Palo Alto is home to a wide variety of birds, from small songbirds to large waterfowl. The unique habitat of the region provides a safe haven for birds of all types.
From the wetlands of the Palo Alto Baylands to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Palo Alto provides a diverse array of habitats for birds to thrive.
Birding is a popular activity in the area, with numerous birding hotspots providing exciting and rewarding birdwatching opportunities. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced birder, Palo Alto is the perfect place to watch birds in action.
So come out and explore the many avian species that call Palo Alto home!
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the finch family, Fringillidae. It is native to western North America and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
This species, along with two other American rosefinches, are placed in the genus Haemorhous. The house finch is an adaptable species, found in urban and suburban areas as well as in rural areas.
It is a small bird, typically measuring around 4 to 5 inches in length, with a short, pointed bill and a rounded head. Its plumage is typically light brown or gray, with touches of red, orange, or yellow.
The house finch is a primarily seed-eating species, feeding mainly on weeds, grasses, and grains, but also on fruits and berries. It is usually found in flocks, which can sometimes reach large numbers.
The house finch is an important species in the bird world, providing food for many predators and playing an important role in the ecosystem.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Genus | Haemorhous |
Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of medium-sized bird that belongs to the Trochilidae family. It is native to western coastal regions of North America and is named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.
In the early twentieth century, Anna’s hummingbirds were found breeding only in northern Baja California and Southern California. Anna’s hummingbird is a small, brightly colored bird with a long, slender beak.
Its coloration consists of a white belly, a bright green back, and a glittering red throat patch. It has a very distinctive, high-pitched call, which sounds like a metallic “chirp” or “tziup”.
Adult males of the species have a distinctive iridescent green forehead and a pinkish-red throat patch. The Anna’s hummingbird is a very active species, and can easily be spotted flitting around flowers and hovering near feeders.
It eats a variety of small insects, as well as nectar from a variety of flowering plants.
It can often be seen hovering near bright-colored flowers while foraging for food. Anna’s hummingbird is considered to be an important pollinator of many native flowering plants, and its presence is essential for the health and diversity of native plant species in the western coastal regions of North America.
Therefore, preserving and protecting Anna’s hummingbird and its habitats is essential to ensure its continued survival and to ensure the health of native plant species.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Strisores |
Order | Apodiformes |
Family | Trochilidae |
Genus | Calypte |
Species | C. anna |
3. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a type of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family, also known as the dove family. It is also called the American mourning dove or the rain dove, and colloquially, it is referred to as the turtle dove.
In the past, it was known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird, appearing in grey-brown colors with a distinctive black spot on each side of its neck. It has a long, tapered tail with a white underside.
This species of dove is found throughout the United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. The mourning dove is an important species in American culture, appearing in symbolism and art.
In some Native American tribes, the mourning dove is seen as a symbol of peace and is believed to carry messages between humans and the spirit world.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Zenaida |
Species | Z. macroura |
4. Least Sandpiper
The least sandpiper is the smallest bird in the shorebird family. Its scientific name, Calidris minutilla, is derived from Ancient Greek and Medieval Latin. The Greek word kalidris or skalidris was used by Aristotle to describe grey-colored birds found near the water.
The Medieval Latin word minutilla means “very small”, which is fitting for this tiny bird. Its name is a good indication of its size; the least sandpiper is only about six inches in length and weighs less than an ounce.
The least sandpiper is found in many parts of North and South America. It can be seen in marshes, tidal flats, mud flats and other areas along the coast. It eats small insects, crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates.
The least sandpiper is a migratory bird and can travel great distances during its seasonal migrations. It breeds in freshwater tundra and winters along the coasts of Central and South America. The least sandpiper is an important species for conservation.
It is faced with threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. It is also vulnerable to being hunted and captured in some parts of its range. Conservation efforts are needed to help protect this bird and its habitat.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Genus | Calidris |
Species | C. minutilla |
5. Pied-Billed Grebe
The pied-billed grebe is a species of water bird found in the grebe family that is most commonly found in ponds throughout the Americas. It is the only living member of the genus Podilymbus, after the extinction of the Atitlán grebe.
