Birding in Schulle Canyon Natural Area

November's bird walk welcomed 10 hikers on an unusually late and quiet morning at Schulle Canyon Natural Area. A soundless Hermit Thrush was spotted and tracked down by many eager eyes which uncovered a second individual. These thrush are often found scraping through leaf litter and perching on low hanging branches of the understory. Their colors resemble the year-round wrens but are larger in size, have a speckled breast and noticeable eye ring.

Three Hermit Thrushes are sighted in the woods.  -LJ

The birds were quiet for the majority of the hike but a spurt of activity towards the end produced our winter warblers, the Yellow-rumped and the Orange-crowned Warblers. Also singing was a shy Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 

Hunting season is upon us and the sounds of rifles were heard in the distance throughout the hike. One large buck and 4 small doe were seen finding sanctuary in the natural area.  -- Stephen Ramirez

Schulle Canyon Natural Area

12 species total

2	Inca Dove
10	White-winged Dove
1	Eastern Phoebe
1	Blue Jay
2	Carolina Chickadee
6	Carolina Wren
2	Ruby-crowned Kinglet
3	Hermit Thrush
2	Orange-crowned Warbler
3	Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
3	Northern Cardinal
2	House Sparrow