Let's Go Birding

08/17/2024

So what exactly do you do when another group of birders wonders into your morning walk? Well, you say good-morning, give a smile and share with each other the good birds you’ve seen so far. 😉👀🦅

08/13/2024

As the lawn mower cuts the grass several Barn Swallows follow behind. They fly just above the grass grabbing any insects that get kicked up by the mower. And once the grass is cut the American Crows fly in and start digging for grubs. Its quite the sight. John D. Morgan Park in Campbell facing west.

07/22/2024

If you have ever been birding with me you know that cranes are my favorite! However, this was the first time I had one in my Campbell neighborhood.

07/15/2024

Every month we have a free ID workshop at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher. Tues. night, July 16 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM we'll be reviewing 4 different species of grosbeaks found in North America. Workshops are designed to help you become a better birder. We have room if you would like to join the fun. Please call the store 408-358-9453. San Jose Blue Grosbeak photo - Teresa Cheng

07/03/2024

From one of our store fans spending time in Montana. Calling Loons out on a mountain lake!

06/08/2024

We had quite the happy, chatty group of birder's this morning over at the Stanford Arizona Garden. Thank goodness we could hear the Hooded Orioles, nuthatches and woodpeckers over the sound of the crowd! We ended our walk with 28 different species.

05/25/2024

Our Saturday morning Let's Go Birding tour had as at the SFBBO banding station along Coyote Creek this morning. We watched them extract Common Yellowthroats, and a Swainson's Thrush from the nets. We then learned about how they gather their data and the research behind it all.

04/13/2024

Today's "spring" bird walk had us looking for birds with temps in the 40's, snow in the hills plus wind and rain! Bird numbers were low on this chilly morning at Agnews Historic Park, but what we did see was truly appreciated. One Red-tailed Hawk was around the entire time and eventually perched on top of the clock tower.

03/16/2024

Our bird walk this morning was at McClellan Ranch in Cupertino. It was a glorious morning. We had new birders with us and observed 32 different species. Lots of nest building happening around us. Spring is near. Photo - W. Studzinski

02/25/2024

It was a glorious morning at the Palo Alto Baylands this morning. This Let’s Go Birding walk had us walking the trails at Byxbee Park. It was the first bird walk for some today and the first time exploring this location for most.

02/13/2024

Last Saturday we had a spectacular morning at Coyote Hills Regional Park. It was the first time many in the group had ever been to this east bay hot spot.

This morning we had a half day Let’s Go Birding trip to the east bay. Such a variety of species from Anna’s Hummingbirds to Golden Eagles. We could see Mtn. Umunhum in the south and the Golden Gate Bridge to the north. 📷 L. Murphy

01/31/2024

I went to Chico this past weekend for the Snow Goose Festival. My friends and I spent hours birding and we spent time looking for one of my "nemesis birds" the Varied Thrush. I have seen them before, but not often. We heard several in two different locations, but as much as we tried did not see one. This photo of a Varied Thrush is from Fred Lim and shows how beautiful this elusive, wintering species is.

01/26/2024

I always wanted to get my Los Gatos Birdwatcher staff out to see the splendor of California's Central Valley during the winter. We did it last weekend. Geese, cranes, ducks, ibis, eagles.....

Last weekend the store staff spent the day at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. For some it was the first time in a Refuge! A most memorable day with the birds & away from store duties.

01/20/2024

With a 50-50 chance for rain this group braved the weather and enjoyed a morning birding the Oka Ponds in Campbell. We had a great opportunity to study the variety of ducks feeding from the ponds. Thanks to all that came out this morning.

12/03/2023

Yesterday was the first all day, Let's Go Birding tour since Covid. We went to see the Sandhill Cranes! We had a great group eager to see birds they had never seen before....Sandhills, Tundra Swans, Ferruginous Hawk, shrike....however, I appeared to be one of the few that could see the snipe flying out at sunset. It's right there...."floaters" they exclaimed. Woodbridge Road - Photo - Gina Dias.

