More Stinson Gulch Birds with Keith Hansen

On our visit to Stinson's Gulch, (February 18th), we encountered a flock of Purple Finches. This is a familiar wintering bird in Tennessee, as well, though I usually see them either at feeders or high in the trees. These finches were conveniently foraging in shrubby foliage closer to the ground.

Above, Keith Hansen spotting a Bewick's Wren, below.

--a Bewick's Wren that was very cooperative, giving us great looks as he sang.      

Above and below, Hairy Woodpeckers.

Keith referred to this portion of the trail as the "enchanted forest".  Firs and snarling live oaks cloaked in moss provided a tangle of foliage that fit the description and provided dense habitat for birds that like to hide.

There he is hiding, one of the species I had hoped to see--a Varied Thrush!  This thrush is generally found in western coastal areas in the winter and breeds in the damp evergreen forests of the northwest.

Though, we moved around to look at other birds in the area, our Varied Thrush moved very little, remaining in one spot holding an "invisible" pose. Below, I moved just enough that you can finally see all of his bill! Take the time to listen to this thrush's song at Cornell's All About Birds.

In a clearing, on top of a wire, an Allen's Hummingbird guarded his territory.  You can see the distinctive green plumage on his back that helps to distinguish the Allen's from the Rufous species.

Above and below his bright orange gorget flashes in the light.  The small patch of white feathers behind his eye gives him an intense expression.    

 Below, a Black Phoebe, showing his recognizable flycatcher shape.    

In all, we saw more than 90 species in a morning of birding.  Since I don't keep a list, the numbers don't matter as much to me as the excitement of enjoying new birds--the Varied Thrush, Black Phoebe, Bewicks Wren and Allen's Hummingbird in this post were all new bird acquaintances!

Next:  Life birds on the deck!  

Visit all my posts on Stinson Beach, California
Stinson Gulch
Keith Hansen

Birds of the Sierra Nevada by Beedy and Pandolfing--illustrated by Keith Hansen
Great book! Full of detailed life histories. As you might guess, I brought home an autographed copy!