Natural History Journal

"What makes a duck a duck?" This question was posed to me the other day by a friendly gentleman who stopped to chat as I stood behind my spotting scope, peering over massive swells and crashing waves at a distant flock of dark specks bobbing on the surface of the water beyond the breakers.  These specks, I had informed him, were ducks.  More specifically, they were a delightful collection of three species of scoter, a highly specialized type of sea duck designed for life on the rugged, wave-battered coast.   Those are ducks?   I could feel the skepticism.   Yes, ducks.  But not dabbling puddle ducks, like the familiar Mallard, or even hardy diving ducks, like scaup.   These are sea ducks! Surf Scoters in Monterey Bay, off the coast of Moss Landing, California.  July. I answered his question the best I could with somewhat divided attention: Biology, physiology, behavior and life history all combine to make a duck a duck, so that even diverse and disparate groups, like the sea

Happy Christmas, fellow naturalists and lovers of all things wild and beautiful!   This Christmas season, may you enjoy and savor the dazzling natural beauty that abounds just outside our doors, even through the depths of winter: frosty mornings, sparkling snow on evergreens, winter birds at the feeders, late sunrises and early sunsets. May you connect deeply with loved ones, creation, and most importantly its Creator, who came to be Immanuel, God with us, Jesus Christ, our Light who shines even in the darkest days of the year! Northern Mockingbird with Toyon (otherwise known as California Christmas berry!) And, as a special gift from me to you, please enjoy this little bit of Christmas corniness and cheer:  A California Birder's 12 Days of Christmas "On the first day of Christmas, my birder gave to me, A Pine Siskin eating thistle seeds. "On the second day of Christmas, my birder gave to me, Two Mourning Doves, And a Pine Siskin eating thistle seeds. "On the third d

As 2023 winds down, it seems fitting that I share a few photos, recently obtained, of a somewhat elusive but common bird across the entire North America continent.  Named this year's Bird of the Year by the American Birding Association, the Belted Kingfisher is an impressive presence just about anywhere there is a calm, clear body of water in which it can hunt, preferably with some cover at the edges and handy perches nearby.   Perched strategically over the water, kingfishers scan for prey, which includes a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and even small mammals.  Once a hunting kingfisher has sighted her target, she dives, bill-first, into the water to nab said prey item.  Held fast in her bill, she brings her meal triumphantly back to her perch, where she proceeds to beat it soundly against the branch before swallowing it whole.  Super amusing to watch. Kingfishers may also hover or "kite" over a body of water in search of prey, which is a beautiful sigh

Winter is the season for raptors in California's Great Central Valley, as a number of species move south in latitude and down slope from the Sierra Nevada mountains to spend the coldest months in the Valley's mild climate.  On a really good day birding across the Valley's wetland and grassland habitats, it is possible to encounter an astounding FIFTEEN species of diurnal raptors (also known as birds of prey.)  And that's not even including at least an additional FIVE species of nocturnal raptors: the owls! The Valley's diverse mosaic of habitats, which includes wetland, grassland, farmland, oak woodland, riparian forests, and even suburban neighborhoods provides an abundance of specialized niches and prey to support this wide array of species.   Around open bodies of water, look for Osprey and Bald Eagles .   On open grasslands, keep an eye on the sky for Golden Eagles , Prairie Falcons , Rough-legged Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks .   While also present out on the

Last summer, Eric and I spent a couple of weeks exploring the Rocky Mountains, from Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, north into Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.  While we dealt with quite a bit of rain and cold weather during our mid-June visit, the birds were abundant and beautiful!   Below are a few of my favorite bird photos from the trip. Mountain Bluebird, male, looking his best in the morning sunlight. (West Thumb, Yellowstone NP) The same Mountain Bluebird, fending off a Tree Swallow who was competing with him for a nest cavity! The offending Tree Swallow, looking rather sure of himself, don't you think? Lincoln's Sparrow, singing away.  One of my favorite sparrows!  (Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain NP)  American Robin, carrying food to its young.  Check out the prettily-patterned undertail coverts on this bird! (Cub Lake trail, Rocky Mountain NP) Green-tailed Towhee, looking dapper. (Glacier Basin campground, Rocky Mountain NP) Sweet-looking female C

The Great Plains in general, and Montana's prairies specifically, are certainly one of the great natural wonders of the North American continent.  And like all of North America's iconic landscapes, this one is also inhabited by its own special compliment of birds.   On our trip through the Rocky Mountain states last June, while making our way toward Yellowstone National Park, we took a quick detour north of I-90 to a very specific patch of prairie habitat, home to a few very special birds.   My target birds (i.e. birds I especially wanted to see) at this location were Sprague's Pipit, Baird's Sparrow, Thick-billed Longspur, Upland Sandpiper and Sharp-tailed Grouse.  I am happy to report that I found four out of the five - all except the notoriously difficult Baird's Sparrow.  Although in full disclosure, I must admit that I only heard Sprague's Pipit, as males defend their territories by pouring forth a gorgeous cascade of song from on high and are very rarely

Picking a favorite spot in breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly difficult.  From alpine lakes surrounded by rugged peaks, to lush green mountain meadows dotted with wildflowers, beauty met us at every turn.  But one of our best birding experiences during our four days in the park last June took place way up on the alpine tundra, nearly 12,000 feet above sea level.   Alpine Tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park From a trailhead along famous Trail Ridge Road, we set out early one frigid morning across the tundra in search of two very special birds: White-tailed Ptarmigan and Brown-capped Rosy-finch.  Happily, we successfully found both species (though photos were only possible of the ptarmigan.) White-tailed Ptarmigan, round, chicken-sized birds of the tundra, are exquisitely designed for life in this harsh habitat.  Pure snowy white in the winter, save two shiny black eyes and small pointed bill, ptarmigan disappear into a desolate landscape of hummocky snowdrifts.