the one I saw the other day in <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Codornices Park</span></b></i> while birding in an area I had never checked out before along the pavement circling B<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">erryman Reservoir</span></i></b>. I was absorbed in some busy bird activity –<i><b><span style="color: #783f04;"> Finches</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Towhees</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Juncos</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jays</span></b></i> – and then noticed lying there on the ground, shockingly, a dead <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_btOjpICh6PYW9XjkiSnT3joijAt7aKTj1Bojeh9jyE974ENlnRcP8xX8l1cuNCGjf7q5UyTEidgVasWiZN8GNLUVAmNBS1LdXnuO75dxdnYI-5AbjMl8OTVrfo2itpLtWoGIZcEG7TRydGnHeT3M6cO1UyaqgdRjiSKrqLrWe3VtYnQ20MFva6Y/s2047/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_btOjpICh6PYW9XjkiSnT3joijAt7aKTj1Bojeh9jyE974ENlnRcP8xX8l1cuNCGjf7q5UyTEidgVasWiZN8GNLUVAmNBS1LdXnuO75dxdnYI-5AbjMl8OTVrfo2itpLtWoGIZcEG7TRydGnHeT3M6cO1UyaqgdRjiSKrqLrWe3VtYnQ20MFva6Y/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Towhee tweeting melodiously</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, how can that be? Rarely, if ever, have I come upon a dead bird, but to have this one be a <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> was too much. I still don't know what to make of it, whether it's a meaningless coincidence or a happenstance encounter laden with deeper significance, whatever that may be.</span></div></div><div><span><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiLiFAOqKQhWU0PLY5N-oSUgQsWtpYV8kuY--SmMdu2Yc3uI3oo2FMbLscxodDy7icLL46htS_ydZcLjJ-TRe-bzH-uTEYC4rRVYHXFflUMTExqzk4AAxLb1r5JLv6zydm0Dl8ooc27ZuqxXb4Omb56I2uf4liTHHnI5_EIKB5WEvV6HPcpRHtc7X/s1600/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="899" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiLiFAOqKQhWU0PLY5N-oSUgQsWtpYV8kuY--SmMdu2Yc3uI3oo2FMbLscxodDy7icLL46htS_ydZcLjJ-TRe-bzH-uTEYC4rRVYHXFflUMTExqzk4AAxLb1r5JLv6zydm0Dl8ooc27ZuqxXb4Omb56I2uf4liTHHnI5_EIKB5WEvV6HPcpRHtc7X/w360-h640/1e.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mystery death of Varied Thrush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">And, I wonder, what or who killed the bird? I examined the fresh little corpse to glean any forensic clue I could about cause of death. Could a cat have mangled him? A forest </span><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">Hawk</span></i></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> took him down? With no evidence of blood or mutilation, it doesn't seem likely the thrush was killed for a meal, else why was the corpse still lying there? Could it have been old age? Just fell from a tree top, dead.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn_hDnVmtu84hi7uDX7Sw-PAEVKJ2aTsZGWia5LbQqXZUREgrh0-shkaTp8DAaBWUtJ9-30Qm3RknMQdOKPTasmlVsRhCAq6TgKGkbC4JApgzmqxNXeMO5rZ_md1qEUILQ7bf5IIOsbLmn2Sr8yJ58MCsQRLZ9oTFJb3AbBoaSkjkWF8r9kFxMqXm/s4860/2_blogg%20(21)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn_hDnVmtu84hi7uDX7Sw-PAEVKJ2aTsZGWia5LbQqXZUREgrh0-shkaTp8DAaBWUtJ9-30Qm3RknMQdOKPTasmlVsRhCAq6TgKGkbC4JApgzmqxNXeMO5rZ_md1qEUILQ7bf5IIOsbLmn2Sr8yJ58MCsQRLZ9oTFJb3AbBoaSkjkWF8r9kFxMqXm/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(21)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rare (for me!) sighting of Lazuli Bunting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What about the idea the bird was poisoned somehow by berries or snail bait, or something like that? I may never know the mystery of the dead <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Codornices Park</span></b></i>, but <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Viva Aves</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">RIP</span></b></i>, little friend.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwJicd7iuA27wkD9hK7X5GkI_-PaxodwYcTs9aYeEl4r6feesu6c6Ei7Fq6ivCgKrJziUZjp62zkoSlR9djgYQFbOSEJCFjPwlB65TyfiiL6FEArEmbBv3_O3unkZN-FKcU2P5zzeX-vI0iAQwaKQWU3qmE_sbpd1KNa8aUhOA61iNQxiQ580t87u/s1125/2f_nonbreed%20aud%20yrw.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwJicd7iuA27wkD9hK7X5GkI_-PaxodwYcTs9aYeEl4r6feesu6c6Ei7Fq6ivCgKrJziUZjp62zkoSlR9djgYQFbOSEJCFjPwlB65TyfiiL6FEArEmbBv3_O3unkZN-FKcU2P5zzeX-vI0iAQwaKQWU3qmE_sbpd1KNa8aUhOA61iNQxiQ580t87u/w400-h320/2f_nonbreed%20aud%20yrw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Non-breeding Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">PART 2: January 18, 2015</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ubiquity of <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Varied Thrush</span></i></b> sightings around the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Bay Area</span></b></i> continues to amaze me. They're suddenly everywhere. Specifically, they've arrived in bunches in the <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Berkeley</span></b></i> environs this season.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqbCecwvEvdFmDIzCEnsuDWBTyU0IsjSH9lqN1yxIgY-7HHtVV39MVyZE1GLg2C1jj5L4NDLfAnQZ1xPkQQ4it7zMliGH7iCnNt3EV7RDTfpBrJZ0gCAvJ35oKOTpLokvJWSUBoIlnmQ6qB6Wxa25e1BvCA48HyGFpunwmf1RI3ZSGpNlLjziXtfy/s814/2A.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqbCecwvEvdFmDIzCEnsuDWBTyU0IsjSH9lqN1yxIgY-7HHtVV39MVyZE1GLg2C1jj5L4NDLfAnQZ1xPkQQ4it7zMliGH7iCnNt3EV7RDTfpBrJZ0gCAvJ35oKOTpLokvJWSUBoIlnmQ6qB6Wxa25e1BvCA48HyGFpunwmf1RI3ZSGpNlLjziXtfy/w400-h320/2A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Varied Thrush on Wildcat Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On two outings since <i>Part 1</i> of this topic, <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i> have haunted my every move, appearing fleetingly here and briefly there; other times showing up for bolder, longer stretches, ground-feeding or branch-hopping. It's kind of uncanny. How can it be that, unlike past years, I'm seeing <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Varied Thrushes</span></i></b> everywhere, even literally dropping dead from the sky where I found one poor little limp corpse in a park. It's kind of crazy.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHCXPp7alrfuIwmQZzhJv7XlBhsJwiBlruHXvg4htssFLIG_0xDg-N035ellIhJ8e-Ok3XYcrq8-t4V0tkilLslLxJ8d4AeLVOQvLA_srctuRoGxbI26XZj3Cgkk_p2edhGTwiuxRTtS7udpTxk9hldTIrpSuC3hQPG06Bu4sqDrduoZOANqzGRDk/s1920/4_blog%20(73)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHCXPp7alrfuIwmQZzhJv7XlBhsJwiBlruHXvg4htssFLIG_0xDg-N035ellIhJ8e-Ok3XYcrq8-t4V0tkilLslLxJ8d4AeLVOQvLA_srctuRoGxbI26XZj3Cgkk_p2edhGTwiuxRTtS7udpTxk9hldTIrpSuC3hQPG06Bu4sqDrduoZOANqzGRDk/w400-h320/4_blog%20(73)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cedar Waxwings gathering</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I follow <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Blue Gum Trail</span></b></i> to <i><b>Jewel Lake</b></i> in the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i>, always a peaceful place, even when screaming kids and chattering schoolchildren shatter the silence with their play and excitement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqfS-SM2EWsdrm8rmRq97LME-dMtxtrzUtKErUzPT16-tE2FBvzN4UP6p1GNLcHPnGbAiocW3Q3vNN-IOUXCZtoCZ39f8NH9i1riPVOEo8EhZmFh85AM80uoqyy1ppd8P3dTrt3RTru-79dcAIj69ppQzreRdwTJO4_aTPCa-AnZehJk5gXDedUTj/s1710/111i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="1429" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqfS-SM2EWsdrm8rmRq97LME-dMtxtrzUtKErUzPT16-tE2FBvzN4UP6p1GNLcHPnGbAiocW3Q3vNN-IOUXCZtoCZ39f8NH9i1riPVOEo8EhZmFh85AM80uoqyy1ppd8P3dTrt3RTru-79dcAIj69ppQzreRdwTJO4_aTPCa-AnZehJk5gXDedUTj/w534-h640/111i.jpg" width="534" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Who am I? (UnID'd bird at Tilden)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm always amazed at the many different kinds of birds reported in this <i>"hot spot".</i> Me, I'm lucky to see one-tenth of what people see. I wonder how or why that is. Are they more observant? More patient? More serious? All probably true. Timing is another reason. I rarely find myself in nature during the crepuscular hours when many more birds and animals come out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcctrM-kX1nDdVRFAjDu6RWvvAdR12ZRtXBawRRYA9i7SzwqI1TjayA2eAH0_p1H2dH2_A4rNipj1NjA1pWZROAZ6SvyBUNLNVt606SPc0mDHCx9MFoRvYJfD6pvleOPOZyLTcvB_ycA3xONKMsOt2t2N1Zs2MA8iP97M8bjrxoLU_ivjrCehgvsF/s1018/4_blog%20(111)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcctrM-kX1nDdVRFAjDu6RWvvAdR12ZRtXBawRRYA9i7SzwqI1TjayA2eAH0_p1H2dH2_A4rNipj1NjA1pWZROAZ6SvyBUNLNVt606SPc0mDHCx9MFoRvYJfD6pvleOPOZyLTcvB_ycA3xONKMsOt2t2N1Zs2MA8iP97M8bjrxoLU_ivjrCehgvsF/w400-h320/4_blog%20(111)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Goldfinch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Me, I'm content to see what I see, when and where the occasion strikes. Between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm, believe me, I've seen plenty of nice bird action here: a fearless juvenile <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Black-crowned Night Heron</span></b></i> feeding a few feet away in shallow water; <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Great Blue Herons</span></b></i> taking off and landing majestically; <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Kingfishers</span></i></b> madly dashing across the lake surface; a <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Pied-billed Grebe</span></b></i> tooling around happily; many <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Wilson's Warblers</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Acorn Woodpeckers</span></i></b>, a surprising <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Warbling Vireo</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Cormorants</span></b></i>, and countless <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Ducks</span></b></i> and other common sightings.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3vks_A0K2Wk7cRRfvb6uokRECtT6VMv9aUTX7oMUTp8h8zvqQDQxBBrSJg-_hYeYP8ht6c0ILK3uWNIi85O-deiwMypZJP5eZglF5f-N3AtUrp2fTVEpVEXGA8RWsFSQtxE1xvsjkL33qPyXKUgvz6DMFqjj59Se1RGhj9FhDoELAowefh_GAnV1/s400/111k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3vks_A0K2Wk7cRRfvb6uokRECtT6VMv9aUTX7oMUTp8h8zvqQDQxBBrSJg-_hYeYP8ht6c0ILK3uWNIi85O-deiwMypZJP5eZglF5f-N3AtUrp2fTVEpVEXGA8RWsFSQtxE1xvsjkL33qPyXKUgvz6DMFqjj59Se1RGhj9FhDoELAowefh_GAnV1/w400-h300/111k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Big Springs Hills in Tilden Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And, naturally, a lone </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Varied Thrush</i></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> spotted around six months ago, the first of its kind I'd sighted in two years, seemingly presaging the rash of recent sightings since then.</span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmRPoMDRqOCkxMpuH1Htnm9P4Cie8IcChaU5rluDqqbGySdAdPHg-WbSucZgpkpNuPeM4lOxzdhYRb4UZcwytZvrrvtj4P9dhc476nAXtfLU9Rtu5sB5nlwFj_Gkxo7go-dewILx20A6kISxSxGvNhGTMhISkEZ2_hlOKxEw7vmhpFuWDkNa5hu1b/s1600/2c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmRPoMDRqOCkxMpuH1Htnm9P4Cie8IcChaU5rluDqqbGySdAdPHg-WbSucZgpkpNuPeM4lOxzdhYRb4UZcwytZvrrvtj4P9dhc476nAXtfLU9Rtu5sB5nlwFj_Gkxo7go-dewILx20A6kISxSxGvNhGTMhISkEZ2_hlOKxEw7vmhpFuWDkNa5hu1b/w400-h318/2c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Forest Hawk (Cooper's or Sharp-shinned?) guarding nest</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>About half a mile from <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Jewel Lake</span></b></i>, I stop to check out the forest above the creek – prime bird habitat. Several months ago, I spotted a <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Hawk's</span></i></b> nest high up in the treetop. On a second visit / inspection, I met a fellow who said it was a <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Cooper's</span></b></i>, but I said I thought it was a <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Sharp-shinned</span></b></i>. He demurred and I deferred.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJm_nVW0BGzCCuf_yIK6KnXj2CV3Bf24VUwthHcitEqo1pu3du-2SarIj9twqMloZ5SRJ6jo1TzeRW6WUC_hRd1RKNgk0D71JDx1RxN491GiatH9GTGLgaFObWe511u6GvQFlvwILohxb1wfFRn8ll8OidefULxBWrbnMO4TCnIJvpeG1vYSGwPo6/s1467/12t.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJm_nVW0BGzCCuf_yIK6KnXj2CV3Bf24VUwthHcitEqo1pu3du-2SarIj9twqMloZ5SRJ6jo1TzeRW6WUC_hRd1RKNgk0D71JDx1RxN491GiatH9GTGLgaFObWe511u6GvQFlvwILohxb1wfFRn8ll8OidefULxBWrbnMO4TCnIJvpeG1vYSGwPo6/w400-h320/12t.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed (?) Hawk perched on stump in meadow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Any takers? Here's the photo. The nestlings, I later discovered, did not survive the assault, evidenced by a mess of feathers layering the outer wall of the big stick nest, and no sign of <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Papa</span></i></b> or <b><i><span style="color: #073763;">Mama Hawk</span></i></b>.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TE7m2Kmo8lXIpZExjdMJlHPsTAEkpbcz6px9XksiX7tdpsjtosDBPedpcUr9vIVjotnPp1gg4vCqU_OTjdZOyHGN8NLTse2nsAlMhSeyx1Mr4q1MqclJNI49wzUgvwqpIdB9bSGnV2kMT6HRa4Hr5WPmrjYmq1XKqKd4G2kN3pCAsDmv0hr8gA98/s1125/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TE7m2Kmo8lXIpZExjdMJlHPsTAEkpbcz6px9XksiX7tdpsjtosDBPedpcUr9vIVjotnPp1gg4vCqU_OTjdZOyHGN8NLTse2nsAlMhSeyx1Mr4q1MqclJNI49wzUgvwqpIdB9bSGnV2kMT6HRa4Hr5WPmrjYmq1XKqKd4G2kN3pCAsDmv0hr8gA98/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pie-billed Grebe on Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I enjoy a luxurious interlude of sweet silence, when – what's that movement through the thick foliage? Can't be, can it? Sure is! A pair of <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i> emerging from stillness, flying down to creek's edge in a heartbeat. They hunt and peck at the rich pickings under the forest canopy of Big Leaf Maple, Oak, Dogwood and Fir trees.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhEMjYAZiWsDZrTY1OE-I0ZR_JrLGnpPA7jlvwDGj8aTDdJPNOKfKbx7wtSdJJRt_hN4URuNc_H2KmklQzQmVFHEhkiKmjSEjdW7Ucd1AoRaWsyOWAQlYb2G78HdzW78ICzJhvo-t7ye-_oqRPLGjN2Hma6VYZwS98Om0iTxGoTBygkx0UvKq8kUO/s908/12e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhEMjYAZiWsDZrTY1OE-I0ZR_JrLGnpPA7jlvwDGj8aTDdJPNOKfKbx7wtSdJJRt_hN4URuNc_H2KmklQzQmVFHEhkiKmjSEjdW7Ucd1AoRaWsyOWAQlYb2G78HdzW78ICzJhvo-t7ye-_oqRPLGjN2Hma6VYZwS98Om0iTxGoTBygkx0UvKq8kUO/w400-h320/12e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird at the tippy-top</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Soon I find a deer path leading down to a stretch of unknown creek for a wonderful adventure. Great birding amid the pure silence of nature humming along. A precious water setting, many birds. At the <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Rifle Range Road</span></b></i> bridge, I stop to admire the creek's simple beauty, reflecting trees in still water and riffling over pretty blue rocks. This is our backyard – rolling hill country with meadows, creek and forest.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_Ux1nqRmjSqTMc8YpNDouhouhfp_WEm6i8S1yOWRgi23_YZ-XS02pK_cPMj30wz2vSSh5WI8O1G8c9r3OfMzliEndYdTaokCHIYAgqbL3WmZpmMOSUI23ThYo2HAzUoi8MeR1WSmQ0KFfpfRIL8o6QwZAjwExAGzPx1OlsvBhYf7Z-0NOcNkCESo/s2048/12w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_Ux1nqRmjSqTMc8YpNDouhouhfp_WEm6i8S1yOWRgi23_YZ-XS02pK_cPMj30wz2vSSh5WI8O1G8c9r3OfMzliEndYdTaokCHIYAgqbL3WmZpmMOSUI23ThYo2HAzUoi8MeR1WSmQ0KFfpfRIL8o6QwZAjwExAGzPx1OlsvBhYf7Z-0NOcNkCESo/w360-h640/12w.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Supernal beauty, largely unnoticed (Wildcat Creek)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">It's also the birds' backyard!</span></i></b></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWKHOkbk_y592007WvmXPL7E1-KwfL426UMYI_KnBhTkAFMKt5nxAmj5h7mPKZmPghVjmWb8tQuR3RCYF85sZ14PXyH7X9dLGJvZ6dGybhButR6mw8yOYHOZOF7BzY2ZiBG00GLN6tZA0dm0GADaRzqYCL9TUe9o9lYngui0wswqVUv9vJpQ8mWIo/s400/4192014%20(21).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWKHOkbk_y592007WvmXPL7E1-KwfL426UMYI_KnBhTkAFMKt5nxAmj5h7mPKZmPghVjmWb8tQuR3RCYF85sZ14PXyH7X9dLGJvZ6dGybhButR6mw8yOYHOZOF7BzY2ZiBG00GLN6tZA0dm0GADaRzqYCL9TUe9o9lYngui0wswqVUv9vJpQ8mWIo/w400-h320/4192014%20(21).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wild Turkey foraging in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My attention is soon captured by a buzz of activity in the brush and eucalyptus trees, where <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Orioles</span></b></i> have been spotted <i>(I was told)</i>. It's a dozen excitable <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Yellow-rumped Warblers</span></b></i>. I'm fooled by some of the birds' streaky breasts and drab coloring into thinking I'm looking at a whole new bird, but no, they're just sundry non-breeding <i>"Audubon's"</i> sidekicks.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatGLb5OvLq-x96_frITKKr-6G8wEgJL1szQg0G-tRS2o8ENgye29TvAh6NQBq3HVEa-KiSe95TTF1VRZkDozo31b9KB-Iqomu2iG-9RcZSszmLD-_3ofBHjZ5jzaZe5Drwb-GrkgW9jBseOEKxzTG8KQuUo2uTwBVECfMIxCDlL-UXL1UAEBAa3-l/s1081/111l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1081" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatGLb5OvLq-x96_frITKKr-6G8wEgJL1szQg0G-tRS2o8ENgye29TvAh6NQBq3HVEa-KiSe95TTF1VRZkDozo31b9KB-Iqomu2iG-9RcZSszmLD-_3ofBHjZ5jzaZe5Drwb-GrkgW9jBseOEKxzTG8KQuUo2uTwBVECfMIxCDlL-UXL1UAEBAa3-l/w400-h320/111l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nearby, back along the burbling creek, guess who shows up? <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrushes!</span></b></i> They're hanging out on the steep creek bank, hopping about looking for seeds and insects. One of them suddenly flies over to a twisted tree branch, right near me, and just stands there posing in the full light of day for several seconds for my best-ever up close glimpse of a <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Varied Thrush</span></i></b>. But why such intimacy and serendipity, suddenly?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeshGKtcq8EdxkPCZgQbwFjE_eDAiwbNUe1Ww4xEAE4YlVEg6SRmq34G34gmtl0gCGmlJm7rCSpwAQovALMCmYzD5Aj-mfxa0Sw0KAXa7jD7ZKfTKxyryeRWZ-WhSOVXHhZLhGvPBRPViIGDWuKfPa-q3eHiasyqS_63_EDpb-q-lXRpG8y8GUAE5/s1920/111m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeshGKtcq8EdxkPCZgQbwFjE_eDAiwbNUe1Ww4xEAE4YlVEg6SRmq34G34gmtl0gCGmlJm7rCSpwAQovALMCmYzD5Aj-mfxa0Sw0KAXa7jD7ZKfTKxyryeRWZ-WhSOVXHhZLhGvPBRPViIGDWuKfPa-q3eHiasyqS_63_EDpb-q-lXRpG8y8GUAE5/w400-h320/111m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Wildcat Creek (Rifle Range Road area) swollen from rainy spell</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next up, next day, <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Alvarado Park</span></b></i>, at the mouth of <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Wildcat Gorge</span></b></i>, a <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">National Historic Place</span></b></i> I've never explored, and therefore deserving of a few minutes, right. Turns out, I spend an hour and half making slow rounds, gravitated to the pretty bend in the creek new to me, and intrigued by the rife bird life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhogai5c3YVNRZ8FbEqpX8IkFcHyIwrgr_rmughi9q2WHvvC8ibOy2KYYgKqD8PndBJ792m6BjshuUSKtCjf2fviPW-GqTbQrH2MtJuyomlEh8vvlJgqxCaKuKp64rs7s10D4oneqquPoTYvCSVTM9_ZBZ1dxLBJUT_5ipdJ_r9pQMc-oyBgqv5U7/s1440/111n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhogai5c3YVNRZ8FbEqpX8IkFcHyIwrgr_rmughi9q2WHvvC8ibOy2KYYgKqD8PndBJ792m6BjshuUSKtCjf2fviPW-GqTbQrH2MtJuyomlEh8vvlJgqxCaKuKp64rs7s10D4oneqquPoTYvCSVTM9_ZBZ1dxLBJUT_5ipdJ_r9pQMc-oyBgqv5U7/w400-h320/111n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Canyon Regional Park lush in Springtime</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Surprisingly few people are here for a nice Saturday afternoon. Of course, the very first birds I spot here are a pair of <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Varied Thrushes!</span></i></b> What is going on?</span></div></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJVorJzLFZr9fjfv-pG5cDdnKq_UhyGF_XDwc0WY9YGVpRP6wdiI6nwakUELVz5pXmyCaE-yrTuxpj3f5kKFFAw4TKE6Xwa0JORxIcY1RdMI3xo84jeIvw7i7yJIRySZy5oN-NtM7Zj6Y56b2z3BDE88eCXYvkmE2lqovGBT1BJ2IJl9DXOE79XLH/s1440/12o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJVorJzLFZr9fjfv-pG5cDdnKq_UhyGF_XDwc0WY9YGVpRP6wdiI6nwakUELVz5pXmyCaE-yrTuxpj3f5kKFFAw4TKE6Xwa0JORxIcY1RdMI3xo84jeIvw7i7yJIRySZy5oN-NtM7Zj6Y56b2z3BDE88eCXYvkmE2lqovGBT1BJ2IJl9DXOE79XLH/w400-h320/12o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Grande Vista Sanitarium ruins</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On Belgum Trail, I divert off a side path to visit the ruins – little of what remains of them – of the early twentieth century <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Grande Vista Sanitarium</span></b></i>. Once a mansion, spa and beautiful grounds, staffed by doctors, psychiatrists and healers, it was the <i>"crazy house"</i> in the <i>"remote"</i> hills where rich city folk from San Francisco and Marin sent their loony, addicted and afflicted relatives.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaozjZEKj-rHTbdDLjKJLrSALazRqx7cD9IyhIGyWFGturFnji0Gdoh-1wGZymaEB6ao1TdUc2abuMa-08z3ie-L19kmy4uL-hC65d9osqXJXHXJY-t13p9ZLJdIANoFjEfBJO5nK58nsPTAG0dBUbhUbs64gQtSpwXdKma6uDyJbAl-EO9FnGGxb/s1852/12j.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1852" data-original-width="1042" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaozjZEKj-rHTbdDLjKJLrSALazRqx7cD9IyhIGyWFGturFnji0Gdoh-1wGZymaEB6ao1TdUc2abuMa-08z3ie-L19kmy4uL-hC65d9osqXJXHXJY-t13p9ZLJdIANoFjEfBJO5nK58nsPTAG0dBUbhUbs64gQtSpwXdKma6uDyJbAl-EO9FnGGxb/w360-h640/12j.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">A reminder of a place of the past</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not much to see today – a stone foundation and a few lengths of rock wall. But the imagination blossoms with visions and intimations of times past, almost a ghostly feel pervades the pretty palm-lined grounds where the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Robins</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Sparrows</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Juncos</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Jays</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Chickadees</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Doves</span></b></i> play, and squirrels frolic the day away.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVKxMLdxQbESs8Ied0PpapYDF54aDRH3zo2XhHuJyK2f1PjWABrosfiK__rixXcFGanZj5lE2jraNBqb_73LLhbI4C_hqWTEimT6U_3jNFpk7aMj1w8GoKDO3xxRy_-GlKFcqGZ5keQ7LzGtt4PJVmzXSOk0g7dI-38I5NuSlH8DQz239Z00mJ6jn/s1440/12q.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVKxMLdxQbESs8Ied0PpapYDF54aDRH3zo2XhHuJyK2f1PjWABrosfiK__rixXcFGanZj5lE2jraNBqb_73LLhbI4C_hqWTEimT6U_3jNFpk7aMj1w8GoKDO3xxRy_-GlKFcqGZ5keQ7LzGtt4PJVmzXSOk0g7dI-38I5NuSlH8DQz239Z00mJ6jn/w400-h320/12q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Stone foundation remains of Sanitarium on Belgum Trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I decide to push it up <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Belgum Trail</span></b></i>, one of <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Wildcat Canyon's</span></b></i> most punishing trails up to the ridge. Not wise. I have to literally push it up and over three massive camel humps defining <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">San Pablo's</span></b></i> rolling ridge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEIfqBt7kmNWLfpzP2TcmQskuwwA80wa3yW1P6AAZ_V7BGfLQ9-6XJ0CRhYG3TlB-FPj3KbgxkI2CSeCr1fw4JSabb39ff31lChbL3TaDn8Xz2mSudzaTw9kSJbpYPLCEJqKlOBcGGt9-MwnMxZmdMi8t5T22FMKQp0EK28vBXNs0CslVcUpT-vTt/s1440/12f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEIfqBt7kmNWLfpzP2TcmQskuwwA80wa3yW1P6AAZ_V7BGfLQ9-6XJ0CRhYG3TlB-FPj3KbgxkI2CSeCr1fw4JSabb39ff31lChbL3TaDn8Xz2mSudzaTw9kSJbpYPLCEJqKlOBcGGt9-MwnMxZmdMi8t5T22FMKQp0EK28vBXNs0CslVcUpT-vTt/w400-h320/12f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Kick-butt hills and cows on San Pablo Ridge</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I grunt and struggle mightily to make it up, and finally my reward – the best <i><b>360</b></i> views in the entire <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Bay Area</span></b></i>. Taking it all in, catching my breathe, watching <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Vultures</span></i></b> circle and hearing a <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Raptor</span></i></b> cry far off, always in these high sloping meadows hoping to see a <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Horned Lark</span></b></i> maybe.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxtltcLJxdk9FuOF2BX6amXHSdBTKah-JM9AuESuomenpLGhf4O3qMDalIXAAgrbybLTbJzt2I66b7OXtHLJN1rGb3wvpMIL0hdHqP9OgTyR_uJh74ec1dGXEzRgVv_mao1QTwxZCHdqRu_BZwKxVvMnn3nKez0Km-7t9KpuDickkZUiXi0GvWApB/s1440/12n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxtltcLJxdk9FuOF2BX6amXHSdBTKah-JM9AuESuomenpLGhf4O3qMDalIXAAgrbybLTbJzt2I66b7OXtHLJN1rGb3wvpMIL0hdHqP9OgTyR_uJh74ec1dGXEzRgVv_mao1QTwxZCHdqRu_BZwKxVvMnn3nKez0Km-7t9KpuDickkZUiXi0GvWApB/w400-h320/12n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crows in upward formation</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />From here, it's a rollicking five mile ride on <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nimitz Way</span></b></i> to <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Inspiration Point</span></b></i> and the final stretch to the <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Brazil Room</span></i></b> for a breather before the last downhill leg home. Of course, near the trash can in the parking lot, on a tiny patch of earth, a <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> looks over at me, tilts his head, then hops off nonchalantly.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFYO5p0Ekv1pJCVSQZWN-iGjakokpKjjqnQxKX1UsXFmDjXhYH2VQyBtipdZBQ4DOJmc00-i6h6M9SigARnm8epMExgbnqQ7vIug4ruNp7Gs1r06X0FroDh3LFiDxWSMBmmRWneykYG-8GYQ6Cp2j6eY5oq6EWYNeWaAUq86UxQjDJeCiLToAXdnK/s1060/5b_codor%20park.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFYO5p0Ekv1pJCVSQZWN-iGjakokpKjjqnQxKX1UsXFmDjXhYH2VQyBtipdZBQ4DOJmc00-i6h6M9SigARnm8epMExgbnqQ7vIug4ruNp7Gs1r06X0FroDh3LFiDxWSMBmmRWneykYG-8GYQ6Cp2j6eY5oq6EWYNeWaAUq86UxQjDJeCiLToAXdnK/w400-h320/5b_codor%20park.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in transit</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>PART 3: January 19, 2015</b></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>This is getting ridiculous, seeing <i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Varied Thrushes</b></span></i> at every turn. Just today, I see two more, for cryin' out loud. The first one this morning, in the <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">108</span></b></i>-year old Interior Live Oak tree in the side yard while trolling for <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Wrens</span></i></b> and <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Warblers</span></i></b>. A few months back, a <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush</span></i></b> landed on the ground nearby, which hugely excited me at the time, but in six years I have never seen one in the tree.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuglFB14SR_7WXPhpzF8KhsWnNO0hmIzi3yEJ8r_JW24TmztrBR6ZwAMm_TwMiIraV6F000GUmdM0H4Y0N4pbUBDIL3o6AuwHyqkP1fAyCZqvuy8P7DC1XUCx623wPqLPOL9SRgoPwDZEBuH1-LMXoeFlD-BQgjbTS9Sp5Kd7hqRk27p5lcYJLVrGK/s1920/11202014%20(34).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuglFB14SR_7WXPhpzF8KhsWnNO0hmIzi3yEJ8r_JW24TmztrBR6ZwAMm_TwMiIraV6F000GUmdM0H4Y0N4pbUBDIL3o6AuwHyqkP1fAyCZqvuy8P7DC1XUCx623wPqLPOL9SRgoPwDZEBuH1-LMXoeFlD-BQgjbTS9Sp5Kd7hqRk27p5lcYJLVrGK/w400-h320/11202014%20(34).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay in bold</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Until this morning when one lands on a branch, motionless for several seconds. Surely if I run to fetch my camera, he'll be gone lickety-split, but he was still striking a noble pose when I returned to snap, snap, just in time before off he flies.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG4EG9vooaTs4iXvVx1WxqrNes7uDzkYZwv55q2hbstx9zGHbR07qgvbzUf-t9f8i1dvxjBDhB3w39TJ8p1DfkCcE4_mpDVNcgPmPwJ9oDi-Hg-Xr7mkxCNk-Em2p2p9QQLekUNdSZZ6Tv2aalUSjzTg7lyYIGqlTrwjBSeLjdsDNf9QP3FFP0_fs/s3240/12b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG4EG9vooaTs4iXvVx1WxqrNes7uDzkYZwv55q2hbstx9zGHbR07qgvbzUf-t9f8i1dvxjBDhB3w39TJ8p1DfkCcE4_mpDVNcgPmPwJ9oDi-Hg-Xr7mkxCNk-Em2p2p9QQLekUNdSZZ6Tv2aalUSjzTg7lyYIGqlTrwjBSeLjdsDNf9QP3FFP0_fs/w400-h320/12b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Berkeley Hills parkland in dry summer months</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span>Later on, tramping up and down unnamed knolls in the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i>, places you'd never once think of visiting or find alluring . . . if it weren't for the pursuit of the birds that inhabit such places. Rarely, if ever, will you find a human being in these off-the-radar but right under your nose kind of places so close to popular roads and trails.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0eZzPm7IKJxqE6WiSGX8droWSrNBz85sY0tRk1x6PQB9-mcGL_0jPqqPkDlkssAM1_rW--a3CgrJLS5j7wL-864GJX_G6pQG83VlnQjMtLhRb8RdMvt9u0N8MmeYrAVUX82zIvUuEyJmzflr4S3QWGSt2HteByqNVyRm-zuN9LMqoP5DnHRWLsT6/s1580/8102014%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0eZzPm7IKJxqE6WiSGX8droWSrNBz85sY0tRk1x6PQB9-mcGL_0jPqqPkDlkssAM1_rW--a3CgrJLS5j7wL-864GJX_G6pQG83VlnQjMtLhRb8RdMvt9u0N8MmeYrAVUX82zIvUuEyJmzflr4S3QWGSt2HteByqNVyRm-zuN9LMqoP5DnHRWLsT6/w400-h320/8102014%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pacific-slope Flycatcher resident of Live Oak Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">If you're not a birder, though,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">there's </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">"nothing there"</span><span style="color: #351c75;">. </span></span></i></b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkPvFfi1zCsc-UaSg9c86TWhLdtLcXRfR9I7V4k4bdpYijXLSUunF0eBO6ig0yl-XYitkJCHKUhnrbpKdRXDv7Xia8vRK0eODu0gJLUH_XVSwXnXwjQjG6j8IpI8-z8RYFlHzBX5C2e9awZrFj0ndlNDhvbVzGPHR6YbqewTQWIBGeIHTkoQxI21e/s1391/12u.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1391" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkPvFfi1zCsc-UaSg9c86TWhLdtLcXRfR9I7V4k4bdpYijXLSUunF0eBO6ig0yl-XYitkJCHKUhnrbpKdRXDv7Xia8vRK0eODu0gJLUH_XVSwXnXwjQjG6j8IpI8-z8RYFlHzBX5C2e9awZrFj0ndlNDhvbVzGPHR6YbqewTQWIBGeIHTkoQxI21e/w400-h320/12u.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Good-looking Anna's Hummingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Today, I spot <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Anna's Hummingbirds</span></i></b> madly zipping about and a barely ID'd <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-breasted Nuthatch</span></i></b> busy at work, high up. <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Vultures</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hawks</span></i></b> circling, a leery <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Spotted Towhee</span></i></b> dashing. <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jay</span></b></i> screeching. <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Golden-crowned Sparrows</span></b></i> heavily feeding. Mind-blowing new perspective on <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Tilden Park's</span></i></b> <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Big Springs Hills</span></b></i> and <i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Vollmer </b></span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">ridge</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVE0MNRYipVuBl3yxJJ6KPRW9tu32YcbA8RWEhW7Fxe0EljWRdUymnbYqSCae35taF1B8Iwh26UPCHOZ45XvCkvca09qm8fgdJHbxibd04Gwy6qy5M03psMHLTv1UahhuOJX9WVVw5ZKYZkeL4mUgftjT78XrdUlTnJU8GWvLXXrk9EO02208OHtI/s880/2B.