11/13/2023

Who says we do not have seasons here in California. Our Let's Go Birding walk had us at Los Gatos Creek Park enjoying the changing of the leaves and the changing of the ducks as we observed first of the season Bufflehead & Ring-necked Ducks. Photo - W. Studzinski

11/06/2023

Over this past weekend I headed up to the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival. I had the opportunity to enjoy my favorite bird the Sandhill Crane with friend and crane expert Paul Tebbel. I was a sponge trying to add more information to my Sandhill Crane knowledge as I prepare for the Dec. 2 Let's Go Birding tour back to Lodi.

10/25/2023

The countdown is on! We still have room if you would like to join us this Saturday Oct. 28 at Sanborn County Park as we focus our attention on raptors. We'll have door prizes, food and raptors! Lisa will be teaching a raptor workshop where you can test your raptor knowledge. Fee: $75. Call to sign up 408-358-9453

10/11/2023

We have a Let's Go Birding walk planned this Sat. Oct. 14 from 8:30 - 10 AM. We're birding Agnews Historic Park in Santa Clara. This beautiful 14 acre location has been a great place to find fall migrants. These walks are free and help you get outside in nature. Call the store to save a spot. 408-358-9453.

09/30/2023

We had a full house this morning at Ulistac Nature Area. We were looking for fall migrants. There was an abundance of Western Tanagers, but the warblers were few. This was the first time for many at this wonderful birding hot spot. Photo - J. Sierra

08/30/2023

Out in the middle of no where enjoying the birds when around the corner we find a porta-potty. After hours of birding, could this be a mirage?! Nope - it was a real, bonafied, clean bathroom. Why in the world it was placed along a country road for all to use was a mystery AND appreciated. (Swanton Road - Santa Cruz County)

08/19/2023

Today's walk was re-located. Instead of going up to Mt. Umunhum we headed to the Palo Alto Baylands. Many had never been to this hot spot and shorebirds were a new adventure. Jessica now helps Lisa with these monthly bird walks. We hope you get to meet her one day soon.

08/08/2023

We went looking for Common Poorwills over the weekend. This hard to find species can be found in So. San Jose. They come out at sunset to hunt for bugs. As hard as we tried we did not hear or see any. However, we found Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and a hunting Great Horned Owl. And many were introduced to a new trail along Calero Creek. Photo - W. Studzinski

07/18/2023

An awesome moment with Pacific Wrens during our Saturday morning bird walk at Sanborn County Park - July 15.

Pacific Wren are only found out west in dense coniferous forests. From Alaska to the mountains of Northern California we are lucky to have them right here in the Santa Cruz Mtns. We enjoyed them at Sanborn Cty Park last Saturday. A lifer bird for many on the Let’s Go Birding adventure. 📸 Jessica Guenther

06/25/2023

CAN YOU IMAGINE!

06/20/2023

We were in Mountain View last Saturday on our morning bird walk when we spotted this Double-crested Cormorant in Adobe Creek. It was eating crawfish for breakfast. photo - Oscar Nguyen

06/20/2023

We have an ID workshop Tuesday night June 20 here at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher - King's Court Center. 5:30 - 6:30 pm. We will review 4 different warblers. These workshops are free. Call to save your spot 408-358-9453 📸 Common Yellowthroat - John Scharpen

06/18/2023

We went to the Mtn. View baylands today (Casey Forebay and Shoreline Lake) to look for the Black Tern and we were rewarded with fantastic views. Another great bird was an adult Bald Eagle flying high overhead, but always a crowd pleaser! Photo - Jessica Guenther

06/06/2023

When the tree trimmers start knocking on your door please tell them you want to wait until AFTER THE BREEDING SEASON. Wait until after mid August, or even later. This is the time of year birds have their young and future birds require success now. You are part of their success. Nesting American Robin - Photo - Courtesy of Tom Grey

06/06/2023

Happy endings are welcome these days.