The Valley Citizen is proud to feature Jim Gain’s series, “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds,” a guide to the most common birds in the San Joaquin Valley. Daunting as it may seem, most people can learn to recognize 100 species if they enjoy going outdoors and developing a closer relationship with nature. Even getting to know 25 species is more than worth the effort. Learning the birds both heightens the […]
Learn 100 Common Valley Birds by Jim Gain
Valley Blackbirds: #29 in “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds” (49, 50, & 51 + 1)
For nature lovers, Jim Gain’s Reflections of the Natural World is like a field trip into exotic regions where birds are revealed in all their glorious splendor. We’re proud to publish his series, “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds.” See more of Jim’s fine work here. ed. Red-winged Blackbird #49 The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a common species found in the Central Valley of California. Males have striking black plumage […]
Naturalized Immigrants: #28 in Learn 100 Common Valley Birds by Jim Gain
Jim Gain’s Reflections of the Natural World, isn’t just educational, it also offers spectacular photography and natural history, with the focus on birds. We’re proud to publish his series, “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds.” Visit Reflections of the Natural World for more of Jim’s insightful essays and superb photos. ed European Starling (Species #47) The following two species (plus the Bonus Bird) are non-native birds that have established ranges in […]
Double Feature: Jim Gain’s “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds #26 and 27
We’re proud to publish Jim Gain’s series, “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds.” An educator, naturalist and superb photographer, there is more of Jim’s superb work at Reflections of the Natural World. It’s always worth a visit to see Jim’s most recent posts. Here, we have a double feature: Numbers 26 and 27 with species 42 through 46 of 100 total common Valley birds. ed. Common Valley Phalaropes: #26 in the Learn […]
#25 in Learn 100 Common Valley Birds (Species 39, 40 & 41)
Educator, naturalist, and photographer supreme, Jim Gain’s Reflections of the Natural World offers a trove of concise lessons in natural history as well as excursions into the beautiful world of avian diversity as revealed in images as far away as Central and South America and as close to home as your own back yard. We’re proud to publish episode number 25 in Jim’s series, Learn 100 Common Valley Birds. ed. Mourning […]
Learn 100 Common Valley Birds #23 and 24: Tits, Nuts, and Creeps
Educator, naturalist, and photographer supreme, Jim Gain’s Reflections of the Natural World offers a trove of concise lessons in natural history as well as excursions into the beautiful world of avian diversity as revealed in images as far away as Central and South America and as close to home as your own back yard. We’re proud to publish episodes number 23 and 24 in Jim’s series, Learn 100 Common Valley […]
Coot and Gallinule: # 22 in “Learn 100 Valley Birds” (Species #34 and 35)
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 #22. Be sure to visit Reflections of the Natural World for more of Jim’s fine work. ed. American Coot – Species #34 Commonly known as the “mud hen” or “mud duck,” the American Coot, (Fulica americana), is a common waterbird of the Central Valley. These birds […]
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 […]
Learn 100 Common Valley Birds # 19: Burrowing Owl – (Species #29)
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 #19. Be sure to visit Reflections of the Natural World for more of Jim’s fine work. ed. The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, ground-dwelling owl that is native to North and South America. In the Central Valley of California, Burrowing Owls can be […]