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVE0MNRYipVuBl3yxJJ6KPRW9tu32YcbA8RWEhW7Fxe0EljWRdUymnbYqSCae35taF1B8Iwh26UPCHOZ45XvCkvca09qm8fgdJHbxibd04Gwy6qy5M03psMHLTv1UahhuOJX9WVVw5ZKYZkeL4mUgftjT78XrdUlTnJU8GWvLXXrk9EO02208OHtI/w400-h320/2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Another Varied Thrush sighting - ho hum (NOT!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span>I'm about to call it a day, when I catch sight of, that's right </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ANOTHER VARIED THRUSH</span></b></i> flying into thick brush. I cop a good look, but am unable to get a photo of the final bird to tick off my list today. Another <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Varied Thrush!</span></b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN-9bbladRzGBqsB1TPhOQBVcpq3rQyfHoY8JeGWW7IGFKS78xref0OIFDAKjWi11584e6gzE-MA6XwuTCdeUqPsDgIVMLa-budzUQ2xRaw4LD5wWBgVwYkVAhQNuL33tGcsQpRPN-aFubcw9LwyxBjsxfMLMUcQNZAk1rsDwJrg9tXClOj0IznAn/s813/2e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN-9bbladRzGBqsB1TPhOQBVcpq3rQyfHoY8JeGWW7IGFKS78xref0OIFDAKjWi11584e6gzE-MA6XwuTCdeUqPsDgIVMLa-budzUQ2xRaw4LD5wWBgVwYkVAhQNuL33tGcsQpRPN-aFubcw9LwyxBjsxfMLMUcQNZAk1rsDwJrg9tXClOj0IznAn/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrushes keep on appearing</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>With them being spotted in abundance everywhere, where previously they were rarely spotted, it makes me wonder how the species has managed to re-establish itself in the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i> environs this season, how it's able to successfully re-assert a ubiquitous presence after such a long absence, or why in the first place they left and after years of being away decided to return.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uhKeyo2_SCpxJ54n1Rh7mEa9N36ViBxN0JQj__Z7vkL73aHf8j9GR5INR7TadRRZszZDiyFfUYapxi0TPvwdbUbrfAXGJOmHcTueW4lQ41aCTzHzOl1sLr4QYDOen0flX6TxJn67iP8yFrFlrEoETRs-yVos1vci2GEjJkzHiYyHAzinxoUcxGTw/s977/111o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="977" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uhKeyo2_SCpxJ54n1Rh7mEa9N36ViBxN0JQj__Z7vkL73aHf8j9GR5INR7TadRRZszZDiyFfUYapxi0TPvwdbUbrfAXGJOmHcTueW4lQ41aCTzHzOl1sLr4QYDOen0flX6TxJn67iP8yFrFlrEoETRs-yVos1vci2GEjJkzHiYyHAzinxoUcxGTw/w400-h320/111o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in the brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Who knows?</i></b></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_bW2IeR_z-npMAyqoptopgkmSplDSyFNbeVy36U9Fr_upCzdJLEcv6aXOIp44xWpuZev_3p4hw0vcmFT8tuNn8c0SayhO6d6ZqgrGgxTRJcUudcHsgfD9Pwq3_e4dYDTDB6lZu4o6-m0OLvvgyiGLYHwprigNkkWH-4vQK50fEEVJHUppRZx5T8B/s400/5blog_9412%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_bW2IeR_z-npMAyqoptopgkmSplDSyFNbeVy36U9Fr_upCzdJLEcv6aXOIp44xWpuZev_3p4hw0vcmFT8tuNn8c0SayhO6d6ZqgrGgxTRJcUudcHsgfD9Pwq3_e4dYDTDB6lZu4o6-m0OLvvgyiGLYHwprigNkkWH-4vQK50fEEVJHUppRZx5T8B/w480-h640/5blog_9412%20(3).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Primo bird living (Tilden Park)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To see a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i>, the once elusive bird, no longer quickens my pulse or excites me in that tingly way when you see a bird rarely if ever spotted. While the thrill is not gone, I do my best to drum up some excitement still for the pretty brush <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Thrush</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD77wzm7pSGmL1CsKs1lXSoYMbcLMP0TG7lzRaPkFOAf0p6oneaEncfpsRy4kd2vryWfcKJGo8g_sjNwwtUrjpzA9oqDXSK3v4mVgScPPlF8ZLUN-bxF343vDUUBzAVQtcdHU1IP6zd7a8kIo5yDewxCxEzrqydMUhbf2BYx4FXk3xbYU0zPC-nMzv/s1434/4_blog%20(61)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1434" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD77wzm7pSGmL1CsKs1lXSoYMbcLMP0TG7lzRaPkFOAf0p6oneaEncfpsRy4kd2vryWfcKJGo8g_sjNwwtUrjpzA9oqDXSK3v4mVgScPPlF8ZLUN-bxF343vDUUBzAVQtcdHU1IP6zd7a8kIo5yDewxCxEzrqydMUhbf2BYx4FXk3xbYU0zPC-nMzv/w400-h320/4_blog%20(61)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-winged Blackbird sitting so pretty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><i><b>Also, keeping in mind Gambolin' Gal's wise counsel:</b></i></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnKIlkV3Mr66x_WgTZ4Rw44B4cqDsaIf6JZFF8bR1X5v4N8LF2KrW8gdHrDAJ8Sd3WuC4tQFGMvmVjrnK2px1rVbVCfoe4Jm7U7UAKeJs4FsNr6OzhyVjxLhuCiOUL0OuBLJn56rcP67alMugKBwlP3aUodzaNLDn_EUWTC4ElSYf12HYBXyFZdBb/s1345/1d_mt%20diablo%20mitch%20cyn.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnKIlkV3Mr66x_WgTZ4Rw44B4cqDsaIf6JZFF8bR1X5v4N8LF2KrW8gdHrDAJ8Sd3WuC4tQFGMvmVjrnK2px1rVbVCfoe4Jm7U7UAKeJs4FsNr6OzhyVjxLhuCiOUL0OuBLJn56rcP67alMugKBwlP3aUodzaNLDn_EUWTC4ElSYf12HYBXyFZdBb/w400-h320/1d_mt%20diablo%20mitch%20cyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush about to skitter away at Mount Diablo State Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763;">"Like all things, when new are fascinating,</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763;">then become routine and commonplace</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763;">to the point we hardly notice them anymore.</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763;">Don't let your </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Varied Thrush</span><span style="color: #073763;"> become that,</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763;">let them remain fascinating and wonderful</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763;">no matter how many times</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763;">one flitters into your purview."</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3JnEdTsMSU56gqS4nGyJDiNV1rk1gEBWnW--H542Oh6sqRKTUqO9lSwRI12U5nwbmAOVl3HvOnaofwkLg0q0nh8PpsjTuiH669R8LrMFm4amEcFe9v2w5GZvvM8aSN1H_GvSGqX3JQPt-O3bgij6nWoZF3BurA7CKRuUN5OI-2AHBPV2MugI43yZ/s1440/12a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3JnEdTsMSU56gqS4nGyJDiNV1rk1gEBWnW--H542Oh6sqRKTUqO9lSwRI12U5nwbmAOVl3HvOnaofwkLg0q0nh8PpsjTuiH669R8LrMFm4amEcFe9v2w5GZvvM8aSN1H_GvSGqX3JQPt-O3bgij6nWoZF3BurA7CKRuUN5OI-2AHBPV2MugI43yZ/w400-h320/12a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-breasted Sapsucker about to get to work in Tilden's Eucalyptus trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>PART 4: January 26, 2015</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Who would think I could squeeze another post out of the commonplace <i>(by now)</i> <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrush?</span></i></b> Over the past few months, mysteriously, I have had copious encounters with <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i>, once considered <i>(by me)</i> a rare sighting.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mI9JDDtizYpRhDSEoh0BV-tI3D8nTg4AUT4oODvqyRObIggBMF8wuYBJPCTLW8YTPJSalQMHKGSYFzv2pkJjyCWeD11VrfbJEnhhFiTtwT2RG-Wy8bFftM4IGiL1_PJnrGrpz5mrwjdi_vADI3b1v4dwBrAKSyKcMahi07bdn_4Zguhfe4F65H5l/s864/1c_codor%20park.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mI9JDDtizYpRhDSEoh0BV-tI3D8nTg4AUT4oODvqyRObIggBMF8wuYBJPCTLW8YTPJSalQMHKGSYFzv2pkJjyCWeD11VrfbJEnhhFiTtwT2RG-Wy8bFftM4IGiL1_PJnrGrpz5mrwjdi_vADI3b1v4dwBrAKSyKcMahi07bdn_4Zguhfe4F65H5l/w400-h320/1c_codor%20park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in the gloam</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I have written about these mysterious copious encounters precipitated by a widespread appearance of the species after a lengthy absence <i>(I think)</i>. After my last two birding adventures, though, it cannot go unnoticed nor unrecorded that I <i>"chanced upon"</i> multiple <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Varied Thrushes!</span></b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitldRTUan-iypUmzedwFOQFK_F0cfHFRIaAw1OSvJDuXDR_fZKQP-qmFkU_jv3soqhng949b7zMhhN43VqZah_yUORRG5O9pMRQb2_jD4bsFg4B1PxGKfz-DY4ZgWqkubEguwUbXkbVtaqnx_yxCzLiagKJ-LIBvy2bETtN4nCUwRpdkKz4eGQW9de/s1412/3b.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitldRTUan-iypUmzedwFOQFK_F0cfHFRIaAw1OSvJDuXDR_fZKQP-qmFkU_jv3soqhng949b7zMhhN43VqZah_yUORRG5O9pMRQb2_jD4bsFg4B1PxGKfz-DY4ZgWqkubEguwUbXkbVtaqnx_yxCzLiagKJ-LIBvy2bETtN4nCUwRpdkKz4eGQW9de/w400-h320/3b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in 108-year old Interior Live Oak tree</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Once again. Make that thrice again, with an eye witness account of three individual specimens sighted foraging together at <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Redwood Regional Park</span></b></i>. The day before, it was a frisky pair suddenly appearing out of nowhere to land on a branch and poke around on a sunny patch of loam along sweetly burbling <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Creek Gorge Trail</span></i></b>.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrreB5uOKEo7DdexR97Y4HhSQcYHMjDwsgor7l3CN40uvqXUHV6JedLgHoXbIEAnX3v6fHbUv718dTpO5CPTMWNJoY_1CFv-F9_OcZhPb0t_NioyNiDBDgBuSy3asFy4SCltsyhghCL5CHH3XKeWw1Bly_AqAoGj6AZYR_zXa7cW-LGH0XmwKPv2tl/s1919/13a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrreB5uOKEo7DdexR97Y4HhSQcYHMjDwsgor7l3CN40uvqXUHV6JedLgHoXbIEAnX3v6fHbUv718dTpO5CPTMWNJoY_1CFv-F9_OcZhPb0t_NioyNiDBDgBuSy3asFy4SCltsyhghCL5CHH3XKeWw1Bly_AqAoGj6AZYR_zXa7cW-LGH0XmwKPv2tl/w400-h320/13a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Redwood Creek in Redwood Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span>That's a first – spotting a <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> in the <i><b>5,000+</b></i> acre expanse of <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Redwoods</span></b></i> above the city of <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Oakland</span></i></b>. A bird hot spot, I was there hoping to spot one of four <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Owl</span></b></i> species, whose vocalizations were reported a week ago by <i>Bill Clark</i> at <i>Birding News</i> <i><b>(Northern Saw-whet, Western Screech, Great Horned, Northern Pygmy)</b></i>. Amazing his ability to ID them based on their calls!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTanmeUPOkCQrzAFjYuLxXw9sEyCnKbbLDJbABkOhBwEDX1-m_ZTMTlCLh-xikbxxc1MWUGI3s69Wno1fMRGPo0Ll5KxOM-INSFRb-JbZjgmSbj3FKYQUXhE4Ol1qlzfaKU4K0cMrxi1PEbjjP-0TfDzpE_I4n7pjZ-kSXcUk8DPurVjAdIDkbOih/s1375/4b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTanmeUPOkCQrzAFjYuLxXw9sEyCnKbbLDJbABkOhBwEDX1-m_ZTMTlCLh-xikbxxc1MWUGI3s69Wno1fMRGPo0Ll5KxOM-INSFRb-JbZjgmSbj3FKYQUXhE4Ol1qlzfaKU4K0cMrxi1PEbjjP-0TfDzpE_I4n7pjZ-kSXcUk8DPurVjAdIDkbOih/w400-h320/4b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hard to pin down Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>In no time, I had experienced several cool sightings hiking up and down <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden Spike Trail</span></b></i> <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">/ Dunn Loop</span></i></b>, a long-time favorite. Saw a female <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Downy Woodpecker</span></b></i> pecking away on dead branch; a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Fox Sparrow</span></b></i> motionless and mostly hidden in thickets; a very hard to pin down <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i> – only about my fourth sighting ever of the <i>(still exotic)</i> bird; and looping, pretty <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Western Bluebirds</span></b></i> hanging out on a tall snaggy pine in full view of dozens of hikers, not one of whom looked up. <i>(Explains my sore neck.)</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyK87bhdc7vzG5EUtql-0VJBI0OdkmuE4mhXv_xjtFhLN2WrxBYvum1Q21cIr8-Q6p-1GSCrg5PVfSnkQlSD2s9QIQq0ni3mwvLlv_z6Ty6uCMmGA98uvpS7Bs_6-_aVSecNv3cIiqtZTpFJ-nu9P1uZnkLAcVefIeRGrJ5TvxBegz7TaAmeNyQPi/s747/1a_quarry%20trail%20staging%20area.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyK87bhdc7vzG5EUtql-0VJBI0OdkmuE4mhXv_xjtFhLN2WrxBYvum1Q21cIr8-Q6p-1GSCrg5PVfSnkQlSD2s9QIQq0ni3mwvLlv_z6Ty6uCMmGA98uvpS7Bs_6-_aVSecNv3cIiqtZTpFJ-nu9P1uZnkLAcVefIeRGrJ5TvxBegz7TaAmeNyQPi/w400-h320/1a_quarry%20trail%20staging%20area.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush ground feeding on Quarry Trail in Tilden Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>And then the <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Varied Thrushes</span></i></b>, normally a skittish, furtive, fleeting, hard to spot and mainly solitary creature, but I have to tell you, this weekend, the <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i> were out and about taking care of business. Even my non-birder wife <i>(Gambolin' Gal)</i> got a glimpse of them each time, admittedly thrilling her but not enough to take up the habit.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMqOV0n2n1P-3eVdpuh5Z2Rw3gz3K5zdHO2EJ0DjQi5yMiJ9QCxOruSWubGKo5l8PD8yto6ls1qUVYw25dZVqcHE4lKGLH2nfV-KSpA58wPbsSudJGuV8Kbra4JBjay7I5a-7wxE-G_OpuGnpHxCGk7qsss4YUGfVCqU8TKmPJM_ACkFvP4vPEx2x/s1440/12h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMqOV0n2n1P-3eVdpuh5Z2Rw3gz3K5zdHO2EJ0DjQi5yMiJ9QCxOruSWubGKo5l8PD8yto6ls1qUVYw25dZVqcHE4lKGLH2nfV-KSpA58wPbsSudJGuV8Kbra4JBjay7I5a-7wxE-G_OpuGnpHxCGk7qsss4YUGfVCqU8TKmPJM_ACkFvP4vPEx2x/w400-h320/12h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Peak viewed from favorite bird watching knoll</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span>The thing about seeing <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i>, or the <span style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>Golden-crowned Kinglet</b></i></span> – <i><b>YES!</b></i> – or a <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Band-tailed Pigeon</span></i></b>, for example <i>(also spotted in <b><span style="color: #660000;">Redwood Park</span></b> a few months ago)</i> is that each encounter seems to be a happenstance, serendipitous event, a ninety-nine percent chance of never having occurred . . . and yet it occurred!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gnNAGe4G5eaEnBeAboR75RXfUt1uG12F95WhnHXJsviFGc2eRTnioUOJZk9x1igA-UUVB6fMzQofgLeI7o3hhEyLYOJIP3DkU-y5bVFYv1PV-FmCJTwOf4aRCuTkj1XRhnD_QbCBNJOBZn6qdRzLT6qXM6nDomZV_qbJKmejX9nNTv5d3X2ALJ7y/s1440/14a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gnNAGe4G5eaEnBeAboR75RXfUt1uG12F95WhnHXJsviFGc2eRTnioUOJZk9x1igA-UUVB6fMzQofgLeI7o3hhEyLYOJIP3DkU-y5bVFYv1PV-FmCJTwOf4aRCuTkj1XRhnD_QbCBNJOBZn6qdRzLT6qXM6nDomZV_qbJKmejX9nNTv5d3X2ALJ7y/w400-h320/14a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow looking spiffy</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Making it a one in a million event. Because birds are not there for your enjoyment or benefit to add to <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Life Lists</span></b></i>; they're here and there, just for a while, and then gone like a whirring mirage, owned by no one, free as a . . .</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4Y3J6ngHnc0_8xUGOp1HM9uUaaWCtKsDUncr_EE8x2tjpbJF_DgPATuVsxWpgxf6YNgYqUp8AEl7slowaxxAzoh_TQ6jg6_AqEnDrUbhu1Tut8fqf53SkPmlmdxK9Busa6IUcSqyIvJrw217Ja0uEVCzXY7au5xpNPH83U6CWS2FIih8BsnNPtNh/s1440/12r.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4Y3J6ngHnc0_8xUGOp1HM9uUaaWCtKsDUncr_EE8x2tjpbJF_DgPATuVsxWpgxf6YNgYqUp8AEl7slowaxxAzoh_TQ6jg6_AqEnDrUbhu1Tut8fqf53SkPmlmdxK9Busa6IUcSqyIvJrw217Ja0uEVCzXY7au5xpNPH83U6CWS2FIih8BsnNPtNh/w400-h320/12r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Conlon Trail and El Sobrante Ridge from Wildcat Peak</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span>Sure, some birds strike a prolonged pose or stick around in playful fits or hunt and peck mode, but in my experience, the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> has always appeared suddenly, disappearing even faster. So what gives with them putting on such a show lately?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4yyllBuXU0SHXPGDO2T652yG8VzahFCZlngMW-3RN37wSmz6h5XNBpt22SWBESuyb-b-HaK8yNPyKMAArHgc0FiZIye4hgGdoxBxqTEoCQO7AqOwmKAL8Tf0akSFJ2X12g1UffqVSJSgO3_8luLSapYNTdgIWLJJd00WjZAvhoROYDkjfE5Wo0FE/s1728/12v.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4yyllBuXU0SHXPGDO2T652yG8VzahFCZlngMW-3RN37wSmz6h5XNBpt22SWBESuyb-b-HaK8yNPyKMAArHgc0FiZIye4hgGdoxBxqTEoCQO7AqOwmKAL8Tf0akSFJ2X12g1UffqVSJSgO3_8luLSapYNTdgIWLJJd00WjZAvhoROYDkjfE5Wo0FE/w400-h320/12v.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird on Wildcat knoll near Conlon Trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span>Finally, it will be interesting to see if and when they decide to fly the coop. Surely, they will join hundreds of millions of other migrating species to fly south, or north, or whichever direction their internal GPS takes them. Or maybe they're here to stay . . . for a while. We shall <i>(hopefully)</i> see.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>PART 5, 6, 7: January 28, 2015</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnuuQ7k8jQhlM2a_zbv-_DkKg5zCdNO5gDV25njRM4KpAY6YjoPWzmV5Ljhzc2DmrGWhEYqbAcxsM-6W92RH3oB-54sDxq8GaPyN1oeVK_3dI_Qx75mKQrFkt67flLPFD5pVgsjIEIWiwqsnNjOCsIMbN3QQgzW07XEGVpW5zDkxI36Gw9JLsOWpL/s1125/2g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnuuQ7k8jQhlM2a_zbv-_DkKg5zCdNO5gDV25njRM4KpAY6YjoPWzmV5Ljhzc2DmrGWhEYqbAcxsM-6W92RH3oB-54sDxq8GaPyN1oeVK_3dI_Qx75mKQrFkt67flLPFD5pVgsjIEIWiwqsnNjOCsIMbN3QQgzW07XEGVpW5zDkxI36Gw9JLsOWpL/w400-h320/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in a Berkeley "nature park"</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Where art thou,</span></b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">my sweet sylvan songstress?</span></b></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThz-VfSotifBk-4b6tMv-6WQuCaOQ1VZsqYY1isGbtzKK1A6rsEhXky6uW2ZfcuAjmZWHuVYBu9oaZQxS1f2hulfBrZzoHR_O-6Fzg_T7NOdltY068Up9Wp1_aVPCcy-VTrDH1Wwv_PHYjHpTwD_VODfo7F9KYpn79h-Ueo0JL06bkTu80lJdfhxW/s400/3_blog%20(45)_71112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThz-VfSotifBk-4b6tMv-6WQuCaOQ1VZsqYY1isGbtzKK1A6rsEhXky6uW2ZfcuAjmZWHuVYBu9oaZQxS1f2hulfBrZzoHR_O-6Fzg_T7NOdltY068Up9Wp1_aVPCcy-VTrDH1Wwv_PHYjHpTwD_VODfo7F9KYpn79h-Ueo0JL06bkTu80lJdfhxW/w400-h300/3_blog%20(45)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Premium bird habitat in reedy pond at Briones Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For over two weeks, once-ubiquitous <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Varied Thrushes</span></i></b> seem to have disappeared. Not a single sighting. Not one clue of the bird's distinctive presence, near or far, high and low, after months of seeing them. Then <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">boom! boom! boom!</span></b></i> Back to back sightings in a week! It was good to see them again enjoying <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Berkeley</span></b></i>-perfect habitat for their diminishing kind.</div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZmdHMM1TCN7D2ieTguhC5iTMIhJr82w6B7golaotNyselA_OCwqxxgfMX3OHtlvdLwltPV2-EhOQgRjqHdjvcjhrHk9C2d2uadk9t03R7ml0N-lCLqO6knrIgLTzJHBlua2m2LI3Stq5UCQQ1rhdIsN8L-EN7YRx6DZlTb3xwhWwpEnBep0ZSK4s/s1919/12l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZmdHMM1TCN7D2ieTguhC5iTMIhJr82w6B7golaotNyselA_OCwqxxgfMX3OHtlvdLwltPV2-EhOQgRjqHdjvcjhrHk9C2d2uadk9t03R7ml0N-lCLqO6knrIgLTzJHBlua2m2LI3Stq5UCQQ1rhdIsN8L-EN7YRx6DZlTb3xwhWwpEnBep0ZSK4s/w400-h320/12l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The regal Pine atop Conlon Knoll</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On February 14, biking rural <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">El Toyonal Road</span></i></b> below <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Vollmer</span></b></i> ridge, two fine birds appear briefly near the bridge over the tiny gorge then fly off into the forest, vanishing in deep cover. At least I got a glimpse and could add them to my sightings for the day. Moments later, to my surprise, a beauty bounds up from low brush landing on thin branches, remaining motionless for a nice <i><b>3</b></i> sec gander for a not so great shot.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ9R7rQEVKoJcWXZ2k0KvnNPtQbJGhgwhMS7MjzjNOJOaDWaDnmNbJWE9jXsbK3mUjjqn2R9wgOuggVkS-_ymvqgJszp4aVtZu7ICq_QCP-QEgc5wO8r_mEQGBBP3D-BxS0ugoDtkaiJdRJAA-XSbdC7TxMAEVSvhkqsMjCyg3fXK75XRbzw2tGez/s1920/12c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ9R7rQEVKoJcWXZ2k0KvnNPtQbJGhgwhMS7MjzjNOJOaDWaDnmNbJWE9jXsbK3mUjjqn2R9wgOuggVkS-_ymvqgJszp4aVtZu7ICq_QCP-QEgc5wO8r_mEQGBBP3D-BxS0ugoDtkaiJdRJAA-XSbdC7TxMAEVSvhkqsMjCyg3fXK75XRbzw2tGez/w400-h320/12c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mourning Dove saying Everything's Coo!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They're hard birds to pin down, I've been told. But they will occasionally hop into open view for some really great looks, be-bopping up and down logs or fearlessly ground feeding for seeds, insects and other earthly comestibles comprising their varied omnivorous diet.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCXfXsqjpo0KIYrF3VKRHprDSUy4MC2qjNj01gjhQcSzcsjTnCGMzIU5yG-qMIWMVlklJrr9j5HImuRSXSrpaHPBz7VKsdA_rHoi050OlSwxcsFm40o8WKUQZp7tKkMz3ACymtYFWnUTK-l6QY5-A2h-HQ6KvyP1z9TtDoCnSYPxHofuX8AojM93D/s400/111b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCXfXsqjpo0KIYrF3VKRHprDSUy4MC2qjNj01gjhQcSzcsjTnCGMzIU5yG-qMIWMVlklJrr9j5HImuRSXSrpaHPBz7VKsdA_rHoi050OlSwxcsFm40o8WKUQZp7tKkMz3ACymtYFWnUTK-l6QY5-A2h-HQ6KvyP1z9TtDoCnSYPxHofuX8AojM93D/w480-h640/111b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Codornices Park in Berkeley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A few days later in <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Codornices Park</span></i></b>, a <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Berkeley</span></b></i> gem, two or three, can't tell, are at play in the sloping meadow area I like to call the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Aviary</span></b></i> </span>–<span style="font-size: medium;"> an overgrown patch of the park where only dog walkers, birders and stoner teenagers wander off to. The secluded refuge is protected by dense stands of trees and snarls of brush, in a vibrant riparian setting attracting dozens of species of birds.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E460L8Sqy-C2JE4lRX0a0ez5_qMX_Aw4js5Nbb-lTeAf-OX2b88FMxKdDlOsJ0W5H04WLvFEN7OH2KPnVMrn8ekHlDVxPQFyY8hQ2rMEZsZIae6boM48t60tc3KbO0ZGHjfrsMjRVq6gG26JWwg8IIVbgwDrAkvNfc87FofZMtIyPcUOULR9nTwp/s1440/111c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E460L8Sqy-C2JE4lRX0a0ez5_qMX_Aw4js5Nbb-lTeAf-OX2b88FMxKdDlOsJ0W5H04WLvFEN7OH2KPnVMrn8ekHlDVxPQFyY8hQ2rMEZsZIae6boM48t60tc3KbO0ZGHjfrsMjRVq6gG26JWwg8IIVbgwDrAkvNfc87FofZMtIyPcUOULR9nTwp/w400-h320/111c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Robin standing erect</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I've spotted <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i> here often, to the point of commonness, over the past few months. These birds today are sporty and elusive, and I'm barely able to capture a decent image or shoot off a round of digital ammo.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ir6ma_7Z5YjV3z3qREXU-d7bR9J-1Zedc9iItZn3KqcOpiTx5n9xwYPmXMJUtM0UVTrAHfefaPzlCAvkd_IfhSarn0SsgTQxBctiutkWO7IRw39HgxItD0vR9GjgJIxvQYY8xkKFChpnKEex2Wrr_BpHaETJpueWXcHMnb-Kbabi8Ph3bCxXh6TN/s1919/111a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ir6ma_7Z5YjV3z3qREXU-d7bR9J-1Zedc9iItZn3KqcOpiTx5n9xwYPmXMJUtM0UVTrAHfefaPzlCAvkd_IfhSarn0SsgTQxBctiutkWO7IRw39HgxItD0vR9GjgJIxvQYY8xkKFChpnKEex2Wrr_BpHaETJpueWXcHMnb-Kbabi8Ph3bCxXh6TN/w400-h320/111a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Creek is a haven for all wild creatures in the parklands</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">To digress, my usage of the words and phrases <i>"boom", "shoot", "pin down", "capture" </i>and<i> "shoot off"</i> evokes the profession's rather execrable legacy when early ornithologists' brutish approach to <i>"studying birds"</i> was to wipe them out! Elite dandies like <i>Lionel Walter Rothschild</i> and <i>Charles Willson Peale</i> exemplified the violent, brainless bent of overzealous collectors of bird <i>"specimens"</i> and eggs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnwDw6eqU9Xlgukf7WbEepWJTz6EqOKl0WAKkjA6-IAqJl0ejNTyWaPu3O2b2HiJGo30EQDJQfj5gX4mOE-vjKzid5qMVWAXXy37OsEttY96ox-XztNzD3jUpO1laLBJIrOUA0LqM0-TlpSqAYjEMuA4iJFLvQwnCKathNkTjbGMuZheru1HIJJwC/s1440/6302013%20(19).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnwDw6eqU9Xlgukf7WbEepWJTz6EqOKl0WAKkjA6-IAqJl0ejNTyWaPu3O2b2HiJGo30EQDJQfj5gX4mOE-vjKzid5qMVWAXXy37OsEttY96ox-XztNzD3jUpO1laLBJIrOUA0LqM0-TlpSqAYjEMuA4iJFLvQwnCKathNkTjbGMuZheru1HIJJwC/w400-h320/6302013%20(19).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dark-eyed Junco pondering next move</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These birdbrains <i>(wait! that's an insult to birds!)</i> stupidly and inexplicably killed off entire flocks of beautiful birds, in some instances extremely rare birds and, amazingly, the last one of its kind in a difficult to get your head around case of the murdering of <i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Hawaii's</span> <span style="color: #b45f06;">Greater Koa</span> </i>and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Lesser Koa Finches</span></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdDTBZibeVu9TGs_ZUhFmokYM4HOPINprP9138MadhbeNjOw7FFUPma9leZWhQbPZC1rqdAsfy_vSa6AectxTbmZQPcIFV1hy_knovOAsKSgITg1jIFnK6-TL1du2oIPx8PWSaxzDKgiLLRBweRMYK1cyEt3FxiOuceLU0lNVMUzmF3C3rzs5CrR_/s600/506px-Telespiza_palmeri1_John%20Gerrard%20Keulemans,%20Public%20domain,%20via%20Wikimedia%20Commons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="506" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdDTBZibeVu9TGs_ZUhFmokYM4HOPINprP9138MadhbeNjOw7FFUPma9leZWhQbPZC1rqdAsfy_vSa6AectxTbmZQPcIFV1hy_knovOAsKSgITg1jIFnK6-TL1du2oIPx8PWSaxzDKgiLLRBweRMYK1cyEt3FxiOuceLU0lNVMUzmF3C3rzs5CrR_/w338-h400/506px-Telespiza_palmeri1_John%20Gerrard%20Keulemans,%20Public%20domain,%20via%20Wikimedia%20Commons.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Greater Koa Finches</i><br /></span><b style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(John Gerrard Keulemans, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)<br /></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Bill Bryson writes of the shameful episode:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLaJLBv3wi2szaxOkDrAGP_wmOfSSxPfPApqv-cuexezoFQMkUqRDeI7qvCDh-52Abdu1Tu1GUpFDTjHoE6NTO-xpKLNBmcTzemFhi4NKgtmSt3o4_S69hnSAMI7LAjO5-l1gsRqicuzal8lz3nWj_1hH8a79MPCAKiJ322HgWg7KnT49-yW0gDZc/s470/RothschildTortoise.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="466" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLaJLBv3wi2szaxOkDrAGP_wmOfSSxPfPApqv-cuexezoFQMkUqRDeI7qvCDh-52Abdu1Tu1GUpFDTjHoE6NTO-xpKLNBmcTzemFhi4NKgtmSt3o4_S69hnSAMI7LAjO5-l1gsRqicuzal8lz3nWj_1hH8a79MPCAKiJ322HgWg7KnT49-yW0gDZc/w396-h400/RothschildTortoise.png" width="396" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The imperious Lord Rothschild riding a giant Tortoise</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">"The last of the species vanished in 1896, killed by Rothschild's ace collector Harry Palmer, five years after the disappearance of its cousin the lesser koa finch, a bird so sublimely rare that only one has ever been seen: the one shot for Rothschild's collection. Altogether during the decade or so of Rothschild's most intensive collecting, at least nine species of Hawaiian birds vanished, but it may have been more."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA894mHBte9oLk8to4tEzUpi08VURWIK2xJz7sS2fTSd4zJ_wlmZmgMU4i7if5Yi4Vwv-wwlsBP7qI8pe3uYa2lyQHlv1zcuEjXaP6wM0rSR4Jr_fIC1i_68s3_F0BdQwV-SKNorqScJnzKSM79MNEKOFjS5s0LQSn56ut2qQ3Yw4VgPrGcqJSn6C0/s1536/111D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA894mHBte9oLk8to4tEzUpi08VURWIK2xJz7sS2fTSd4zJ_wlmZmgMU4i7if5Yi4Vwv-wwlsBP7qI8pe3uYa2lyQHlv1zcuEjXaP6wM0rSR4Jr_fIC1i_68s3_F0BdQwV-SKNorqScJnzKSM79MNEKOFjS5s0LQSn56ut2qQ3Yw4VgPrGcqJSn6C0/w480-h640/111D.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Band-tailed Pigeon spotted in Laurel Canyon, Tilden Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, about a week ago, in <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i>, a birds' <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Eden</span></b></i>, I'm disappointed over not seeing anything of note, when suddenly I espy movement in the high branches with a brief flash of recognition: my boy, the <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrush</span></i></b>, this one of specially fine plumage and mien, posing just long enough for one of my best photos of the bird before flying away never to be seen again.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU9hDaIw0WIYOi0vJAXO0O63r0U_J17NApxep1d5XW_uitS9o374FyWoTS7UKJYtb8H0UPB12ls2_2ONkQno_Lp7jhrWuhdpazNPz_nDVkJrNlf11ezhwbU6hWMTLP3tAOW9vVGyF5m-jW-_OMRaRtfp97Bo2sEpqwbq0gO9mC-Sa2fuDkv7ojAip/s2048/1_blog%20(44)_7612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU9hDaIw0WIYOi0vJAXO0O63r0U_J17NApxep1d5XW_uitS9o374FyWoTS7UKJYtb8H0UPB12ls2_2ONkQno_Lp7jhrWuhdpazNPz_nDVkJrNlf11ezhwbU6hWMTLP3tAOW9vVGyF5m-jW-_OMRaRtfp97Bo2sEpqwbq0gO9mC-Sa2fuDkv7ojAip/w400-h341/1_blog%20(44)_7612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Big ol' Hawk eyeing me from on high</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And that is the question: will we never be seeing again the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Varied Thrushes</span></b></i> this season? Are they largely gone . . . for now?</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDxOjfKia1FmN91Gl0r8rijfhc2dTMtwVE_8OHTEEQK2eWo7UmOn6G5gd6sEnHxPWE-DeZulF50CkDF8QKBuyoFRkaro8wrRaOTLfoG-KmlUxppPuHJ6XcucZLhZkONMoWPVgS00tBt-SO64tP9W9VUyP4Gz_DzdE6vNhxRTaj9k2IanWurUWpO2m/s1490/12i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDxOjfKia1FmN91Gl0r8rijfhc2dTMtwVE_8OHTEEQK2eWo7UmOn6G5gd6sEnHxPWE-DeZulF50CkDF8QKBuyoFRkaro8wrRaOTLfoG-KmlUxppPuHJ6XcucZLhZkONMoWPVgS00tBt-SO64tP9W9VUyP4Gz_DzdE6vNhxRTaj9k2IanWurUWpO2m/w400-h320/12i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Northern Flicker out on a limb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A web search just now came up with the possible answer to my serial conundrum in related posts </span>–<span style="font-size: medium;"> their populations go up and down on a 2-year cycle. Or in some places, maybe a 3 or 5-year cycle. This would explain why I had not ever seen one until about 3 years ago.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMg2s8ODvClkXeR3rsXut-twm1sbNeQ573nm26eq-mVKTs3409FCLMrsR0f2pCMxIH0BnN86V7WVCIOxGFxgTpQD8JpP5xE6qGG4d5Ml8ifDrwFeGlfW69Q_rm8-sYtpy9BImC2b-OsptdpILQYdNSEGx_giTOnWONrF-FZ9HroB7m8bOz_1YKTDh/s1440/12x.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMg2s8ODvClkXeR3rsXut-twm1sbNeQ573nm26eq-mVKTs3409FCLMrsR0f2pCMxIH0BnN86V7WVCIOxGFxgTpQD8JpP5xE6qGG4d5Ml8ifDrwFeGlfW69Q_rm8-sYtpy9BImC2b-OsptdpILQYdNSEGx_giTOnWONrF-FZ9HroB7m8bOz_1YKTDh/w400-h320/12x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Gorge Trail in the East Bay Regional Park District</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: medium;">So there you have it, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> lovers, an exhaustive inquiry into </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i>not good!</i> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> a <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Common Bird in Steep Decline"</span></b></i> as reported in <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">The State of the Birds Report 2014</span></b></i>. A sobering fact is that in a few short decades the <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrush's</span></i></b> population </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> along with <i><b>32</b></i> other birds </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> has plunged by<i><b> 50%</b></i>. Although designated as a species of <i>"least concern"</i>, we are most fortunate to enjoy the rarefied company of the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vCfkETj9CHB1uyied99NUJCQvMMeDd09exTpzxzOjEf0WNc9UUO6UwAFJAUulL31xrxsMEQHN90QYcUyIoLuqh-KjGZBYlRcA7sjzTFgNvUiOHLT3ly8rfJ48Ms2ARgByCzbOPRztgsC9mSoH2D08Px7vUdj11ahFf4MmW4Z_OCPMBQoD3HOgoAZ/s1125/5d_eltoyonalroad.