Gualala Birds

Since we’ve back from Texas, I’ve added five new lifers between Gualala and the Bay Area – better than I thought.

2025 total was 128 birds

2026 total ( so far ) is 166 !

I also joined an impromptu birding meet to see local nesting birds – and we got to see numerous nesting birds – Western Gull, Black Oystercatcher, Cliff Swallows and Pelagic Cormorants. The cormorants were arguably the most exciting because (a) their nests are dramatically perched on the edge of sea stacks and (b) we could catch the glimpse of eggs under their mothers.

Later back in the Bay Area, I found a Coopers Hawk nesting with a parent sitting on at least two chicks – very cool!

#193 – Hudsonian Whimbrel

Found at the Gualala Point regional park

#194 – Wandering Tattler

Found at Gualala Point regional park

#195 – Caspian Tern

No image – this was a fly-by near Sea Ranch with group of birders.

#196 – Common Gallinulle

Seen in Fremont while visiting my son – unfortunately “heat haze” wrecked a lot of the photos, but it was a nice experience seeing this mother feeding her three chicks.

#197 – Forster’s Tern

Seen in Fremont – doing a pretty rapid fly-by… my wife actually helped point me to it!

I’ve also gotten better looks at Pygmy Nuthatches, Wilsons Warblers and a Marsh Wren.