Welcome to my blog.
I document my adventures in travel and birding. My thoughts and experiences are illustrated with captivating photography. My photos are the characters of my stories.
Hope you enjoy your visit!
The tiny, gray-brown oak titmouse is as plain and drab as a bird can be. Were it not for its distinctive crest, one might easily dismiss this species as unremarkable. Looks can be deceiving, though. The oak titmouse is lion-hearted when defending its territory. Story with photo illustrations.
Acorn Woodpeckers are the voice of the oak woodland foothills of the Sierra where I live. You can’t miss hearing their calls throughout the day. In spite of the name, acorn woodpeckers feed primarily on insects. During winter months, when insects are less prevalent, they rely upon communal acorn granaries, thousands of holes drilled into utility poles. Photo illustrations.
Riding a camel onto the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi is an unforgettable experience.
On one of my morning bird walks, I witnessed a home invasion. It seems that a pair of Violet-Green Swallows had selected a cozy oak tree cavity for their nest. They went in and out, but so did an Acorn Woodpecker, a starling, and a pair of White-breasted Nuthatches. Since I’d frequently seen these swallows in the same tree the year before, I assumed that the tree cavity was theirs. Not so fast..
What’s not to love about California quail, the state bird of California? From early morning until dusk, I hear their distinct vocalization resounding throughout the valley where I live: chi-Ca-go, chi-Ca-go. This call seems to say: “I’m here. Where are you? Let’s keep together.” This sound is essential for survival of the group. Learn more about these family loving, social birds here.