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vCfkETj9CHB1uyied99NUJCQvMMeDd09exTpzxzOjEf0WNc9UUO6UwAFJAUulL31xrxsMEQHN90QYcUyIoLuqh-KjGZBYlRcA7sjzTFgNvUiOHLT3ly8rfJ48Ms2ARgByCzbOPRztgsC9mSoH2D08Px7vUdj11ahFf4MmW4Z_OCPMBQoD3HOgoAZ/w400-h320/5d_eltoyonalroad.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Goodbye sweet little friend!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="color: red;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Enjoy some live action (if a bit grainy & blurry!) footage</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>of Varied Thrushes doin' their thing:</i></b></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Hj0dAvhhUcI" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">VARIED THRUSH GROUND FEEDING AT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/3h9N6UrubU8" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">VARIED THRUSH BRANCH HOPPING ALONG WILDCAT CREEK</span></b></a></div></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lowbimMSi_MsG8zE_gMH4tMsAkTNZ0tqEa8HRpiL-4zxFSL7rMHTEpD7lSRV9rT85Fx3-p8ygHjZ2pBxHuWmyrcERm5CcnmjvjIFXU4Y8HQIDd82cQDdn5s9U4n8TYx5E2DnFo-QgKq_UM801YXDPK5xcq09tUONEzGA19h95rhve_Kd-bRTRcjT/s1536/111g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lowbimMSi_MsG8zE_gMH4tMsAkTNZ0tqEa8HRpiL-4zxFSL7rMHTEpD7lSRV9rT85Fx3-p8ygHjZ2pBxHuWmyrcERm5CcnmjvjIFXU4Y8HQIDd82cQDdn5s9U4n8TYx5E2DnFo-QgKq_UM801YXDPK5xcq09tUONEzGA19h95rhve_Kd-bRTRcjT/w480-h640/111g.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">All-American Crow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-8887723884678214062014-12-11T20:05:00.133-08:002023-03-30T13:29:44.032-07:00Rare Sightings & Random Appearances of Golden-crowned Kinglets<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yb3exHKugBBjXH5LyZSsOfnZcu5f1CUsfHj0JN6dOvOv_R-HHKsyxY43mpZ7Zvr8wsTav6XuUSybCE05mn_obdDbAYRGrcGyeOt-QR2WZroSX36IK4zV0KGOhhcxEzjOatHmX_NTL5E81_LYgKnBZbEIVQQs3oiMmPOkobdZRL19QnSNUass-iRq/s1280/3f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yb3exHKugBBjXH5LyZSsOfnZcu5f1CUsfHj0JN6dOvOv_R-HHKsyxY43mpZ7Zvr8wsTav6XuUSybCE05mn_obdDbAYRGrcGyeOt-QR2WZroSX36IK4zV0KGOhhcxEzjOatHmX_NTL5E81_LYgKnBZbEIVQQs3oiMmPOkobdZRL19QnSNUass-iRq/w400-h320/3f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Kinglet along Wildcat Gorge Creek Trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span>The uncommon thing about</span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden-crowned Kinglets</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;">is, well . . .</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWpQkgYmH8pThgfcRYovoPNbih4ABUKIGN2TL5Z25Vfu7rXuwvB346zTMaYA_ABKNckQHRN94AF6zqW-5mebYtlYOO33cB1XanpLXD0he677ZZsY_5c-BOWUY4old5gtstDBmxB78szfB3I5duwAtnrUSdsPND-OvUihO1hH8ko2gehwxMzVoqgJQ/s1760/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWpQkgYmH8pThgfcRYovoPNbih4ABUKIGN2TL5Z25Vfu7rXuwvB346zTMaYA_ABKNckQHRN94AF6zqW-5mebYtlYOO33cB1XanpLXD0he677ZZsY_5c-BOWUY4old5gtstDBmxB78szfB3I5duwAtnrUSdsPND-OvUihO1hH8ko2gehwxMzVoqgJQ/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">And yet another terrible photo of the Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm gonna go out on a limb here and proclaim that the elusive little suckers are not so common, but are actually pretty <i>uncommon</i> during this season or any time of year.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmahQrBdatrA7c5304xG8h_rGLCpQLc0DK4siyIO2_7Mgfd_nnuFV94ZLkR9dwwMaoWwvlJHSIBQk-ufcfALJOiH9hw1N8FD5arVHvLOSl_TLER5gJF6Bi8wNIkXnpq54ThZRxLbVVcCYM0Kb8ZUR9eJPQrOmp87z2BEjzCWGJHhFX3TdYTk0jqw1/s800/800px-Golden-crowned_Kinglet_RWD.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmahQrBdatrA7c5304xG8h_rGLCpQLc0DK4siyIO2_7Mgfd_nnuFV94ZLkR9dwwMaoWwvlJHSIBQk-ufcfALJOiH9hw1N8FD5arVHvLOSl_TLER5gJF6Bi8wNIkXnpq54ThZRxLbVVcCYM0Kb8ZUR9eJPQrOmp87z2BEjzCWGJHhFX3TdYTk0jqw1/w400-h300/800px-Golden-crowned_Kinglet_RWD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Kinglet, </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;">photo by Dick Daniels, http://theworldbirds.org)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Yes, </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">uncommon</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> –</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">at least in my experience.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQqlUnj6bx7FpF341dzx7e1FeqC8pu7G7DrTyuEGt0OMibJxQzWy15qNebbOY1kGO4FmV2JUVz3wjRKGQRLM4fdOkgq28ghVZ6hY995XX1ekGzLJm1J0ChzenSLI7hbL7Vv2-wTGYZc-KZ146PHvwoNQ0Lf3ea2Z40VW6vCr856Un25Rt8PHitE94/s2047/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQqlUnj6bx7FpF341dzx7e1FeqC8pu7G7DrTyuEGt0OMibJxQzWy15qNebbOY1kGO4FmV2JUVz3wjRKGQRLM4fdOkgq28ghVZ6hY995XX1ekGzLJm1J0ChzenSLI7hbL7Vv2-wTGYZc-KZ146PHvwoNQ0Lf3ea2Z40VW6vCr856Un25Rt8PHitE94/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(31)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Towhee tweeting in brush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In <b><i>15</i></b> years of <i>"really noticing birds"</i> I can count on one hand, and still have digits left over, the number of times I've spotted these bustling bundles of jittery joy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0xG4hCIs9QS6rZ3yndOTCIPkbI8Lh9oRJ0zxh6wzTsUJ_HMOlmaYEKyXHrNebZdYZ3MN-NXJ7RYefTfs1j4tu2hTW90tycLE2PcBoNkDPLlrDdmMhaPmnmucsUXSHTInCbBdVaZszpFwfcFHvI5r1LBrRCkJoS9mLlpmmMJxzzGSYYU346IhIYcM/s2048/3_blog%20(29)_71112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0xG4hCIs9QS6rZ3yndOTCIPkbI8Lh9oRJ0zxh6wzTsUJ_HMOlmaYEKyXHrNebZdYZ3MN-NXJ7RYefTfs1j4tu2hTW90tycLE2PcBoNkDPLlrDdmMhaPmnmucsUXSHTInCbBdVaZszpFwfcFHvI5r1LBrRCkJoS9mLlpmmMJxzzGSYYU346IhIYcM/w400-h300/3_blog%20(29)_71112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Prime bird habitat in Wildcat Peak area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And yet others lay claim to seeing <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Golden-crowned Kinglets</span></b></i> regularly. I've read some recent online reports indicating such. So, it must be a matter of luck or timing, because the teensy occult foraging passerine completely eludes me for the most part.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkqTiaJCROtu2y2MDmCCXWoaQ4CzeK0K3nZB4Vnn1Xu6oirfYJgMrI8H0xFzinm12MhSyspRtYZO69V2GhoHbV9OFvYjjv8VWHJ_ZJA7kuNqvnYjTaRX1SJ-_CJr3mGWbNg3neDN6hhvR-RrO-yH9oS5DMHWxGMpdC8Nm1MijOotGLU1F34ELlWut/s1832/4_blog%20(87)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1832" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkqTiaJCROtu2y2MDmCCXWoaQ4CzeK0K3nZB4Vnn1Xu6oirfYJgMrI8H0xFzinm12MhSyspRtYZO69V2GhoHbV9OFvYjjv8VWHJ_ZJA7kuNqvnYjTaRX1SJ-_CJr3mGWbNg3neDN6hhvR-RrO-yH9oS5DMHWxGMpdC8Nm1MijOotGLU1F34ELlWut/w400-h320/4_blog%20(87)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird on Conlon Trail near Wildcat Peak</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i><b>Which, on doing a bit of research, isn't so odd.</b></i></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CFy0X2TSXan5FZau_O5wiXhzuUbOEIz0U7YOvuCzcS7ApdjdSUhj0GJsE4WRfE8ikPR2XWS6OQgq2I8hnn3TnEE7zQlLfs1u0RDgCcLBVjtfAa2PUKo1M9aRt9A2O6d6ngbJZgA4XFK2ubMCZAaeLv5UNhx-9TG5Fj3fBdVe1abdVNDtonK5ExZs/s1440/1o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CFy0X2TSXan5FZau_O5wiXhzuUbOEIz0U7YOvuCzcS7ApdjdSUhj0GJsE4WRfE8ikPR2XWS6OQgq2I8hnn3TnEE7zQlLfs1u0RDgCcLBVjtfAa2PUKo1M9aRt9A2O6d6ngbJZgA4XFK2ubMCZAaeLv5UNhx-9TG5Fj3fBdVe1abdVNDtonK5ExZs/w400-h320/1o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Many varieties of birds thrive along the creek in Wildcat Canyon Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">According to the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tilden </span></b></i>and <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks Bird Checklist</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Golden-crowned Kinglets</span></b></i> are listed as <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">UNCOMMON</span></i></b> winter visitors, <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">RARE</span></b></i> spring passers-by, and, again, <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">UNCOMMONLY</span></b></i> sighted during the fall.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3FXHFdwkYy3BnNJnIpvnAHHF0FPc2Rz5xvYNuqnWynLSeN8VZucH1TiKX8jkXZgQq7RT-IbJz05hqFQXiLrsUhfQgVRuzBx0Zug_KHPK2_ieoBQZZH2x6s3kndu59gQGzlGzelf2Y9BzDjoEGd9P_7Hmlw1bdmj7D6NnAu3KVxmuJOPQ8kb3QtEK/s1920/5blog_9412b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3FXHFdwkYy3BnNJnIpvnAHHF0FPc2Rz5xvYNuqnWynLSeN8VZucH1TiKX8jkXZgQq7RT-IbJz05hqFQXiLrsUhfQgVRuzBx0Zug_KHPK2_ieoBQZZH2x6s3kndu59gQGzlGzelf2Y9BzDjoEGd9P_7Hmlw1bdmj7D6NnAu3KVxmuJOPQ8kb3QtEK/w400-h320/5blog_9412b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Creek attracts many birds - and people!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A <b><i>1940</i></b> report on frequency of birds sighted on the <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Berkeley Campus</span></b></i> indicates that the bird is spotted very <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">INFREQUENTLY</span></i></b> during all times of the year.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrmZqcC1ewlNAtyOKV5XBhPRWnzT9hoxHowbA5Zh-LUU_oQUKDRUe6DdhxQuSoCr5NSA8IsPF8CqVQxDGRqASt17Munlf3VYFLFsvKU6fhNW5OWC0LiDumNGCJ91ur2fSaugsgsdXIEvU5y2ayqGXpZiXyv9mzoDK6mb7fMpt-a6q2Gus6RU-DyPd/s399/6_blog%20(26)_92412.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="399" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrmZqcC1ewlNAtyOKV5XBhPRWnzT9hoxHowbA5Zh-LUU_oQUKDRUe6DdhxQuSoCr5NSA8IsPF8CqVQxDGRqASt17Munlf3VYFLFsvKU6fhNW5OWC0LiDumNGCJ91ur2fSaugsgsdXIEvU5y2ayqGXpZiXyv9mzoDK6mb7fMpt-a6q2Gus6RU-DyPd/w400-h346/6_blog%20(26)_92412.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch feeding on seeds</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All I can think of is that maybe things have changed for the better for the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i> since <b><i>1940</i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aBgvvMBqnGCGNyzDNXvKsR82HwJzjUIRwIMQFMxpd9k0dg3-vOTvuYzICO4p7vD01pTu-4NMhtpT6P_dGPyFllHUIfLcwDBZmJZf3u--TdcIVkJCF6k5sloBcfKPpAg5HXXnAghDYEZGEHqplCIGim_11_qaARIP5NyoHnAHy5hKyY_6jtInJXEo/s1660/4_blog%20(91)_8312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aBgvvMBqnGCGNyzDNXvKsR82HwJzjUIRwIMQFMxpd9k0dg3-vOTvuYzICO4p7vD01pTu-4NMhtpT6P_dGPyFllHUIfLcwDBZmJZf3u--TdcIVkJCF6k5sloBcfKPpAg5HXXnAghDYEZGEHqplCIGim_11_qaARIP5NyoHnAHy5hKyY_6jtInJXEo/w400-h320/4_blog%20(91)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Perky little Oak Titmouse</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So what gives? Why are many people spotting <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Golden-crowned Kinglets</span></i></b> in and around the <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area?</span></i></b> And I'm left looking at way too many of the <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">COMMON</span></i></b> cousin, the <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet?</span></i></b> <i>(Well, there can never be too many.)</i></span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZHkNPj3akuUEFjGSzFPhehFHEari4TnZ_Hq3c-KtrhbViK3E7iB0QMescyiE-sOz_BdPaLU6aRvE0hdMabBs5S_366fNHLKOiH3RDihS6m5QuuDwu6EYI0V0FBwNMIdg8SDwuyqaCPP1FUEUGULtcByAnTxJxPDN6kxNDBKt_nixLkRs1N82tIr3/s1854/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZHkNPj3akuUEFjGSzFPhehFHEari4TnZ_Hq3c-KtrhbViK3E7iB0QMescyiE-sOz_BdPaLU6aRvE0hdMabBs5S_366fNHLKOiH3RDihS6m5QuuDwu6EYI0V0FBwNMIdg8SDwuyqaCPP1FUEUGULtcByAnTxJxPDN6kxNDBKt_nixLkRs1N82tIr3/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet deigning to flash red head patch</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I've catalogued a grand total of four <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></i></b> sightings, a low number surely indicative of just how hard the little cusses are to spot. By way of comparison, I see the <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></i></b> so frequently that it's no big deal anymore <i>(unless, of course, you get a glimpse of his flashy ruby crown)</i>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5o4PUT8fKnrI_2CSYysfQHzgF73nnll7ozwuXPrflKtE0SiRYGrCHY5VlV9-LnGp2iWl78zWQZKHSNLuXqaQrPi67CQ3rUCt--cwUM43to0Ij2NVbJkcfy0lcv7l5alJPDdYy3mzep2pQKG9aS7O1QZADC224Ud-9FvGl6LVU2dGIhJeLwUmR6yP/s563/1f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5o4PUT8fKnrI_2CSYysfQHzgF73nnll7ozwuXPrflKtE0SiRYGrCHY5VlV9-LnGp2iWl78zWQZKHSNLuXqaQrPi67CQ3rUCt--cwUM43to0Ij2NVbJkcfy0lcv7l5alJPDdYy3mzep2pQKG9aS7O1QZADC224Ud-9FvGl6LVU2dGIhJeLwUmR6yP/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rare glimpse of a Hermit Warbler in Tilden pine trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> But the <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Golden Crowned</span></i></b> one, ah, this one's much more elusive. An insect foraging, edgy bird, barely bigger than a <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Hummingbird</span></i></b>, he's tough to spot, given a predilection for foraging high up in <i>"needle country"</i> in recondite pine forest canopies. Your best bet for observing the <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></i></b> is when they come down to riparian areas.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHyVwZa5ZVBA-e5nLlNgxbQshcAteKl47F8BhGhxdfw1-tqxPDDUBj_WY0hIhQk_a8deNQGaOhNMxZAFwsdPd4JXfjlNQ-F9Ou9p_J6Lnc0p2OTmk09PytiNhKrHFK3U_vhXUWtXESf_rI2knVeueIOdeRmcjZlChCZ0-y7izGzsaupqrF4F8x8Sy/s1738/1p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="1738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHyVwZa5ZVBA-e5nLlNgxbQshcAteKl47F8BhGhxdfw1-tqxPDDUBj_WY0hIhQk_a8deNQGaOhNMxZAFwsdPd4JXfjlNQ-F9Ou9p_J6Lnc0p2OTmk09PytiNhKrHFK3U_vhXUWtXESf_rI2knVeueIOdeRmcjZlChCZ0-y7izGzsaupqrF4F8x8Sy/w400-h320/1p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-backed Chickadees are acrobatic feeders</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> A few weeks ago, I experienced my most satisfying sighting to date. The bird, or maybe it was two birds, hard to tell – flitted and foraged for some thirty minutes in brush and small trees along <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Gorge Trail</span></i></b> in <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i>. Adding to the lively scene were <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Chestnut-backed Chickadees</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Oak Titmouses</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Townsend Warblers</span></b></i>, and the ever-present <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglets</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1FX1VnYgtqp-x4w5RpKCHY_un5l7vrGnlSHu_oGwAioj-Rpf25A9S_D6ZdHGoIay7nN2T6ikJJK5W5JS_8YmgoLHtMP1RpH7jrLg2XsnBihtfKDeKPvnA4E1yNtV4RrP0iT7q2pv-dmY2F15CofdcGaw11kysdpaMZUVROTcAQGj4aGFZl_Z5cS/s1273/1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1273" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1FX1VnYgtqp-x4w5RpKCHY_un5l7vrGnlSHu_oGwAioj-Rpf25A9S_D6ZdHGoIay7nN2T6ikJJK5W5JS_8YmgoLHtMP1RpH7jrLg2XsnBihtfKDeKPvnA4E1yNtV4RrP0iT7q2pv-dmY2F15CofdcGaw11kysdpaMZUVROTcAQGj4aGFZl_Z5cS/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Townsend's Warbler peeking out from behind tree trunk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I also want to think I saw a <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Nashville Warbler</span></i></b> . . . but, having failed to capture an image, I can't swear on it. But I can unequivocally state it was a <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Warbler</span></b></i>-like bird I have never seen before. <i>(Maybe a <b><span style="color: #351c75;">Vireo</span></b> of some sort?)</i> Regardless, it was a field day <i>(rather a gorge day)</i> for spotting a couple of birds rarely, if ever, spotted, by me, that is.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwEkOlbqG49k_IXrsY_PhVpIkw2mm_oPhQ8u1WBkbgFWywZtgFFP67QY7hLE4nqYQ3IliMKALr1QhZS31JWUnjv1g2qBY7ayPh7nppR8DaH6nxzJ3WOg7U1VHJqy-hCTSogArHbwxTzqs7oZ_L2SUm8Hsm5mckfOU3jzikv7ggaiiEXxVBCKp5axt/s1684/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwEkOlbqG49k_IXrsY_PhVpIkw2mm_oPhQ8u1WBkbgFWywZtgFFP67QY7hLE4nqYQ3IliMKALr1QhZS31JWUnjv1g2qBY7ayPh7nppR8DaH6nxzJ3WOg7U1VHJqy-hCTSogArHbwxTzqs7oZ_L2SUm8Hsm5mckfOU3jzikv7ggaiiEXxVBCKp5axt/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bottom view of Wilson's Warbler at rest</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My first <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i> sighting was at eerily cool <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Davis Lake</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Oregon</span></b></i>. I had no idea what bird it was that just flew like a quantum pellet disappearing into a bush. I had about a <b><i>5</i></b> second glimpse, just enough to later positively ID him as a <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> who could forget that stunning <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">golden</span></b></i> vertical stripe on the head?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQH9bweT7_QrOraT_4vvE_xV1z7Uxr3pu_WA1vQ1TTJmsrF-lcrWVHZ1ssspp3KNjCQgOi000_wczvmBd1Gq6tOn7PW5Cz6kJMP87HGny7yuCA3bEKnnnO_ytxRLSOxplrV_dAY4AFeNyBBCqufnlvH7WSD_OwTGaxy__SDI7gc0ln6tZymPtzZVL/s1440/1j.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQH9bweT7_QrOraT_4vvE_xV1z7Uxr3pu_WA1vQ1TTJmsrF-lcrWVHZ1ssspp3KNjCQgOi000_wczvmBd1Gq6tOn7PW5Cz6kJMP87HGny7yuCA3bEKnnnO_ytxRLSOxplrV_dAY4AFeNyBBCqufnlvH7WSD_OwTGaxy__SDI7gc0ln6tZymPtzZVL/w400-h320/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Plush bird habitat on protected EBMUD watershed lands</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> My second sighting was on <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Oursan / Bear Creek Trail</span></b></i> on <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">EBMUD</span></b></i> land. I had just set off and was not quite down to <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">San Pablo Creek</span></b></i>, when a bird I instantly knew I'd seen only one other time flew into a tree near the trail, darting about, disappearing, but sticking around long enough to get a much better second look, but no photo, of this crypto-avian species.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aiD8nLFAYLT_dlmcbkl9NqWWmcFkG594B4mbJQ8NpXZit3FiNhe6RnBdlDgF2vk1Zs3HbkGrPXV4gBffOkTkjsElA9Ou9vjwc5j6GvnPJxuPjPyuNugUw9ascBF6aEefD_oLdptHUQeZ0VxFFXzwk5d1CcK0J-Dmd2P1uK51_ukQNL5S8W0gAga8/s399/10302013%20(22).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aiD8nLFAYLT_dlmcbkl9NqWWmcFkG594B4mbJQ8NpXZit3FiNhe6RnBdlDgF2vk1Zs3HbkGrPXV4gBffOkTkjsElA9Ou9vjwc5j6GvnPJxuPjPyuNugUw9ascBF6aEefD_oLdptHUQeZ0VxFFXzwk5d1CcK0J-Dmd2P1uK51_ukQNL5S8W0gAga8/w400-h320/10302013%20(22).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">House Sparrow clinging to wire</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>A thrilling moment only a birder</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>in his/her/their own private <span style="color: #444444;">world</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>can enjoy and savor.</i></b></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG3NizfQrP8FNOAwXf-3gIKHsfyp4GBA-Pcu-rCY3Xc8iqqBMYElccUWmqpScRuV8vWdyuWb2X424S0BlPLBfxsRR-28OMRVVpKjfUOp84YGU-b1RqjAnBdUbUC3Ot5vLT9ct4rSf3Nkb9Hi8CMEsyGIAMtzBdTKspYN3KyXYYXqCjzhEUBs1kmT4/s1920/1k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG3NizfQrP8FNOAwXf-3gIKHsfyp4GBA-Pcu-rCY3Xc8iqqBMYElccUWmqpScRuV8vWdyuWb2X424S0BlPLBfxsRR-28OMRVVpKjfUOp84YGU-b1RqjAnBdUbUC3Ot5vLT9ct4rSf3Nkb9Hi8CMEsyGIAMtzBdTKspYN3KyXYYXqCjzhEUBs1kmT4/w400-h320/1k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Kinglet spotted in forests of Mount Tamalpais slopes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> My third sighting occurred in a small meadow off <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Steep Ravine Trail</span></b></i> in <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Marin County</span></b></i>. Aromatic after a nice rain, dense brush edged up against lush forest commingling with sunny meadow, perfect bird habitat and weather. Emerging from the dankness of the ravine into the sunlit clearing, I felt a sighting coming on. Go ahead, laugh.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVnTM3tE1WebgkCkfrGGcBvSuYscJ6A_x7AQ8aRq43LdDRNRzuAVxIJhdZfP5ndj15frnoNcWY4YKsIyFeZ3L-1BmeLtohNpOTVGjENjqirwSiVK1H-vPimx6YLoFGXiqCMkZdT1YFaRA8sQiMwfZL8t4x20FmZe2avk3PlhYY3VlTdzHFkNvY4Lp/s1603/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1603" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVnTM3tE1WebgkCkfrGGcBvSuYscJ6A_x7AQ8aRq43LdDRNRzuAVxIJhdZfP5ndj15frnoNcWY4YKsIyFeZ3L-1BmeLtohNpOTVGjENjqirwSiVK1H-vPimx6YLoFGXiqCMkZdT1YFaRA8sQiMwfZL8t4x20FmZe2avk3PlhYY3VlTdzHFkNvY4Lp/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Kinglets are tough to photograph with just a point 'n click camera!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Soon it came: a beautiful <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></i></b> manifesting right before my eyes in a tree a few feet away. Then </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> gone in a flash after <b><i>15</i></b> seconds of acquaintance. It's been good to know you, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZie-40HtgSFN5gKX-IB20Alq4p8AYqhNoIp-rwbZ6MmpfbzEhSWED0spcKCg3NjlMnNk8n-YbTP58dmz275rCZ4QtrNcmArnCWMnjPQpRmr-M8rHSM9JO7Y-Kftpm2fE3nUrHguT0EGeFs5reTepTNs3MukY5Iaoo0e4PNNQbx-Cw58cLAG0ViZT/s1758/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZie-40HtgSFN5gKX-IB20Alq4p8AYqhNoIp-rwbZ6MmpfbzEhSWED0spcKCg3NjlMnNk8n-YbTP58dmz275rCZ4QtrNcmArnCWMnjPQpRmr-M8rHSM9JO7Y-Kftpm2fE3nUrHguT0EGeFs5reTepTNs3MukY5Iaoo0e4PNNQbx-Cw58cLAG0ViZT/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo singing away in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> What makes the <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Wildcat Gorge</b></i></span> sighting so special is how long the bird stuck around. For a full half-hour, I was absorbed in an almost OCD-like trance of obsessively tracking the <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i> and spotting birds in general.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxQhvPYmg3g2SX6bYbp5uIXTeBzV8qIal0TMPJt-smyJ3eRNs7YO9LWsDaxSFVTDFX1Ik3Ej9mZ70AK7bRSTiRDEy4zQLR9PUeQVJxzyxkKR2nuUci2itL5gnoZ57phl9ZrE8pbQ2X55osqD1k882iTp9We5rl3tSU97tetGCi9uS4il2o5JXrP7e/s4050/1n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxQhvPYmg3g2SX6bYbp5uIXTeBzV8qIal0TMPJt-smyJ3eRNs7YO9LWsDaxSFVTDFX1Ik3Ej9mZ70AK7bRSTiRDEy4zQLR9PUeQVJxzyxkKR2nuUci2itL5gnoZ57phl9ZrE8pbQ2X55osqD1k882iTp9We5rl3tSU97tetGCi9uS4il2o5JXrP7e/w400-h320/1n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Creek beauty & bird h(e)aven</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Plus, it was so beautiful after a fresh rain, with the creek burbling along, and the landscape glistening. Many hikers passing by with their dogs and kids, all looking up to the tree tops in wonderment at my insistent scrutiny though the binoculars.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl9RjDEpDwZoOBQhz9TJUE1qwHnIsZLxxNlNW_qI9dCsB2flmlkd9jPvfbd3xroAKYK5pmHhlvxuhfXzCdtLPtjM3d9AJnHisdf8SHS6GXSrVzRn-AOQfcoTPsrxyUAnhAD9mOKrO6btSP-t6QzHo0iCTWGm1otzjpENaYwSWIM9ol-FarK9p_tE0/s1920/1l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl9RjDEpDwZoOBQhz9TJUE1qwHnIsZLxxNlNW_qI9dCsB2flmlkd9jPvfbd3xroAKYK5pmHhlvxuhfXzCdtLPtjM3d9AJnHisdf8SHS6GXSrVzRn-AOQfcoTPsrxyUAnhAD9mOKrO6btSP-t6QzHo0iCTWGm1otzjpENaYwSWIM9ol-FarK9p_tE0/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Freshet tributary of Wildcat Creek off Blue Gum Trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>To one, I turn and say,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"The birds!</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ya gotta love them!</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">You know they can count, right?"</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XOGl_s_LOuZOHnCekd3l5i8CB6IYRjfxVvi4y09YnPXVxfQCxfxuZaDz9lyFAw6yLEVHYUhJ9K9bW5QfKJGq1n6W-W6OjR-zNWQLoWM-rqt-xOH8YB3YVd7CsLQEqVmeOeoAq7bgBPkTamZ3nKl_GagYw3JNOuCi5iKrm1GFa210jAYsHfQhAzQ3/s1419/11212013_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1419" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XOGl_s_LOuZOHnCekd3l5i8CB6IYRjfxVvi4y09YnPXVxfQCxfxuZaDz9lyFAw6yLEVHYUhJ9K9bW5QfKJGq1n6W-W6OjR-zNWQLoWM-rqt-xOH8YB3YVd7CsLQEqVmeOeoAq7bgBPkTamZ3nKl_GagYw3JNOuCi5iKrm1GFa210jAYsHfQhAzQ3/w400-h320/11212013_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in silhouette</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">The kid's eyes roll and jaw spins, and he says,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Like you mean one plus one equals two?"</span></span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J1Ki8fOvqCl4mQ4sHNzNxwqWCvU5dureXV5cUFB2OwRP8Lo1t-xBAGWztYBIRHrzBTodyvLckiPI8GWe1uazKKSvpIdKvJv-xtR_szLf6hIi9q5wnNMtyiHqOKPaoD5RqeF4iyXzIAXtoFAXPdmVmxLp6tOObJQWbe6W1uCIrfDl3LIEpWZCP6iJ/s1527/1m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1527" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J1Ki8fOvqCl4mQ4sHNzNxwqWCvU5dureXV5cUFB2OwRP8Lo1t-xBAGWztYBIRHrzBTodyvLckiPI8GWe1uazKKSvpIdKvJv-xtR_szLf6hIi9q5wnNMtyiHqOKPaoD5RqeF4iyXzIAXtoFAXPdmVmxLp6tOObJQWbe6W1uCIrfDl3LIEpWZCP6iJ/w400-h320/1m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bonus sighting along the creek: Virginia Rail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">"'Zactly!"</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aCoslqzroP3BrCZpSPik0qP9xSVP33u1rCkU63QQ2hbPwpKmfS1JU2f0W7_gC2M2_cOggB5kk1CWxF5DsMeHIFdnNGLuxpP55s7qYcp9GIEI0TSDTZN-n4QJ6cUBa2dRZmhz6F4_7tlM3C-gPgnP3RVBPTpk0qFWlh8jlKmfBE5RUph1tL94PVFh/s1919/7312014%20(43).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aCoslqzroP3BrCZpSPik0qP9xSVP33u1rCkU63QQ2hbPwpKmfS1JU2f0W7_gC2M2_cOggB5kk1CWxF5DsMeHIFdnNGLuxpP55s7qYcp9GIEI0TSDTZN-n4QJ6cUBa2dRZmhz6F4_7tlM3C-gPgnP3RVBPTpk0qFWlh8jlKmfBE5RUph1tL94PVFh/w400-h320/7312014%20(43).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Anna's Hummingbird taking it easy</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I cite a recent study conducted on New Zealand <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robins</span>,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>a smarty-pants bird who:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2xnBadyRAt9wF9VE_ouWrAIQIe66sJOwOmdthzjZ-Rf6f6WI2mUwk-4gZYC-5jMvuQGXzHgasQKO80RdM6GIKToMCfQGbSlrHqFLFQQDqvI1KXZNwVolmYczYOa9vOMu0xfNFtp20fqsJW9_SpKxdhuORAMrIT0YT_TaZpaK0t5lP7nkm1R94yvI/s1450/5blog_9412%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2xnBadyRAt9wF9VE_ouWrAIQIe66sJOwOmdthzjZ-Rf6f6WI2mUwk-4gZYC-5jMvuQGXzHgasQKO80RdM6GIKToMCfQGbSlrHqFLFQQDqvI1KXZNwVolmYczYOa9vOMu0xfNFtp20fqsJW9_SpKxdhuORAMrIT0YT_TaZpaK0t5lP7nkm1R94yvI/w400-h320/5blog_9412%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Special appearance and sighting of Virgina Rail on Wildcat Creek</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b><i>" . . . showed that they knew perfectly well</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b><i>when a scientist had showed them</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b><i>two mealworms in a box,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b><i>but then delivered only one."</i></b></span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBHLPAcAEWru4bnZcW-2kw2z-Gw8rK2pdnckBIxuWShLRi30OvKPJspNCgqjUh4WMQ_gGj369YIE_PrwrmPDiCZc77eiFNf85Q6pd5VWaIn7eze41Bx6ecqvs9Tmv8LMZR8VWNSSdb3GLtXVZlyRf47vKDT8weWjNfdFyTNP_IWd1-q17FzNnr0-S/s1440/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBHLPAcAEWru4bnZcW-2kw2z-Gw8rK2pdnckBIxuWShLRi30OvKPJspNCgqjUh4WMQ_gGj369YIE_PrwrmPDiCZc77eiFNf85Q6pd5VWaIn7eze41Bx6ecqvs9Tmv8LMZR8VWNSSdb3GLtXVZlyRf47vKDT8weWjNfdFyTNP_IWd1-q17FzNnr0-S/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Townsend's Warbler cooling off in spring</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">What could be more fascinating</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">to the kid in all of us</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">who adores and holds birds in awe?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZHbNi7bkG_C24Zx8DMKAXKwxlqfI5j6jN1KgREUottJOaAqrg22bGv29i7_vQgfObhBl7WHjOn0Ktr_XeEdVaqwYmb8MXjc31NdJKIGsW1PXg8z11kjjQUWgdDMau-2korhNhuLxQ0UH5Ktr3TxfM_uNLPfoG_yOD3rBa_ZzYU5nLkgOMXDQpDux/s1569/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="1569" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZHbNi7bkG_C24Zx8DMKAXKwxlqfI5j6jN1KgREUottJOaAqrg22bGv29i7_vQgfObhBl7WHjOn0Ktr_XeEdVaqwYmb8MXjc31NdJKIGsW1PXg8z11kjjQUWgdDMau-2korhNhuLxQ0UH5Ktr3TxfM_uNLPfoG_yOD3rBa_ZzYU5nLkgOMXDQpDux/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Purty little Yellow-rumped Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Check out this video of someone who managed</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>to capture the hyperactive Golden-crowned Kinglet in action!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsMJFSWmacU" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET IN MAINE</span></a></b><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb529QFzSz9-PZtE6niveFGF1JGXcGuSssP9H7fl9vccYqwT_Bs-uwjiH2qkVmBYevBigOmftyxWe4UOGbrwFZ3VmplLwzr0N7bZ6jU3AcXCDjKa1zhebYtSAV7UzMXogCa7Y-tXKdmFceeQabE9OeT4_sco1k9j15tKIZRpCaPLwaznGVncO923B/s1977/1b1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1977" data-original-width="1113" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb529QFzSz9-PZtE6niveFGF1JGXcGuSssP9H7fl9vccYqwT_Bs-uwjiH2qkVmBYevBigOmftyxWe4UOGbrwFZ3VmplLwzr0N7bZ6jU3AcXCDjKa1zhebYtSAV7UzMXogCa7Y-tXKdmFceeQabE9OeT4_sco1k9j15tKIZRpCaPLwaznGVncO923B/w360-h640/1b1.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Wildcat Creek natural aviary</span><br /><span style="color: #741b47;">recondite stretch</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-71560801098881415392014-11-29T17:20:00.158-08:002023-03-30T13:18:50.590-07:00A Birducopia of Sightings, Encounters & Activity as Fall Migration Season Winds Down (Or Picks Up?)