It has a wide variety of habitats, ranging from freshwater lakes and marshes to coastal lagoons and estuaries, and is found in all but the most arid regions of North and South America.
The pied-billed grebe is a small water bird, typically measuring between 24 and 27 cm in length, and has distinctive black and white plumage. Its diet consists mostly of small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and some plant material.
It is an excellent swimmer and diver and is able to remain underwater for long periods of time. The pied-billed grebe is also known for its courtship behavior, which involves the male and female performing a synchronized display of swimming and calling.
The pied-billed grebe is a widely-distributed species and is not currently considered to be threatened.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Podicipediformes |
Family | Podicipedidae |
Genus | Podilymbus |
Species | P. podiceps |
6. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird that is found across many parts of the world. It is part of the heron family, Ardeidae, and is widely distributed in North and Central America, northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
It is a large bird, typically standing anywhere from 3 to 4.5 feet tall, and has a wingspan of approximately 5 to 6 feet. This wading bird is usually seen near the shores of open water and in wetlands, where it feeds on small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and other small prey.
Its long neck and legs make it well-suited for wading in shallow waters, and its sharp eyesight and powerful beak allow it to catch its prey.
The great blue heron is an important part of the ecosystems it inhabits, and its presence is often an indicator of a healthy wetland environment.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Ardea |
Species | A. herodias |
7. Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron, also known as the black-capped night heron, is a widely distributed species of heron. It is found in many regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North and South America.
It is a medium-sized heron, with an adult having a wingspan of between 28 to 52 inches. Its body is primarily gray, with a black head and a white collar that stands out against its dark feathers. The black-crowned night heron has yellow eyes, a long, sharp beak, and a long neck.
It is an agile flyer, and can often be seen gliding gracefully in the air or perched on a tree branch. It feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and amphibians. It is nocturnal and is most active during the twilight hours.
The black-crowned night heron is a solitary bird, nesting in colonies near rivers, swamps, or coastal areas.
It is a vocal bird, making loud, harsh croaks when disturbed. The black-crowned night heron is an important species in many ecosystems, providing a balance to the native animals and plants by controlling the population of their prey.
It is also a popular species for birdwatching, as it is relatively easy to observe and its distinctive silhouette is easily recognizable.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Nycticorax |
Species | N. nycticorax |
8. Black-Necked Stilt
The black-necked stilt is a shorebird native to the wetlands and coastline of the United States. It is found along the Pacific coast, from California all the way to the interior western areas, including parts of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
The bird is considered to be a “locally abundant” species, meaning that it can be found in a variety of different habitats, and in some areas is quite common.
The black-necked stilt is an interesting bird, with a long, thin, black neck, a white belly, and a black and white pattern on the wings and back. It has a long, thin bill and long, pink legs.
The bird spends most of its time in wetlands, such as shallow ponds, marshes, and mudflats, but it also feeds in nearby open areas. It feeds on a variety of small aquatic creatures, such as insects, worms, and crustaceans. It is also known to eat small fish and plants.
The black-necked stilt is a migratory species, and it can be found in the western United States during the winter and spring months, and in the eastern United States during the summer and fall months.
Its population is considered to be stable, and it is not listed as endangered or threatened. The species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits the hunting, killing, and possession of the bird without a permit.
Overall, the black-necked stilt is an important part of American wetlands and coastline ecosystems. Its presence helps to maintain a healthy balance of aquatic life and provides food for other species.
It is a beautiful bird to observe, and its migratory behavior makes it an interesting species to watch.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Recurvirostridae |
Genus | Himantopus |
Species | H. mexicanus |
9. Black Phoebe
The black phoebe is a type of bird belonging to the tyrant-flycatcher family. It is native to the western coast of the United States and Central and South America, where it breeds and lives year-round.
In the northern parts of its range, the black phoebe is partially migratory, meaning it will migrate seasonally to more favorable climates during the winter months. However, overall the black phoebe is less migratory than other birds in its genus.
The black phoebe is mostly found in the areas stretching from southwest Oregon and California south to Central and South America.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Tyrannidae |
Genus | Sayornis |
Species | S. nigricans |
10. Golden-Crowned Sparrow
The golden-crowned sparrow is a species of bird native to the western part of North America. It is considered to be a large sparrow, measuring at around 5.5 inches in length and having a wingspan of up to 8.3 inches.
