 | Featured City Birds
Wild City Birds of San Francisco and Beyond |
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Early during a gray morning at Lake Merritt in Downtown Oakland, this Crow is making its presence known to all around him. Crows are very intelligent -- like most birds. More than anything, Crows love to play. Their fighting with other birds is play. Their cawing here and there goes beyond defining their territory. Like a lot of people, they just love calling attention to themselves. And they love toys. Nuts, bolts, etc., are toys for their amusement.
This photo was first published July 11, 2009 by City Birds. |
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One day, many years ago, while at the computer, a blood-curdling scream which, for all the world, sounded like that of a human infant in great distress, filled the room. Walking toward the window it became clear the sound had come from a House Finch on the floor, gasping for help.
Picking up the little guy it soon became evident the bird was totally blind. More. . .
This photo was first published July 11, 2009 by City Birds. |
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During the Spring of 2009 the busy Financial District of the San Francisco afforded a pair of Brewer's Blackbirds a place to raise a family. The male became a world famous media sensation for his dive-bombing of people walking past the tree which held first the eggs, then the nestlings. Thus he became known as "Swoops." This is the story of Swoops and his mate.
These photos were first published June 15, 2009 by City Birds. |
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This picture was taken on Nob Hill late Winter 2009. The bird appears to be an immature Herring Gull. However, with a variety of gulls gliding low around tall buildings, there are just a few seconds to take the picture from the time they appear in the sky before they once again disappear behind other tall buildings. There is no time to study such birds for proper identification. Thus it is possible the bird is another kind of gull. Nevertheless, we see one beautiful bird here.
This photo was first published May 30, 2009 by City Birds. |
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Lake Merritt, located in Oakland, California, was the first wildlife refuge in the United States -- so designated in 1870. There are 44 pictures in this collection featuring many of the birds which enjoy the good life at that beautiful place with its temperate Mediterranean climate. People who live and work around Lake Merritt are very fortunate indeed -- having so much wildlife to enjoy within easy walking distance.
These photos were first published May 30, 2009 by City Birds. |
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Here we see three eleven day old House Finch chicks. The one on the left and right are a day or two from leaving the nest. The chick tucked in between them would take a bit longer to mature. This photo was taken with a Canon PowerShot SD990 IS ELPH camera set on the SCN digital macro close-up mode. The chicks appear quite a bit larger than life.
This photo was first published May 30, 2009 by City Birds. |
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The Downy Woodpecker is found in most parts of the United States and is one of the smaller woodpeckers. This pair was photographed at a backyard feeder in Northern Wisconsin. The Upper Midwest is renowned for its large and diverse avian population. The male (seen on the right side of the feeder) has a red nape patch.
This photo was first published May 30, 2009 by City Birds. |
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This pair of Downy Woodpeckers was photographed at a backyard feeder in Northern Wisconsin. Many mating birds (including the House Finch), in addition to feeding their chicks, feed each other -- seemingly an act of love. The adult being fed will often cheep and flap its wings as though it was, once again, a chick. This act may also serve as a way to distribute food for the chicks. Here the female bird is feeding the male bird.
This photo was first published May 30, 2009 by City Birds. |
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This picture of a San Francisco Pigeon was taken early Spring 2009 on Nob Hill. The City's desire to eradicate Pigeons from the City seems to be working. The number of Pigeons in the City has dropped dramatically during the last year. Once they are gone, our beloved hawks and falcons which feed on them will also be history.
This photo was first published May 30, 2009 by City Birds. |
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We took this picture during a visit to Bangkok. It pictures two Jungle Crows hanging out together in one of Bangkok's many beautiful parks.
Birds thrive in densely populated cities such as Bangkok Thailand because the people provide space for them to coexist with humans and the people there are encouraged to feed the birds. Healthy, well-fed birds are able to relax and enjoy life a bit.
This photo was first published November 30, 2008 by City Birds. |
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We took this picture during a visit to Bangkok. It pictures two Jungle Crows drinking from a fountain in one of Bangkok's many beautiful parks.
Birds, like humans, require regular hydration during the day. In San Francisco, places such as the Civic Center and Yerba Buena Gardens have wonderful fountains which attract birds both for drink and bathing.
This photo was first published November 30, 2008 by City Birds. |
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We took this picture during a cool, moist October 2008 day. When the weather is warm and sunny, the Crows stay fairly close to home. But when the wind comes in from the Pacific, bring with it some clouds and fog, the Crows gather in the sky. They seem relaxed and enjoying the refreshing breeze. If, in the process of enjoying the sky, a nice big hawk comes along to play with -- all the much better.
This photo was first published November 30, 2008 by City Birds. |
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We took this picture during a visit to the 400 year old Himeji Castle located in the Kobe area of Japan.
The weather was a bit overcast and cool -- perfect Crow weather. As you can see, they appear to be having a wonderful time perched on the roof of the castle and feeding off of the land.
This photo was first published November 30, 2008 by City Birds. |
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In San Francisco, wherever people are gathered -- places like farmers markets and parking lots -- the Brewers Blackbird is sure to be found. Although they are more reserved in their begging habits than Pigeons, they seem to do fine thanks to the kindness of strangers. Their general friendliness, bright yellow eyes in a setting of black feathers and a beautiful long tail make them A-list City Birds.
This photo was first published November 30, 2008 by City Birds. |
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Each year, normally, San Francisco is blessed with a visit by the United States Navy Blue Angels as part of the annual Fleet Week celebration. The air show is held over San Francisco Bay in the area of the Marina District of the City. This area contains some of the City's more forested areas such as those found around Fort Mason. Many birds, including Crows, Ravens, various small hawks and small land birds live in those areas. More . . .
This photo was first published November 1, 2007 by City Birds. |
In addition to San Francisco scenes and events, the many City Birds galleries have photos of most birds of City Birds Country, the Heart of San Francisco. Do a bird search of our Site and enjoy our city birds.
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