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGmNf9QHUd9PnEIXcfFRaKRzZOFSexulAFgxnCA6w7O0GwS1r4XnxPMnDLWRJGnRVJAXLoWuwReuKSKvUE0fw5Kc5oT2XuTneprj8qLxD6G6eevR1IxZ3orgWVPHXav5x4u8Gdvmurq_bEgdwzxTMi0QdXbG8Btl9ujMcHpeolroxlS-oDMiHFiEF/s1920/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGmNf9QHUd9PnEIXcfFRaKRzZOFSexulAFgxnCA6w7O0GwS1r4XnxPMnDLWRJGnRVJAXLoWuwReuKSKvUE0fw5Kc5oT2XuTneprj8qLxD6G6eevR1IxZ3orgWVPHXav5x4u8Gdvmurq_bEgdwzxTMi0QdXbG8Btl9ujMcHpeolroxlS-oDMiHFiEF/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cormorants gathered on guano-splattered rock</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Fall season has been great</span></span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">for the birds of </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">California</span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">,</span></span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">whether temporary visitors</span></span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">or year-round residents</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></b></i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJbK_Ug83FBdJuB3ZU1q60EmrjokJG-wsgs5R8I6_NDpY-Z7m2qVI-xIhnZ85MINVBC-0vFXeA6x5uDi1V6GeZVr-KjwX56pJW32-99VCvRmIzpxHUXJ5ZFuCWXzsgBT01vgShNWIp-h7ER_Ov1Tmbk6x6LRd32V57a0JauOe3U1OgNHeInWyQuxq/s1919/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJbK_Ug83FBdJuB3ZU1q60EmrjokJG-wsgs5R8I6_NDpY-Z7m2qVI-xIhnZ85MINVBC-0vFXeA6x5uDi1V6GeZVr-KjwX56pJW32-99VCvRmIzpxHUXJ5ZFuCWXzsgBT01vgShNWIp-h7ER_Ov1Tmbk6x6LRd32V57a0JauOe3U1OgNHeInWyQuxq/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Quail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Mild temperatures and abundant sustenance guarantee food, safety and shelter for hundreds of avian species dropping out of the skies around the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></b></i> in world class birding locales from <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Point Reyes National Seashore</span></i></b> and <span style="color: #783f04;"><i><b>Mount Diablo State Park</b></i></span> to endless miles of <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">San Francisco Bay</span></i></b> shoreline and this blog's favorite and much beloved <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Jewel Lake /</span></b></i> <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tilden Nature Area</span></i></b> in the <i><span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>Berkeley Hills</b></span></i>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7EW8TOcVwh4wEn2Y2WvIqm9vLPK84EFzGS51OKM0yyzyA88OsF1EovCnQgayG_YHF2QmYSWn_c4m8rpLOK6bbd0gKaeOofKCf4__3UQfMdsIjERcZPrmpCyyZ1zAkGwx5VMMxB_L4cfdsg09ccWwQR76qnfyUguK-YJOTM7gSduBzsAj3EdhoOLk/s1510/1b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7EW8TOcVwh4wEn2Y2WvIqm9vLPK84EFzGS51OKM0yyzyA88OsF1EovCnQgayG_YHF2QmYSWn_c4m8rpLOK6bbd0gKaeOofKCf4__3UQfMdsIjERcZPrmpCyyZ1zAkGwx5VMMxB_L4cfdsg09ccWwQR76qnfyUguK-YJOTM7gSduBzsAj3EdhoOLk/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Recent reports on birding sites detail an embarrassment of avian riches everywhere around the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Bay Area</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFGndxArm1hmbEvlLFLy1Vw-L34INVdyg0rh-Y3ZC6KLNTF69p_J1fxyLbHebF0gaSa7S7OLasTJWnLTbE3lpcq0T4HHGLFs9yOHP3y2GfmGKxG-al11MmaLqTXbEoIhhoQJ_aroigD8JKg6uwxz4NgElVCFEtNel1VUmRaWXUkpLCis-aWHdjauz/s775/Mountain_Bluebird_elaine%20r%20wilson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="775" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFGndxArm1hmbEvlLFLy1Vw-L34INVdyg0rh-Y3ZC6KLNTF69p_J1fxyLbHebF0gaSa7S7OLasTJWnLTbE3lpcq0T4HHGLFs9yOHP3y2GfmGKxG-al11MmaLqTXbEoIhhoQJ_aroigD8JKg6uwxz4NgElVCFEtNel1VUmRaWXUkpLCis-aWHdjauz/w400-h271/Mountain_Bluebird_elaine%20r%20wilson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brilliant male Mountain Bluebird</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo by Elaine R. Wilson, CC BY-SA 2.5 <br /><https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>,<br />via Wikimedia Commons)</span></b></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Sightings of exotic </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mountain Bluebirds</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>near Patterson Pass Road.</b></i></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z4oeySv9sHiFvFTJVLDdVgX7z63Rl_qgVx-VUNXhB3EJOA2wWsKnb8NTmevG2a8msyCWSLIEkvxsDdmy4H-M5zBJcNTFZd3S3nN8hDgrHJvRBMrsNGcHPfxZEngwFlgBfOMTiwXrYyjd7W3lWmrpPkG3iPTbx4-NxcCmhan9oBwQu6nBp7CEuIKG/s3533/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2827" data-original-width="3533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z4oeySv9sHiFvFTJVLDdVgX7z63Rl_qgVx-VUNXhB3EJOA2wWsKnb8NTmevG2a8msyCWSLIEkvxsDdmy4H-M5zBJcNTFZd3S3nN8hDgrHJvRBMrsNGcHPfxZEngwFlgBfOMTiwXrYyjd7W3lWmrpPkG3iPTbx4-NxcCmhan9oBwQu6nBp7CEuIKG/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Kingbird sighting near Vernal Utah</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Western Kingbirds</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnT6aMjG58w0LEJO887QBI6okGFmJtFaeOckXD1cIigJ6OVtJAVyRoLq78J-U1OeTLEmClHiJsW5q59z-nr4ym8I27S6O8zCrCxDnYiBorFlGrfWNeFlFxwl8LwE_8Uy4ryQs1POhohuSx-3dpRoTn7SdX_iXcAgJZbZUKRjK_pbNYG4KYpbz87HG/s600/1a_400px-Lewis's_Woodpecker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnT6aMjG58w0LEJO887QBI6okGFmJtFaeOckXD1cIigJ6OVtJAVyRoLq78J-U1OeTLEmClHiJsW5q59z-nr4ym8I27S6O8zCrCxDnYiBorFlGrfWNeFlFxwl8LwE_8Uy4ryQs1POhohuSx-3dpRoTn7SdX_iXcAgJZbZUKRjK_pbNYG4KYpbz87HG/w266-h400/1a_400px-Lewis's_Woodpecker.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lewis's Woodpecker</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span>(Photo by </span><span style="color: #660000;">http://www.naturespicsonline.com/,</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;">CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>,</span></div><div><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;">via Wikimedia Commons</span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">)</span></div></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Lewis' Woodpeckers</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">at Briones Reservoirs.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4Ts634mOpcsqmrgoiSEzAnrrs5heEMovbOX_7awamyFGh9GGEgLSwSQFEfmRr0Wri7wwf9vjl-h6Lcj97e5e2aK-ZKnraow43yWOvPts35O8ZrmKCIMJd81p_AiiAI7hTbebl2eHtWb0zIXarrKeCOapICKgS9TMGHzTAlOnirb5jAchorefgvIc/s1710/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1710" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4Ts634mOpcsqmrgoiSEzAnrrs5heEMovbOX_7awamyFGh9GGEgLSwSQFEfmRr0Wri7wwf9vjl-h6Lcj97e5e2aK-ZKnraow43yWOvPts35O8ZrmKCIMJd81p_AiiAI7hTbebl2eHtWb0zIXarrKeCOapICKgS9TMGHzTAlOnirb5jAchorefgvIc/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Flotilla of Gray Pelicans at MLK, Jr Shoreline</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As well as my own unheralded, miraculously small birding sightings, encounters and adventures in the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i>, along <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">San Pablo Creek</span></b></i>, in <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mitchell Canyon</span></i></b>, and throughout west <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Marin County</span></i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpx2_BmEt2GuyA4epWpT2C1eXz8ioRm0dykvdv_al6h4v5AiVhUoMHxike7r3wDY2aY-XMMxda6XHtMUsc3fMCbJ2vynfMXCTrkMrnUWgV6zVobwfyu9rTp4Io8jbYGqGfRPJbDUrPaNiqHWX4gzI-Vk0grDL-K1I_GQWY7B7gtC976rPW7I-z872/s1920/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpx2_BmEt2GuyA4epWpT2C1eXz8ioRm0dykvdv_al6h4v5AiVhUoMHxike7r3wDY2aY-XMMxda6XHtMUsc3fMCbJ2vynfMXCTrkMrnUWgV6zVobwfyu9rTp4Io8jbYGqGfRPJbDUrPaNiqHWX4gzI-Vk0grDL-K1I_GQWY7B7gtC976rPW7I-z872/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bird-licious habitat at Mitchell Canyon, Mount Diablo State Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Including a super-hot spot for birds – <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Limantour Beach</span></b></i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> and just about everywhere, anywhere, where there's a forest or brush for cover, it's a bonanza of birds.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19lBhUpcwxj0jljBPh5F3bxDLoXhRLt2Xzm5yWj7X2cac6nmy2GFlHZS5PckimP1s0S3UMMA1QPcbPZyOIbkuZMD9p8foV4Xm--PlFKdrSANoIIaE-Rwa0wgGkwPmCm_8FC0jOueEG934PJFr79dMfOV61897HvcMRDWiPv-0oB5oJZBfbLuvHrRj/s1440/2c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19lBhUpcwxj0jljBPh5F3bxDLoXhRLt2Xzm5yWj7X2cac6nmy2GFlHZS5PckimP1s0S3UMMA1QPcbPZyOIbkuZMD9p8foV4Xm--PlFKdrSANoIIaE-Rwa0wgGkwPmCm_8FC0jOueEG934PJFr79dMfOV61897HvcMRDWiPv-0oB5oJZBfbLuvHrRj/w400-h320/2c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Limantour Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">Aren't they blessed little souls!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptW9cJV7JzbbxFnpqahRhtJva2K7QGslnTm_ogZfBOgVu26AGqtaNaupOgfXVFocx9u1Wi4MPG9L3ENPWvWow6X7CSenbBFDTSrsKOMs5tY3LjuZmwK92LyM1IM4QbeELFYGt1uR_hqC2sza44OVyba0wlf1-AHo55G9wCeUOS9ZzAb6ZLseX3PKT/s400/1j_fernando%20burgalin%20sequeria%20macaulay%20library.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptW9cJV7JzbbxFnpqahRhtJva2K7QGslnTm_ogZfBOgVu26AGqtaNaupOgfXVFocx9u1Wi4MPG9L3ENPWvWow6X7CSenbBFDTSrsKOMs5tY3LjuZmwK92LyM1IM4QbeELFYGt1uR_hqC2sza44OVyba0wlf1-AHo55G9wCeUOS9ZzAb6ZLseX3PKT/w400-h300/1j_fernando%20burgalin%20sequeria%20macaulay%20library.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8192px;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;">Northern Waterthrush (photo by Fernando Burgalin Sequeria, Macaulay Library)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Naturally, what's good for the birds is good for the birders, and throngs of 'em are out in force this season hoping to spot a wayward <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Northern Waterthrush</span></i></b> or off-course <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">European Finch</span></b></i>.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVQNx4dfvW7pPw73W3EESk33VTHIvoccTPbgo7DQQQlJCNY0fSf_pHL83z1N7vezy9vR9N2lLTOWKmaUIhxK-_HSFPG4WG9iikAh8JXQ_ucZY8ChFE7axydwfJH-_L2_K_xAfPBuOJmfVntmTKIysRENno72qKM46EMMhOx9dQ_pVwlbSak-gOMGM/s1440/2h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVQNx4dfvW7pPw73W3EESk33VTHIvoccTPbgo7DQQQlJCNY0fSf_pHL83z1N7vezy9vR9N2lLTOWKmaUIhxK-_HSFPG4WG9iikAh8JXQ_ucZY8ChFE7axydwfJH-_L2_K_xAfPBuOJmfVntmTKIysRENno72qKM46EMMhOx9dQ_pVwlbSak-gOMGM/w400-h320/2h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Excellent avian habitat in the Berkeley Hills (Tilden Park)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Many, including me, are hoping to up their <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Life List</span></b></i> tally by a dozen species. It's that kind of year. And, for the proud and few, it might even be a <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Big Year</span></b></i> . . . which, in any case, will have to wait, unfortunately, for me, at least.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9_9iGT1eBbZ1uqpiBHvxVV5AXldC1xwflXqFv4psToEOGkRpbn3C3J76iCrHmhVg7VAJ6mRX7hb8D6obBU-19bglB7RO6h9gf4tsRiQM0lmvxHqubcH0Xfk5kEnWnZDUYUpsvlXZleDvwxwLYOs-0fzQIbAaQHDia2TAzgDbKyWYUp5i-MbkX1A0/s1920/1k%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9_9iGT1eBbZ1uqpiBHvxVV5AXldC1xwflXqFv4psToEOGkRpbn3C3J76iCrHmhVg7VAJ6mRX7hb8D6obBU-19bglB7RO6h9gf4tsRiQM0lmvxHqubcH0Xfk5kEnWnZDUYUpsvlXZleDvwxwLYOs-0fzQIbAaQHDia2TAzgDbKyWYUp5i-MbkX1A0/w400-h320/1k%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch (guessing)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Despite routinely spotting <i><b>20</b></i> to <i><b>30</b></i> species in my side yard or local park, paradoxically, I've not seen one-tenth or one-twentieth, even, of the possible number of unique avian visitors to our great <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></i></b>, a mighty big place, and easily <i><b>300</b></i> or <i><b>400</b></i> species come and go and stay.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKVRMjN_jJeITPWp_9Ym3hgD4oNRrBFrDEiN3v3RaXDPZG9Pa-s55JKB7rPe9eKc0asaEeq_Wyek10Vf2sm1zrMz8soutEwBTP4t4RT7NJJTaJW_FKVTS_hvHEBIR6qqIWkrNmQQgr3Cquj2XQbzukFCpYTqtnbOeCiO4ZhSzB3Zmj9KeScgikBUB/s1415/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKVRMjN_jJeITPWp_9Ym3hgD4oNRrBFrDEiN3v3RaXDPZG9Pa-s55JKB7rPe9eKc0asaEeq_Wyek10Vf2sm1zrMz8soutEwBTP4t4RT7NJJTaJW_FKVTS_hvHEBIR6qqIWkrNmQQgr3Cquj2XQbzukFCpYTqtnbOeCiO4ZhSzB3Zmj9KeScgikBUB/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Whimbrels feeding in the mudflats of Albany Bulb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Is it just me who hasn't seen, say a "<i>common"</i> <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Pine Siskin</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Oven Bird</span></b></i>, or <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Painted Bunting?</span></b></i> Let alone a <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Tennessee Warbler</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Cassin's Vireo</span></b></i>, or <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Common Poorwill</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8eMVUg3xnI_FWhrcldpeHqHZBPPuszghbeHtcWPWo66r5Sy8IJ9kYeEEi4VjppZED5zQp67FrUnlMPckTO_ysqOnSQDlP_4UHZNphDD9QQgwxeWSSPi23XE4nsyqwyt8Bb4t9KjzfRngRi-lwhclQaX0_pZoefeHx4IEr6PmdtiGZjpPKusrPYlp/s1221/1j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1221" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8eMVUg3xnI_FWhrcldpeHqHZBPPuszghbeHtcWPWo66r5Sy8IJ9kYeEEi4VjppZED5zQp67FrUnlMPckTO_ysqOnSQDlP_4UHZNphDD9QQgwxeWSSPi23XE4nsyqwyt8Bb4t9KjzfRngRi-lwhclQaX0_pZoefeHx4IEr6PmdtiGZjpPKusrPYlp/w400-h320/1j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">"Just" a common ol' Wilson's Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b><i>Thought:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>maybe I have spotted one</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>and just didn't know it.</i></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9kg5JP-GxhzFFAToDFq0BdYesxnUcikM0i_lyzp3FyKFWu1qI5jNemhKzX1dNFHzwumBku3Fi-XsP85oVPuVdoX7nf7KFTp9sZAUDx4vLIZXIEkjdGCEjF5d1DCcUGm51uCxxPpxjVtul185Q8No1njuZGdtd-pzkQGbflBsWEuvZ2ktZ_pJtrNo/s1326/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9kg5JP-GxhzFFAToDFq0BdYesxnUcikM0i_lyzp3FyKFWu1qI5jNemhKzX1dNFHzwumBku3Fi-XsP85oVPuVdoX7nf7KFTp9sZAUDx4vLIZXIEkjdGCEjF5d1DCcUGm51uCxxPpxjVtul185Q8No1njuZGdtd-pzkQGbflBsWEuvZ2ktZ_pJtrNo/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Coots on shore near mudflats of SF Bay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Still, it's a <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Big Year</span></b></i> right in my <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">BerkeleyBackYard </span></b></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;">environs.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> My list is growing of several fortuitous, serendipitous, but very fleeting sightings of many splendid <i>(and not so common)</i> birds.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jhyCLibn8h0Gxwsq9oE8ztnMOGRS0Q6vj5LJFYQtK9j_VET51B4-oyW0acGne3BCecKpdDWPaUKInrzKX-sZ-GBeBaFzonPwasDHAjyRT3K9UBNSi1n7C3C4fKNjrhED2NHVEls_fdfyUKbvGM0adnzwNijt8hpnybOnG6D25ioaZKZsDxXczDrK/s1727/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="1727" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jhyCLibn8h0Gxwsq9oE8ztnMOGRS0Q6vj5LJFYQtK9j_VET51B4-oyW0acGne3BCecKpdDWPaUKInrzKX-sZ-GBeBaFzonPwasDHAjyRT3K9UBNSi1n7C3C4fKNjrhED2NHVEls_fdfyUKbvGM0adnzwNijt8hpnybOnG6D25ioaZKZsDxXczDrK/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Stilts in San Francisco Bay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Some of whom I may not see again.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqivsdJh6_Jz55NCBZmFsu1Pq388uVJRIhxwcpJJ1NVqD0ws82kdrRC2LfXM-CiXoO85UHqcCBWYcfFJ9z4jYzrODFffNGq1pPGlCE34Tng2vyQGquYqvPMTnFiGtNTsmgB79BJDekpxsoR1Dj2JSIcXOTMTtr9TjlJxbMy01y9qiezZ1da87m3nc/s1662/2d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqivsdJh6_Jz55NCBZmFsu1Pq388uVJRIhxwcpJJ1NVqD0ws82kdrRC2LfXM-CiXoO85UHqcCBWYcfFJ9z4jYzrODFffNGq1pPGlCE34Tng2vyQGquYqvPMTnFiGtNTsmgB79BJDekpxsoR1Dj2JSIcXOTMTtr9TjlJxbMy01y9qiezZ1da87m3nc/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush spotted in Mitchell Canyon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> seen and well photographed at <b><i><span style="color: #073763;">Mitchell Canyon</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Mount Diablo State Park</span></i></b>. Also spotted over twelve months in <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Codornices Park</span></i></b>, the <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Regional Parks Botanic Garden</span></b></i> parking lot area, <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">John Hinkel Park</span></i></b> in Berkeley, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></b></i>, and on Thanksgiving Day, two in my side yard, a first ever sighting of the pretty <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Thrushes</span></i></b> showing up here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfQ8Osvu_eKocbRXMRh3f0Xp-pBiHLECoLZjYmEOV0QRpeXnQtrCJHsKDkUeDuFzO8gpXL3E56zL9CCFO5lCEdEYhrsaJ7zZUv5st-UCxISuklBR-H9H_KgSA75SpzKurnadE12Yr51p7Kqh6iIdBnED7cZQqBNlElPs0rOXBq39pU5VSgF5YDAfJ/s1580/2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfQ8Osvu_eKocbRXMRh3f0Xp-pBiHLECoLZjYmEOV0QRpeXnQtrCJHsKDkUeDuFzO8gpXL3E56zL9CCFO5lCEdEYhrsaJ7zZUv5st-UCxISuklBR-H9H_KgSA75SpzKurnadE12Yr51p7Kqh6iIdBnED7cZQqBNlElPs0rOXBq39pU5VSgF5YDAfJ/w400-h320/2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Nuthatch pausing from insect-hunting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">White-breasted Nuthatch</span></i></b> spotted right off the bat at <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Mitchell Canyon</span></b></i>, but not again after that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV_MNi9m7YYjPbWavuK7PKx4MCDIFqHgTxIMUehg5oHuh0UPLmg590C45hMlMqNUu5nEA4udXrZiZDsygshQQHDl-dBz4yqa2GIfUWq5zNgV_TzXoHm_wTSNpiuxXY4nT5mQ-xc3hGZ3pLjVdFGtRgdiVyud5CVJCEv9SKo26fHyGFaoo5elRDQTw/s1249/2g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV_MNi9m7YYjPbWavuK7PKx4MCDIFqHgTxIMUehg5oHuh0UPLmg590C45hMlMqNUu5nEA4udXrZiZDsygshQQHDl-dBz4yqa2GIfUWq5zNgV_TzXoHm_wTSNpiuxXY4nT5mQ-xc3hGZ3pLjVdFGtRgdiVyud5CVJCEv9SKo26fHyGFaoo5elRDQTw/w400-h320/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-breasted Sapsucker in the Eucalyptus trees at Tilden</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Red-breasted Sapsucker</span></b></i>, spotted for the first time in the <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Regional Parks Botanic Garden</span></b></i>, and again elsewhere in <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Tilden Regional Park</span></i></b> later. Strange, two sightings, apart, of a bird I had never seen before. <i>(There's that thing again!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlzvnsT2I7kgkDdmmJTxnS6GuGcpZbEE54fT40ArBnJSTdjoJ_QIicvtraP4mOLJ1ZHh4-oL6sLLJAgnGbSPzIX6nvgHgHpn2sZd8KyQkXIyYHkjQYmFFnxffIFeX5kg5LC33xEJggRC52NcEYa8kiVa2oQe6LiXu1DTfc5qk03e0vtrju7jdICJi/s400/2e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlzvnsT2I7kgkDdmmJTxnS6GuGcpZbEE54fT40ArBnJSTdjoJ_QIicvtraP4mOLJ1ZHh4-oL6sLLJAgnGbSPzIX6nvgHgHpn2sZd8KyQkXIyYHkjQYmFFnxffIFeX5kg5LC33xEJggRC52NcEYa8kiVa2oQe6LiXu1DTfc5qk03e0vtrju7jdICJi/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Not-so-great shot of the Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i> spotted at <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></i></b>. A magical encounter of a unique bird flitting into my life ever so briefly, in a place I had no business being. <i>(Check out prior post on it.)</i> I'll be lucky to ever see one again. And yet . . . it's considered <i>"not so uncommon"</i> to see one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi4zGiA_-5vruejjRYNvwtDbpql1O-9arNMI9zRsGCdLJ-YSijNhIsW3-i9vV2LTzjnoLcp0_Dm_RUeQo_lA6cGFGVTR8Sp7d5QiNpley-VsG2qcHZmxjyreKhWhOAnBQG0doaBb2SdFkYcoDt0gj3WPEKLy5G0JRr115fkkT_NfTg76Cdx4NOcRC/s1440/3d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi4zGiA_-5vruejjRYNvwtDbpql1O-9arNMI9zRsGCdLJ-YSijNhIsW3-i9vV2LTzjnoLcp0_Dm_RUeQo_lA6cGFGVTR8Sp7d5QiNpley-VsG2qcHZmxjyreKhWhOAnBQG0doaBb2SdFkYcoDt0gj3WPEKLy5G0JRr115fkkT_NfTg76Cdx4NOcRC/w400-h320/3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lone Killdeer</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;"> Killdeers</span></b></i> along the <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">San Francisco Bay</span></b></i> shoreline </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> true, I've never before seen one! Have I just not been looking for them? Amazing little dudes, I had never been aware, let alone noticed them before.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFA2KtlVGGr9WvChQgsP_DZ158CZ8XxQesiLRryr_JMI9To31PQQBQ-nYmTULASlfZr2QzSBfVGF53RAooLiZdfcuei1WRSGn30wxVLOtQ1721Bunnwwk2dAe_UwjBLdM6LCrLtovH7QoCZDxY_K5VDPc90GlFxd5DJX42_I2T9J9vQkxoumb8C2J/s2161/3c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1729" data-original-width="2161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFA2KtlVGGr9WvChQgsP_DZ158CZ8XxQesiLRryr_JMI9To31PQQBQ-nYmTULASlfZr2QzSBfVGF53RAooLiZdfcuei1WRSGn30wxVLOtQ1721Bunnwwk2dAe_UwjBLdM6LCrLtovH7QoCZDxY_K5VDPc90GlFxd5DJX42_I2T9J9vQkxoumb8C2J/w400-h320/3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Wigeon (?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> Wigeons</span></b></i> at the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Albany Bulb</span></b></i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> ditto. Why would I ever notice a <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Wigeon</span></b></i> before, and know it was a <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Wigeon</span></b></i> I was noticing?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9drSzu2ainAfeRD9WSZR23dpVKc49DC4z2PaGLJr-IfsGUFV-ghEcA6bW-CbSUTYVKFnVjy1wkkKh_tBe3lmA1EqafyS9_1OpQkdlXTIFlGGfKhM_mltjHg5h5oZG4ANAoM_grs_whwKyf-Kmbfjhsi_Wg1Vd1XPnluvkldd-P0MQQaGDd3mfa_0H/s1440/3b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9drSzu2ainAfeRD9WSZR23dpVKc49DC4z2PaGLJr-IfsGUFV-ghEcA6bW-CbSUTYVKFnVjy1wkkKh_tBe3lmA1EqafyS9_1OpQkdlXTIFlGGfKhM_mltjHg5h5oZG4ANAoM_grs_whwKyf-Kmbfjhsi_Wg1Vd1XPnluvkldd-P0MQQaGDd3mfa_0H/w400-h320/3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hermit or Wood Thrush? (Who can tell?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #783f04;"><i><b> Hermit Thrushes</b></i></span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> they're all over the place this fall, like I never can remember them being. <i>(Could some of them be <b><span style="color: #444444;">Fox Sparrows</span></b> and/or <b><span style="color: #783f04;">Wood Thrushes</span></b> I'm misidentifying.)</i> Why did I not notice them as a <i>"fairly common"</i> bird before?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXVWvaDsCR45I6kxCNHIzyzMNWpnzvukiLLBtUMFmS3Q4xDjugNeILxI0bix0z73kQo-SgmHidxlsydn7G3Ju37wMZ72ESJ-LwFYZV56dpdYthq2Zy_Z6h3P5g90EBcykYiYO_yyT84HoRleXFtt25p1BKBE9q7W3u679KtoS855lEOSKZoQS6o5T/s1591/3e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXVWvaDsCR45I6kxCNHIzyzMNWpnzvukiLLBtUMFmS3Q4xDjugNeILxI0bix0z73kQo-SgmHidxlsydn7G3Ju37wMZ72ESJ-LwFYZV56dpdYthq2Zy_Z6h3P5g90EBcykYiYO_yyT84HoRleXFtt25p1BKBE9q7W3u679KtoS855lEOSKZoQS6o5T/w400-h320/3e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Angry looking bird: European Starling</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><b><i>European Starlings</i></b></span> spotted at <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">McLaughlin Eastshore State Park</span></b></i> surprised me immensely for their otherworldly look and coloration. And besides, I don't think I could ever lay claim to actually positively ever having seen one. The photo here managed to stump a few fellow birders for a while!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIo8LUA_JpyL9ysZktfvJdYAhrFFHssKz_aTmVLD-p4O3LaYH8lLPKZBZeyGq3NNhRWdn-Fg9ucb6vUo_ZURMHtH0BM69PLDrJu5jItfbmCzW0XTj7lbC1fKjCzTQ2vuM5EergQYnxC5TpB4WoIE7Cy5Sg_V9nrlFBaDsGDUfQob3zA1mvHVOmcqV/s400/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIo8LUA_JpyL9ysZktfvJdYAhrFFHssKz_aTmVLD-p4O3LaYH8lLPKZBZeyGq3NNhRWdn-Fg9ucb6vUo_ZURMHtH0BM69PLDrJu5jItfbmCzW0XTj7lbC1fKjCzTQ2vuM5EergQYnxC5TpB4WoIE7Cy5Sg_V9nrlFBaDsGDUfQob3zA1mvHVOmcqV/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rehabilitated upland meadows at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By the way, <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">McLaughlin Eastshore State Park</span></b></i> is an amazing natural resource on our urban doorstep </span>–<span style="font-size: medium;"> rehabilitated, terraformed bird and wildlife habitat in an upland area known as the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Berkeley Meadows</span></b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBoJI1as5nuFoLnK2WmRIocgPeVAPMXoShJT6tplkQRqZk3QpTvPYkGCFn6U38hRf6hfQ4Ae_FvpMgpbh-9NC6vn9YjDCOzmOVrI35nfnqWcCwE22QV3ySnWwD0OcWIQ239dmZxt2BXX3Z4eaTjrQ7kgCHgdgG4HBlNZhW926fHQtLNiJLqTgW3He/s1280/3f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBoJI1as5nuFoLnK2WmRIocgPeVAPMXoShJT6tplkQRqZk3QpTvPYkGCFn6U38hRf6hfQ4Ae_FvpMgpbh-9NC6vn9YjDCOzmOVrI35nfnqWcCwE22QV3ySnWwD0OcWIQ239dmZxt2BXX3Z4eaTjrQ7kgCHgdgG4HBlNZhW926fHQtLNiJLqTgW3He/w400-h320/3f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden-crowned Kinglets</span></b></i> at <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Wildcat Gorge</span></b></i> </span>–<span style="font-size: medium;"> or maybe it was just one, but he stuck around for twenty minutes in plain sight. My best ever sustained glimpse of the hardy little bird distinguished by an orange crown stripe emblazoned atop his little head. I consider it a rare thing to spot a <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>, yet people report seeing them left and right.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Wv-7Va-qc5DIjoQVqzHIHIk51fJfLsmE2TQUN1b0-Ca63KH2EP8-UpaWUOIctgmkzuHwl1a29MIb3xcft-jUI4g2X7nJOF-7SWd4KTkp3RQp0IXaegRSn0hxYD5p7uRIQM7EgcLtqAWvIRt5OqgYO00j0FIfdaBd916Q9BZABZKFGyWoycMVUteR/s1151/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1151" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Wv-7Va-qc5DIjoQVqzHIHIk51fJfLsmE2TQUN1b0-Ca63KH2EP8-UpaWUOIctgmkzuHwl1a29MIb3xcft-jUI4g2X7nJOF-7SWd4KTkp3RQp0IXaegRSn0hxYD5p7uRIQM7EgcLtqAWvIRt5OqgYO00j0FIfdaBd916Q9BZABZKFGyWoycMVUteR/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">EBRPD Bird Checklist</span></b></i>, though, considers their appearance <i>"rare"</i> and <i>"uncommon"</i> all year round. So, what gives?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7awcZXyRjdU2HMZ8d4ZBTnLRLZ7imfSzmtlGfUHThg34b1P-bFORlk_eNA_fZfPicKPb4Pra39CQlompF9vdajqa0gCUGGZLCVrCPMsVmm78HN5lC_YPFM90BvUsdmWX8-aVvWkH3pwHBqba8bv5cc4P7S144HOfR6dMahrwDMLJBi0_WpRzCuSQX/s1920/1l.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7awcZXyRjdU2HMZ8d4ZBTnLRLZ7imfSzmtlGfUHThg34b1P-bFORlk_eNA_fZfPicKPb4Pra39CQlompF9vdajqa0gCUGGZLCVrCPMsVmm78HN5lC_YPFM90BvUsdmWX8-aVvWkH3pwHBqba8bv5cc4P7S144HOfR6dMahrwDMLJBi0_WpRzCuSQX/w400-h320/1l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Orange-crowned Warbler - I think!</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Come to think of it, even what you might regard as a pedestrian sighting in a local city park of, say, a common bird, like the <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>American Robin</b></i></span>, can thrill the heart with a voyeuristic glimpse into the mystery world of birds, a world where each small bundle of feathers and fat is a special and perfect miracle of creation.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LIv87KWZRVBRBDEQNGbnn21Um2ZwTcdjbOB3R-HPtkI3sVu8M6zB4p35m604YwfwkkIsW9_j5jNTsNfJpTxLXgmBAo5NV_syeDC3YqJtpu5M4zSvf7Ajn0cks7qG5XcGIlntiOjPO8CIEYiSTe1q1iAyuxjKR8DLdiLUeISgFDNXXh3K3dHRsDB4/s1920/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LIv87KWZRVBRBDEQNGbnn21Um2ZwTcdjbOB3R-HPtkI3sVu8M6zB4p35m604YwfwkkIsW9_j5jNTsNfJpTxLXgmBAo5NV_syeDC3YqJtpu5M4zSvf7Ajn0cks7qG5XcGIlntiOjPO8CIEYiSTe1q1iAyuxjKR8DLdiLUeISgFDNXXh3K3dHRsDB4/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Robin red-breast enjoying a snack</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Enjoy this snippet footage of an American Robin</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">for – not the whole world to see –</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">but for me alone to witness</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">a hidden bird doing whatever comes natural</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">to an American Robin</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">to any and all birds</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">caught in the act of simple, miraculous existence of . . . </span></i></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">birds bein' birds:</span></i></b></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span><a href="http://youtu.be/Fy28vO7QNNQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">ROBIN'S HIDDEN WORLD</span></a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL-Blbbsw2BF3b4PiB7_yXMq2_ekvfAdZvGWfjd1W4819dRrXOv90N10m_d-lO8Uka5okhyClZmk7gYROeb4_C3_wFhKdRS1YSuXW2HVFGNXY4fT6ecXeeuHrpg57J2gvZulGyZ6W7Gd803ie4QFrk6wxoW4ONcJvAq5lJTOcVGvnsFn0H-MB4BMc/s400/3g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL-Blbbsw2BF3b4PiB7_yXMq2_ekvfAdZvGWfjd1W4819dRrXOv90N10m_d-lO8Uka5okhyClZmk7gYROeb4_C3_wFhKdRS1YSuXW2HVFGNXY4fT6ecXeeuHrpg57J2gvZulGyZ6W7Gd803ie4QFrk6wxoW4ONcJvAq5lJTOcVGvnsFn0H-MB4BMc/w486-h640/3g.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Nutrient-rich mudflats and creek estuaries<br />along the SF Bay waterfront</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-82233301907995573162014-11-20T19:49:00.217-08:002023-03-31T11:37:05.131-07:00Birdspotting & Other Natural Delights at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUOTrNGFes_ejYhJsJIFamHyh1X6s22cosdK0w41aZgzt8LCxfVm7wldK2azqgzxgyh3B3kjXx_yRRh0hCajVTLTI7H4ASJ8EEZzv5ux90s04RAgr4RzxthPXsRsqNGyE_kBahqO6neF5EG4GByYjVp_uK4awaoDtiaiTEErmV44p020VtHkO2d63/s1124/1b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUOTrNGFes_ejYhJsJIFamHyh1X6s22cosdK0w41aZgzt8LCxfVm7wldK2azqgzxgyh3B3kjXx_yRRh0hCajVTLTI7H4ASJ8EEZzv5ux90s04RAgr4RzxthPXsRsqNGyE_kBahqO6neF5EG4GByYjVp_uK4awaoDtiaiTEErmV44p020VtHkO2d63/w400-h320/1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Back side of Sibley looking toward Mount Diablo</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;">When in need of a dose</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;">of the </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">desert Southwest</span><span style="color: #444444;">,</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">look no farther than the urban fringes</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">of </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Oakland, California</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">.</span></span></b></i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9XeMcHDDcqCN7Z2y7SfzrO_X6TyTQ_zY1LkYy3tC6BsoQzcPUCudJVft0oYlwGdxjodGbStVqVMPOJmXitJlkECN5az12RiX-a9r54nnsBErMvZjVGPUr55npY75uHe9ZRGMx90BZsTMU91EOQMe_JHtkFONKTyx_cLWPr4GypRuzNDcFJJEPSxI/s1440/2k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9XeMcHDDcqCN7Z2y7SfzrO_X6TyTQ_zY1LkYy3tC6BsoQzcPUCudJVft0oYlwGdxjodGbStVqVMPOJmXitJlkECN5az12RiX-a9r54nnsBErMvZjVGPUr55npY75uHe9ZRGMx90BZsTMU91EOQMe_JHtkFONKTyx_cLWPr4GypRuzNDcFJJEPSxI/w400-h320/2k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Reddish oxidation from ancient flow steam generation</i></b></span> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>You heard me right!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFhwX_jrkZW1RJlDcTVcc22nLCkw-ApaiCuTo5sQisVCBNrYlI0_uJp9uRwDM5glDNv3RkAYLrPmeQ6KCk89dqX3XWK7Bfui1dwjhCE4qKnFxF4Sr-rxPsJNlNVXZA4NGX1SqSwmeKr8bLoDW8CbVmgIdkY6Noyh2-OQWvb-ZjV5p6r_jbbAsOInm/s1440/2f.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFhwX_jrkZW1RJlDcTVcc22nLCkw-ApaiCuTo5sQisVCBNrYlI0_uJp9uRwDM5glDNv3RkAYLrPmeQ6KCk89dqX3XWK7Bfui1dwjhCE4qKnFxF4Sr-rxPsJNlNVXZA4NGX1SqSwmeKr8bLoDW8CbVmgIdkY6Noyh2-OQWvb-ZjV5p6r_jbbAsOInm/w400-h320/2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lark Sparrow shying away from the camera</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Lost in the mists of <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Neogene</span></b></i> time, a volcano exploded, tilted, and deposited a rugged debris field, wiping out a goodly swathe of vegetation and wild life. </span><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Round Top Peak</span></b></i>, <b><i>1763</i></b> ft., is all that remains of the tilted-over volcano.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiVZZ6G-71RJy_7ofeDp0Qlf9R4Fe-b6LTNRB7gZwNI1xi44Nqa5YdvG0niYebogJUAUutSVPZMlhtxj2LsvZMuxl5Qh9F3ituRRw_0TlgJmweiL8Hb1_WSGM7aG1o4PEdgso5nBi8XHVXYjLdLway106r65B-v53Emyx9dcGeZZXEOjKzrohVrug/s1106/2i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="885" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiVZZ6G-71RJy_7ofeDp0Qlf9R4Fe-b6LTNRB7gZwNI1xi44Nqa5YdvG0niYebogJUAUutSVPZMlhtxj2LsvZMuxl5Qh9F3ituRRw_0TlgJmweiL8Hb1_WSGM7aG1o4PEdgso5nBi8XHVXYjLdLway106r65B-v53Emyx9dcGeZZXEOjKzrohVrug/w320-h400/2i.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Self-guided tour marker depicting volcanic explosion 10,000,000 years ago</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before the explosion, long-necked camels grazed alongside saber-toothed tigers. Behemoth mastodons lumbered along swampy shorelines. Ten million years later, the landscape has rebounded into a geological and botanical wonderland, showcasing eroded pinnacles and other fanciful red rock outcroppings that seem out of place and time.