These birds are primarily identified by their distinctive yellow-colored crowns, which are bordered by a black stripe and a white stripe. They also have gray heads and backs, white underparts, and brownish-gray wings.
In terms of habitat, golden-crowned sparrows are found in a wide variety of environments including deciduous forests, scrub, forest edges, and grasslands. They are generally found in open areas, where they can forage on the ground for seeds and insects.
During the winter months, these birds often gather in large flocks, which can number in the hundreds. The diet of the golden-crowned sparrow consists primarily of seeds and insects. They can also be observed eating berries, flower buds, and other fruits.
They often forage in pairs or small groups, and they may also join other mixed-species flocks. The golden-crowned sparrow is an important species of bird, which provides important ecosystem services, such as seed dispersal, pest control, and pollination.
These birds are also sought after by birdwatchers, as they are relatively common and can be easily identified by their distinctive yellow crowns.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Zonotrichia |
Species | Z. atricapilla |
11. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is an iconic bird of the Western North American and Central American mountains. It is a member of the crow family and is closely related to the blue jay, which is found in Eastern North America.
This bird is easily identified by the crest of feathers on its head, setting it apart from other jays in the region. It is the only jay species inhabiting the West of the Rocky Mountains, making it a unique species in its own right.
Steller’s jay has striking black-and-blue plumage, which is complemented by the white stripes on its wings and tail. Its call is a harsh, high-pitched “jay-jay” sound, which can be heard in the treetops. It is an omnivore, feeding mainly on insects, nuts, and berries.
It often visits bird feeders and even steals food from other animals. Steller’s jays are highly social birds, living in groups of up to 20 individuals. They form lifelong pair bonds and have elaborate courtship rituals.
They are also highly intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. It is a popular bird among birdwatchers, and its beauty and intelligence make it a great addition to any garden.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Cyanocitta |
Species | C. stelleri |
12. American Coot
The American coot is a bird from the family Rallidae, and is often mistakenly referred to as a duck. However, despite its similarities to ducks, the American coot is not closely related or part of the same order.
In fact, American coots are more accurately described as ‘mud hens’ or ‘pouldeaux’. The American coot is a medium-sized bird, usually between 10 and 17 inches in length, with a short, thick neck, thick bill and a black head.
They are well-adapted for swimming, having large lobed toes and a short tail, that allows them to move through the water quickly and easily. The American coot is able to dive underwater and stay submerged for up to 30 seconds.
American coots generally inhabit freshwater areas such as ponds, rivers and lakes, and can often be seen in large flocks. They feed primarily on aquatic vegetation, but will also eat small fish, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates.
They are also known to eat grain and other human-provided foods. Overall, the American coot is a unique bird, with a variety of interesting behaviors and adaptations.
Despite being often mistaken for ducks, they are actually quite distinct, belonging to a separate order from ducks.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gruiformes |
Family | Rallidae |
Genus | Fulica |
Species | F. americana |
13. American Avocet
The American Avocet is a distinctive bird found in North America and belongs to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. It has a long, slender neck and bill, which is usually held at an angle.
It is a large wader, measuring around 40 cm in length and weighing between 150-250 g. The American avocet is found in shallow waters and mud flats and feeds primarily on crustaceans, insects, and aquatic invertebrates.
To find its prey, the American avocet uses a unique foraging technique where it sweeps its bill from side to side in the water, allowing it to detect and capture prey with its long, sensitive bill.
It is also known to stir up mud and debris with its bill to uncover hidden food. The American avocet is an important species in its North American habitat and is a species of conservation concern due to its small population size and declining wintering grounds.
It is listed as a species of special concern in some areas and is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Recurvirostridae |
Genus | Recurvirostra |
Species | R. americana |
14. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird, meaning it moves between different geographical locations in order to survive. It belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family, which are both part of the larger thrush family.
The bird is named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, although they are not closely related. The European robin actually belongs to the Old World flycatcher family.
This distinction is important, as it helps us to understand the difference between these two species of birds.
