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Tree Swallows Return, It Must Be Spring

By on May 5, 2018 in Birds

Tree Swallow Male

Whenever I see Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) I know that Spring is upon us. I have witnessed small groups of these gorgeous aerial acrobats twice, from an excellent vantage point, engage in what seems to be a courtship or pair bonding display. (Click on photos for full sized images)

Here you see, what appears to be an adult male clinging to a snag, being approached by a yearling female sporting the mostly brown plumage with a hint of greenish-blue.

This activity seems to be centered around the small hole in the snag which the male has been checking out, but is obviously too small for a nesting cavity.

Tree Swallow

The male assumes a rather vertical posture and the female comes toward him, both with mouths open

Tree Swallow

This is another encounter where it is difficult to determine the sex of these two birds but I believe the bird on the right is a female

Tree Swallow

They may make several passes at each other with their mouths open like this

Tree Swallow

And then actually connect with a mock feeding display

Tree Swallow

Of course this all takes place in the blink of an eye so I never really saw this mouth to mouth connection until I viewed these photos from the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge blind I took a few years ago.

I concluded that this must be pair bonding behavior, after all, Spring is in the air!  Does anyone know for sure?

Here is another photo of this beautiful species.

Tree Swallow

Watching the Tree Swallow, or most any swallow, makes me wish I could fly myself, how about you?

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Wintu Audubon Outing to 
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

By on December 28, 2017 in

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is a national gem, well worth the short, 90 mile drive to Willows. Enormous numbers of waterfowl fill the sky and the impoundments in fall and winter. Snow, Ross’s and Greater White-fronted Geese, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers and Gadwalls are assured. Possibilities are White-faced Ibis, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Black-necked Stilts and various raptors. Most of the birding is done from cars. We will provide 2-way radios to report sightings and alert people in other cars to look for them. Meet your leader at Kutras Park on Park Marina Drive to carpool and bring a lunch for this full-day trip. For more information call Larry Jordan @ 949-5266

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End of the Year Activities at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

By on December 24, 2017 in

Looking for something to do with the kids over the holiday break? Come and experience the beauty of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and wintering waterfowl. In addition to the opportunities provided year round, the Sacramento NWR will also be offering a number of free activities for kids and families over the holiday break from December 23 – January 7.

Each fall, millions of waterfowl migrate south from places as far as Alaska and Russia. Several hundred thousand waterfowl and other migratory birds, including bald eagles, spend their entire winter at the Sacramento NWR. These free programs offer unique opportunities for viewing and learning about wildlife.

Refuge staff and volunteers will be providing a variety of programs and activities over the holiday break. View examples of ducks, geese, beaks, and feet up close to assist with sketching waterfowl for the Junior Duck Stamp Program. Become a Junior Refuge Ranger by completing an activity booklet that educates and empowers youth to be environmental stewards. Create a snow goose craft or a nature journal.

All programs are free. Admission to the Sacramento NWR is $6 per car. An annual pass is $12 and a Federal Duck Stamp is $25. The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, Senior Pass (formerly known as golden age pass), Access Pass, Active Military Pass, and Every Kid in a Park Pass are also accepted. The visitors center is located parallel to the Interstate 5 just 6 miles south of Willows.

The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through the end of February and is closed on federal holidays. The auto tour is open daily from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. For more information, please call the Sacramento NWR at 530-934-2801 or email at: sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov

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Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Outing

By on December 31, 2016 in

Peregrine Falcon

This nationally known gem is well worth the 90-mile drive. Enormous numbers of waterfowl fill the sky and numerous impoundments in fall and winter. Snow, Ross’ and Greater White-fronted Geese, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers and Gadwalls are assured. Possibilities are White-faced Ibis, Green-winged Teal, Black-necked Stilts and various raptors. We hope to provide 2-way radios to report sightings and alert people in other cars to look for them. Most of the birding is done from cars. Meet at Kutras Park on Park Marina Drive to carpool. (See map.) Bring a lunch for this full-day trip. Mike Carion will lead.

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Outing

By on December 17, 2015 in

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is a nationally known gem and well worth the 90-mile drive. Enormous numbers of waterfowl fill the sky and numerous impoundments in fall and winter. Snow, Ross’ and Greater White-fronted Geese, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers and Gadwalls are assured. Possibilities are White-faced Ibis, Green-winged Teal, Black-necked Stilts and various raptors. We hope to provide 2-way radios to report sightings and alert people in other cars to look for them. Most of the birding is done from cars. Meet at the Redding Civic Auditorium to carpool. Bring a lunch for this full-day trip. Bill Oliver will lead.