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3m5edhf7uQzNMrApFpvQ1nID9_T4VUqDOKD2j8Js_erI4t4L44GWYRmuPds-BeM9e6bzBO7bVv93VithrmRzZ07OWYp8IB2H3R4LiUj0AzpW7CV96fPyITc4nQZVnvJn2emewqiFNeDaVuR2kg3dsFKO2iBhSpcRk4RHkl64ur5Y1xRKtn7ZXgBy/s1440/2c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3m5edhf7uQzNMrApFpvQ1nID9_T4VUqDOKD2j8Js_erI4t4L44GWYRmuPds-BeM9e6bzBO7bVv93VithrmRzZ07OWYp8IB2H3R4LiUj0AzpW7CV96fPyITc4nQZVnvJn2emewqiFNeDaVuR2kg3dsFKO2iBhSpcRk4RHkl64ur5Y1xRKtn7ZXgBy/w400-h320/2c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Whimsical mini-pinnacle formations at Sibley</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></i></b> is a favorite and easy get-away in the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Oakland Hills</span></b></i>, an amazing place, really, doubtless one of the <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">East Bay Regional Park District's</span></i></b> most unique park. It has attracted generations of geologists, and fascinated legions of nature lovers and birding enthusiasts since its founding in <i><b>1936</b></i> and probably well before.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch19O9_aN7RwsVN3x-3nTRKugvEXIEW8TAgaFbDW0-ljpToPGp9h6QF3FlenhMzZohFxgFs4JQ6RQGZSb4ofv_QfntMTD68tOLYpb-irWLzKcjJWBAdZ-sD5PXZeY5t0FeCTfU_Im5PLfc7Ywdxt666x5dnBhz7ohVpTPyWRxdHKkv4q_FxgnIq-n/s1919/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch19O9_aN7RwsVN3x-3nTRKugvEXIEW8TAgaFbDW0-ljpToPGp9h6QF3FlenhMzZohFxgFs4JQ6RQGZSb4ofv_QfntMTD68tOLYpb-irWLzKcjJWBAdZ-sD5PXZeY5t0FeCTfU_Im5PLfc7Ywdxt666x5dnBhz7ohVpTPyWRxdHKkv4q_FxgnIq-n/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Rolling hills and dense tree cover provide ideal wildlife habitat</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The complex and varied land forms shelter Oak and Bay forests and extensive meadow, grass and shrub lands, inviting safe harbor for countless bird species.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUrnaYVd6Eh-OL-GWRFpX_n7Hjo4rNsF6M3bz4HFrW_ibJm5qXmZcxjfMpNoBS2Ngc6u4SvlDLhC37_jyrA_8WfUuhks7kRW2ubszy-S5ZMPBXNlEf4Ek1aT5BUXaUimMFvMCP-flePG5l7QG_kg7sNKixaaqM3uVEnmWrCOh1enwmJAkFJbEkJg0/s968/2h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="968" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUrnaYVd6Eh-OL-GWRFpX_n7Hjo4rNsF6M3bz4HFrW_ibJm5qXmZcxjfMpNoBS2Ngc6u4SvlDLhC37_jyrA_8WfUuhks7kRW2ubszy-S5ZMPBXNlEf4Ek1aT5BUXaUimMFvMCP-flePG5l7QG_kg7sNKixaaqM3uVEnmWrCOh1enwmJAkFJbEkJg0/w400-h320/2h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush ground-feeding at Sibley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Covering just <i><b>660</b></i> acres, the <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sibley</span></i></b> is big and rugged enough to work up a lather climbing the ridges and descending the canyons. With a recent trail system expansion, some real miles can now be covered by hooking up to the world famous <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bay Area Ridge Trail</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">East Bay Skyline National Recreational Trail</span></b></i>.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9dHjQqqpEG4j62a_BKYNLCOWe_d99thgTjPDQN24YN7hj9tyx4GxLB1eWcPbzox0o2aIYqNknfhc9jY6jM-YYvtxkkaM8yFZ_ndfi0o8aTe1yO1fsl0mm5rIEUCcHWk8iuQm_ddnGP_Wsy-hbDxbuTDIrmqqMP3ET23iqPGGLLdUq12i9nSc2L8/s1440/2m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9dHjQqqpEG4j62a_BKYNLCOWe_d99thgTjPDQN24YN7hj9tyx4GxLB1eWcPbzox0o2aIYqNknfhc9jY6jM-YYvtxkkaM8yFZ_ndfi0o8aTe1yO1fsl0mm5rIEUCcHWk8iuQm_ddnGP_Wsy-hbDxbuTDIrmqqMP3ET23iqPGGLLdUq12i9nSc2L8/w400-h320/2m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Trail climbing out of the old quarry pit</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A once off-limits section has opened, giving the park a bit more breathing room. Spend some time here, and you'll see that the <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Volcanic Preserve</span></b></i> is a place to slow down, let your mind drift checking out sign posts on the self-guided tour, noting outstanding geological features or some remnant outcrop of a hard to imagine cataclysmic event.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNDmyIFRS7Yghnfea4ASZ8TPBmkJJR1V-RJ4f0v6HA1PEQC3Sn1eIOLaXijOrF3rmo9WHPSP8QXDtXCEG38mmWpk-GLnx5FHfAopRcyernmzEO4meDxXUbAti5-ZK6QumwYYHdzr1lBbCdYDGtP0jQkuxpi4lE3ewXAoa7Iu0LxSI12Ohi89xPceQ/s1440/2g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNDmyIFRS7Yghnfea4ASZ8TPBmkJJR1V-RJ4f0v6HA1PEQC3Sn1eIOLaXijOrF3rmo9WHPSP8QXDtXCEG38mmWpk-GLnx5FHfAopRcyernmzEO4meDxXUbAti5-ZK6QumwYYHdzr1lBbCdYDGtP0jQkuxpi4lE3ewXAoa7Iu0LxSI12Ohi89xPceQ/w400-h320/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Trail beyond leading to EBMUD land and a special sighting</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>And always, always,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>on the look out for a cool bird.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RGG2Po2CblgIQ8IirN-iKmPASGwVLaULAz2poER9s3yFyDb5QUIq5nbkwsCz0QjZZwk9bYCHsTWRgAOp5L2bqPYEwgL3jBJ9f3hZZXb0n8tgLtJDyta9o3KhfFdUy6xtirQCK9W96JwdQrgA5T7mVgvUzLA6rv1ZKEy3FZVch4RVbWcHmzyButaX/s1314/2n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RGG2Po2CblgIQ8IirN-iKmPASGwVLaULAz2poER9s3yFyDb5QUIq5nbkwsCz0QjZZwk9bYCHsTWRgAOp5L2bqPYEwgL3jBJ9f3hZZXb0n8tgLtJDyta9o3KhfFdUy6xtirQCK9W96JwdQrgA5T7mVgvUzLA6rv1ZKEy3FZVch4RVbWcHmzyButaX/w400-h320/2n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Yes, it's a White-crowned Sparrow</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Wow!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Was that a </span><span style="color: #783f04;">White-crowned Sparrow</span><span style="color: #274e13;">?</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pdfiNcTq4P6vjD09ezn8DigfIECsKyJ-AUnV4yIlMXaq1KY3YBU0E1ACxM9zuqIrDkI_b-38HTPGkTcmehVGH6_BDnleQd8-aO5FYQfD3cjKZzm8k17gjEXlhTrerzCeGUX7lzKGr9XbtfRc1wmxDxHg7f6qR9Z-6nPUYyyQBac7ZnemdF_ARN79/s1160/2q.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pdfiNcTq4P6vjD09ezn8DigfIECsKyJ-AUnV4yIlMXaq1KY3YBU0E1ACxM9zuqIrDkI_b-38HTPGkTcmehVGH6_BDnleQd8-aO5FYQfD3cjKZzm8k17gjEXlhTrerzCeGUX7lzKGr9XbtfRc1wmxDxHg7f6qR9Z-6nPUYyyQBac7ZnemdF_ARN79/w400-h320/2q.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hawk (Red-tailed?) surveying domain from pylon</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Along with lively bird activity, you'll see darting rabbits, scurrying lizards and sun-basking snakes. Maybe a fox if lucky. The meadows and rolling hill terrain provide ideal habitat for rodents to proliferate, tasty provender to sate the appetites of <i><span style="color: #7f6000; font-weight: bold;">Red-tailed Hawk</span><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">s</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">White-tailed Kites</span></b></i>, <span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>Golden Eagles</b></i></span>, and, not unheard of, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Bald Eagles</span></b></i>, nearby nesters at <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">San Pablo Reservoir</span></i></b> <i>(and several other <b><span style="color: #800180;">East Bay</span></b> settings)</i>.</span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gpLlE97lXxb0p1mv-_iCgFL1DhUQUkSlSpikPE6phfEv4IXFQIYtDeVsQkfjyVYV9Dp41odEoiG5M-dQ8mU1qv8J4yI7VNYXp0AVwtXArADYSrsOWV2pEAKzGkNYsVy4heTY4QG8nd4molkCaajjtU8Lqb_Ovogwd8jNzG6qHUHCouPyi7guSVIN/s1128/2p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1128" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gpLlE97lXxb0p1mv-_iCgFL1DhUQUkSlSpikPE6phfEv4IXFQIYtDeVsQkfjyVYV9Dp41odEoiG5M-dQ8mU1qv8J4yI7VNYXp0AVwtXArADYSrsOWV2pEAKzGkNYsVy4heTY4QG8nd4molkCaajjtU8Lqb_Ovogwd8jNzG6qHUHCouPyi7guSVIN/w400-h320/2p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Fence Lizard</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In a hidden <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"bowels of the earth"</span></b></i> area, a small reedy pond is ideal for newt eggs to incubate, and, deep in this old quarry pit, you'll walk an inscrutable labyrinth, whose builders remain a mystery. Spend some quiet time listening to the wind whistling, meditatively walking the circular pathway to the center of this little universe, giving thanks and praise and wonder.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvoLmGIoULaw86ImUR-z5wS7IdCu2Nznvjw2pkhdzbB-N_qBRQSfx2yy-mPxvm5xJsUCZMQzoicWE9SZPy7bFN80pC1ffDJs2qkGQqiQuLeVq-orfjT7Lj_ZilCbAW4XJh5WtnsuzSvX1vijah-mV4DeuvXXNmSezOpudCCb0IvC2IdhmZULPYW34/s1125/1e.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvoLmGIoULaw86ImUR-z5wS7IdCu2Nznvjw2pkhdzbB-N_qBRQSfx2yy-mPxvm5xJsUCZMQzoicWE9SZPy7bFN80pC1ffDJs2qkGQqiQuLeVq-orfjT7Lj_ZilCbAW4XJh5WtnsuzSvX1vijah-mV4DeuvXXNmSezOpudCCb0IvC2IdhmZULPYW34/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Foot traffic on the Labyrinth</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">And always, always,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">on the look out for a cool bird.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQk5HVbfdmbU_icG1D1melDKF6PvOXKtQ7KmwurgWtjcmccNQXIIsLUrQ2Eyj1hXFddf92etLYbqH7klu2IxCxkljSli25fvFuDtJj0k8DLAOktBknZGVXLxftf9k8WXWSfPNen7t-bF4s1OUU-dtjGGMI-FXEYdJCiVtk27UelivG1PHQq7FYeIc/s3426/2r.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2741" data-original-width="3426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQk5HVbfdmbU_icG1D1melDKF6PvOXKtQ7KmwurgWtjcmccNQXIIsLUrQ2Eyj1hXFddf92etLYbqH7klu2IxCxkljSli25fvFuDtJj0k8DLAOktBknZGVXLxftf9k8WXWSfPNen7t-bF4s1OUU-dtjGGMI-FXEYdJCiVtk27UelivG1PHQq7FYeIc/w400-h320/2r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tree Swallow (just guessing)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">Whoa!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Was that a </span><span style="color: #7f6000;">Northern Shrike</span><span style="color: #20124d;">?</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9_KeT7zCkKk40CpSUeCXfLfNJbHZVjPvyeeOf4ZlfntWk4J0wDY5ZyhH9vMDIEGyOXRyxydJYMqIQElcF1elTpcsY_TaMrTaqAzS1XYNNdNbOfylgbkDloKmC8Y2EwZjjjLxZDApVL_j6lMik7cE763QCl80EkltEFcxgBR_Va5Ial-77jqk_5sg/s2006/2s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1605" data-original-width="2006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9_KeT7zCkKk40CpSUeCXfLfNJbHZVjPvyeeOf4ZlfntWk4J0wDY5ZyhH9vMDIEGyOXRyxydJYMqIQElcF1elTpcsY_TaMrTaqAzS1XYNNdNbOfylgbkDloKmC8Y2EwZjjjLxZDApVL_j6lMik7cE763QCl80EkltEFcxgBR_Va5Ial-77jqk_5sg/w400-h320/2s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nope, just a Mockingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm solo biking the entire <i><b>660</b></i> acres of the <span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Volcanic</b></i></span> <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Preserve</span></b></i>, over extending myself a bit, but ineluctably pulled here and lured there by novel sights, long views and bird rich habitats </span><span style="font-size: medium;">–</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> cool sightings of flocks of <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mourning Doves</span></b></i> clouding the skies, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">White-crowned</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Golden-crowned Sparrows</span></b></i> ground feeding and bush-diving, and a lone <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Bewick's Wren</span></b></i> hopping about.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTBvTzY6lf-a8hiE_YdG3mZIkWPcc4YYNs0vkO4q4nZKTjFQjGXz-X_Cbzeo2wVBuJbhdxIgicr5Q55qCNsrPpxo0Og-qqHvs_-Y8Lvl7C0fIZYkH2DAX-tOf5c7FxXmAn2e2Yn8EdcrISGlabyLOyPgVrhrG1Vd2bZ82k8wL4neWDF2JXwTE_VAP/s1440/2e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTBvTzY6lf-a8hiE_YdG3mZIkWPcc4YYNs0vkO4q4nZKTjFQjGXz-X_Cbzeo2wVBuJbhdxIgicr5Q55qCNsrPpxo0Og-qqHvs_-Y8Lvl7C0fIZYkH2DAX-tOf5c7FxXmAn2e2Yn8EdcrISGlabyLOyPgVrhrG1Vd2bZ82k8wL4neWDF2JXwTE_VAP/w400-h320/2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rugged area framing iconic Mount Diablo</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">And always,</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Scrub Jays</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> and </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Steller's Jays</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">squawking up a storm.</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2MG0aqYq9F6cM_xN1t6SH_Z_PhMOexyfU7ZS8f5yaCI-YNgA2oYB4ErUcX0rDFquBwngK5Kc3z6Deo4mLVzUt5yBsTjc-pKn7jjG-zj8ZZXTCq1rUrpulntHOXoNwXq9mWlfNtQQ_fI-SLgxkGLDWBApG9b5_oew31euLf4g3vbNpqC6pGdMD8M/s400/2t%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2MG0aqYq9F6cM_xN1t6SH_Z_PhMOexyfU7ZS8f5yaCI-YNgA2oYB4ErUcX0rDFquBwngK5Kc3z6Deo4mLVzUt5yBsTjc-pKn7jjG-zj8ZZXTCq1rUrpulntHOXoNwXq9mWlfNtQQ_fI-SLgxkGLDWBApG9b5_oew31euLf4g3vbNpqC6pGdMD8M/w400-h320/2t%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Scrub Jay holding court</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This happens to be my first bird-focused outing to <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Sibley</span></i></b>, too. How such a <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"hot spot"</span></b></i> for exotic birds has eluded me, I'll never know, but it was here several years ago when I spotted a pair of <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">White-tailed Kites</span></i></b> in a tree snag who were sharing a mangled rodent carcass, something I had never seen before.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaSO37FoXgZtR4TCOAYWcveShvGqw9YeGaYNMUR9ncWY1ii-AZOz9838lSL5-tamPcv127PL7yL03iJSpqwyrtO0ZHbjlhZhy1r1pEJbJDz9gz60hwXb3ld_gg0Z0BnY-28rDFDwV6XxiA8SjmGHoOhW24pePFdivmdmqghD-DkvgHVlUnWcHzI-N/s1440/2l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaSO37FoXgZtR4TCOAYWcveShvGqw9YeGaYNMUR9ncWY1ii-AZOz9838lSL5-tamPcv127PL7yL03iJSpqwyrtO0ZHbjlhZhy1r1pEJbJDz9gz60hwXb3ld_gg0Z0BnY-28rDFDwV6XxiA8SjmGHoOhW24pePFdivmdmqghD-DkvgHVlUnWcHzI-N/w400-h320/2l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Kite awaiting mate's return from hunt</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Kinda got me hooked.</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwu0Y24AXZXUTdOWjE024Qhc6mwpgqyYRVYA5gOkOXkwkHhbr2Du_sndxgFpC4My544BHU-0Y7desCgPxrbfOfwGXXdsIqrBy8jRaQ7eKqX9BUenjU5oDurqCTiKg-rNL3JUerMHvc97YWmub8Kv8TUY2fRaus8uYc3lf9pwMQ3Ux0NGyVMtW7c9d/s1440/2j.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwu0Y24AXZXUTdOWjE024Qhc6mwpgqyYRVYA5gOkOXkwkHhbr2Du_sndxgFpC4My544BHU-0Y7desCgPxrbfOfwGXXdsIqrBy8jRaQ7eKqX9BUenjU5oDurqCTiKg-rNL3JUerMHvc97YWmub8Kv8TUY2fRaus8uYc3lf9pwMQ3Ux0NGyVMtW7c9d/w400-h320/2j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird couple in pine tree</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm all in at the <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Volcanic Preserve</span></i></b> today, thrilled by the tremendous variation in avian habitat, blown away by hugely scenic views I'd totally forgotten about. I circle up and down and all around, spending a solid hour exploring a back section I like to call my very own private <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">red rock</span></b></i> wilderness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSD_QVDP6YRrdFcquDP_iezzUCGCDfqqie85T3-kLbPyFAbK6eyhNzgwGWtqEAbjzMk6LKQgwqdZ6_hNVdsQA8wskLzNORw4gJT3ACAjKFznzHErgLSe0B3JAEVyCJVGqj3k7FF4lg8EfviHzPzmtm4nM5ftUnfAynb6wFQPXleCHNFL-I2BpBu4I/s1440/2b.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSD_QVDP6YRrdFcquDP_iezzUCGCDfqqie85T3-kLbPyFAbK6eyhNzgwGWtqEAbjzMk6LKQgwqdZ6_hNVdsQA8wskLzNORw4gJT3ACAjKFznzHErgLSe0B3JAEVyCJVGqj3k7FF4lg8EfviHzPzmtm4nM5ftUnfAynb6wFQPXleCHNFL-I2BpBu4I/w400-h320/2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">New addition to hiking trails at Sibley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">No doubt just more hyperbole from the master of spin when it comes to <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">"piss-ass nothing little creeks"</span></i></b> and <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">"prosaic uninspiring rock formations"</span></b></i> being far more grandiose and awesome than they really are.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q_j9SlKa34gWxzLuzDea0TpETFSSzN3AHpo15VeYxQnSTiSUxI3is2mxCPNRdR7ONvxgfXw5VrK87XHrSOzuKoG3pW17OzJRQxbw4g1hILZnZJzSHh8Wion-hv_mcPYjJRvgepp8jzcYRTFFAXxRf9nRX64oCduV-3OeeIL9xcqnMKZCFZx6as99/s1439/2u.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q_j9SlKa34gWxzLuzDea0TpETFSSzN3AHpo15VeYxQnSTiSUxI3is2mxCPNRdR7ONvxgfXw5VrK87XHrSOzuKoG3pW17OzJRQxbw4g1hILZnZJzSHh8Wion-hv_mcPYjJRvgepp8jzcYRTFFAXxRf9nRX64oCduV-3OeeIL9xcqnMKZCFZx6as99/w512-h640/2u.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">"Piss-ass nothing little creek" at Sibley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Because, in their own small miracle way,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>they are.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGlcrEMP2RTA3_IduMrXJr2VK37VX0aDzg1kM-JgFZ4IWuJd3_Olt5uKeUXlG7WpfWWYdEkVIJkHiiv9sWAs7KZrSZgErMF0CxHC82F1NIA_SVOKnuQb9RNQ92oHqMmLwEvACoun4bq_v8NekpwXKdXqYZ2mFGZzx-h7hoZJBJigwwus8qUX4U5XL/s1350/2v.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGlcrEMP2RTA3_IduMrXJr2VK37VX0aDzg1kM-JgFZ4IWuJd3_Olt5uKeUXlG7WpfWWYdEkVIJkHiiv9sWAs7KZrSZgErMF0CxHC82F1NIA_SVOKnuQb9RNQ92oHqMmLwEvACoun4bq_v8NekpwXKdXqYZ2mFGZzx-h7hoZJBJigwwus8qUX4U5XL/w400-h320/2v.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">"Prosaic uninspiring rock formations" at Sibley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In this once off-limits area, reddish cliffs protrude above boulder-strewn, brush edged meadows – perfect habitat for birds to hide in, or boldly hang out, such as the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Western Bluebirds</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Lesser Goldfinches</span></i></b>, or circle high above nosing for prey like <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Vultures</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Northern Harriers</span></b></i>.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xx-ZjnRygxI_ny7Kkuto2qfWLfvBU5Wm00PRtO4BcS9P1oSV-0KQ52kvZpDGuR8ijAb92a1g6gLbBraEkTQfW_1bv3FsEgFZ8NPXbqSt7ACGwK18i-5_yy94Ptr-6PKgoYdRMRo9RjhtMF5BeWIz2tuBsADdTYQsFkWTa5uO2g2TZTYXtG91M-zb/s1920/2w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xx-ZjnRygxI_ny7Kkuto2qfWLfvBU5Wm00PRtO4BcS9P1oSV-0KQ52kvZpDGuR8ijAb92a1g6gLbBraEkTQfW_1bv3FsEgFZ8NPXbqSt7ACGwK18i-5_yy94Ptr-6PKgoYdRMRo9RjhtMF5BeWIz2tuBsADdTYQsFkWTa5uO2g2TZTYXtG91M-zb/w400-h320/2w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Goldfinch tweeting away</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With absolutely no one about, I'm happy and heartened to spot dozens of <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">"sundry"</span></b></i> birds over the course of my aimless wanderings: <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Chestnut-backed Chickadees</span></b></i>, <span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>Juncos</i></b></span>, <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jays</span></b></i>, and <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Towhees</span></b></i> among the usual suspects.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImWPYfTqnEcKBsJEmZXHawGdk59HH5toqvu5ZCY7uybINQ_QpKlU6JoOzZ9JPq5pdQRrEhHPpjOIHutfRhWAF9d8SVs3hJ1NdUqP7cL1YW4H64tv6ZaRrJ8edcGHiJq_zD0Mv5M6yd55ZaFRXAR_T9gvdkpv_yPT6EpRVM_khN-SRyhFLHbxbekKp/s1440/2x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImWPYfTqnEcKBsJEmZXHawGdk59HH5toqvu5ZCY7uybINQ_QpKlU6JoOzZ9JPq5pdQRrEhHPpjOIHutfRhWAF9d8SVs3hJ1NdUqP7cL1YW4H64tv6ZaRrJ8edcGHiJq_zD0Mv5M6yd55ZaFRXAR_T9gvdkpv_yPT6EpRVM_khN-SRyhFLHbxbekKp/w400-h320/2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dark-eyed Junco striking a striking pose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Each, still, in their own way,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">individually precious, unique,</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">emblematic of the mystery of existence.</span></b></i></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvEiDiixQ9vIGKlna1jPaqbFhNcW3fz0l-BozFAx_FAlvbuAtDTaVijClRnJ_NNctjPErzcXd3gp1meyQA2W1O4Io7pBr4TlF5Tu-QEv9A3VwQxobEtkbFNfzI02AVMxDDUa326oXiMkwcGiQ56MmIdZKnFCBVuMNuxBPh8bhnOfbpfMFPVadG4I6/s1536/2y.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvEiDiixQ9vIGKlna1jPaqbFhNcW3fz0l-BozFAx_FAlvbuAtDTaVijClRnJ_NNctjPErzcXd3gp1meyQA2W1O4Io7pBr4TlF5Tu-QEv9A3VwQxobEtkbFNfzI02AVMxDDUa326oXiMkwcGiQ56MmIdZKnFCBVuMNuxBPh8bhnOfbpfMFPVadG4I6/w480-h640/2y.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Nuthatch on the prowl for insects</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With my day winding down, a small reserve of energy enables one last reconnoiter to the top of the old quarry pit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xc-jt6ghn4K3T_O9ZLQL0ZqouQ_bsbA-WmhPmwvciTI6V8OX7CRPopiP3nFYEgjBXPQRU_zck4qIlmYt8ry24_DHNcuTVuVB_spbs037qZI2ZA13tz_bMu_4-o9qt8nIXRyp6On2kycs4idZK6pwe_WTYexV-rQXAht6LD_1phIaf5HALnLiIk1u/s1440/2z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xc-jt6ghn4K3T_O9ZLQL0ZqouQ_bsbA-WmhPmwvciTI6V8OX7CRPopiP3nFYEgjBXPQRU_zck4qIlmYt8ry24_DHNcuTVuVB_spbs037qZI2ZA13tz_bMu_4-o9qt8nIXRyp6On2kycs4idZK6pwe_WTYexV-rQXAht6LD_1phIaf5HALnLiIk1u/w400-h320/2z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-breasted Sapsucker banging away in the Eucalyptus trees</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Always, always,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>on the look out for a cool bird.</i></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWhkV4CDrIhkHIaHVpuJznzvm0JKqj1G2uK7Vb2zh_lin-GRXm_5oC02OFMQtNgqXaasHR69-oUPJrtPjfC8kBZ-C3Ml0Wk-AOIPMpRmARuKrMg1pRPXiHYcCw5gTNmiBJhilnulp0VWWmtj-P1rJV2Rt2uRvln-oM6yI-RAUQd2RaQz7rgjVYHVp/s1440/2d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWhkV4CDrIhkHIaHVpuJznzvm0JKqj1G2uK7Vb2zh_lin-GRXm_5oC02OFMQtNgqXaasHR69-oUPJrtPjfC8kBZ-C3Ml0Wk-AOIPMpRmARuKrMg1pRPXiHYcCw5gTNmiBJhilnulp0VWWmtj-P1rJV2Rt2uRvln-oM6yI-RAUQd2RaQz7rgjVYHVp/w400-h320/2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Biking at Sibley enables lots of ground to be covered</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I circle behind the ridge, out of sight to the world, dropping my bike at the boundary fence to climb over into municipal district watershed land <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">(EBMUD)</span></i></b>. Moments before, I had a thought of my <i><b>90-</b></i>year old Mom – this blog's biggest fan! I felt she was psychically directing me to this particular area, where I instinctively sensed an <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">"exotic"</span></b></i> bird would appear.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCDLRmtb-JXpDcdSYulOJNQXWYISvrNf4eS3udiEGQPIwV55_24gqEm4AUr1IzW2UeSX__foW3WNXKy0Qr4TZclz3zjdm8IKCHtcpYJG76IGbNho8vuFG06M8accLRGQPAbqXagagrG27KrvWf_urHzPUbJGi7DW2RCy1H7N9kH-02jfb4duzzP6P/s1919/2zz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCDLRmtb-JXpDcdSYulOJNQXWYISvrNf4eS3udiEGQPIwV55_24gqEm4AUr1IzW2UeSX__foW3WNXKy0Qr4TZclz3zjdm8IKCHtcpYJG76IGbNho8vuFG06M8accLRGQPAbqXagagrG27KrvWf_urHzPUbJGi7DW2RCy1H7N9kH-02jfb4duzzP6P/w400-h320/2zz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vast acreage of rolling hills, meadows and forest (EBMUD land)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Go ahead, laugh.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I sure did!</span></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ky6v3kpiJ_OlUG87MVfIEDJ_Q5NdldwIKhETz9g_4amfyh-qDF6-C64ZYRJkX2OjYadn3lLJrk5dbj6XQbN_ZIs0rt23oLFUBZkdpYEM9LZ8KPsDiSmk2lYyitvk7bABHc9kl7q4BG0iX-B2dZ_4mSvRJVxLAOJcj0I6ehQWD2Bm5Yz92JZuNLi_/s1125/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ky6v3kpiJ_OlUG87MVfIEDJ_Q5NdldwIKhETz9g_4amfyh-qDF6-C64ZYRJkX2OjYadn3lLJrk5dbj6XQbN_ZIs0rt23oLFUBZkdpYEM9LZ8KPsDiSmk2lYyitvk7bABHc9kl7q4BG0iX-B2dZ_4mSvRJVxLAOJcj0I6ehQWD2Bm5Yz92JZuNLi_/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Subterranean volcanic architecture exposed</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">After a few luxurious moments of silent time admiring <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Mount Diablo's</span></b></i> looming presence on the horizon, in between neck-craning for birds, my patience – and <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">faith!</span></b></i> – is rewarded when I catch a glimpse of a most unusual and interesting looking bird flirting about in a small tree.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DYStoqO306mo5My7BjzOs3LpKP5-rhxp6smP3JcmVLwee2C7Ax2N6x0zjC2_8dv2u4z1jKwbh3ajeE7sLlNtL6oIZVrl1ll3sUPWRXUMXjFkBX1dVo2gIAGqV_SfakUwam4wQkTcWvsUU397JMu-ykc7tEXMF3o3-6jNkax39V3hRDweAv408icU/s859/1c.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="859" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DYStoqO306mo5My7BjzOs3LpKP5-rhxp6smP3JcmVLwee2C7Ax2N6x0zjC2_8dv2u4z1jKwbh3ajeE7sLlNtL6oIZVrl1ll3sUPWRXUMXjFkBX1dVo2gIAGqV_SfakUwam4wQkTcWvsUU397JMu-ykc7tEXMF3o3-6jNkax39V3hRDweAv408icU/w400-h320/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">First view of the "mystery" bird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">I'm like –</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">what the . . . ?</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP4K6W788C4Zg-h7hnT7c_9FSZg3sPfEkijvxsrOgeDYkTGAYD62KJ4_LXgHjRWLeci9taiANaKLnR1SzeTQtnsZ40jm6ncD4MoSjTg1ByEcYNb1i7KYEitjEWtNaFpEujGJ0JEHT3gnfVaUotv2y2H_LuxzHZfz536ahYqwXVxLRjOeX-TccPrER/s1420/1aaa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP4K6W788C4Zg-h7hnT7c_9FSZg3sPfEkijvxsrOgeDYkTGAYD62KJ4_LXgHjRWLeci9taiANaKLnR1SzeTQtnsZ40jm6ncD4MoSjTg1ByEcYNb1i7KYEitjEWtNaFpEujGJ0JEHT3gnfVaUotv2y2H_LuxzHZfz536ahYqwXVxLRjOeX-TccPrER/w400-h320/1aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Underside and partial face view of "mystery" bird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Scrambling to get a good bino view, while at the same time fumbling with my camera to get off a shot, I nearly blow it by getting neither. Luckily, though, I'm able to capture a couple of poor quality photos, and zero in on the grayish-white bird with my binos and accurately ID the little cuss from </span>the tell-tale signature feature of <span>his</span> distinctive yellow dot above the eye.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSXq65qHiW7N8hqqUU4DIkwjbalO702ioLTOuzkGdqzIkfWZS1vZveaghEpQtEXBBNXzetlYPgwKz6b5RIqsxxnKBbyOGnzgFIIPikFFbzo4AofAVUK6TWY2dpeaQJdH182TASELWQ8YpFFXCZr_eoe_Y72gDIBW0wLWop2CuCXev7DWFqMjGktIx/s890/1a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="890" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSXq65qHiW7N8hqqUU4DIkwjbalO702ioLTOuzkGdqzIkfWZS1vZveaghEpQtEXBBNXzetlYPgwKz6b5RIqsxxnKBbyOGnzgFIIPikFFbzo4AofAVUK6TWY2dpeaQJdH182TASELWQ8YpFFXCZr_eoe_Y72gDIBW0wLWop2CuCXev7DWFqMjGktIx/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Blurry photo of Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Proof positive of having spotted my first-ever</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span><span style="color: #444444;">!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXPQBdJYIYxbkzQLvoM38HBi1XAhXb2lrOhP0go0tJwWpU-1Gt2OWifypo_o1Eapj1gfhr613Wf3Y5yERbb18zwTeAyg8bC7o8Lf3bwxbNw0j8trQqpEsNrBRb6lHyDCUCVnTI9X-JSs62VdzkvVYaMbWBQk8weK2sClJgek9zJIqiDf95Zam0JLR/s1464/1aaaa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXPQBdJYIYxbkzQLvoM38HBi1XAhXb2lrOhP0go0tJwWpU-1Gt2OWifypo_o1Eapj1gfhr613Wf3Y5yERbb18zwTeAyg8bC7o8Lf3bwxbNw0j8trQqpEsNrBRb6lHyDCUCVnTI9X-JSs62VdzkvVYaMbWBQk8weK2sClJgek9zJIqiDf95Zam0JLR/w400-h320/1aaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Better photo of the Black-throated Gray Warbler spotted a few years later</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">How cool is that, fellow birders?</span></b></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_ay21tVqbtfkrE2oYIaxWpxM1C38GqKwsQhqP-qX0eijwybGNE5NxVvd19i76gABzhVC3GpFt_4tFkzQfA7tMJlsvCZdZeNvYXAFnrbVuTHt1eVVDOHE9Ifi_7cBgSNZd_vKxJC8aXdVVrOtfkRB1iQd-rRlBIUv8FxPQNDtX-eLexdQlQ0xv83H/s2048/1a1.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_ay21tVqbtfkrE2oYIaxWpxM1C38GqKwsQhqP-qX0eijwybGNE5NxVvd19i76gABzhVC3GpFt_4tFkzQfA7tMJlsvCZdZeNvYXAFnrbVuTHt1eVVDOHE9Ifi_7cBgSNZd_vKxJC8aXdVVrOtfkRB1iQd-rRlBIUv8FxPQNDtX-eLexdQlQ0xv83H/w400-h300/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> I'm amazed and excited to bear witness for one short minute to the frenetic flighty activity of a <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</span></b></i> hunting for insects! Also frustrated as hell, for he's now long gone, flown away to a far off tree down the hillside – never to be seen again, perhaps a once in a lifetime sighting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGLRdLf-OjPhwqFp2w9nqgYt9DjaYa-YX-NOIXFKqfQO0OxJteFQspCwJ9vvUImrj9dqlk_pISX-r4b5i6zZ6qIKJfJKgkCuTjOB_Iva0yGifDedcfb6N_zrS_uNeo0y6twyG6LpMVy4j2dyKxxq7d0dzkxMIpmNA19DqP6F2fsxOSrvZBFL6KWwo/s1583/1aa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGLRdLf-OjPhwqFp2w9nqgYt9DjaYa-YX-NOIXFKqfQO0OxJteFQspCwJ9vvUImrj9dqlk_pISX-r4b5i6zZ6qIKJfJKgkCuTjOB_Iva0yGifDedcfb6N_zrS_uNeo0y6twyG6LpMVy4j2dyKxxq7d0dzkxMIpmNA19DqP6F2fsxOSrvZBFL6KWwo/w400-h320/1aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The Black-throated Gray Warbler sighted at Sibley</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Have </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">YOU</span><span style="color: #990000;"> ever seen one?</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0qOcTc1aO9FB0_bEh3R0XFGj7WN8lqBZRGNcUkNXTnIeAn0UdfUy2NaJiMhXXWfRMquG_JQeaocXvsPRv6fy2vFPUEzU6u_EuU3UQXvHFXoYLqDGXpgm-xUKnKAQGAshvUFB6RskhhffGK85qqsOvWU6VpzIE169c8uQne06mmi5qM_dcVTnJZF3/s1266/1aaaaaa.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0qOcTc1aO9FB0_bEh3R0XFGj7WN8lqBZRGNcUkNXTnIeAn0UdfUy2NaJiMhXXWfRMquG_JQeaocXvsPRv6fy2vFPUEzU6u_EuU3UQXvHFXoYLqDGXpgm-xUKnKAQGAshvUFB6RskhhffGK85qqsOvWU6VpzIE169c8uQne06mmi5qM_dcVTnJZF3/w400-h320/1aaaaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Final photo of Black-throated Gray Warbler (Indian Rock Park)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, go ahead and pop my balloon, they're supposedly not all that unusual to spot. But I'll put cash money that I'll never see another.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0g4zRrLBqzGe47K4Ivzw5pjttSaSvBZOOxdzKdZuu5JN6fv832lkrKdA2fYMSSQX51X5COSvcM-fpw1CHZoHE57C0yt8Mlc3h29aG4x-LL-4RBR4DPoCY5gesjOjSrYBSpFjxD0wxejQ7eYbVQe9KffjsSSeelXRSJRhVpxATQyaqZtrx3vaEMt_i/s1125/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0g4zRrLBqzGe47K4Ivzw5pjttSaSvBZOOxdzKdZuu5JN6fv832lkrKdA2fYMSSQX51X5COSvcM-fpw1CHZoHE57C0yt8Mlc3h29aG4x-LL-4RBR4DPoCY5gesjOjSrYBSpFjxD0wxejQ7eYbVQe9KffjsSSeelXRSJRhVpxATQyaqZtrx3vaEMt_i/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Sibley's unique volcanic formations</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> In a recent post, I wrote about how once you see a bird for the first time, you will then, by some ineffable law of attraction, begin seeing that same bird over and over.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0fpCcXFkqDsqGevOF4mSiqxIDo_5Y32SuF9xFrZa_HIGLtGB6O51VQA2ZEp3nLzIAiDcVEsy4NjPvcqqrqalS3tZFGIinnAXEPmhOouu0eESIpAgGIl0PwID0e4uEW7LJqp7otWNiR7O7tvkIQHPQsHl-tPX5MlBaaDZODQkh3LIXBvf_iFkRBxx/s1920/2z1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0fpCcXFkqDsqGevOF4mSiqxIDo_5Y32SuF9xFrZa_HIGLtGB6O51VQA2ZEp3nLzIAiDcVEsy4NjPvcqqrqalS3tZFGIinnAXEPmhOouu0eESIpAgGIl0PwID0e4uEW7LJqp7otWNiR7O7tvkIQHPQsHl-tPX5MlBaaDZODQkh3LIXBvf_iFkRBxx/w400-h320/2z1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Egrets gathering on submerged tree at Los Vaqueros Reservoir</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">It does happen.