Spring Migration: Who Arrives Each Spring to Bay Area Yards
Oriole at feeder by Tony Woo In April, we can find some of our most exciting spring arrivals. Each of these birds has traveled from wintering grounds in Mexico or Central America—with more on the way. Allen’s Hummingbird – A flash of copper. They prefer coastal habitats Black-headed Grosbeak – They come to seed feeders and […]
Birds Are Good for Your Brain
The world feels noisy. Our attention is pulled in every direction. And yet step outside, even for a few minutes and something shifts. A chickadee calls. A hummingbird zips past. A finch lands at the feeder. Your breathing slows. Your shoulders drop. You feel better. This isn’t just a feeling. It’s biology. [Photo: Mockingbird singing […]
What Is an Egg? A Tiny Miracle of Nature
A Tiny Miracle of Engineering At the Los Gatos Birdwatcher, we spend our time talking with customers about backyard birds, wild bird feeding, and the joy of birdwatching in Los Gatos and beyond. But behind every chickadee, hummingbird, or grosbeak you see at your feeder begins something extraordinary: an egg. A bird’s egg is one […]
Winter Birds: What Am I Seeing in My Yard Right Now?
Yellow-rumped Warbler by Tony Woo Winter here in the South Bay is an exciting time for birdwatching. While some species head south, many others arrive from more northern latitudes and altitudes, joining our year-round residents. Whether you’re watching from your backyard, visiting local open spaces, or strolling through your neighborhood, winter offers plenty of opportunities […]
The Complete History of the Christmas Bird Count
From Shotguns to Spotting Scopes: Dec 14, 2025 –Jan 5, 2026. Did you know the most important bird census in the world began as an alternative to a bird-killing competition? Photo: Buffle Heads by Tony Woo That’s right, before the 20th century, holiday traditions sometimes included the “Christmas Side Hunt,” where people would head into […]