birds in the rain & ‘Nature bathing’

Good Morning Barbara and Nature Bathers,

Rainy season always vividly demonstrates the different behavior of land birds versus waterfowl. My rain approach mimics the land bird precipitation attitude: it’s best to avoid get soaked. I see them huddle together in the protective bushes. Their feathers fluffed up to keep warm as they wait for a rain break. I can tell a break is coming up when the ground-feeders start coming out to feed on seeds. The insect flyers are not so willing to come out for their insect chase while drops are still falling. As soon as the rain eases up, the bush, tree insect eaters start scurrying through the foliage. These distinct actions illustrate the diverse food sources of the various bird species. When there is a vegetation balance then there is a varied assortment of food available and in turn the birds keep the insects in check.

LESSER GOLDFINCHES feeding on seeds…

The longer I work on the Estuary Restoration Project the more I notice which bird species is lacking food sources on the levee and we plant natives accordingly. Presently I am on a mission to replenish the lost toyon bush trees, because I noticed that the beautiful Cedar-waxed Wings flock had finished off the few berries in no time. It’s interesting to see them fly to the areas where there used to be toyon berries waiting for them in the winter and fall. After observing one too many times the flock head for their old food source patches, make a brief dip and fly on, I am determined to make a positive change for them. You might like to join us making this change at our next Estuary Project day on Sat. 19th from 9-11am at the Riverside Ave. bridge. Click for more info.

The river birds are not perturbed by the rain. They pursue their diving, foraging, meandering  life as the wetness from the sky showers on them. Then again they are used to having their lower body wet all the time…

PIED-billed GREBE devouring a crab…

Monday morning the river point welcomed me with a fierce, gusty wind, which gave me instantly teary blurred vision through which I peeked at the whipped up ocean and a few flying birds. It was eerie to see the gull bare river shore. One gull flew in, briefly touched down and took of again. The flying birds, who braved the wind, did a lot of sideway drifting, obviously unable to keep their wished for course. I didn’t see one bird on the turbulent ocean surface.

empty gull shore…

Land and water birds lay low during heavy winds for obvious reasons. Many ocean birds seek shelter on the river during storms and some show wing injuries, which often heal, spending time in the river.P1150409.JPG

The Trestle path is now fenced off. The only construction related activity I have seen has been the big equipment vehicle trying to maneuver the sharp turn up the Boardwalk ramp. It looked like that attempt failed. Meanwhile I am trying to adjust to missing my familiar Trestle path observations spots, not meeting my cherished levee compadres, not visiting with my feathered friends at our customary time and place. Right now I am a drifter, exploring new river routes, so I can still ‘bath’ in Nature, which is like the old Japanese tradition of ‘forest bathing’. This practice promotes balancing out the social, urban living with its crushing impacts and ‘forest bathing’ is considered a form of medicine. I can see the specific benefits of this tradition and I also know that any ‘bathing’ in any of Nature’s territory has a healing effect on many people. How can we not feel refreshed watching a SPOTTED SANDPIPER taking a rigorous bath?P1020490.JPGExploration greetings to all you Nature bathers, jane

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