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5ZWfW-hCGARy03O6__iAf9xEkX5mZ_LOjVpvxHooV5NTqUC3uaNI1MWAx84Q6T4Giz7RKPXVFDjo9lEfbRfMgpTghRoKVq3EcO0ZamzBYhGQgRx60y_2-0Ltff2uL9Ur8dD0W7EF1Sz1ESFJRK7YzdQss5nC5BqPrquyOpk4e9MXyhTtCMjombWC/s1174/1z2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1174" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5ZWfW-hCGARy03O6__iAf9xEkX5mZ_LOjVpvxHooV5NTqUC3uaNI1MWAx84Q6T4Giz7RKPXVFDjo9lEfbRfMgpTghRoKVq3EcO0ZamzBYhGQgRx60y_2-0Ltff2uL9Ur8dD0W7EF1Sz1ESFJRK7YzdQss5nC5BqPrquyOpk4e9MXyhTtCMjombWC/w400-h320/1z2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow couple grooming</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the annals of <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Bay Area Birdspotting</span></b></i>, how likely is it, I wonder, that I will ever again see a <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Black-throated Gray Warbler?</span></i></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNnMgksrUiMQzW-S73CCithnnaj_D_HP6mS1zMwJ63tZUk0URGptj3judEa4ATD6OzOYEyqnF-RTw-1dcRYwqlTenlHb4yC_pOO7RQG-W2-wQewEd4Wt9HVTqwdPZPqRSAmzcg9vtW9HUs7HhOxh6v54-ZI-yrvKaTqp0VoSBiAsmh7woOOxE5yLo/s2048/1z3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNnMgksrUiMQzW-S73CCithnnaj_D_HP6mS1zMwJ63tZUk0URGptj3judEa4ATD6OzOYEyqnF-RTw-1dcRYwqlTenlHb4yC_pOO7RQG-W2-wQewEd4Wt9HVTqwdPZPqRSAmzcg9vtW9HUs7HhOxh6v54-ZI-yrvKaTqp0VoSBiAsmh7woOOxE5yLo/w400-h320/1z3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweet little peeper: Townsend's Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Stay tuned.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRnfR481aWdMgeXmY6fZSDF4uE4ievAf4ByAZC0azJjKTA358lgXbo45TiUFVZFc3QR76l4_Ci0LscSskMXmDRLKtn05HrgkhhV6s99K1HbUPVOIY3HVMgxfWycvt8l16KxwodleMMXsC-kS1AEhtN5DwCVmEz-RZ-0hZAP4E1U3FEFrgVxBXGln2/s1472/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRnfR481aWdMgeXmY6fZSDF4uE4ievAf4ByAZC0azJjKTA358lgXbo45TiUFVZFc3QR76l4_Ci0LscSskMXmDRLKtn05HrgkhhV6s99K1HbUPVOIY3HVMgxfWycvt8l16KxwodleMMXsC-kS1AEhtN5DwCVmEz-RZ-0hZAP4E1U3FEFrgVxBXGln2/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">White-tailed Kite returned to tree top with rodent</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Update from 2017:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I saw one in <span style="color: #351c75;">Indian Rock Park</span> in <span style="color: #990000;">Berkeley</span>.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgMhMG8E3HUxsE2LBcyLvdimYuOm3C6LlIni-Eu3_x_rlhd3yhfgybNRC1ftWjW0UHsdPgqqiFZ1vZmdg2JPAe7JOIp-kAl5aSnBtTRxPzOk65lwdrjk1rQCR5xCO6LLEziyZrTRrbOyogCeu-62iD_f9V-yxYLRaP1dE618b1vB8mDaNUnk3b5e1/s1907/3b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="1907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgMhMG8E3HUxsE2LBcyLvdimYuOm3C6LlIni-Eu3_x_rlhd3yhfgybNRC1ftWjW0UHsdPgqqiFZ1vZmdg2JPAe7JOIp-kAl5aSnBtTRxPzOk65lwdrjk1rQCR5xCO6LLEziyZrTRrbOyogCeu-62iD_f9V-yxYLRaP1dE618b1vB8mDaNUnk3b5e1/w400-h320/3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">It's a ducky world</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>As of 2023,</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>nary a one, but always hopeful.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k8pYTPDWdwo26YcP2SDasY0HcoxpDguTfE4ZxVzdLPiipxTFlu-fYJeqnT01oSmmJQO3DVoWnI5sqDEUm-Et1uQMgIH5lBOM4zPr5eIMt3RzV6iWaakdsJDyDOtjK0ciSjMZj3msl5oqFzJzL6XCpfnfohULdNEf2x_kiMfiUzLig1s6UJJdKiN0/s1920/3c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k8pYTPDWdwo26YcP2SDasY0HcoxpDguTfE4ZxVzdLPiipxTFlu-fYJeqnT01oSmmJQO3DVoWnI5sqDEUm-Et1uQMgIH5lBOM4zPr5eIMt3RzV6iWaakdsJDyDOtjK0ciSjMZj3msl5oqFzJzL6XCpfnfohULdNEf2x_kiMfiUzLig1s6UJJdKiN0/w400-h320/3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Robin singing his song</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">And always, always,</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">on the lookout for a cool bird.</span></b></i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3NEl4ON-DzWN5iZ46xOkTGhnn-fT4zTeTfj1Uwwy1rcMf680Uo98IwuuREvIB2O2-0kIhwWS6DeapmR1HgN3ap-CW_lxIDVvklCx3YuJRKHbCGdhpKj5rHBwXlUgBydOftHHqGGr82PnAaAtfCsTsQd4RxUDeg5Ep2ERLIrAXFvVSg_OvshTupCM/s1536/3d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3NEl4ON-DzWN5iZ46xOkTGhnn-fT4zTeTfj1Uwwy1rcMf680Uo98IwuuREvIB2O2-0kIhwWS6DeapmR1HgN3ap-CW_lxIDVvklCx3YuJRKHbCGdhpKj5rHBwXlUgBydOftHHqGGr82PnAaAtfCsTsQd4RxUDeg5Ep2ERLIrAXFvVSg_OvshTupCM/w480-h640/3d.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">Pretty </span><span style="color: #660000;">(unfocused)</span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"> Vulture</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Read another </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">berkeleybackyardbirdblog</span><span style="color: red;"> post</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">about the birds & nature</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">at a premier </span><span style="color: #783f04;">"badlands"</span><span style="color: red;"> East Bay Park:</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/birdlicious-beauty-abounds-in-sibley.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MORE BIRDLICIOUS BIRDING </span></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/birdlicious-beauty-abounds-in-sibley.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE (April 6, 2015)</span></a><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LyTLzSxC7091S6P2fiandTnG5ytVB32UzI48ls-72EqSUpkghqbvYi5Zsg0Wf61AX7sfCQoDy0QUyVNUOsWejSiUT_u3iZ_g9D5cExUb9bP-f5PUUJZv2Js8KcgN4eiwO0BMd_rdgyKFqFMG6legGf45yvraOoU4Y47jqL2RpdPX3jSY6I5R5oJF/s1152/13a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LyTLzSxC7091S6P2fiandTnG5ytVB32UzI48ls-72EqSUpkghqbvYi5Zsg0Wf61AX7sfCQoDy0QUyVNUOsWejSiUT_u3iZ_g9D5cExUb9bP-f5PUUJZv2Js8KcgN4eiwO0BMd_rdgyKFqFMG6legGf45yvraOoU4Y47jqL2RpdPX3jSY6I5R5oJF/w360-h640/13a.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Hiking at Sibley</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">Read my post at </span><span style="color: #351c75;">gambolinman</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">about Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">& three other East Bay parks</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: red;">in the Berkeley / Oakland Hills:</span></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/05/chabot-redwood-huckleberry-sibley-four.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>AN AMAZING "RED ROCK" VOLCANIC PARK</b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/05/chabot-redwood-huckleberry-sibley-four.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>IN THE OAKLAND HILLS (2009)</b></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdETubaYX18U8eF8s42NQEkGbweH9uqsJYRcRVN9NPFfdl_-wXcHqt0bLePTQKSxpDR0-wqLullttRlx2E6xsyW6-JDrGXYIWHMh-83bSm-io45e7vdbKy04dNiN8RhHF4IQPnhChzuSi9KH1dRLlL0zs1hi1Wuhqh1hWB8O17hmeAs13hsnxjDfak/s2048/12aaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdETubaYX18U8eF8s42NQEkGbweH9uqsJYRcRVN9NPFfdl_-wXcHqt0bLePTQKSxpDR0-wqLullttRlx2E6xsyW6-JDrGXYIWHMh-83bSm-io45e7vdbKy04dNiN8RhHF4IQPnhChzuSi9KH1dRLlL0zs1hi1Wuhqh1hWB8O17hmeAs13hsnxjDfak/w480-h640/12aaaa.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Round Top Creek</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">shelters birds &</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">many creatures</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Dig into Gambolin' Man's photo gallery</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">of over 500 scenes of the geologic & biodiversity</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">scenic wonders & beauty</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve:</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4azbCk" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE: A PHOTO GALLERY</span></b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMl1ILFVvSgQQ29TAXr-kX5owlSW_DdgKgC3rU-QOIs2xHSTA2ULDUJDNtIAda99f1VdIwIvrwJGQRibfl4hDP3zmPevIw30t8RrDYGcaXc2tS42cL19kiFZwQkGSCGw898v7WIJZrGw2xrtePus3pTwifXZa0G_rFGIVebLC1IA1eSY7nq0-gqhV/s1818/12bb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="1364" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMl1ILFVvSgQQ29TAXr-kX5owlSW_DdgKgC3rU-QOIs2xHSTA2ULDUJDNtIAda99f1VdIwIvrwJGQRibfl4hDP3zmPevIw30t8RrDYGcaXc2tS42cL19kiFZwQkGSCGw898v7WIJZrGw2xrtePus3pTwifXZa0G_rFGIVebLC1IA1eSY7nq0-gqhV/w480-h640/12bb.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Rugged Sibley</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">old quarry pit</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">with labyrinth</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-68176952793879062562014-11-17T20:25:00.181-08:002023-04-01T13:55:54.337-07:00Birding Delights at Jewel Lake, Wildcat Creek & Tilden Nature Area<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuCphc2PQ-CYedGBh7FY7AD9moX5m3LEEDQKqOjn56xBf22eiF3AJ5SY_efx6p4m_OsYp8SjSr2Cbl6reAtW4JKpbzw8ju5AvgsADsNi8aNI2LFuH-bffOVLwqpy-JtBtmUzDHdxPDREuqmRpc77GXjdgdQECoXar82qKmjDrVg3WOolTDlvONGxX/s1572/4p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuCphc2PQ-CYedGBh7FY7AD9moX5m3LEEDQKqOjn56xBf22eiF3AJ5SY_efx6p4m_OsYp8SjSr2Cbl6reAtW4JKpbzw8ju5AvgsADsNi8aNI2LFuH-bffOVLwqpy-JtBtmUzDHdxPDREuqmRpc77GXjdgdQECoXar82qKmjDrVg3WOolTDlvONGxX/w400-h320/4p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Grosbeak in high tree branches</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Tilden Regional Park</span></i></b> is a natural wonder on our urban doorstep just minutes away in the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Berkeley Hills</span></b></i> – even by bike!</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5GLksAJ5Fq4VeXY5B_4hnd0FFRuWFLeo57Oi9MFSqfG4Rb57iFOnqJG3oWZQNJob6936lEd0x0aCJ8fRbcRBt3htzj6YlKH8iVdkynJVCC2v2PYBkDQDVrGPZQI5xgvUy2XaBZy730QAnzrkq5fHWskEWYp9oMgmz6QbsGdm3dlQo0qN5ATFPVQw/s1896/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="1896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5GLksAJ5Fq4VeXY5B_4hnd0FFRuWFLeo57Oi9MFSqfG4Rb57iFOnqJG3oWZQNJob6936lEd0x0aCJ8fRbcRBt3htzj6YlKH8iVdkynJVCC2v2PYBkDQDVrGPZQI5xgvUy2XaBZy730QAnzrkq5fHWskEWYp9oMgmz6QbsGdm3dlQo0qN5ATFPVQw/w400-h320/1a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Turtles lined up on a log at Jewel Lake in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The lovely <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i> is alluring any time of year, especially pretty now with dense brush and forest draped in autumn colors.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfySiJZGAWLoSewsH_cDACzdtD8yFhLXsFlKv5znp2cReBCb0qkLbMYnJfDM9upuTEHu2P4q2Fep9JPbZ_TXIcGfWKXEHfdyFoIAS_5MopJsfKdwiybz5KcrR--adUe2bYWHLlZlRBvH9XWsm63nLL7ULgLA31Tm2qN7wdGZRuHwebqGJVwXAnIjdY/s1440/4m.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfySiJZGAWLoSewsH_cDACzdtD8yFhLXsFlKv5znp2cReBCb0qkLbMYnJfDM9upuTEHu2P4q2Fep9JPbZ_TXIcGfWKXEHfdyFoIAS_5MopJsfKdwiybz5KcrR--adUe2bYWHLlZlRBvH9XWsm63nLL7ULgLA31Tm2qN7wdGZRuHwebqGJVwXAnIjdY/w400-h320/4m.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pie-billed Grebe visiting Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A stroll around the <i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Nature Area</span></b></i> – if you're a birder – can soak up a few hours in no time just ambling around, checking for birds at the edges of the still-flowing creek, in the rich habitat of the winding boardwalk, and at the aviary otherwise known as <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Jewel Lake</span></b></i>, where birdspotting becomes a special art.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfsO3EbJKFkuuBT0B27UY5PAPeGIx-r7QKzxEtJyMcrRncP7IwMNuUsF5JUKuxATrZCjkWfZaeAE8mfgIflCQDNIieVN6HHBeyn0W9HID1PP5LE7IKo29j9ZSCR6zjcBTmLp8f6XDM9KnZ6rlkei0YrGqZ1Vf_PGAy3z0FtdBqA-lhu1jvU5E2BSH/s1920/1aa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfsO3EbJKFkuuBT0B27UY5PAPeGIx-r7QKzxEtJyMcrRncP7IwMNuUsF5JUKuxATrZCjkWfZaeAE8mfgIflCQDNIieVN6HHBeyn0W9HID1PP5LE7IKo29j9ZSCR6zjcBTmLp8f6XDM9KnZ6rlkei0YrGqZ1Vf_PGAy3z0FtdBqA-lhu1jvU5E2BSH/w400-h320/1aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake flush after big rains</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Often meeting fellow giddily enthusiastic birders, you're bound to experience a <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">birducopia</span></b></i> in a <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">birdutopia!</span></b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcATgd-TVKZhvoRUVljAbWFg-LIvsMIEBXrgqxe3jGxTQBHJcgC41k8nUrwhKJuGVckHB7y2L97anSqurNIYyYIWbIvHtlO1Axh9sjdEXmXMYR8hxUqG9xMo6_MvCtE6jXGJflT-U8yvQJq8axlahzaHFTCNYGr8hgc_X783POuKYM646p7L1Rx6_O/s1920/4k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcATgd-TVKZhvoRUVljAbWFg-LIvsMIEBXrgqxe3jGxTQBHJcgC41k8nUrwhKJuGVckHB7y2L97anSqurNIYyYIWbIvHtlO1Axh9sjdEXmXMYR8hxUqG9xMo6_MvCtE6jXGJflT-U8yvQJq8axlahzaHFTCNYGr8hgc_X783POuKYM646p7L1Rx6_O/w400-h320/4k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cormorant at rest on ball</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Show-offy <span style="color: #0b5394;">Cormorants</span> flapping their wings.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkGnZgljQgoXJMNdFcUaNQW9LSeXueUSV_6h4SbxHLe9Fzw7BfSkG93EQUzrQJiXGg5CjAcaqWkktqHmsCi4d_glcWY-QrxXFLFAGGMSDs_gSKzUWNBAGr927rzjHHOIk-qoYaVGav9Wh_65znM_hGEHlUoXYtlBtO_hLk6mldDqXV88rRIzEcFtf/s1440/1bb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkGnZgljQgoXJMNdFcUaNQW9LSeXueUSV_6h4SbxHLe9Fzw7BfSkG93EQUzrQJiXGg5CjAcaqWkktqHmsCi4d_glcWY-QrxXFLFAGGMSDs_gSKzUWNBAGr927rzjHHOIk-qoYaVGav9Wh_65znM_hGEHlUoXYtlBtO_hLk6mldDqXV88rRIzEcFtf/w400-h320/1bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mallard mates for life</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mallards</span> and other <span style="color: #741b47;">Waterfowl</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">gliding about solo</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">or with little ones or mates in tow.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9wj2kn5_8mKtX__J9SzzXgnwplGk4cvlqkXIL94OXfBr_2SFS4NzO4ue7rYEw93UXfeSDiVEIbTEm3jHYc3AG5Z6iuG4S9t9tdyQKBLKvklXlGKSqULYpghrf4JqmWAxxVh9vwY7YQY6Cl25piVUhb9ppIV2TXASdxw0sfe1NWx6YbqUucj-rglr/s1440/1b1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9wj2kn5_8mKtX__J9SzzXgnwplGk4cvlqkXIL94OXfBr_2SFS4NzO4ue7rYEw93UXfeSDiVEIbTEm3jHYc3AG5Z6iuG4S9t9tdyQKBLKvklXlGKSqULYpghrf4JqmWAxxVh9vwY7YQY6Cl25piVUhb9ppIV2TXASdxw0sfe1NWx6YbqUucj-rglr/w400-h320/1b1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Walkin the walk, stalkin the stalk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Herons</span> stalking and feeding</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>in their inimitably Zen-patient way.</b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nzwucXfSeIJSy_ThHcg08A9E9vQZo5yp82BYHxR9-2M6F3ShLLY4QRvBwmgO0jsWM18sTUB6CTp9fc4I7ZKTdBcJlidtVWJRJJCsGa0B8enbTc8b4-uiE73LCR9hse3N4mJZmgNWXnEYLcL8s18BztbuhtH92dBE9wjW6d4ChAAk0uvQN53I2vnS/s1920/4j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nzwucXfSeIJSy_ThHcg08A9E9vQZo5yp82BYHxR9-2M6F3ShLLY4QRvBwmgO0jsWM18sTUB6CTp9fc4I7ZKTdBcJlidtVWJRJJCsGa0B8enbTc8b4-uiE73LCR9hse3N4mJZmgNWXnEYLcL8s18BztbuhtH92dBE9wjW6d4ChAAk0uvQN53I2vnS/w400-h320/4j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black Phoebe singing "Along came a spider . . ."</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adorable <span style="color: #351c75;">Black Phoebes</span> and <span style="color: #38761d;">Anna's Hummingbirds</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">flitting about.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBdPQkqiC2gAkyjCZo8DtIk7au3IHXa2xth4z6EsItm72oTjzDVtPuTZe-zwyOd2GVUsWX0DGHoEzuBv9TDotZhbrLetxWWAPFIOHQlekpDAVMPFw3yyUAPfKYf7dSXhjZOh4Bf8nepnzu4cvDhxzuwf61jcbT5g46GiLWu0u1k1wgx8PwzYX7fMS/s1021/1cc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBdPQkqiC2gAkyjCZo8DtIk7au3IHXa2xth4z6EsItm72oTjzDVtPuTZe-zwyOd2GVUsWX0DGHoEzuBv9TDotZhbrLetxWWAPFIOHQlekpDAVMPFw3yyUAPfKYf7dSXhjZOh4Bf8nepnzu4cvDhxzuwf61jcbT5g46GiLWu0u1k1wgx8PwzYX7fMS/w400-h320/1cc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Belted Kingfisher comes and goes</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Elusive <span style="color: #990000;">Kingfishers</span> darting to and fro</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">(if you're lucky to espy the quick flyers)</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGmH4HKf2X-k5pvlCVXj0s2VkgqjN04nb8a6V8w_fp3F63QdvgZarCzprrURXUwP5xklLsXx18XbW7LrIrwqO1yUCGpvIvv14sv1isTEfy6uI0qbIaAQKjqjFcAqkph9nvgiyi3evF2u7_9DA_Ki0lChuxm8vrhU_yQeUF5FnO2O6lKSlzqCQ2FES/s1149/1c.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1149" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGmH4HKf2X-k5pvlCVXj0s2VkgqjN04nb8a6V8w_fp3F63QdvgZarCzprrURXUwP5xklLsXx18XbW7LrIrwqO1yUCGpvIvv14sv1isTEfy6uI0qbIaAQKjqjFcAqkph9nvgiyi3evF2u7_9DA_Ki0lChuxm8vrhU_yQeUF5FnO2O6lKSlzqCQ2FES/w400-h320/1c.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Always difficult to photograph Ruby-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Frenetic <span style="color: #b45f06;">Ruby-Crowned Kinglets</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">in their constant search for insects.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS9fPBrpyYxFmfjt98FOnnJwKwWboZir7wWH5fMmQ3NvVJcVMkrFtnsyPEmugmNklUHPIy-GaI9gOK5xd9Yczrrdhtf1DHD6xxmUzwScASUjFQv2JEDXYHXXWN6Y-T7mqsMLGUA-rNuHuDV0erqHcbSRGB4Kb5evTnFZdZFLOHmNZKZam9WdgWrlJ/s1919/4o_blackthroatedgraywarbler.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS9fPBrpyYxFmfjt98FOnnJwKwWboZir7wWH5fMmQ3NvVJcVMkrFtnsyPEmugmNklUHPIy-GaI9gOK5xd9Yczrrdhtf1DHD6xxmUzwScASUjFQv2JEDXYHXXWN6Y-T7mqsMLGUA-rNuHuDV0erqHcbSRGB4Kb5evTnFZdZFLOHmNZKZam9WdgWrlJ/w400-h320/4o_blackthroatedgraywarbler.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Gray Warbler (rare sighting for me)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Several types of <span style="color: #351c75;">Warblers</span>, single-mindedly engaged</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>in the business of gathering sustenance for survival.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAmur3zRXaz3iwKAQZgjiwpd08jNrwA7FMu8ek1KIXP38heLZnyKg3d-BJ_q-alfJpnq0ymXcoRYdTXSl-dlI8uIjnZjeBw7MnoH9sOfno5Y0TPqSm2BPuQyhDXY4nJG0yIuOvF79kyx49ozZcmsCxF6BEmlm_flg_xmDYy8oXF3djUBbCTGxvjL5/s1514/1d.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAmur3zRXaz3iwKAQZgjiwpd08jNrwA7FMu8ek1KIXP38heLZnyKg3d-BJ_q-alfJpnq0ymXcoRYdTXSl-dlI8uIjnZjeBw7MnoH9sOfno5Y0TPqSm2BPuQyhDXY4nJG0yIuOvF79kyx49ozZcmsCxF6BEmlm_flg_xmDYy8oXF3djUBbCTGxvjL5/w400-h320/1d.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk engaged in aerial acrobatics</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And sustenance abounds in the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i>, which accounts for the plethora and diversity of avian visitors and residents.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbtuh0WLONyT_WihjTDZfxPRoqUHl9hBpR7ZwUnfs7FI_TErlxaNPKmXd8ogfggJKi64CeSe5OnZc1TyRDAQpa2Z0rY6Gl2mZNIgRsCQwCb6b3BD7OyWvRpBK5SumUfXlpVQwk2wGcvWXmRb7jp7aXogD7xDX-cLD-VsckS51b7fVi1qlIn703xJd/s1920/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbtuh0WLONyT_WihjTDZfxPRoqUHl9hBpR7ZwUnfs7FI_TErlxaNPKmXd8ogfggJKi64CeSe5OnZc1TyRDAQpa2Z0rY6Gl2mZNIgRsCQwCb6b3BD7OyWvRpBK5SumUfXlpVQwk2wGcvWXmRb7jp7aXogD7xDX-cLD-VsckS51b7fVi1qlIn703xJd/w400-h320/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Acorn Woodpecker checking out cache</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The other day I watch gangs of <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Acorn Woodpeckers</span></b></i> in the marsh ponds flit back and forth from their high perches in the Eucalyptus trees to nearby Oaks to gather their bounty and issue forth chiding <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">AAACK! </span></b></i></span><i style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">AAACK!</span></b></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></b></i></span><i style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">AAACK!</span></b></i><span style="font-size: medium;"> calls.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqALiLwH8XH5I-PojMR-8C5H15UpylP-insHjodDEsUodxINIXtrb_FnW1QVmV4BaLu01tEHis2k7aBrac0n0e38i5qpeD28zCiCa2rnZMScHuquuBJhhS2O7SsGKEtrjZG1BBZFAdHWCwdmCtDmnT8b3aQ6rqpw34laIf3WirW1m6Ff6hP00FYmM/s1125/1b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqALiLwH8XH5I-PojMR-8C5H15UpylP-insHjodDEsUodxINIXtrb_FnW1QVmV4BaLu01tEHis2k7aBrac0n0e38i5qpeD28zCiCa2rnZMScHuquuBJhhS2O7SsGKEtrjZG1BBZFAdHWCwdmCtDmnT8b3aQ6rqpw34laIf3WirW1m6Ff6hP00FYmM/w400-h320/1b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Leaders of the flock of wild Turkeys crossing the trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">On <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Blue Gum Trail</span></b></i>, a troupe of two dozen <span style="color: #783f04;"><i><b>Turkeys</b></i></span> crosses my path, only mildly frightened by vain attempts to film them.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbI7gPlkgFlMDD0JoQoq6JJRfboymxS1APCiqgoA-Nvqwq4gFrgXV0fld4F3MoR28Et9-WRdS8BWwkTrKD5rCFp7vmQP9xqbmi0VR7OM7TjdELqUv00fFIFJFI_XujgLXgxhjAUSQ2uX5TSaa1AS7cDhZUZajlm0pPiYdf0lWnez6s292SidqP6Ly/s1313/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbI7gPlkgFlMDD0JoQoq6JJRfboymxS1APCiqgoA-Nvqwq4gFrgXV0fld4F3MoR28Et9-WRdS8BWwkTrKD5rCFp7vmQP9xqbmi0VR7OM7TjdELqUv00fFIFJFI_XujgLXgxhjAUSQ2uX5TSaa1AS7cDhZUZajlm0pPiYdf0lWnez6s292SidqP6Ly/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush in dense cover</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">At the edge of a dried out pond, I think a <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush</span></b></i> is hiding in dense understory, but can't verify it until returning an hour later just to see. My patience – or timing – is rewarded within a few seconds with a fine glimpse of the handsome <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Thrush</span></b></i>, crouched in typical hard to spot, camo'd, secretive pose amid a tangle of branches.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcmC25LMUgjte-XlEofBDoxSHBSeYOz8G7z5KnnT47RRlw4dLUlxS9kxzSCRyMPCCqaT18Et58Y3PyihQM9AB0yOIBhl3_T6d74HHU8u0I_IpJLrMmJalkQhOdogSr1Z9K1bREN8D2z9RfttLbNWZo-h8ymczSc-z61mpW-XHZwkHpj5ADPrHZ_kW/s1987/1dd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1987" data-original-width="1117" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcmC25LMUgjte-XlEofBDoxSHBSeYOz8G7z5KnnT47RRlw4dLUlxS9kxzSCRyMPCCqaT18Et58Y3PyihQM9AB0yOIBhl3_T6d74HHU8u0I_IpJLrMmJalkQhOdogSr1Z9K1bREN8D2z9RfttLbNWZo-h8ymczSc-z61mpW-XHZwkHpj5ADPrHZ_kW/w360-h640/1dd.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake in throes of drought</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No hiding from me this time, sweet little birdie, but definitely you're not the easiest bird to photograph.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fcz5Nk-AfzfIuHVTY4rN1zjD7IafTf-dULaeWypGAKqD22puuqcLUsfl8hOcKW4eRLN414w054XD4iqMBZMBZj874YPr66SG3STf6i1d5Z2PVHmZsk98xnztGcJOW4Uc3ssku7E9otKkzLy-WLbACg38RJ5EpDIkDpCFaqbEUolYwlzuqq1CXlaz/s1440/4e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fcz5Nk-AfzfIuHVTY4rN1zjD7IafTf-dULaeWypGAKqD22puuqcLUsfl8hOcKW4eRLN414w054XD4iqMBZMBZj874YPr66SG3STf6i1d5Z2PVHmZsk98xnztGcJOW4Uc3ssku7E9otKkzLy-WLbACg38RJ5EpDIkDpCFaqbEUolYwlzuqq1CXlaz/w400-h320/4e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Juvenile - what? - who?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Now how is it that with multiple dozens of visits to the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Tilden Nature Area /</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Creek Watershed</span></b></i>, I continue to be dumbstruck by the many different birds I see here . . . that I have never seen!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDcAV9uRkqhUlAnDLAuHiUzeiqcbgZ9eJwUGDRuL4n0zDjXbdhm3NmORTXEO2QvEXMIq2e5dbhEl8ymJQVFkkIla-ZEw65YWgqWo9KGEhke3nRQtJnwRnJW4spDCycdZyy7AkD4SwwqcwqMUwCOo9klq8ZlqDDgDQgpTDQftjEislm_2jZmzv7_o2/s1919/4h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDcAV9uRkqhUlAnDLAuHiUzeiqcbgZ9eJwUGDRuL4n0zDjXbdhm3NmORTXEO2QvEXMIq2e5dbhEl8ymJQVFkkIla-ZEw65YWgqWo9KGEhke3nRQtJnwRnJW4spDCycdZyy7AkD4SwwqcwqMUwCOo9klq8ZlqDDgDQgpTDQftjEislm_2jZmzv7_o2/w400-h320/4h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wood (?) Hermit (?) Thrush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Not one! Not once!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>It makes no sense!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYcqrplUk35OseGvvdhNKp9U_o7SOVCTwebCVgTcnfV7lIIh85ch1OHjuBs15_uOduFE8BMAtEpZn3dUsIG2n6FNT2ft4D2eIvp94zsoGggtX81F5WeVY1BZXPC_Jh3s_HJkCMRlk9sqEbqMU4jZf7mX4p520Ttv4rzwX_DZmsNE6MCYwbulH2iAa/s2045/4n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2045" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYcqrplUk35OseGvvdhNKp9U_o7SOVCTwebCVgTcnfV7lIIh85ch1OHjuBs15_uOduFE8BMAtEpZn3dUsIG2n6FNT2ft4D2eIvp94zsoGggtX81F5WeVY1BZXPC_Jh3s_HJkCMRlk9sqEbqMU4jZf7mX4p520Ttv4rzwX_DZmsNE6MCYwbulH2iAa/w400-h320/4n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Stern-looking Steller's Jay</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Writing for <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Mount Diablo Audubon Society</span></b></i>, <i>Steve Glover</i> casually reports varied sightings of birds spotted in this vicinity / environs that have thus far completely eluded my sphere of awareness.</span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx3CwGK3NthBeCykJ3l4j7t__mdofWhhhVeUsIkMDvO2UJ9XkZam_E2c_G_Vq2U-QpNPRL2HhLH1J9ovTzVg6jBZyeMAIaObwG4gJU-Biibvhvb1HsVZUYbR7qXwSbe2yO9okPjVrYcYe9oyRjuK01LFa8ZUA7AfmnpATit7oicwhyMiIKkxbwKhy/s1538/4g.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx3CwGK3NthBeCykJ3l4j7t__mdofWhhhVeUsIkMDvO2UJ9XkZam_E2c_G_Vq2U-QpNPRL2HhLH1J9ovTzVg6jBZyeMAIaObwG4gJU-Biibvhvb1HsVZUYbR7qXwSbe2yO9okPjVrYcYe9oyRjuK01LFa8ZUA7AfmnpATit7oicwhyMiIKkxbwKhy/w400-h320/4g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-tailed Hawk chilling on fence post</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="font-size: medium;">His list includes the following birds, all of which I have a grand total of <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">ZERO</span></b></i> sightings in my own biodiverse backyard! Possibly because some of the birds on his list are non-residents / non-visitors, and may be wayward stragglers? Just a guess based on a quick scan of breeding, wintering and summer ranges </span><i>(* = possible sighting but unconfirmed)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppaYen5Syql_GQ2w1qoLH_-lqufFUmYowOeLneHNwbNAO6qIXrgvzEhsJyRFp6qIYt54Odjo5Aut1nb28X09Kl2bPCyA2Z_vIYMNHCsuTpHwDXNo0V9LT6X7qLjVj5NLXMjJ39aSvh7U9ARG2_nVZm8C6CMnLx-PEeULfSMDvpHkMhtlkKXm9juVG/s1071/Allen's_Hummingbird_Selasphorus_sasin_maryshattock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1071" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppaYen5Syql_GQ2w1qoLH_-lqufFUmYowOeLneHNwbNAO6qIXrgvzEhsJyRFp6qIYt54Odjo5Aut1nb28X09Kl2bPCyA2Z_vIYMNHCsuTpHwDXNo0V9LT6X7qLjVj5NLXMjJ39aSvh7U9ARG2_nVZm8C6CMnLx-PEeULfSMDvpHkMhtlkKXm9juVG/w400-h356/Allen's_Hummingbird_Selasphorus_sasin_maryshattock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Allen's Hummingbird (photo by Mary Shattock on Flickr)</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000;">*Swainson's Thrush </span>/ <span style="color: #cc0000;">*Allen's Hummingbird /</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">Red-eyed Vireo /</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">Tennessee Warbler /</span> <span style="color: #783f04;">Chestnut-sided Warbler /</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Hooded Warbler /</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">Black-throated Blue Warbler /</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Worm-eating Warbler /</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Northern Parula</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> /</span> <span style="color: #783f04;">Northern Waterthrush /</span> <span style="color: #20124d;">American Redstart /</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">Western Wood-Pewee / </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">*Pine Siskin /</span> *<span style="color: #674ea7;">Winter Wren /</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Ovenbird /</span> <span style="color: #a64d79;">*Purple Finch</span></span></i></b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98ipQMQcvaW1q_72u8oBp2uxF36jki15tZlU5BF1IVxS1wiVE7HdztvsHKMVCDfZdu_6POVCJvjyISjqcqftKSvvmPX6ZL8mWU7Zi7uDChkqEvcXiGgCq_4tr_pGQD85yCjTpBDR7cV7CXd8RQykqwrq-Jag3u2Z2TBRbxhiXWrsSQmAEe9phGeSl/s798/798px-Hooded_Warbler_nina%20hale.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="798" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98ipQMQcvaW1q_72u8oBp2uxF36jki15tZlU5BF1IVxS1wiVE7HdztvsHKMVCDfZdu_6POVCJvjyISjqcqftKSvvmPX6ZL8mWU7Zi7uDChkqEvcXiGgCq_4tr_pGQD85yCjTpBDR7cV7CXd8RQykqwrq-Jag3u2Z2TBRbxhiXWrsSQmAEe9phGeSl/w400-h300/798px-Hooded_Warbler_nina%20hale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooded Warbler</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo by Ninahale, CC BY-SA 4.0 <br /><https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, <br />via Wikimedia Commons)</span></b></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>Seriously, how can this be?</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><i><b>Am I not paying attention?</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>Are the birds determined to not pay attention to me?</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>Is my timing off?</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6y81T-GmDRicg7YTiJ8nSzYCTfCOu66wF4g4jUhVfJho2UDnSfi_suYijqeWN-LyfljLH_UWrOnaFJt6x52fK_Lg6XiYH1iSk6KvNR2r04fplC1yVCqH409D6JMfLij4a_NNtHJwqTKvxwXfJOiO2JeYOywVJyRXuHFCzv8M0np8a3i1BeZKIErn/s930/8c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="930" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6y81T-GmDRicg7YTiJ8nSzYCTfCOu66wF4g4jUhVfJho2UDnSfi_suYijqeWN-LyfljLH_UWrOnaFJt6x52fK_Lg6XiYH1iSk6KvNR2r04fplC1yVCqH409D6JMfLij4a_NNtHJwqTKvxwXfJOiO2JeYOywVJyRXuHFCzv8M0np8a3i1BeZKIErn/w400-h320/8c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Western Bluebird standing out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Do I not know a <span style="color: #660000;">Swainson's</span> from a <span style="color: #783f04;">Hermit?</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>A <span style="color: #741b47;">Vireo</span> from a <span style="color: #b45f06;">Kinglet?</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>A <span style="color: #38761d;">Lark</span> from a <span style="color: #741b47;">Song Sparrow?</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCIFsacsJqUeyW6s6BeNIuMc-rLkAUX_-dAe45R0H4an3SROos-tHAMzZ2YqhstnTX79Q15pg3sFy7xWZ8h_2Lr-egyzwXxdSpx8eeZbqdJ291qGYE0PgF2aCN5gCJoBp1d-ri8DJxjMaQdDSZC_GyENNHxNsg-joFy03f3HyPVIMBNeacc7opvPE/s1440/8b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCIFsacsJqUeyW6s6BeNIuMc-rLkAUX_-dAe45R0H4an3SROos-tHAMzZ2YqhstnTX79Q15pg3sFy7xWZ8h_2Lr-egyzwXxdSpx8eeZbqdJ291qGYE0PgF2aCN5gCJoBp1d-ri8DJxjMaQdDSZC_GyENNHxNsg-joFy03f3HyPVIMBNeacc7opvPE/w400-h320/8b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Wildcat Creek beauty in Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Surely not. Like my chanterelle hunting bud of old who had an uncanny ability to magically spot barely popping up fungi, it must take another kind of talent, some preternatural connection, to stand there silently, patiently – expectantly? – until an <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>American Redstart </b></i></span>or <span style="color: #7f6000;"><b><i>Northern Parula</i></b></span> happens to show up.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpR1Jlz3zyRhthYyPkxr4wvU-A1p63ClbIxCfQ-ZnxFBlFeMiH2pHefAwPBtpcexWLgsbCeDwehfh1IQtoYwDSgCI7mEaxvAhuc8cicaZc4MtpvgZ8T1smPtkuS9-TxQXgX9N48Q_wplg4c13BrRJJSK_GcEWZk-5lsQkKIDb-Ge-XfgjzwMf6Qli6/s2048/8a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpR1Jlz3zyRhthYyPkxr4wvU-A1p63ClbIxCfQ-ZnxFBlFeMiH2pHefAwPBtpcexWLgsbCeDwehfh1IQtoYwDSgCI7mEaxvAhuc8cicaZc4MtpvgZ8T1smPtkuS9-TxQXgX9N48Q_wplg4c13BrRJJSK_GcEWZk-5lsQkKIDb-Ge-XfgjzwMf6Qli6/w400-h300/8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Laurel Canyon area of Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Maybe, has to be, like I said, about timing. These birds must be early morning or late evening appearing birds, and I'm always, or mostly, here from 10 am to 3 pm. In any event, I could also certainly benefit from instructions, lessons, camaraderie, if only I weren't such a maverick and lone wolf about things.