Jim Gain’s series, “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds” may be the best introduction anywhere to the common birds of the San Joaquin Valley. An accomplished naturalist and superb photographer, Jim offers the beginning birder quick and easy lessons for identifying and enjoying the common birds around us. We’ve previously published complete versions of each previous bird in the series; below, we offer quick looks at numbers 62 through 67 and […]
Learn 100 Common Valley Birds by Jim Gain
Species #60 & 61 in “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds”
We’re proud to present another double feature of Jim Gain’s “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds.” Jim’s brief and informative texts help frame his spectacular photos and make learning the common birds around us a welcome opportunity to enjoy the eternal joys of living nature. ed Great Egret: Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Species #60/100 In California’s San Joaquin Valley, almost anyone can learn 100 local bird species with just a […]
A Woodpecker “Double Dip” in “Learn 100 Valley Birds”
We’re proud to publish Jim Gain’s “Learn 100 Common Valley Birds” series. Jim’s concise texts and spectacular photos may be the quickest and best way to learn the common birds around us. Below, find a “double dip” into local woodpeckers. ed. Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s San Joaquin Valley, with only […]
Gulls in the Valley? “Yes,” says Jim Gain
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 […]
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 […]