For most anyone else, the black-and-white bird that flew in front of Harold and Sharon Reeve on May 20 as they were driving along a country road in northeastern Stanislaus County might not have seemed unusual. For the two veteran birders, it was a singular event. “Eastern Kingbird,” shouted Harold, as the bird flew by and then landed on a fence some sixty feet ahead. In the rarefied world of […]
Birding in the San Joaquin Valley
Learn 100 Valley Birds #21: Swainson’s Hawk (species #33)
An educator and naturalist, Jim Gain is also a superb photographer. We’re proud to publish his series, “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds.” Here is post #21. Be sure to visit Reflections of the Natural World for more of Jim’s fine work. ed. Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a migratory raptor that breeds in North America and winters in South America. In the Central Valley of California, Swainson’s Hawks typically arrive […]
Learn 100 Valley Birds #20: Two Warblers and a Vireo (#30, 31, and 32)
Jim Gain is one of the San Joaquin Valley’s most accomplished amateur naturalists and photographers. His Reflections of the Natural World website is trove of spectacular nature photography, including species from places like Belize and Yucatan. We’re proud to present Jim’s “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds” series here. ed. Wilson’s Warbler – Species #30 The Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) is a small, brightly colored songbird that can be found in […]