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoER0XTmo5Kg7oV9sRt8t9__P1XZGzmfuEOALTjxHEIuiAvqaXdN2j15X-WdIyhGnP3VC9fIVM1oKVtauGQ8iFksRj5PagqG339NuIlw-khG-tPQ7KPm-EeHmHiG5YeXc12pbiJcdPx5pNih_Iex9pgEPAKorrRvAyGTGZLY0dqs5WfHbV3PKuTr7/s1440/1ee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoER0XTmo5Kg7oV9sRt8t9__P1XZGzmfuEOALTjxHEIuiAvqaXdN2j15X-WdIyhGnP3VC9fIVM1oKVtauGQ8iFksRj5PagqG339NuIlw-khG-tPQ7KPm-EeHmHiG5YeXc12pbiJcdPx5pNih_Iex9pgEPAKorrRvAyGTGZLY0dqs5WfHbV3PKuTr7/w400-h320/1ee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Fox Sparrow (a guess)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I'll settle with my own wonderful sightings recently.</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQIZdkXCJhEdNIogbpEQsXZ2FQQVdJQb2z2NVj4xG9IW7JYglBLfErnYkZTuSf0wkKeew09qOVSf8j0-84pT_ujGa26-a1dR4IUE-itJyeaWpkLKrwVqg7_X8NaAGh7xmNyIuMV2frkNOrMTtqoGgcKd4laGscQgXGSnLiDvjLIQYk-2L9Z8UD2ka/s1808/1aaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1808" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQIZdkXCJhEdNIogbpEQsXZ2FQQVdJQb2z2NVj4xG9IW7JYglBLfErnYkZTuSf0wkKeew09qOVSf8j0-84pT_ujGa26-a1dR4IUE-itJyeaWpkLKrwVqg7_X8NaAGh7xmNyIuMV2frkNOrMTtqoGgcKd4laGscQgXGSnLiDvjLIQYk-2L9Z8UD2ka/w400-h320/1aaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron (and Turtle)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">A juvenile <span style="color: #274e13;">Black-crowned Night Heron</span>.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpqi0X_kM4GhZUVXqOiJzCLzXY-HZ4srGdeKzXVVbU3sZR0PF2dJaoJxfxR0ba5w93SjwKp2ZQYT4mCjpsYR6Yqvmf7WUUBXMoWCOIaMNUVyUvHFZdPZ3TjbtU6J6i6qYGFrxW37IdQrUkDEwBZskuIu9moWCKpsSJ-sFN2mamkzyAD5ZOlZOaCrZ/s1518/1a2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpqi0X_kM4GhZUVXqOiJzCLzXY-HZ4srGdeKzXVVbU3sZR0PF2dJaoJxfxR0ba5w93SjwKp2ZQYT4mCjpsYR6Yqvmf7WUUBXMoWCOIaMNUVyUvHFZdPZ3TjbtU6J6i6qYGFrxW37IdQrUkDEwBZskuIu9moWCKpsSJ-sFN2mamkzyAD5ZOlZOaCrZ/w400-h320/1a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron waiting for his moment</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">An unflappable <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Great Blue Heron</span>.</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVqVtY-E9ajaBOq1jOsGl3l9AKJYPTDTlSf6bPxUitpXtgQcfa0dsLJXoTTzpQWZj_z9dUBE1lFNdqOS00kUcoggPJ2zGE1gHkcr4gTzojKGOQxQAHH8Fk_hBh181bUwJsOWdz2fIf9MCnxmyjoRX1rnPlcOCSAH84MzCE8XmHS5vmqsXG_vUQXXW/s400/1a14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVqVtY-E9ajaBOq1jOsGl3l9AKJYPTDTlSf6bPxUitpXtgQcfa0dsLJXoTTzpQWZj_z9dUBE1lFNdqOS00kUcoggPJ2zGE1gHkcr4gTzojKGOQxQAHH8Fk_hBh181bUwJsOWdz2fIf9MCnxmyjoRX1rnPlcOCSAH84MzCE8XmHS5vmqsXG_vUQXXW/w400-h320/1a14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo photographed in Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">An exciting first ever sighting of a <span style="color: #990000;">Warbling Vireo</span>.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinISBymPWYcPuJfDZWotnsnduWtEAzFg4XUiFxBF-kJS6ldT_GP1g_WHlbwyIj-tCQWCbIv8cQaLjKCi2GINlUAX9a9XSAeIR-gjHmLAg_UEc5XFfwEk9IN9qBctakBb6z3ly6UbGQcnGKJPzd8WqehXyRERYTlIaNAAD7TRLJD0X_uObB82ErBs5m/s1194/1a15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1194" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinISBymPWYcPuJfDZWotnsnduWtEAzFg4XUiFxBF-kJS6ldT_GP1g_WHlbwyIj-tCQWCbIv8cQaLjKCi2GINlUAX9a9XSAeIR-gjHmLAg_UEc5XFfwEk9IN9qBctakBb6z3ly6UbGQcnGKJPzd8WqehXyRERYTlIaNAAD7TRLJD0X_uObB82ErBs5m/w400-h320/1a15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush taking cover in dense tangle of branches</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">The <span style="color: #990000;">Varied Thrush</span> I had seen earlier on this day.</span></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEv-qyVHPJitrhg7OYj4eDL9FvQkC1VWdj2z63EM-FpmjTtAbZt7XaD8WGE1qCxhAeGxDW_qChfg0joOce1W87tzWWR4MrBuKur3FR4Wp-N29iFGjWEKJY3OiCwnPCaj5lTj3Vbf99LqRYe4vQRpYvu0ws7cy7ctbTi_HpVRXtLUh-EMHwlN5N6o4/s1920/1b21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEv-qyVHPJitrhg7OYj4eDL9FvQkC1VWdj2z63EM-FpmjTtAbZt7XaD8WGE1qCxhAeGxDW_qChfg0joOce1W87tzWWR4MrBuKur3FR4Wp-N29iFGjWEKJY3OiCwnPCaj5lTj3Vbf99LqRYe4vQRpYvu0ws7cy7ctbTi_HpVRXtLUh-EMHwlN5N6o4/w400-h320/1b21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bird-rich stretch of Wildcat Creek along the Gorge Trail</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I decide to making a last-minute detour hoping to see something different, something special. What are the chances?</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpojFoGBsb9D_-CGT1A48TeCNid6RoIS5UamPuDz7yvwSKDP-x9jW0XkmKhkAeebmg42DM7fHurO5j720ZNt02zCNZw7sJIMc9A6m0zl8TYIcvaxgd3JOZc6s5Ccggc0ea21ysBjXFf31kpcyE5XWnYEKKH9YgxNaH9Mk8ixDz7qnvKRCJkzpVdBr/s1440/4d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpojFoGBsb9D_-CGT1A48TeCNid6RoIS5UamPuDz7yvwSKDP-x9jW0XkmKhkAeebmg42DM7fHurO5j720ZNt02zCNZw7sJIMc9A6m0zl8TYIcvaxgd3JOZc6s5Ccggc0ea21ysBjXFf31kpcyE5XWnYEKKH9YgxNaH9Mk8ixDz7qnvKRCJkzpVdBr/w400-h320/4d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pacific-slope Flycatcher</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I head up a path through the big <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Lone Oak</span></b></i> meadow paralleling <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildcat Creek</span></b></i>, coming to a picnic area where a heretofore unknown pathway leads down a ways to the <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nook Pool</span></b></i> area.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMFQCEKmLOLbI7PMrAd2V1xCcuMSF4YatS38bythd8mYS5SDeTmw65pH5IiwRs1HT6eVhsfeih0SpBtGf7qJnou5Tu4TMKAAtixZX7dXVxyh5Zn-zzrJkXINjyNt9wyUPHAbb4zBbX8QY4kpabq-EXsu0PnN4A4226flKi-pP6_bsGMgiFrXlsuhv/s4050/11b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMFQCEKmLOLbI7PMrAd2V1xCcuMSF4YatS38bythd8mYS5SDeTmw65pH5IiwRs1HT6eVhsfeih0SpBtGf7qJnou5Tu4TMKAAtixZX7dXVxyh5Zn-zzrJkXINjyNt9wyUPHAbb4zBbX8QY4kpabq-EXsu0PnN4A4226flKi-pP6_bsGMgiFrXlsuhv/w400-h320/11b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nook Pool gushing after big rainstorm</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">On the opposite side from the usual approach on <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Wildcat Gorge Trail</span></b></i>, everything seems so unfamiliar, exotic even, with unrecognizable grand Redwood and Bay trees and a thick blanket of forest to discover the secretive world of not one, not two, but three <b><span style="color: #741b47;">Varied Thrushes!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWArCES5VTyt7QB7GeKYpw_byjvB7GjHKXJ5n28HBvzBwQY_SguukIkls-lps-b7WLzSNRO4eUdG8s_NaZU1AR5BZJJqrnsKUuhogEFkTKS6O2QT1SulqF3DJ4VJSHo3NQQH4T_URWDpWj8k4ngc4EEakOSvm2I6ZwivZJXY6zPyK4epYwNPilEhY2/s1600/1e.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="902" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWArCES5VTyt7QB7GeKYpw_byjvB7GjHKXJ5n28HBvzBwQY_SguukIkls-lps-b7WLzSNRO4eUdG8s_NaZU1AR5BZJJqrnsKUuhogEFkTKS6O2QT1SulqF3DJ4VJSHo3NQQH4T_URWDpWj8k4ngc4EEakOSvm2I6ZwivZJXY6zPyK4epYwNPilEhY2/w360-h640/1e.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Tunnel of verdure near Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Unphotographable as usual, I still manage to witness these pretty burnt-orange striped and tinged birds darting and hopping for several minutes, unaware of the voyeur looking in. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kAG0rc_QC2FycK8Kku1oQc4inJc7TRDw4ckDTjdmoZehN9kYSCmtmEmOchHXDX_ASYfTGKiCy3B5BYPrgOGsqVDRrmJrrEOSUm3VolOSl9XoJeonwA2YwYd_-PzqFOGEBIX7bV4modlzNcNj0D-vcEp1iyQuo3V-b2lvhMcbM1flpMxU8bmTtHyh/s1919/4c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kAG0rc_QC2FycK8Kku1oQc4inJc7TRDw4ckDTjdmoZehN9kYSCmtmEmOchHXDX_ASYfTGKiCy3B5BYPrgOGsqVDRrmJrrEOSUm3VolOSl9XoJeonwA2YwYd_-PzqFOGEBIX7bV4modlzNcNj0D-vcEp1iyQuo3V-b2lvhMcbM1flpMxU8bmTtHyh/w400-h320/4c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-backed Chickadee posing just long enough</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A perfect capper to a day that also included sightings of frisky <b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">Chestnut-backed Chickadees</span></i></b>, a lone <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Townsend's Warbler</span></i></b>, blitzing <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i><b>Scrub</b></i></span> and <b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Steller's Jays</span></i></b>, many <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Dark-eyed</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Pink-sided Juncos</span></b></i>, a slew of <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Ruby-crowned Kinglets.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlLYn5OGef7bCNyZ_FTnqsmYg4lbQDNR0FM6Ano5D9e1Ma6aEy0dU2CpCmeH9kY1tP7hy37CQz5I89D7krHr0TW4WhoJhw3Fz-JGRwpmNBlnOyRYVRG1JiqjUIbohLY4jqzdxn_EogJD-Ts0lLBptR4L-I-YCOdcbgncDuJNrUWy806FTq3HIqhXQ/s1440/11a.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlLYn5OGef7bCNyZ_FTnqsmYg4lbQDNR0FM6Ano5D9e1Ma6aEy0dU2CpCmeH9kY1tP7hy37CQz5I89D7krHr0TW4WhoJhw3Fz-JGRwpmNBlnOyRYVRG1JiqjUIbohLY4jqzdxn_EogJD-Ts0lLBptR4L-I-YCOdcbgncDuJNrUWy806FTq3HIqhXQ/w400-h320/11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Robin in berry heaven</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Along with one <i><span style="color: #783f04;">Downy</span></i> and several <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Acorn Woodpeckers</span></i></b>, two dozen <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Wild Turkeys</span></b></i>, several <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Vultures</span></b></i>, two <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Red-tailed Hawks</span></b></i>, one <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Bewick's Wren</span></b></i>, one <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Hermit Thrush</span></b></i>, a few <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">California Towhees</span></b></i>, two <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Black Phoebes</span></b></i>, one <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Mourning Dove</span></b></i>, lots of <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Bushtits</span></b></i>, and a pair of really pretty <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Adult Male Green-backed Lesser Goldfinches!</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HcCHXxr92bw03JKM5lLiiPjKX7cKDgBJM7O4g-Hxi4plBZDyDypV6s6b2fN3_MTuliwFnp4dVgEiX74Ga2ysmuIk8_e_Jxmj0_uuR-qviujPI4YCPVDlsMlyWKTOcZOP7tGh8uMrZRz_pR4glSl_XtncCDXcLdZKXMcXEkeC705vF0zks4x7kdVD/s1718/1a17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HcCHXxr92bw03JKM5lLiiPjKX7cKDgBJM7O4g-Hxi4plBZDyDypV6s6b2fN3_MTuliwFnp4dVgEiX74Ga2ysmuIk8_e_Jxmj0_uuR-qviujPI4YCPVDlsMlyWKTOcZOP7tGh8uMrZRz_pR4glSl_XtncCDXcLdZKXMcXEkeC705vF0zks4x7kdVD/w400-h320/1a17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nook Pool and cascades</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Nothing much to report, along the lines of <i>Steve Glover's</i> sightings, I don't suppose.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWOCod-2MS2WGaf-k_lyNm5UiC7T1_8jkhhAu8KXRaaRLArn-r9kdoaBHa8n7yjtRBS7miu2e1OFtEhH5EW31HzckpC4qaCj5GWpob3Pv0_XMoHv666ZIG_i4jeEd84NDO1SdYSbaAExq7NGufzyIUooQoOmET1JT5r59vu11DU8_5eRWqAQiEd_P/s1876/111111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1876" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWOCod-2MS2WGaf-k_lyNm5UiC7T1_8jkhhAu8KXRaaRLArn-r9kdoaBHa8n7yjtRBS7miu2e1OFtEhH5EW31HzckpC4qaCj5GWpob3Pv0_XMoHv666ZIG_i4jeEd84NDO1SdYSbaAExq7NGufzyIUooQoOmET1JT5r59vu11DU8_5eRWqAQiEd_P/w400-h320/111111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Brown Creeper gathering nesting material in Redwood tree hole</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>STILL! YET! BUT!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0DQzwiA4TgRp0hkZR7-V67z6_vpdzh94u2tMbJNYBymypGjpOwEDhuWKOUiWBFSsNb49EVmGs_A-k-pVzQMEmEPjinGS3OHPlFqCioEUWE0diuAUF6hntNkV_miqJgmd4lhw8pI2IFCQZvSowruI5SKchTcmjyM85boaVUDWT8ADyM71oaWh8j8c/s1440/11112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0DQzwiA4TgRp0hkZR7-V67z6_vpdzh94u2tMbJNYBymypGjpOwEDhuWKOUiWBFSsNb49EVmGs_A-k-pVzQMEmEPjinGS3OHPlFqCioEUWE0diuAUF6hntNkV_miqJgmd4lhw8pI2IFCQZvSowruI5SKchTcmjyM85boaVUDWT8ADyM71oaWh8j8c/w400-h320/11112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Cedar Waxwing gorging on berries</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">Any bird sighting is a special sighting!</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxYPLgAv5ukSJoDVV-cVpg3ei_EAgbPq9_Rs8dy76Z0aGz1ttXKf4e4cwYX8C0tbkqtU9KrDsfAG-sgQgHjcLLmS1eK5LBlTnqmPBjvsKDNXemHTrTm-Pw8Rdm_8N42VRAhlZ1J8s8wAYVhNnojlAyt4JO0rGnLPwwhkjFTQOGwwaue_4uoEbVAtB/s2048/1aaaaaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxYPLgAv5ukSJoDVV-cVpg3ei_EAgbPq9_Rs8dy76Z0aGz1ttXKf4e4cwYX8C0tbkqtU9KrDsfAG-sgQgHjcLLmS1eK5LBlTnqmPBjvsKDNXemHTrTm-Pw8Rdm_8N42VRAhlZ1J8s8wAYVhNnojlAyt4JO0rGnLPwwhkjFTQOGwwaue_4uoEbVAtB/w480-h640/1aaaaaaaaa.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;">Wildcat Creek Gorge Trail</span><br /></span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">mud-licious birding </span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></i></span><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Read more essays from Gambolin' Man</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">on birding in beautiful & hidden Wildcat Creek & the Watershed,</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">along with a link to all bird posts at his backyard bird blog:</span></b></i></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/of-insignificant-but-titillating.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIRDS BEIN' BIRDS ON WILDCAT CREEK (September 4, 2012)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/ecce-ave-prime-time-bird-watching-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>PRIME TIME BIRDING IN THE BERKELEY HILLS (June 3, 2014)</b></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/more-insatiable-birding-in-berkeley.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">INSATIABLE BIRDING IN THE WILDCAT CREEK WATERSHED (June 23, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/one-fine-day-of-birding-at-jewel-lake.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">JEWEL LAKE BIRDING (July 25, 2014)</span></b></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/of-unexpected-additions-to-my-life-list.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FIRST SIGHTINGS DOWN ON THE CREEK (October 20, 2014)</span></b></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/year-round-birding-jewel-lake-tilden.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">YEAR-ROUND BIRDING IN TILDEN PARK (March 24, 2015)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/of-black-headed-grosbeaks-warbling.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MORE "CAN'T GET ENOUGH" BIRDING IN TILDEN NATURE AREA (July 9, 2017)</span></b></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">POETIC & INSIGHTFUL ESSAYS ON OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS</span></b></a></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8yze2Hil28B5DCCJOsbhlY_z3pBpSKsAn-tRBNvFMi3gVvFBwByXQDrhdLMoZwAz_aiegIRfI8yCHXltNxTrx62cbeSxvFZbkbuaFr4d31IOZ7_nh6DHIVe6krwUgtUuUWho-iO2iQAYkBQIImOyIthWnQ-4B_eo9hBqxQpfqJtS7LC6IXfQbqaC/s1152/7h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8yze2Hil28B5DCCJOsbhlY_z3pBpSKsAn-tRBNvFMi3gVvFBwByXQDrhdLMoZwAz_aiegIRfI8yCHXltNxTrx62cbeSxvFZbkbuaFr4d31IOZ7_nh6DHIVe6krwUgtUuUWho-iO2iQAYkBQIImOyIthWnQ-4B_eo9hBqxQpfqJtS7LC6IXfQbqaC/w360-h640/7h.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;">Gulls</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">gathering on McClure's Beach</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Point Reyes National Seashore</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Read more of Gambolin' Man's shout-outs</b></i></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><i><b>on the simple wonders & charming splendors of Wildcat Creek Watershed,</b></i></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Wildcat Creek, </b></i></span><i style="color: red;"><b>Wildcat Gorge Trail, Tilden Nature Area & Tilden Regional Park:</b></i></div><div><span style="color: red;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2006/02/wildcat-creek-watershed-backyard.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>BACKYARD EXPLORATIONS DOWN ON THE CREEK (2006)</b></span></a></div><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2007/12/bay-area-hiking-best-of-2007-gambolin.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CALL OF THE WILD IN OUR BACKYARD (2007)</span></a></b></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2008/02/tilden-regional-park-replenishing.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">TILDEN TRANSFORMS IN BIG RAINS (2008)</span></a></b></div><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></div><div style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2009/10/wildcat-gorge-trail-seeking-wonders-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">WILDCAT GORGE TRAIL IN THE MUD & DRIZZLE (2009)</span></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2010/04/east-bay-regional-park-district-hidden.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SPLENDOR DOWN UNDER IN WILDCAT'S BACK STRETCHES (2010)</span></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2011/03/tilden-regional-park-humble-little.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SEEKING OUT TILDEN'S AMAZING (HIDDEN!) (EPHEMERAL!) WATERFALLS (2011)</span></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://gambolinman.blogspot.com/2013/02/regional-parks-botanic-garden-native.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AN INTIMATE LOOK AT WILDCAT CREEK IN THE BOTANIC GARDEN (2013)</span></a></div><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xrDrtbQOqA-72vZ7afPtAacM_Fkp4DgBWrmqljpPxVoSKOb2ID_6UvzGPFI7ki7n1kIDX1JZIySZcUcIc9iCGZjfkQmMugPW3iSntIPZzrZcy6VumCRYwcY0xurptXsuL2c5T-bi5DYa4k7JCOyLT-Yb1ivOOrn2sHaFgDL_6Sh-vXfTkthFDjoj/s1152/7g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xrDrtbQOqA-72vZ7afPtAacM_Fkp4DgBWrmqljpPxVoSKOb2ID_6UvzGPFI7ki7n1kIDX1JZIySZcUcIc9iCGZjfkQmMugPW3iSntIPZzrZcy6VumCRYwcY0xurptXsuL2c5T-bi5DYa4k7JCOyLT-Yb1ivOOrn2sHaFgDL_6Sh-vXfTkthFDjoj/w360-h640/7g.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Peregrine Falcon</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">with Towhee (?) in clutches</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">at SF Bay shoreline</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></div><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Enjoy dozens of live-action scenes</i></b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>of a special birds, creek & watershed in the Berkeley Hills:</i></b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9e7MnSnVIO1Z0ZZlp6yPC71" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SPLENDORS OF WILDCAT CREEK & WATERSHED</span></b></a></div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBc8tXrrPS9dzReVtw7ZR7tKzOcP6AxZY" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SMALL MIRACLES ABOUND IN TILDEN REGIONAL PARK</span></b></a></div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsB8wuOGVEqkHkg1q-MMt4tbiGddytARh6bOaj2EdbXaClGmYNeMzUe02rHN01uRwRTz11F9TSb3oRWvHsj6G1dXTf2oEZvylz2wAnO_Uqcb51ULhjSeozFBzpJOmbA8BkCoK2YffWQW4YS64JGIOZJrZChGUt00mxQ4iKCfP1RVxqhMbbYw68eil/s2048/7e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsB8wuOGVEqkHkg1q-MMt4tbiGddytARh6bOaj2EdbXaClGmYNeMzUe02rHN01uRwRTz11F9TSb3oRWvHsj6G1dXTf2oEZvylz2wAnO_Uqcb51ULhjSeozFBzpJOmbA8BkCoK2YffWQW4YS64JGIOZJrZChGUt00mxQ4iKCfP1RVxqhMbbYw68eil/w360-h640/7e.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Wildcat Creek beauty</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Tilden Regional Park</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228105277973973913.post-4556934952298368432014-10-20T20:03:00.252-07:002023-03-26T15:04:05.710-07:00Of Unexpected Additions to My Life List & Other Mysterious Avinomena<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWSLHsuKNCqnAvd6nsU7t0trxbdEsFnOlNh3807TnjybBMziPJXABw7ScPqvgJShvVJxmHzLbfuo57p9bPn7U4Aa5UsKpTWkyod-OjtwMDtcxmuaMbnLDE0zKGdkKgniLTOwHyuANdEwitKrvwx33pU3bxzx5jMZT6VzROrdg9TxPhscud_hkNhGO/s1820/222014%20(19).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1820" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWSLHsuKNCqnAvd6nsU7t0trxbdEsFnOlNh3807TnjybBMziPJXABw7ScPqvgJShvVJxmHzLbfuo57p9bPn7U4Aa5UsKpTWkyod-OjtwMDtcxmuaMbnLDE0zKGdkKgniLTOwHyuANdEwitKrvwx33pU3bxzx5jMZT6VzROrdg9TxPhscud_hkNhGO/w400-h326/222014%20(19).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Gang of 3 Crows</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>After a lengthy absence this dry summer, </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>our bird friends have returned in fine form.</i></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOUbLStHCYj-YliLo2Ychjm_mfaqUDRyCgDKrQ30wci2dtS4KgVou5bWpmj9SUFgFSHbIN9YeJjcDfj7HqEtiBfbXus14fnrqdaa0kyJ1QyuA--jq2NFz2nIUeTJ1h3verqz77boEu0QzyUkumPQHcerkGW8u3rQTUtQNmDqFzT5IQchFjzBas_DT/w400-h313/2_blogg%20(27)_7912.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay on the qui vive</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Or perhaps half of 'em never left.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Maybe some are reclusive winter stay-overs.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHLH12O3993PUCXg3N8ki84tIrhPDIBY8dPQF3X9rvj2pxh2PKb66xm1-bngbfhCmV20IrqQeRxKPYwfGs3k87RI1c09VjZOMeBdLfZhNXIV74rD80K5x7NytMSx1gddzw-tPLbtaNc8lWt5MJbPc4-W8kr1WxYFtTD-9NiNV1YX8TFJZTUBprVsq/s2021/2112019%20(10).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHLH12O3993PUCXg3N8ki84tIrhPDIBY8dPQF3X9rvj2pxh2PKb66xm1-bngbfhCmV20IrqQeRxKPYwfGs3k87RI1c09VjZOMeBdLfZhNXIV74rD80K5x7NytMSx1gddzw-tPLbtaNc8lWt5MJbPc4-W8kr1WxYFtTD-9NiNV1YX8TFJZTUBprVsq/w400-h320/2112019%20(10).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Quizzical looking Junco</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">Hard to tell, when you're just a hack birder.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDWA8vVD92M5qqheyFm-sr-vJku9cfBJMDCU9FJs2XIdsEzcbyOTsa-kgYBbCpqm9DPy3mnu7HLLih0_Yp9vNjDd-szdD8S3hwK2ggwz4FRtKAkkuXz3u49eQxgMGTgbXzcAQYFrb88Ev313eoDdqD_U_WGH2opg6AA0bsz5_zMU08yZ8YrBMIm0o/s1018/4_blog%20(111)_8312.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDWA8vVD92M5qqheyFm-sr-vJku9cfBJMDCU9FJs2XIdsEzcbyOTsa-kgYBbCpqm9DPy3mnu7HLLih0_Yp9vNjDd-szdD8S3hwK2ggwz4FRtKAkkuXz3u49eQxgMGTgbXzcAQYFrb88Ev313eoDdqD_U_WGH2opg6AA0bsz5_zMU08yZ8YrBMIm0o/w400-h320/4_blog%20(111)_8312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Most handsome fella (American Goldfinch)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span>One thing's for sure </span><span>–</span><span> they're now dropping down like confetti</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">into tree tops as fall migration season kicks in.</span></span></i></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkU3k28lznzBOkaNQGP4uaO91cOBj5YvOqY7uVWRovO3ftJHaEWr-IgqxY5SE74j00jFrqhOYYUMb1PUcF7BTwiI8GkcFd78239B9dAbfOrlbXc2C_NwKsy8K78RKqOJxVJjWqXcSecU8o86qvG9tiJ-gkdfkyzGYlM061cNvqsuEV7lMdPEj07Yg/s1440/11112%20(18).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkU3k28lznzBOkaNQGP4uaO91cOBj5YvOqY7uVWRovO3ftJHaEWr-IgqxY5SE74j00jFrqhOYYUMb1PUcF7BTwiI8GkcFd78239B9dAbfOrlbXc2C_NwKsy8K78RKqOJxVJjWqXcSecU8o86qvG9tiJ-gkdfkyzGYlM061cNvqsuEV7lMdPEj07Yg/w400-h320/11112%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Ragged looking (Song?) (Juvenile?) Sparrow</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> No matter your approach to <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">birding</span></i></b>, it's sheer joy to have <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">birds</span></b></i> around, to be around <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">birds</span></b></i> in their ennobled company, watching them engage in sophisticated actions, curious antics and quirky activities.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZls4JlMjmK6uj_JQKE9odU4at5aar-v1LI2fIzJqopUTfKZJfytRN9F36go-f5E0NLMdkgYT1GjRB-CuDXIN_Lr9YIcRMc9WGLdkjEA5HiFuxlEVwkLrN1vTfCZfdyntaxSY3w5DPpea0VWZOXThfZmZPjBGo_MAumPMwN4cezrkGaJz86tdjPU7g/s1919/152013%20(3).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZls4JlMjmK6uj_JQKE9odU4at5aar-v1LI2fIzJqopUTfKZJfytRN9F36go-f5E0NLMdkgYT1GjRB-CuDXIN_Lr9YIcRMc9WGLdkjEA5HiFuxlEVwkLrN1vTfCZfdyntaxSY3w5DPpea0VWZOXThfZmZPjBGo_MAumPMwN4cezrkGaJz86tdjPU7g/w400-h320/152013%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">I am a pretty Pigeon! (Admit it!)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Much can be learned in the patient art of just watching – perhaps more about oneself than about the <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">birds</span></b></i>. Certainly, without our perennially popular perambulators of the skies, the parks and woodlands do seem lonely, a bit prosaic, even.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYid9_akeZr8BZrD-OBLo3gAmLk9txW6BkUO-pT9to3YYYd9ODOeQ78uFeNmraF81ArCS01x5lKd1peEGH91-dEc8YLOyaSmCjEb_bkJ_iP7hOtSsJlOsyCAYuyA1KP4cVfgnzIDOiKs0HKg2iKAImiFxzGYavxr1QLXYl7h5coa1fxGDYpSeYjPn/s1561/3e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1561" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYid9_akeZr8BZrD-OBLo3gAmLk9txW6BkUO-pT9to3YYYd9ODOeQ78uFeNmraF81ArCS01x5lKd1peEGH91-dEc8YLOyaSmCjEb_bkJ_iP7hOtSsJlOsyCAYuyA1KP4cVfgnzIDOiKs0HKg2iKAImiFxzGYavxr1QLXYl7h5coa1fxGDYpSeYjPn/w400-h320/3e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-rumped (rumpled) Warbler</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But their adored presence, skittering about here and flashing around there, make them adept at livening up a quiet scene.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NaKrt_Idvz7pldkDqaPOwwX5Rs9o5l1EStqZn17l-YYdpMlC68KaYLIHPDOvKBAB2awCtn3aU4wy6biit1sHib3-N1Mn6zUE27zInjwJHOzKEaLS7RsLUyEnbNi0GGzBwB842ivTboT3gtA5SEHqMzTaUuNERKku9BEGuOsRCBA1e2n9PChWZ-vN/s1440/132014%20(14).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NaKrt_Idvz7pldkDqaPOwwX5Rs9o5l1EStqZn17l-YYdpMlC68KaYLIHPDOvKBAB2awCtn3aU4wy6biit1sHib3-N1Mn6zUE27zInjwJHOzKEaLS7RsLUyEnbNi0GGzBwB842ivTboT3gtA5SEHqMzTaUuNERKku9BEGuOsRCBA1e2n9PChWZ-vN/w400-h320/132014%20(14).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow in repose</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And ignite a much missed connection with the natural world, re-established by tuning in to the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">birds'</span></b></i> comings and goings and curious, oft-mysterious doings.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J4I7okTZPIEH0mNDDbY2yDCPu6xNHVMZQstsY5b-0VG2xEY0XuQN-biYlTG7f0wTMVDqY5hdI0uvxXYc9I1CLxsKQy0eQPpqAilAgirQCPEexANDZAxqD2R50B57DE8GmkkdXswJiu2W_XWE4hr7XC-3riY4zngKQqqHiPJQhr5tXbVBpQNnLw1p/s2048/3j.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J4I7okTZPIEH0mNDDbY2yDCPu6xNHVMZQstsY5b-0VG2xEY0XuQN-biYlTG7f0wTMVDqY5hdI0uvxXYc9I1CLxsKQy0eQPpqAilAgirQCPEexANDZAxqD2R50B57DE8GmkkdXswJiu2W_XWE4hr7XC-3riY4zngKQqqHiPJQhr5tXbVBpQNnLw1p/w400-h320/3j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Acorn Woodpecker pair</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Over the past several weeks, I've had a fortuitous combination of good luck, timing, location and patience to add a passel of cool confirmed sightings to my <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Life List</span></i></b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhNeFLrCCtdTmsSbWxJV1LEF1VCHAuAG_GvHgFciDcj92NCnAG5Dg7s7FOig9Khy6Q0QTI5NHymJhfBRdyHDMWjpVtK6sNADhARIpDQmFipk0TCCcqJP8kKQ2Ah9GJRvHjJoZbd4mcfsj6fHE09GaH6O6BCLZSTR5nopfrDqC7j8K0SEwr3znhBGk/s921/3h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhNeFLrCCtdTmsSbWxJV1LEF1VCHAuAG_GvHgFciDcj92NCnAG5Dg7s7FOig9Khy6Q0QTI5NHymJhfBRdyHDMWjpVtK6sNADhARIpDQmFipk0TCCcqJP8kKQ2Ah9GJRvHjJoZbd4mcfsj6fHE09GaH6O6BCLZSTR5nopfrDqC7j8K0SEwr3znhBGk/w400-h320/3h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Perhaps a Black Phoebe, but not sure</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's hard to describe the transcendent feeling of intimate discovery that overcomes you when – at that precise, precious moment – you realize you've laid eyes on a creature of delicate beauty and rare appearance for the first time.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_TP3KPcnXOSPSPAj4j_nLs2pplDUNMvenSPfX-Wz0IRAGO5IaN-fddiC4B_IErVZTY-Gu-BZbnRoNRvUeWQU52HGP1-WwhanUxtOhovnR1QpxKvpHnYSdj_6gFkOx4fBqIysboquDvSigY79TovLtwoPYEwB4RknRClF4qvNvCfFrx_rtJ2mb9i6/s3240/11112%20(35).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_TP3KPcnXOSPSPAj4j_nLs2pplDUNMvenSPfX-Wz0IRAGO5IaN-fddiC4B_IErVZTY-Gu-BZbnRoNRvUeWQU52HGP1-WwhanUxtOhovnR1QpxKvpHnYSdj_6gFkOx4fBqIysboquDvSigY79TovLtwoPYEwB4RknRClF4qvNvCfFrx_rtJ2mb9i6/w400-h320/11112%20(35).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Bewick's Wren hoppin' to it</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The funny thing is, once you've spotted a new <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>bird</i></b></span>, you suddenly begin spotting said no-longer-new <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">bird</span></i></b> all over creation. How is it that previously unseen <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">birds</span></b></i>, once sighted, are then seen many times in quick succession?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwPw0d2iSlb8XTs5anNWkLvs-H4j_4g0bp5-nocrDSOEREGAAlrQNr2bipfQB4jaYKpkrPBXugOeIscXk0koN2Drcx4Jc80zuuGdCxAOShP1AEUpWGAxgAo6CyykY7A7M2SDOAZ0lcl5L0bhVSH-EC6G_3X5Nw9QsKIfT1gWpYIiobmERxVyvDEcI/s1440/2_blogg%20(10)_7912.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwPw0d2iSlb8XTs5anNWkLvs-H4j_4g0bp5-nocrDSOEREGAAlrQNr2bipfQB4jaYKpkrPBXugOeIscXk0koN2Drcx4Jc80zuuGdCxAOShP1AEUpWGAxgAo6CyykY7A7M2SDOAZ0lcl5L0bhVSH-EC6G_3X5Nw9QsKIfT1gWpYIiobmERxVyvDEcI/w400-h320/2_blogg%20(10)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vulture on a limb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i><b>Thought: maybe they've just heretofore gone unnoticed?</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrSzehI187ELYJ_lUOAkk2On788F9vRhCa-IT3bOvBZB3DTIbuM8IGXLJNRgFMr_3f6ek_BQBEnFvFkAh5rg0rW_SWxOvT08JgV7-RtaqNgyFFsx-Pb1N99CJUgk8egQakXhpI09y8e3j0TlLm7Rjwn0Exg8bEMN-5carM7PVDQKybkI4Hrt49ZSz/s2048/2_blogg%20(6)_7912.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrSzehI187ELYJ_lUOAkk2On788F9vRhCa-IT3bOvBZB3DTIbuM8IGXLJNRgFMr_3f6ek_BQBEnFvFkAh5rg0rW_SWxOvT08JgV7-RtaqNgyFFsx-Pb1N99CJUgk8egQakXhpI09y8e3j0TlLm7Rjwn0Exg8bEMN-5carM7PVDQKybkI4Hrt49ZSz/w400-h300/2_blogg%20(6)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">If I'm not named Anna, who am I?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, this odd <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">avinomenon</span></b></i> has happened to me with the <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Pacific-slope</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Ash-throated Flycatchers</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Brown Creeper</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Black-headed Grosbeak</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Warbling Vireo</span></b></i>, <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Golden-crowned Kinglet</span></b></i>, <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Varied Thrush</span></i></b>, <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Sharp-shinned</span></i></b> <i>(possibly <b><span style="color: #990000;">Cooper's</span></b>)</i> <span style="color: #741b47;"><i><b>Hawk</b></i></span>, <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Rufous Hummingbird</span></b></i>, and <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Banded-tailed Pigeon</span></i></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJwiugAbcCgib3JmisFPJzpp9yA3WVPArvWbTt6F-drIV9C6BTdTanmhoSMvocDxanBjSlZx6VMGLwO3YcfInj4GZM1Z2oOOlbEmkTtrXqtDs7v3uCeHvoC8fvz228niBLAYfK0O0VraRnnwS7sg6-KWGqjL0NKAJpIStQFErIh5NVGhVlqWFkd5t/s2130/6302013%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2130" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJwiugAbcCgib3JmisFPJzpp9yA3WVPArvWbTt6F-drIV9C6BTdTanmhoSMvocDxanBjSlZx6VMGLwO3YcfInj4GZM1Z2oOOlbEmkTtrXqtDs7v3uCeHvoC8fvz228niBLAYfK0O0VraRnnwS7sg6-KWGqjL0NKAJpIStQFErIh5NVGhVlqWFkd5t/w400-h320/6302013%20(8).