STORIES FROM THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY
Birds of the Whitewater Preserve: Sora By Steve Myers
As autumn settles in, Whitewater Preserve becomes a seasonal haven for the Sora, a shy marsh bird more often heard than seen. In our newest feature, you’ll discover how these remarkable travelers journey thousands of miles each year to return to the safety of our wetlands. Their presence reminds us that even the quietest corners of the Preserve are connected to a greater story of migration and renewal.
Wings Over Sonoma: Raptor Migration in the Sonoma Coast
Each fall, the Sonoma Coast bursts to life as migrating raptors fill the sky. Hawks, eagles, and falcons ride the coastal winds, circling above the golden prairie. Visitors can witness hundreds of birds in motion — a breathtaking seasonal spectacle along the Pacific Flyway.
Birds of the Whitewater Preserve: Common Yellowthroat
Sharp-eyed visitors to Whitewater Preserve may spot a seasonal resident that thrives in dense vegetation: the Common Yellowthroat.
In his latest Field Notes entry, ornithologist Stephen Myers explores the unique behaviors of this elusive wood-warbler. Wondering how it copes with desert heat, what its distinctive calls sound like, or where you're most likely to catch a glimpse?
Read on to discover more about the Common Yellowthroat.
Birds of the Whitewater Preserve: White-Crowned Sparrow
As fall settles in, bird enthusiasts at Whitewater Preserve are treated to the arrival of one of Southern California’s wintering favorites: the Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow. In his latest "Field Notes" entry, ornithologist Stephen Myers dives into the fascinating life cycle of this striking bird, from its breeding grounds in the Alaskan tundra to its winter visits to our shrubby habitats.
Desert Bird Spotlight: Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers nest in only a handful of areas in California, including along the Colorado River, at Morongo Valley, the Kern River area, the Mojave River near Victorville, and of course, Whitewater Canyon. Mature riparian woodland or forest is their prime nesting habitat, including areas dominated by cottonwoods and willows.