The American robin is an important species that are commonly seen during the spring and summer months in North America, and its unique features make it easily identifiable.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Turdus |
Species | T. migratorius |
15. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a raptor that is widely distributed across North America. It inhabits the northern regions of Alaska and Canada, all the way south to Panama and the West Indies.
It is a member of the Buteo genus, which is one of the most common raptor genera in North America and the world. The red-tailed hawk is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 4 feet. They have a distinctive rusty-red tail, which is how they got their name and brown upper parts.
Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They can also be seen soaring in the sky, searching for prey. Red-tailed hawks are monogamous and form strong pair bonds.
They use the same nesting site each year, and nest in a variety of locations, including cliffs, trees, and even on the ground.
The male and female both take part in building the nest and caring for the young. The red-tailed hawk is an important part of the North American ecosystem. They help to control rodent populations and provide food for other animals, such as the American Kestrel.
They are also admired by many people for their beauty and grace in flight.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Accipitriformes |
Family | Accipitridae |
Genus | Buteo |
Species | B. jamaicensis |
16. Northern Harrier
The northern harrier is a unique bird of prey renowned for its distinctive features and hunting behavior. It is also referred to as the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk due to the presence of a ringed tail in adult birds.
This species of raptor is widely distributed across the northern parts of the northern hemisphere.
It can be found breeding in the northern parts of Canada and the northernmost parts of the United States of America. The northern harrier has a wingspan of approximately 4 feet and is a medium-sized raptor. It has a distinctive pale grey back and pale wings with dark wingtips.
Adult birds have a black patch on the upper part of their head and a white patch on the lower part of their wings.
The males are usually darker than the females and have a prominent white patch at the base of their tails. When it comes to hunting, the northern harrier is very agile and can be seen hovering over its prey.
It also has the ability to fly low and maneuver in tight turns, making it an effective hunter. It is known to prey on small mammals, birds, frogs, and other small animals.The northern harrier is an important species, as it helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
This species of raptor is also an important indicator species, as it can help us to measure the health of the environment. Its presence is an indication of a healthy ecosystem with ample prey sources and suitable habitats for this species of bird.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Accipitriformes |
Family | Accipitridae |
Genus | Circus |
Species | C. hudsonius |
17. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron with a unique ancestry. The genus of the snowy egret is derived from the Provençal French word for a “little egret”, which is aigrette.
The species name thula is an Araucano term for the black-necked swan, but it was mistakenly applied to the snowy egret in 1782 by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina.
The snowy egret is a graceful and beautiful bird, and it is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to maintain the balance of nature. They can often be seen in wetlands, where they feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
The snowy egret is also a protected species, as its population has decreased significantly due to habitat destruction and overhunting in the past.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Egretta |
Species | E. thula |
18. California Towhee
The California towhee is a species of bird belonging to the family Passerellidae, which is native to the coastal regions of western Oregon and California in the United States and Baja California and Baja California Sur in Mexico.
It is known for its distinct plumage, which includes a light brown back, gray head, and white belly.
Its natural habitat is chaparral and open woodlands, and it is a common sight in gardens and parks.The taxonomy of this species has been debated among ornithologists for some time.
It has been classified as part of the genus Melozone, but some have argued that it should be classified as part of the genus Pipilo, which contains the eastern towhee. Others believe it should be placed in its own genus, Melozone crissalis.
As of now, the species is still listed as Melozone crissalis, but the debate continues.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Melozone |
Species | M. crissalis |
19. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of mockingbird commonly found in North America. This species is mostly a permanent resident, but some birds may migrate south during periods of extreme weather, such as cold winters.
Interestingly, despite its wide distribution across North America, the northern mockingbird is rarely observed in Europe. This could be attributed to the bird’s preference for drier habitats and the fact that Europe is a relatively wetter continent compared to North America.
Additionally, the migration routes of this species may be better suited for North America. As a result, the northern mockingbird is rarely seen in Europe.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Mimidae |
Genus | Mimus |
Species | M. polyglottos |
20. American Crow
The American crow is a species of bird belonging to the family Corvidae, which also includes ravens, jays, and magpies.
This large passerine bird is very common across much of North America, and is the New World equivalent of two other species of crow: the carrion crow and the hooded crow of Eurasia.
