By Carolyn Greene
Bird watchers have many ways to enjoy our hobby. Going on a bird walk is one of the most common. Another popular practice is to do a “bird sit,” where you stay in one place for a defined time and wait for birds there to calm down, forget about you, and return to their normal behavior. But one of my favorite practices is “MPH birding” – observing from a stationery or very slow-moving vehicle. Since we Oakmonters need to use our cars for just about everything, this is a great way to combine birding with errands around town!
Of course, when you’re driving a car, safety is always the most important consideration. I’m not advocating using your binoculars or taking your eyes off the road while driving down Highway 12. But for those moments when you’re waiting at a stop light or stuck in traffic – or better yet, when you’re a passenger in a car – a quick glance, or “gestalt birding,” is a great way to improve your ID skills. (And it’s well known that birds are less fearful of humans when we’re in our vehicles.)
The key is to make a quick mental snapshot of a bird you see along the road. A group of small birds perched together on a fence, sallying out to catch insects in a vineyard? Probably a family group of Western Bluebirds. Two plump medium-size birds on a wire together, with long pointed tails? Probably Mourning Doves (AKA “flying daggers”). A single, slender, medium-size blue-ish bird hopping around a tree, with a long tail and rounded head? Likely a California Scrub-Jay. A large, hawk-size but slender bird on a wire, hunched over, looking down to the ground between its toes? Chances are it’s a Red-shouldered Hawk. (Larger hawks like Red-tailed and Ferruginous are usually seen atop poles or soaring over fields – they’re too heavy for wires). How about that white long-legged bird standing perfectly still in a field or on the golf course? Could be a Great Egret.
If your window is down, you might hear the raucous sounds of an Acorn Woodpecker family or, if you’re driving through a forested area, a Steller’s Jay or Northern Flicker.
So next time you’re stuck on Highway 12 during road work or commute time, relax and enjoy the opportunity to – safely! – notice what birds are about, and hone your birding skills.
For a regular old-fashioned bird walk and chat, join me on Friday, October 20, 8:30 a.m. Meet on White Oak next to Star of the Valley Church. Let’s see if we can find at least 20 species of resident and winter visitor birds by sight and sound. Download the free Merlin app to increase your enjoyment! All levels of skills and interest are welcome. For information, contact cgnpark@icloud.com, 805-443-7289.