Robin Repast

On my last visit to the local eagle nest I saw no eagles. That may not mean they aren’t around, however, because it did look as though they’ve been tinkering with the nest. Two other highlights grabbed my attention, one a visual feast, the other only audible.

The visual treat was provided by happening upon a small group of American Robins who were picking and gulping down large quantities of Toyon Berries. Acrobatically reaching and twisting to grab the selected berry, the robins were very entertaining. The following images and video show the Robins’ agility and determination to choose the very best berry available.

The audible treat was a song I’ve never heard in the nest area. https://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/125364 This is the song of a Barred Owl. It came from rather far away across the river. I’ve heard Barred Owls a time or two and their sound is very distinctive. This species has been moving into the endangered Spotted Owl’s territory, and as a much more opportunistic feeder is believed to be displacing them. They may even be interbreeding with Spotted Owls. There are efforts to preserve the Spotteds’ fragile hold on their habitat and existence in their native realm. As much as I am rooting for the success of preserving the Spotted Owl, I can’t hold it against the Barreds that they are doing what nature does, occupying a niche that has sadly been compromised by the human forestry practices making it more advantageous to be opportunistic rather than specialized.