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Shore Bird Identification
Long-legged waders like the Willet, Lesser Yellowlegs, Marbled
Godwit, and Long-billed Curlew are some of the shore birds you can identify
at local marshes and seashores.
A trip to any marsh, seashore, or tidal flat can reveal hundreds of
shore birds interacting and feeding in the same area. This can actually aid
you in identification because different birds can be compared to one another
with size, shape, and coloration to determine which species you are observing.
Here are some of the shore birds you are likely to see on your birding day
out in these environments.
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Get to Know Your Shore Birds
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American Avocet | Recurvirostra americana | 15 ½" - 20"
It was an especial thrill to see the American Avocet in his snowy winter
plumage. We had seen him with his rufous feathers earlier in the year, but
during the cold months, the change in his appearance is quite striking. Read Article »
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Killdeer | Charadrius vociferus | 9" - 11"
Killdeer are in the plover family, and are some of the more vocal birds that
you can enjoy at the shore. We've often flushed killdeer from along the side
of the road, where they fly off making their signature cries. Read Article »
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Lesser Yellowlegs | Tringa flavipes | 9 ½" - 11"
We definitely needed our birding field guide on this day out. Binoculars
were helpful, too. Pay careful attention to sizes. This can mean the whole
difference between a Greater or Lesser Yellowlegs. Read Article »
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Long-billed Curlew | Numenius americanus | 20" - 26"
Words cannot describe the amusing appearance of this
tall, unique bird with the unbelievably long beak. When standing, he looks
rather smug, serene, an institution unto himself. Read Article »
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Marbled Godwit | Limosa fedoa | 16" - 20"
If this will be your first trip to the lagoon, nothing I can say will really
prepare you for the abundance of birds present. Whole flocks of Marbled
Godwits with their chestnut plumes and 1/2 salmon orange, 1/2 black
beaks. Read Article »
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Willet | Catoptrophorus semipalmatus | 14" - 17"
New birders are guaranteed to see new birds there, and old hands will simply
be delighted. The Willet was wearing his soft grey mantle which made
identification easier. Read Article »
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Wilson's Snipe | Capella gallinago | 10 ½" - 11 ½"
People would probably think my husband and I were totally nuts if they’d
seen us sitting in our car yesterday, slapping the dashboard, hooting and
crowing to ourselves as we watched Wilson’s Snipe foot it through the grass
at the roadside. Read Article »
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- Read the Latest News from the Birding Sonoma County Blog -
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Tomales Bay State Park Closure - One Upset Birder
January 22, 2008, Point Reyes, CA
Governor Schwarzenegger is planning to close our beautiful, sacred Tomales Bay State Park
in Marin County along with 42 other desperately-needed and exuberantly cherished state
parks throughout California. Closing all of these wonderful parks would not even take us
1% in the direction of being back in the black. And think of what will have been lost. Read Article »
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Bay Area Oil Spill A Disaster For Birds
November 11, 2007, Kenwood, CA
When the Cosco Busan crashed into the Bay Bridge, every birder I know immediately thought
of what this disaster would mean for the birds. In addition to our beloved birds, whales
will be swimming through the oil, as will seals, sea lions and other marine mammals. West
Marin is one of my favorite places on earth, and to see it thus spoiled fills me with
sorrow and anger. Read Article »
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Bewick's Wren - A hidden Bay Area bird worth seeking!
October 7, 2007, Glen Ellen, CA
Today, we'll turn our gaze on Bewick's Wren, Thryomanes bewickii, one of the larger
SF Bay Area Wrens. Bewick's Wren, like most wrens, will instantly strike you as being
'all-tail'. Identification clue number one for wrens is that they tend to hold their tails
up-turned, as if in proud of their lovely plumes. Read Article »
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The White-crowned Sparrow has returned!
September 24, 2007, Kenwood, CA
This trusty little bird disappeared when the weather heated up, early in the year, heading
north to cooler Canada. Just this afternoon, my husband called me to the window excitedly.
There, at the foot of the photinia hedge, a lone White-crowned Sparrow was hopping humbly
through the green grass. Read Article »
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