In December, teams of birders spread across Alameda and Bay Farm Island to collect data for the Christmas Bird Count, a citizen science project that has been going strong since 1900. Doug Henderson and Rusty Scalf share the experience and their findings. Photo by Rick Lewis. https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/alamedas-2025-christmas-bird-count/

#alameda #BayFarmIsland #birding #birds #birdwatching #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance

In the conclusion to her three-part series on Alameda shorebirds, Linda Carloni spotlights the three largest sandpipers that frequently take a pit stop on the island. https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/common-alameda-sandpipers-big-ones/

#alameda #birds #birdwatching #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance #shorebirds

"Migrating birds, particularly many shorebirds, define the fall/winter season differently than most humans do," writes Linda Carloni. "Fall migration is in full swing in early August for many birds, and our beaches are already supporting many new migrant arrivals." Here's how to identify them. https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/peeps-alameda/

#alameda #birdwatching #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance #shorebirds

Look at all those mouths to feed! Marjorie Powell introduces the beautiful barn swallow. You may see these small birds zipping through the air at Crab Cove visitors center, Jean Sweeney Park, and beyond. Check out these great photos by Rick Lewis. https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/buildings-bridges-barn-swallows/

#alameda #BarnSwallow #birdwatching #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance

Look at those shocking aquamarine eyes! Rick Lewis introduces this remarkable bird, "When onshore observers see a feeding frenzy in the distance, with many blackish birds flying, splashing, and diving, many of these energetic birds are most likely double-crested cormorants." https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/otherworldly-breeding-double-crested-cormorants/

#alameda #birding #birdwatching #DoubleCrestedCormorants #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance

There may be many more birds nesting in your neighborhood than you realize! Michael Charnofsky introduces a multitude of our local feathered friends, accompanied by stunning photos from Rick Lewis. https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/birds-nesting-crab-cove/

#alameda #birdwatching #CrabCove #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance

On Saturday, March 29, the Alameda community came together to make a lasting impact by planting 50 trees at Linear Park on Main Street. Organized by 100K Trees for Humanity and ARPD, the event drew approximately 60 volunteers from across the city, all eager to contribute to a greener future. https://alamedapost.com/news/community-unites-plant-50-trees-linear-park/

#100KTreesForHumanity #alameda #arpd #CitizensClimateLobby #CommunityActionForASustainableAlameda #environment #GoldenGateBirdAlliance #LinearPark

Rick Lewis shares photographs of black skimmers at Crab Cove. Also called a scissor-beak, cut-water, or seadog, these striking birds are experts at snagging fish while in non-stop flight.

https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/black-skimmers-their-strange-bills-amaze-us/

#alameda #birdwatching #CrabCove #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance

While strolling around Alameda, you may have seen a beautiful flash of bright blue—the Western bluebird. Michael Charnofsky shares the remarkable story of how an EBRPD naturalist and a team of middle schoolers made Alameda into a desirable home for bluebirds.

https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/with-a-little-help-western-bluebirds-are-nesting-in-alameda/

#alameda #birds #birdwatching #CrabCove #CrownBeach #EastBayRegionalParkDistrict #GoldenGateBirdAlliance #nea

As a lover of both cats and birds, Deborah Crooks urges Alamedans to keep kitties indoors to save the lives of our feathered friends. Outdoor cats — be they pets, strays, or ferals — kill at least 1.4 billion wild birds annually.

https://alamedapost.com/features/nature/meet-our-wild-birds-keep-them-safe-by-keeping-cats-inside/

#alameda #FriendsOfTheAlamedaWildlifeReserve #GoldenGateBirdAlliance #JeanSweeneyOpenSpacePark