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Hunkering down Hawk (Red-tailed-shouldered?)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Who next? I'm still waiting and hoping and wishing to spot</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">a </span><span style="color: #274e13;">Western Kingbird</span><span style="color: #444444;"> and a </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Scarlet Tanager</span><span style="color: #444444;"> . . .</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86fUu4z3DHTitMlpklyTtPf8pSSocs2Y15hsQYK622cXHxamouawZMVIKeQgd7shsOf3-mrtImIn9TK8qaJPyL2YAXI98LCiZL__I8ojfzIbSfWLRIAGVd_y3JqH61B3WNeTI0OxSkIIr1gTkvknN1pWRwG41PcbKqssjgU5Iu7pX6jF5GUuZqEN2/s4860/152013%20(5).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="4860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86fUu4z3DHTitMlpklyTtPf8pSSocs2Y15hsQYK622cXHxamouawZMVIKeQgd7shsOf3-mrtImIn9TK8qaJPyL2YAXI98LCiZL__I8ojfzIbSfWLRIAGVd_y3JqH61B3WNeTI0OxSkIIr1gTkvknN1pWRwG41PcbKqssjgU5Iu7pX6jF5GUuZqEN2/w400-h320/152013%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Vermilion Flycatcher spotted in Big Bend National Park, Texas</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Band-tailed Pigeon</span></b></i> is probably the only <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">"Code 2"</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">bird</span></b></i> I've spotted. <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Code 2</span></b></i> being the <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">American Birding Association's</span></i></b> designation for <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">birds</span></b></i> occurring in low numbers and mysteriously elusive . . . that is, until first spotted.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj225XY4sx7z1blkgjI9CTnm41351teNETpFoaiEtXi4Xbj2JJdLXxmdSs7hYbnxUciwvJAK4LsJuPQdjFDa6-2FS7rt2chq9Wliqrv7UBJVCIlWNV9xXFjGtrt08Hb5Lg1IgO1a5wqSJgVG8_xD0BsOmnpGDYEWJWli3hlkmXpkcxrUs6FJ6-hIU_E/s1508/1f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj225XY4sx7z1blkgjI9CTnm41351teNETpFoaiEtXi4Xbj2JJdLXxmdSs7hYbnxUciwvJAK4LsJuPQdjFDa6-2FS7rt2chq9Wliqrv7UBJVCIlWNV9xXFjGtrt08Hb5Lg1IgO1a5wqSJgVG8_xD0BsOmnpGDYEWJWli3hlkmXpkcxrUs6FJ6-hIU_E/w400-h320/1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Band-tailed Pigeon hanging out in tree top</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Hiking last April on an ecological reserve in the <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Santa Cruz Mountains</span></i></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">bird</span></b></i>-smart <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Jessica</span></b></i> pointed out a trio of them roosting in high pine branches. Since then, guess what </span><span>–</span><span> I've seen </span><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Band-tailed Pigeons</span></b></i><span> two more times in a period of three weeks: in </span><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Redwood Regional Park</span></b></i><span>, and </span><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Samuel P. Taylor State Park</span></i></b><span>, heavily wooded and protected areas for this <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">bird</span></b></i> whose population is in decline.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEA6puwDnoItVUgEzT-oJSGLp-ufWH5hS5O7FlP4G1ru-X23rOdVmt0WPoTSHDIdjubTtHLwv-TAlL2OgU4UDliPRmLur5yoy9A_Ab5zKW04PdO4YOLqh8fDgISXWYlb4sblBLEsG-JZkPXhO3ybTX_Pt0zmCwEaAW0vGHs3B-nNnQC_ueUoHSjqpi/s1919/1g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEA6puwDnoItVUgEzT-oJSGLp-ufWH5hS5O7FlP4G1ru-X23rOdVmt0WPoTSHDIdjubTtHLwv-TAlL2OgU4UDliPRmLur5yoy9A_Ab5zKW04PdO4YOLqh8fDgISXWYlb4sblBLEsG-JZkPXhO3ybTX_Pt0zmCwEaAW0vGHs3B-nNnQC_ueUoHSjqpi/w400-h320/1g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Band-tailed Pigeon in Eucalyptus tree</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>A pretty </span><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Pigeon</span></b></i><span> – as all pigeons are, you </span><i>must </i><span>admit –</span><span> his feathery iridescence and bold white stripe on the nape clearly mark this as the one and only 13 oz., 15 in. long </span><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Band-tailed Pigeon</span></b></i><span>, a bird, says the </span><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABA</span></i></b><span>:</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYqdzv_ZdHuPffyM5jmt2FrLZ9WtW9gq1qZ3_sdPmpQ3CNDp5aJQFKjzvEcpCeOfft5vRw3epDmc-lYSGyB3jZ7NlFivtGlTxuww_ITIYr2EGHSx4jImdwx8-UIrH1qUyu8DJ4RxuzinS_zkFk-tcPJiusn3VM2_KZ7aTdZHwqr63MYIEI6QeSaB1/s1919/7132014%20(30).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYqdzv_ZdHuPffyM5jmt2FrLZ9WtW9gq1qZ3_sdPmpQ3CNDp5aJQFKjzvEcpCeOfft5vRw3epDmc-lYSGyB3jZ7NlFivtGlTxuww_ITIYr2EGHSx4jImdwx8-UIrH1qUyu8DJ4RxuzinS_zkFk-tcPJiusn3VM2_KZ7aTdZHwqr63MYIEI6QeSaB1/w400-h320/7132014%20(30).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Band-tailed Pigeons are not all that common</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="font-size: large;" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><b>" . . . that may be harder to spot than some species</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><b>that have higher codes."</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjP8uqVcb4eG_8AARc44InzV0jnVe5eC02xh3zM95oJP1Hak6uO8qXF4BlcwMcjUG0-cu_D2cmPmKFCD6etNYHCKOZkVPCJeMoluG0ug9U7-M_EeKGCNkqXIOw49P_Ae5sgCAwQJlWdJw9bzxJj5mapYAC0J0P7CQJRotpxQYahZeLaQfJx5PwiMP/s1920/3i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjP8uqVcb4eG_8AARc44InzV0jnVe5eC02xh3zM95oJP1Hak6uO8qXF4BlcwMcjUG0-cu_D2cmPmKFCD6etNYHCKOZkVPCJeMoluG0ug9U7-M_EeKGCNkqXIOw49P_Ae5sgCAwQJlWdJw9bzxJj5mapYAC0J0P7CQJRotpxQYahZeLaQfJx5PwiMP/w400-h320/3i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Thrasher with open curved bill</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>As for the </span><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Warbling Vireo</span></b></i><span> – oh, what a story! I'm in the </span><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i><span> at <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">birding</span></b></i> heaven </span><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Jewel Lake</span></b></i><span> when a guy stops and wonders what I'm looking at it.</span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LaLOmlMyCLpUuBjuHfQS7ZvXwqz8RudJ5s_4HR_qp3XVjzjkGl9XbprI5aTTN90ffGKwPgR8nwS-Y0H3I32JOBrSFboV5UlUw1tQkocuMd4QFNZbErBtBlHUWMwwgARQ32nRoxCwTv5k-vw1XCMtCGBSRVjNLk-UY2vkinsrsQRbQTi7j13WWJ43/s1930/1h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1930" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LaLOmlMyCLpUuBjuHfQS7ZvXwqz8RudJ5s_4HR_qp3XVjzjkGl9XbprI5aTTN90ffGKwPgR8nwS-Y0H3I32JOBrSFboV5UlUw1tQkocuMd4QFNZbErBtBlHUWMwwgARQ32nRoxCwTv5k-vw1XCMtCGBSRVjNLk-UY2vkinsrsQRbQTi7j13WWJ43/w400-h320/1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo doesn't look at all like the Northern Waterthrush</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span>He volunteers, </span><span><span style="color: #783f04;">"You see the Northern Waterthrush?"</span></span></b></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPet3HSv5Ng1aPAja-76VxCXBOi8opW4VgQYGq5U8nFT_bwe_U6Q4iPUVFHSDVOJIPhl29gvqCiODp8zA021m5JIcXjl_kMSM4eZsVa4S34YmSGBZNEOfGrSg1GY7uXd8qntTXqRUMBqG9fqti-1bzYaahDaBaSe0vnSyxI-sNP44UHkZxEse7UGCe/s1280/1j_fernando%20burgalin%20sequeria%20macaulay%20library.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPet3HSv5Ng1aPAja-76VxCXBOi8opW4VgQYGq5U8nFT_bwe_U6Q4iPUVFHSDVOJIPhl29gvqCiODp8zA021m5JIcXjl_kMSM4eZsVa4S34YmSGBZNEOfGrSg1GY7uXd8qntTXqRUMBqG9fqti-1bzYaahDaBaSe0vnSyxI-sNP44UHkZxEse7UGCe/w400-h300/1j_fernando%20burgalin%20sequeria%20macaulay%20library.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: xx-small;">Northern Waterthrush (photo by Fernando Burgalin Sequeria, Macaulay Library)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">The Who?</span></b></i> Apparently, the <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">East Coast</span></b></i> dweller got off course and ended up here, hanging out by the spillway in September, prompting <b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">birders</span></i></b> to come out for the chance to see a <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">bird</span></b></i> spotted in the <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Bay Area</span></i></b> once or twice in twenty years, if that.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_lvSTC3UphtJonC_ei4se59d4PcwsUFIvPKazrzkWxli-2h2PFOW_yWLJz2rjQSbe8TOYzyp-sPhgDZlw3-no9rdkbwbKtfsSnan1plmmiFoqTeswRrxlxaFk0cJnkYal1NuhPlehVJStsC_xIQPZzy7E88wGNUYywgzeopMU2wu-YWSAcEIdGZT/s1452/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1452" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_lvSTC3UphtJonC_ei4se59d4PcwsUFIvPKazrzkWxli-2h2PFOW_yWLJz2rjQSbe8TOYzyp-sPhgDZlw3-no9rdkbwbKtfsSnan1plmmiFoqTeswRrxlxaFk0cJnkYal1NuhPlehVJStsC_xIQPZzy7E88wGNUYywgzeopMU2wu-YWSAcEIdGZT/w400-h320/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Secretive Warbling Vireo</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Earlier, I had spotted a <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Warbler</span></i></b>-like <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Vireo</span></b></i> or <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Vireo</span></b></i>-like <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Warbler</span></b></i>, hard to tell – with a distinctive white eye stripe and sweet cry. But I confuse this <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">bird</span></b></i> for the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Northern Waterthrush</span></b></i> when the guy adds, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"Yeah, he's got a white eye stripe, unmistakable."</span></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe2EEjAvBW0UhFWJaHDv1CEF9S1I38_5C1LoXQAnllxJe6Y_XAVuRSF_6sJUWWy2kWmd9GuDQ5-M7JCVJlhe9iRJrH7e6pbAk2VRjLDxwia5XrOGN8GUNycCB3NnK18sdUK6QXzB_XZhb8-48ZVa6HNnph_ZXCUZNq31DXaMy1CG_WIDwVOgSQ9qC/s1919/2112019%20(22).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe2EEjAvBW0UhFWJaHDv1CEF9S1I38_5C1LoXQAnllxJe6Y_XAVuRSF_6sJUWWy2kWmd9GuDQ5-M7JCVJlhe9iRJrH7e6pbAk2VRjLDxwia5XrOGN8GUNycCB3NnK18sdUK6QXzB_XZhb8-48ZVa6HNnph_ZXCUZNq31DXaMy1CG_WIDwVOgSQ9qC/w400-h320/2112019%20(22).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Steller's Jay all puffed up sitting pretty</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>AHA!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQpOdsB0xk3DWiIwhqGGJQf6zZd5BpNtVSusHVhL1IT02w4qHs1eid9YREhs6p5iQRh3hFUPkl53Kj5rbuQo5BlPxcwg8w7UaLy1CUCUScbIyUEfIiw5TX3cjx_5Vtnhq2WDUUTTjJ4bczF4ys5W-5UsH4OeEInK16c5W8wsAv8Twwo6E8FVQ6NuM/s2048/2_blogg%20(18)_7912.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1755" data-original-width="2048" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQpOdsB0xk3DWiIwhqGGJQf6zZd5BpNtVSusHVhL1IT02w4qHs1eid9YREhs6p5iQRh3hFUPkl53Kj5rbuQo5BlPxcwg8w7UaLy1CUCUScbIyUEfIiw5TX3cjx_5Vtnhq2WDUUTTjJ4bczF4ys5W-5UsH4OeEInK16c5W8wsAv8Twwo6E8FVQ6NuM/w400-h343/2_blogg%20(18)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Crow confab splitting up</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>So, I excitedly chase down this lovely elderly couple we often see at <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Jewel Lake</span></b></i> <i>(we call them Hubert and Magda)</i>, and am beside myself with excitement, exclaiming that indeed, we had seen the <i><b><span style="color: #800180;">Holy Grail of Off Course Birds</span></b></i> – the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Northern Waterthrush!</span></b></i> </span>Being highly interested in the natural world about them, <i>Hubert</i> and <i>Magda</i> are notably impressed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOZQYaTJoTr6zJp9Ss-Tsx-Zhqd7wsi8hANxbJ6uH_-_98Vlc2Dbk3e5iAEFMjQ8FBDZWK3EsARSwYibbxXUmOCFZ_xiE17SovNqrH56K2CmriH2WAhEUEkegKwdwX1SKMDGlBZWb1y19n8HfLaQW47KRR1hOZCdmv8Q40MoQUc3ZE3FVaimo02np/s1440/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOZQYaTJoTr6zJp9Ss-Tsx-Zhqd7wsi8hANxbJ6uH_-_98Vlc2Dbk3e5iAEFMjQ8FBDZWK3EsARSwYibbxXUmOCFZ_xiE17SovNqrH56K2CmriH2WAhEUEkegKwdwX1SKMDGlBZWb1y19n8HfLaQW47KRR1hOZCdmv8Q40MoQUc3ZE3FVaimo02np/w400-h320/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Jewel Lake in Tilden Nature Area drying up in summertime</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But once home, checking my <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">bird</span></b></i> guide, I'm disappointed to learn it was merely some other <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">bird</span></b></i> and not the <b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Northern Waterthrush</span></i></b>, but later on I was delighted to find out that I spotted the somewhat rare <i>(for the <b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Bay Area</span></b>)</i> <b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Warbling Vireo!</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xLwAOVczudyx9WmBTWw0D2qAnVc4TYV47-EG4Z5FxdFqmdK4rHOpd1dG2wdk_Jj1I8nGPsX-0Aayus089c2OHEXGO7H3L7x0vdMVLmmrXsLNb0812GCvzqeyypkqeWu9FrfVR9BJEO9exhVG_9CH8BIpE0DcpQdHBcFf0n2U-OvgZhEsSNr0Y-ak/s1921/1i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xLwAOVczudyx9WmBTWw0D2qAnVc4TYV47-EG4Z5FxdFqmdK4rHOpd1dG2wdk_Jj1I8nGPsX-0Aayus089c2OHEXGO7H3L7x0vdMVLmmrXsLNb0812GCvzqeyypkqeWu9FrfVR9BJEO9exhVG_9CH8BIpE0DcpQdHBcFf0n2U-OvgZhEsSNr0Y-ak/w400-h320/1i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Warbling Vireo trilling, Tilden Nature Area</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And, guess what, wouldn't you know it – since that day, I've seen <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Warbling Vireos</span></b></i> on two more occasions!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mSEfk1Z8JCXL884DHShcpyj8gDFSZHVHHvFxHWwPDT6QFH6-AyYiJO1L_pWd-ZJZHQ0udx7E6AQu3-ie6SZNhSUUXLvaft8n_UkG7e4TuC1iXPnwqkCQ8QEbYFRGEJDM19d_RtO-XsSvtnwIwNAm-v3TDzN0byXlGo9AsIV0JOchwwsr7kuMg3y6/s2048/2_blogg%20(29)_7912.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mSEfk1Z8JCXL884DHShcpyj8gDFSZHVHHvFxHWwPDT6QFH6-AyYiJO1L_pWd-ZJZHQ0udx7E6AQu3-ie6SZNhSUUXLvaft8n_UkG7e4TuC1iXPnwqkCQ8QEbYFRGEJDM19d_RtO-XsSvtnwIwNAm-v3TDzN0byXlGo9AsIV0JOchwwsr7kuMg3y6/w400-h291/2_blogg%20(29)_7912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Lark Sparrow popping into view</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Shout out to <i>Steve Gallup</i> for helping to make the positive ID on the poor photo I managed to snap of the methodical branch hopping insect and berry eater.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpL3lgentamY1sqbaUjbNp8Se8v0tEe9YguSyF5d_RcaI2e2vwj57cyzoaimEH-KDBJrOlMUYS3U4oTdbqr-VjBOJoVNJ-MCpq2Ze8TziqPZc1C2Vk6Yl0rp2TQpIoQoeLMStDdNDHOJj9xPacEoiCQeXPDwapGXaZgR3vkls6xs9TRyjK--Nq1fy/s1562/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1562" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpL3lgentamY1sqbaUjbNp8Se8v0tEe9YguSyF5d_RcaI2e2vwj57cyzoaimEH-KDBJrOlMUYS3U4oTdbqr-VjBOJoVNJ-MCpq2Ze8TziqPZc1C2Vk6Yl0rp2TQpIoQoeLMStDdNDHOJj9xPacEoiCQeXPDwapGXaZgR3vkls6xs9TRyjK--Nq1fy/w400-h320/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">One of several Pipits spotted at the Bulb</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Now take the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">American Pipit</span></b></i> – a fairly common <b><i><span style="color: #800180;">bird</span></i></b> I'd never before seen until I happened to spot a bunch of them ground feeding in an enclosed area at <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Point Isabel</span></b></i> two days ago. Crazy that in all my outings, the <i><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Pipit</span></b></i> has never been seen! <i><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">How can it be?</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OQUS-fjRy5mnhdLGuloElv_5zK8u1Uq7oHxoSwfls0EzQj6Hx-MdNIIptBvvZb0Z6WUZroTkJmlUWZQVKrHKtrx0sCQK7ZMrYsubx0SxYM98K0wjuuTaVsPGlYTQwW8KA4aJ2AcLiqhIcTk5s06By4K1umVp_lITeTsikGKrmN7GBzYFIocYwtuy/s400/3b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OQUS-fjRy5mnhdLGuloElv_5zK8u1Uq7oHxoSwfls0EzQj6Hx-MdNIIptBvvZb0Z6WUZroTkJmlUWZQVKrHKtrx0sCQK7ZMrYsubx0SxYM98K0wjuuTaVsPGlYTQwW8KA4aJ2AcLiqhIcTk5s06By4K1umVp_lITeTsikGKrmN7GBzYFIocYwtuy/w400-h300/3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Nutrient-rich mudflats on the Bay near Point Isabel</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>(Quashing my theory of seeing a <b><span style="color: #660000;">bird</span></b> many times after the initial sighting, it has been <b>35</b> years since my first and only sighting of a <b><span style="color: #274e13;">Horned Lark</span></b> at <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Briones Regional Park</span></b>. Same goes for the <b><span style="color: #444444;">Merlin</span></b> – seen but once. And the equally reclusive <b><span style="color: #990000;">White-headed Woodpecker</span></b>, spotted farther afield on the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tahoe Rim Trail</span></b> in mid-September but never again seen.)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7x2edN_pI-xAteg96rmdXIcPZpidpdbhhh_P_Ov-txl_hoH7-leZ_BgfMtNQpsgEXWpZ9r5OgS7O6GxTsKISWmUp0o6sWLpgUjo6rJCdAMTPDx61PHu4zs_1Ra0-MG-GrodJi1pJ4cq1S57ZetzuUwfTO4H2oCUy4Ka_bvO5Ft25-XxibYfWh0rQ/s1431/3d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1431" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7x2edN_pI-xAteg96rmdXIcPZpidpdbhhh_P_Ov-txl_hoH7-leZ_BgfMtNQpsgEXWpZ9r5OgS7O6GxTsKISWmUp0o6sWLpgUjo6rJCdAMTPDx61PHu4zs_1Ra0-MG-GrodJi1pJ4cq1S57ZetzuUwfTO4H2oCUy4Ka_bvO5Ft25-XxibYfWh0rQ/w400-h320/3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">American Pipit</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Pipit</span></b></i>, it remains to be seen . . . if the <i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Pipit</span></b></i> will be seen forthwith. And then, while reviewing photos for this post, it seems I saw a <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Pipit</span></b></i> at the <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Albany Bulb</span></b></i> a year ago! Just goes to show you don't know what you don't know . . . !</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsG84GmbeWXuKrb_Aep7ER_hyjBUJwJNG6xAjmbRcSaPl02RNu8fFjPz0UiHq34vSaoyj0hgUeLpfz5oiG0-vCquFSqQBNdffPzCDqbS2ChQd1VBlwJbujah7HCLVUmm7xkHOf8FFwHdLmHBxTbs8OWBAT-83h4uXULvE8FKbjWXy8ogMR_npGlPl/s1520/1d.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsG84GmbeWXuKrb_Aep7ER_hyjBUJwJNG6xAjmbRcSaPl02RNu8fFjPz0UiHq34vSaoyj0hgUeLpfz5oiG0-vCquFSqQBNdffPzCDqbS2ChQd1VBlwJbujah7HCLVUmm7xkHOf8FFwHdLmHBxTbs8OWBAT-83h4uXULvE8FKbjWXy8ogMR_npGlPl/w400-h320/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Perhaps a Say's Phoebe in the Berkeley Hills</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /> In between all these new first sightings, I've also had several glimpses of exotic-looking <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Flycatchers</span></b></i> hangin' out on a barbed wire fence near <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Wildcat Knoll</span></b></i> and in the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Burrowing Owl</span></b></i> habitat at <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Albany Bulb</span></b></i>. I'm guessing they're <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Ash-throated</span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Say's Phoebe's</span></b></i>, mebbe. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGL-fcpgdF3Y8AYUTWL7fXBCYvRa60Zk7fU-5AVH4wWFdzvHaaqJ_duAt-nuKo4f1znB6dq1GDsBIW47s7vgG5ocC-vVThY1Mh8xlwK0lriKUlh6a534J9VsG1UuEWk4zNoxWGYQ7YBzH6TKGq2XCj57-sJiRkOYYWJOUBCoEPiTl8zbIw1pu3JJB/s1920/11112%20(11).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGL-fcpgdF3Y8AYUTWL7fXBCYvRa60Zk7fU-5AVH4wWFdzvHaaqJ_duAt-nuKo4f1znB6dq1GDsBIW47s7vgG5ocC-vVThY1Mh8xlwK0lriKUlh6a534J9VsG1UuEWk4zNoxWGYQ7YBzH6TKGq2XCj57-sJiRkOYYWJOUBCoEPiTl8zbIw1pu3JJB/w400-h320/11112%20(11).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mallard in dusky golden light</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Throw in a raft of unID'd sightings of <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Vireo / Warbler</span></b></i> type <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">birds</span></b></i>, plus a slew of strange goings-on with the elusive <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">California Thrasher</span></b></i>, and you've got the makings of a perfect storm of know-nothingness.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdIuADnyRQrfyQxPiZGkCtJI73ps7A28tXSQr-8UTtsVkHezBsCURhhxYW8KVoyD186HvcNA93my8UHmQ9wwHPTiWynSqA2HQm4I_21uGzdU6v_n-p35M4c30MvVLPzt8k6QYx314Fb1Pz-S4V1OCHdTGtnsnxYlwNcksh9qkFhO5hFPvVfIaxdUA/s400/632014%20(18).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="400" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdIuADnyRQrfyQxPiZGkCtJI73ps7A28tXSQr-8UTtsVkHezBsCURhhxYW8KVoyD186HvcNA93my8UHmQ9wwHPTiWynSqA2HQm4I_21uGzdU6v_n-p35M4c30MvVLPzt8k6QYx314Fb1Pz-S4V1OCHdTGtnsnxYlwNcksh9qkFhO5hFPvVfIaxdUA/w400-h354/632014%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">The Thrasher off Inspiration Point</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But the <i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Thrasher</span></b></i> is now a familiar friend, an interesting – <i>nay, charismatic!</i> – <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">bird</span></b></i> I've seen just a handful of times over the past few months, most recently a last-minute sighting the other day at the <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Albany Bulb</span></i></b> when I turn into an area just to see, and sure enough, I spot the curve-billed <b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">bird</span></i></b>, well-camo'd, flushing out of underbrush to alight on a branch for a few moments of posing, minus the trilling.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhxRTaYjN2l25NutNCvaMeFRf4VhI9oTayCBkqwelGMA3wM1qjmOrtEplG1NvC7BGNBRSCw7M1PLE99HpGVmjNWc-ldwrFmL0uyO0i-sUk0nmS6ZLtvR3Pv3YNR0y0aisIrEmsI34IMK4alww-NomuVLhNC4RaEjniSUs10dDFIIOLGglGIBNowPO/s400/152013%20(18).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="400" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhxRTaYjN2l25NutNCvaMeFRf4VhI9oTayCBkqwelGMA3wM1qjmOrtEplG1NvC7BGNBRSCw7M1PLE99HpGVmjNWc-ldwrFmL0uyO0i-sUk0nmS6ZLtvR3Pv3YNR0y0aisIrEmsI34IMK4alww-NomuVLhNC4RaEjniSUs10dDFIIOLGglGIBNowPO/w400-h318/152013%20(18).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Golden-crowned Sparrow mates</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Another day after that, sure enough, up on <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Wildcat Knoll</span></i></b>, I hear a lilting song emanating from a bush, but seeing nothing, I leave frustrated by my complete lack of <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">bird</span></b></i> song ID skills. Minutes later, near <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Conlon / Nimitz Way</span></i></b> juncture overlooking the <i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">San Pablo Reservoir</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Mount Diablo</span></i></b>, I hear the unmistakable song again, and – there's the <i><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Thrasher</span></b></i> singing his little heart out in the branches! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPRFOXS2_yT1MOaxYttb2uiOFFbwzYaSniQGFh5UP4jPJg-ltYodA7GLvBUT-02xNqVXuTalQDl4YFhB3cyQpop7krk71C3u5bGahUMgfloUXhwgv85fle5EzM9acsPiYJCrnFbPI28nJTy7lrIJmfHC3ANa_7clgyNzhc2WfC3J5NTabrdwZlOng/s1600/1c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPRFOXS2_yT1MOaxYttb2uiOFFbwzYaSniQGFh5UP4jPJg-ltYodA7GLvBUT-02xNqVXuTalQDl4YFhB3cyQpop7krk71C3u5bGahUMgfloUXhwgv85fle5EzM9acsPiYJCrnFbPI28nJTy7lrIJmfHC3ANa_7clgyNzhc2WfC3J5NTabrdwZlOng/w400-h323/1c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">California Thrasher belting one out</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Letting a hidden mate know of his presence,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><i>or just singing to be singing, for the joy of it.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSGLyKlyZOCL18KaQHctCAOcHDFA9Fs1pEflAZjpiV37IWCBPOvlb4mmomQunyrWbotPToAvganz66Ett0JIobzoQmYuy6QUjx_0lO3a7n-FvxKDR03BlTxW1fh-TYACoVcesnlFqeHPvDj40WjR1aVF6tM0-gNTYZTKg9axK6-SHhYJxjlsgEOXI/s1440/11112%20(37).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSGLyKlyZOCL18KaQHctCAOcHDFA9Fs1pEflAZjpiV37IWCBPOvlb4mmomQunyrWbotPToAvganz66Ett0JIobzoQmYuy6QUjx_0lO3a7n-FvxKDR03BlTxW1fh-TYACoVcesnlFqeHPvDj40WjR1aVF6tM0-gNTYZTKg9axK6-SHhYJxjlsgEOXI/w400-h320/11112%20(37).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Varied Thrush hopping back and forth on tree trunk</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This befuddling <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">bird</span></b></i> business is inexplicable. Why <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">birds</span></b></i> remain elusive until the moment of discovery, and then immediately thereafter begin appearing here and there and everywhere like special cameos in your life, is a head-scratching, unsolvable conundrum. Until you know what you don't know, it's all a <b><i><span style="color: #444444;">Black Swan</span></i></b> of assumptions, narratives and pretend expertise.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCoXO9Cbva_WWhaXX_x_lqab43ObW-GjxiBAmkkyXufsbuU7LicvZlub9kcVzHJ9pDjXi_Ii-ZHxhygBZcLwNtfb8nRsw72HPuU9s70IUQnYb10u3x8FM1RvxRbbgm3a8wboQyoyDxZiBF8TWV2hxxZkYmLMUajh4YO1BP0g6cZHboLmoO4cNCjBU/s3780/3c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCoXO9Cbva_WWhaXX_x_lqab43ObW-GjxiBAmkkyXufsbuU7LicvZlub9kcVzHJ9pDjXi_Ii-ZHxhygBZcLwNtfb8nRsw72HPuU9s70IUQnYb10u3x8FM1RvxRbbgm3a8wboQyoyDxZiBF8TWV2hxxZkYmLMUajh4YO1BP0g6cZHboLmoO4cNCjBU/w400-h320/3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Mute Swans tooling around (introduced species from Eurasia)</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And still the question goes unanswered. How is it that previously unseen <i><b><span style="color: #073763;">birds</span></b></i>, once seen, are then seen many times in quick succession? Is it a principle of physics? Some twist of morphic resonance? Or deep natural laws of attraction at work?</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDMaY4Lnpc-bnjGsx3VqK0Fa1FmXkzdKvVBYozfb-Y-xPPbnzvAgm_7SgU3Apu-8OM06cLBNPoVi0-ZmqZPN5cAFT-kWvxcTHpN1ycR9ywgU2uQ4hASo7X2p5-9GK8LLfxa590Dy9vUjgh9vUGPD-RpMr9S6RSeLC5jWLATpxJeFmD6eGciujHnJG/s400/152013%20(17).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDMaY4Lnpc-bnjGsx3VqK0Fa1FmXkzdKvVBYozfb-Y-xPPbnzvAgm_7SgU3Apu-8OM06cLBNPoVi0-ZmqZPN5cAFT-kWvxcTHpN1ycR9ywgU2uQ4hASo7X2p5-9GK8LLfxa590Dy9vUjgh9vUGPD-RpMr9S6RSeLC5jWLATpxJeFmD6eGciujHnJG/w400-h320/152013%20(17).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Brilliant ruby gorget displayed by Anna's Hummingbird</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Maybe it's merely odds, timing, just a symptom of my utter naivete and whimsical approach to <b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">birding</span></i></b>, with a modest underpinning of academic rigor and taxonomic certainty.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVwk_tDlVRPxNeZHG6cWgbXirNbSXVrb3HMSAl0OdVG6ykP-sS6RuUsyGoXniH00ELNDNK3GwBgpdV_XVe_zjVD4_Q-K_Nky6XxeVZP28nhEEJy8yrxbnrf7yWjcMjr68-KR5gt4Y2X7byJfEPyI4fql0aN5W3XjGRd1qpfRzIfBOj1J8tZ-xCRH5/s1920/4l.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVwk_tDlVRPxNeZHG6cWgbXirNbSXVrb3HMSAl0OdVG6ykP-sS6RuUsyGoXniH00ELNDNK3GwBgpdV_XVe_zjVD4_Q-K_Nky6XxeVZP28nhEEJy8yrxbnrf7yWjcMjr68-KR5gt4Y2X7byJfEPyI4fql0aN5W3XjGRd1qpfRzIfBOj1J8tZ-xCRH5/w400-h320/4l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Pie-billed Grebes on Jewel Lake</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>It's an enduring mystery that will continue </i></b></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>to delight</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>the serious, casual, </i></b></span><b style="color: #38761d;"><i>or obsessed birder, take your pick.</i></b></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfV4iS6ZkaZB0inJbPrfLWrniOCffNaQ_PC2qFZ5aHfcOCZTr1PgMpPKtXKO9lNnjf77IFuZpzHfkuNtPK6405uJc-v1OHdstDsGYix1BhvSDMP0Pb5IXF4Sr5er9FWC8V0a_OfZ2IOgV_Go1GbvbKaseMTlsSwAB9c13h8BiIDGfLE2IEaVCjuBI8/s1440/4i.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfV4iS6ZkaZB0inJbPrfLWrniOCffNaQ_PC2qFZ5aHfcOCZTr1PgMpPKtXKO9lNnjf77IFuZpzHfkuNtPK6405uJc-v1OHdstDsGYix1BhvSDMP0Pb5IXF4Sr5er9FWC8V0a_OfZ2IOgV_Go1GbvbKaseMTlsSwAB9c13h8BiIDGfLE2IEaVCjuBI8/w400-h320/4i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Red-breasted Sapsucker in Tilden Regional Park</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">You know which one I am by now.</span></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJBMBoc7_EyyzZ0lbu6fSzWR4AIK_XwB1WWQvvuOBmfy_f9ZnGLd2BiQQK9t6nXX410jzVMDXmaAc0RzNY_7vbwzYJIQeBxGqjALfoVjBFkEKQxYKujoKZd3sZ6YJM8-RaiQ3vHH7oqAf1zVdBhOECMVIfluzkzJ60f7cjJQRdOpuen5Lex5_q6R0/s832/1a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="436" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJBMBoc7_EyyzZ0lbu6fSzWR4AIK_XwB1WWQvvuOBmfy_f9ZnGLd2BiQQK9t6nXX410jzVMDXmaAc0RzNY_7vbwzYJIQeBxGqjALfoVjBFkEKQxYKujoKZd3sZ6YJM8-RaiQ3vHH7oqAf1zVdBhOECMVIfluzkzJ60f7cjJQRdOpuen5Lex5_q6R0/w336-h640/1a1.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Sunset birding</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">at Albany Bulb</span></span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><div><i style="color: red;"><b>Enjoy these related posts from berkeleybackyardbirdblog</b></i></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;"><b>and see what all the hoopla's about upon notching a First Sighting:</b></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/of-first-sightings-and-life-lists_1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>FIRST SIGHTINGS & LIFE LISTS (November 1, 2012)</b></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://berkeleybackyardbirdblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/of-first-sightings-and-positive.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UNEXPECTED ADDITIONS TO LIFE LIST SIGHTINGS (October 30, 2013)</b></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG6mESyLlFhW6Jug1EuIy3hUYCrO9wFwi8nypfVI1cEyqoDuF3btJ8yTRkYlYg2OM2tb4I8AgKacMFEyJDBKR9vHF6AslE50xV6hWey8hiOIWCl25CFSbt5VNYg2jV5gQAFZJlBsx4_QDcJLd3eqB1AV_CT5yvOzC-GxvwsPsY73xTfPtCqeQ8IlD/s1536/2k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG6mESyLlFhW6Jug1EuIy3hUYCrO9wFwi8nypfVI1cEyqoDuF3btJ8yTRkYlYg2OM2tb4I8AgKacMFEyJDBKR9vHF6AslE50xV6hWey8hiOIWCl25CFSbt5VNYg2jV5gQAFZJlBsx4_QDcJLd3eqB1AV_CT5yvOzC-GxvwsPsY73xTfPtCqeQ8IlD/w480-h640/2k.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;">Great White Egrets</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">hanging out in</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">submerged tree</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Los Vaqueros Reservoir</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div>Gambolin' Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679564870930087166noreply@blogger.com2