Saturday, February 15, 2014

"California" Birds

The mountains and deserts of eastern California, and to the east of California, have provided an effective barrier to the movement of species. In addition the Mediterranean climate has meant that many species have not had to migrate to flee winter. As a result, new species have evolved.

The first of these "California" species is a life bird - California Thrasher. Ten years ago I wandered the Elfin Forest near Morro Bay in search of this species. No luck. So, I was not optimistic this time. Then I heard a thrasher type song, sought out the source, and found this gentleman posing and singing ...

California Thrasher
California Thrasher
California Thrasher
 Later the same day at Montana de Oro State Park, this individual emerged from the dense brush to forage boldly a few feet from where I was standing ...

California Thrasher
We encountered coveys of California Quail in many locations. Photos are from Pinnacles Nat'l Park and Point Reyes Nat'l Seashore, respectively ...

California Quail
California Quail (hen)
California Towhee is a fairly "new" species having parted company with the Canyon Towhee found east of the mountains and deserts by decree of the AOU in 1989 ...

California Towhee
The Yellow-billed Magpie lacks "California" in its common name, but it range is pretty much restricted to the central valleys of California. On a rare rainy day, this individual posed for me at a rest area not far from Pinnacles Nat'l Park ...

Yellow-billed Magpie
Yellow-billed Magpie
The California Scrub-Jay has not yet achieved species status; officially it is still the Western Scrub-Jay. The Pacific population is richer in color, has distinctive plumage characteristics, a thicker bill, and tends to be bold and conspicuous. Many feel it is overdue for species status. Someday ...

Western Scrub-Jay (California Scrub-Jay)
Good birding!!

3 comments:

Grampy said...

Wonderful photos of western birds. The quail my favorites, never got to see them when out west.

Jen Sanford said...

Your California posts have me itching to get down there! The Yellow-billed Magpie has evaded me so far, but I think this must be the year... Great photos!

Laurence Butler said...

Sweet shots Chris, really solid close ups, and that Yellow-billed Magpie is a highly coveted bird. Cheers!

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