All of these species of crow occupy the same environment and niche, but the American crow is the only one found in the Americas. American crows are quite social creatures and can often be seen in large groups, sometimes even forming large flocks of hundreds of birds.
They are highly intelligent and have adapted to a wide range of habitats, from woodlands to urban areas. They have a varied diet, consisting of grains, insects, and carrion, and are known to be opportunistic scavengers.
Their vocalizations are quite distinct and can be heard over long distances. These birds are also quite resourceful, often using tools to forage for food. American crows are an important part of the local ecology, serving as both predators and scavengers.
They provide an important source of food for other animals, and their presence can help to keep other species populations in check. They are also important in the dispersal of seeds, as they often carry them over long distances.
This species of bird has been around for a long time, and it is likely that it will continue to be a part of North American ecosystems for many years to come.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Corvus |
Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
21. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that is native to the western part of North America. It can be found from the southern part of British Columbia to California and Nevada, all the way to the west side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
This bird is well-known for its colorful plumage, which includes a blue head, wings, and tail and a grayish-brown back. It also has a white or light grayish-brown belly and throat.
The California scrub jay is not only known for its attractive appearance but also for its highly social behavior. It is often seen in groups, foraging for food and playing together.
This species is also known for its intelligence, as it has been observed to use tools to get food. In addition, it is known to cache its food for later consumption.
This species is considered to be vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation, so conservation efforts are important to ensure its continued presence in the wild.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Aphelocoma |
Species | A. californica |
22. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a type of small, gray sparrow that is found across much of North America. It is especially common in temperate climates, but in summer it can range as far north as the Arctic.
This species is highly variable, and its relationship to other species, such as the fox sparrow, is still not fully understood. The dark-eyed junco is usually gray, but different populations can have subtle variations in color, size, and even behavior.
These variations can make it difficult to determine the exact relationships between different types of juncos.
The dark-eyed junco also has a characteristic white outer tail feather, which is usually visible when the bird is in flight. In terms of behavior, dark-eyed juncos are typically found in flocks, foraging in open areas and often near the ground.
They are mainly seed-eaters, but they will also feed on insects.
This bird is a common sight in gardens and parks, and it has a wide range of calls and songs which can be heard during the breeding season. Overall, the dark-eyed junco is a highly adaptable species which can be found across most of temperate North America.
Its variable nature and still-mysterious relationships with other species make it an interesting and fascinating bird to observe.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Junco |
Species | J. hyemalis |
23. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a very small songbird found in the Americas. It is a member of the New World goldfinch clade in the genus Spinus, which includes the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch.
Males of the lesser goldfinch possess a black forehead, which is absent from the females. This is true for both the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch as well.
The black forehead is a distinguishing feature for the males of the three New World goldfinches, which helps to differentiate males from females. This trait is a helpful indicator of the species and gender of the bird in question.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Genus | Spinus |
Species | S. psaltria |
24. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a raptor native to the North American continent, found from southern Canada to Mexico. It is a medium-sized hawk, with a body length of 16 to 25 inches, and a wingspan of 33 to 40 inches. Its head is round and its tail is wide and squared off at the end.
Its plumage is mainly dark gray on the back and rusty brown on the underside, with a white throat and breast. Their diet consists mainly of small birds, which they hunt by soaring and swooping down on their prey.
This hawk is an excellent hunter and can reach speeds of up to 30 mph when pursuing its prey. Cooper’s hawk is a shy and elusive species, usually seen perched on a branch or flying through the trees. They are most active during the day and prefer to hunt in wooded areas.
The female is larger than the male and they usually lay 2 to 4 eggs per clutch. Cooper’s hawks are a unique species and play an important role in keeping the ecosystem in balance.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Accipitriformes |
Family | Accipitridae |
Genus | Accipiter |
Species | A. cooperii |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Palo Alto has a diverse bird population, with many species of birds calling the area home. From the small wrens to the larger raptors, Palo Alto’s bird population provides a rich and vibrant wildlife experience for its visitors.
With the continued efforts of bird conservation organizations such as the Palo Alto Bird Watchers’ Association, Palo Alto will continue to be a haven for birds in the years to come.