Being & Birds

My first trip to California as a birder was a success with nearly 20 lifers, including Steller’s Jay, White-headed Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, Mountain Quail, Green-tailed Towhee, and Barn Owl. Locations included Three Rivers, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park.

The most magical experience was in Sequoia National Park’s Crescent Meadow, known as the gem of the Sierras. Towering Sequoias. Being covered in the smell of pine and dry dust. The abundance of woodpeckers, Mountain Chickadees, nuthatches, and warblers. The welcome shade of the forest overlooking the hot sunny meadow. Taking a rest on a stump to watch MacGillivray’s warblers and being greeted by a Green-tailed Towhee from its perch on a Sequoia. An experience that I’m holding close to my heart.