Boulder Creek is home to a variety of birds, from the majestic bald eagle to the tiny chickadee. Whether you spot one perched on a branch or soaring through the sky, birds are an integral part of the Boulder Creek landscape.
From the bright and colorful to the more subtle and mysterious species, viewing or photographing the birds in Boulder Creek can be a rewarding experience. With the right knowledge and preparation, birders of all skill levels can have a successful time exploring the area.
1. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker, commonly known as the Common Flicker, is a species of woodpecker that is native to North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. It is a medium-sized bird with a distinct black-and-white striped pattern on its wings.
The Northern Flicker is unique among woodpecker species, as it is one of the few that migrates. It is believed that the bird migrates south during the winter months to warmer climates. The Northern Flicker feeds on a variety of insects, such as ants, beetles, and grubs.
It is also known to feed on fruits, nuts, and berries, and is sometimes referred to as a “fruit-picker.” The Northern Flicker has a strong beak that it uses to peck at tree bark to search for food.
It also uses its bill to create a loud, ringing call, which can be heard from far away. The Northern Flicker is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations and is a keystone species of the woodlands.
It is also an important part of the culture and folklore of many Native American tribes, who believed the flicker to be a symbol of good luck and strength. In recent years, the Northern Flicker has been declining in numbers due to habitat loss and destruction.
It is now listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. To help protect this species, it is important to protect its habitat and limit the use of pesticides and other pollutants that can reduce food sources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
2. Red-winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a species of bird belonging to the family Icteridae. It is found in a wide range of habitats across North America and Central America, from the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska to the deserts of Mexico and Guatemala.
This species is one of the most familiar of all North American passerines, with its distinctive black body, red shoulder patches, and loud, melodious song. The red-winged blackbird is an omnivorous feeder, consuming insects, seeds, grains, and berries.
It is often seen foraging in fields, meadows, and marshes, and is also commonly found perched atop tall vegetation, from which it sings its distinctive song. The red-winged blackbird is a highly social species, living in large flocks and maintaining a complex social structure.
It is also known to form large nesting colonies in suitable areas, such as reed beds and cattail marshes. The red-winged blackbird is an important species in many North American ecosystems, providing insect control and food for many other species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
3. Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey that is found throughout a lot of North America. Its range extends from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada, all the way to Panama and the West Indies.
This makes it one of the most widespread members of the genus Buteo in the continent.
It is also one of the most common species of birds of prey in the world. The red-tailed hawk is a medium-sized bird that typically has reddish-brown plumage on its body and tail and a white belly.
Its wingspan can reach up to four feet in length, and its average weight is between two and three pounds. The red-tailed hawk typically hunts small mammals, such as mice and voles, as well as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some insects.
It is an opportunistic hunter, meaning it will take advantage of any food source it can find.
Red-tailed hawks also scavenge for carrion and rely heavily on the leftovers of other predators. In addition to its hunting habits, the red-tailed hawk is also known for its aerial acrobatics, such as hovering, soaring, and diving.
It can also be seen soaring or hovering in the air while searching for prey. The red-tailed hawk is an important species in North America and is a symbol of strength, courage, and freedom. It is often seen flying in the sky and is a common sight in many parks and open fields.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
4. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is an impressive wading bird that is highly recognizable due to its tall stature, long thin neck, and large wingspan. It is a member of the heron family Ardeidae, which is made up of other similarly sized wading birds.
This species is commonly found around the edges of lakes, rivers, and wetlands throughout much of North America, Central America, parts of South America, and certain Caribbean and Galápagos Islands.
It is a versatile species and can be seen wading in shallow waters, flying in the air, or perched on tree branches near the water’s edge. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, small mammals, reptiles, and insects, which it catches by either standing in the water, or in flight.
This species is not only a vital part of the local ecosystem, but it is also an admired species for its majestic beauty.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
5. Green Heron
The green heron is a species of heron found in North and Central America. Its scientific name is Butorides virescens, which is derived from Middle English butor meaning “bittern” and Ancient Greek -oides, which means “resembling”.
The Latin word virescent translates to “greenish”, referring to the color of the bird. The green heron is a small heron, measuring roughly 50 cm in length. It has a long, pointed bill, and its body is predominantly brown and grey in color.
The bird’s neck, head, and chest are typically a dark green-black color, and its wings are tipped with white. It can also be identified by its bright yellow legs and feet. The green heron is an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of both aquatic and terrestrial prey.
It will feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, and even small mammals. It is a solitary bird, usually found near shallow bodies of water. It will construct its nest from vegetation, typically found in a tree or shrub near the water.
The green heron is considered to be a species of least concern by the IUCN. Even though its population has been declining in the eastern United States, it is still widespread and abundant. Its conservation status is considered stable in most of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
6. Western Meadowlark
The western meadowlark is a member of the icterid family of birds, which includes blackbirds and orioles. It measures around 8.5 inches in length and has a distinctive yellow breast with a black V-shaped marking.
The western meadowlark is found across western and central North America, where it makes its home in open grasslands. It feeds mainly on insects, but will also eat seeds and berries.
The meadowlark builds its nest on the ground in the grasslands, where it can find a safe and comfortable place to raise its young.
The western meadowlark is an important part of the North American ecosystem as it helps to keep insect populations in check and helps to spread seeds and berries throughout its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Sturnella |
| Species | S. neglecta |
7. American Dipper
The American dipper, scientifically known as Cinclus mexicanus, is a unique bird species found in the western regions of North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of about 16 centimeters and a wingspan of 25-30 centimeters.
Its plumage is primarily dark grey and black, with a white patch on its throat and chest. The American dipper is also known as a water ouzel, due to its habit of “dipping” into streams and rivers. It is semi-aquatic, which means that it spends most of its life near water.
It is an excellent swimmer, and can even dive underwater to forage for food. The American dipper feeds on aquatic insects and larvae, as well as small fish and other invertebrates. It nests near water, typically in crevices and under bridges, and lays up to five eggs.
These birds are monogamous, meaning that they mate for life. The American dipper is a shy species and is rarely seen by humans. It is a unique and interesting species and plays an important role in its western North American habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cinclidae |
| Genus | Cinclus |
| Species | C. mexicanus |
8. Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s oriole is a species of small blackbird native to the New World. It is named after William Bullock, an English amateur naturalist. Historically, it was considered to be part of the same species as the Baltimore oriole, which was known as the northern oriole.
This species is characterized by its striking black and yellow plumage and its melodious song. They are found in open woodlands, grasslands, and riparian areas across the western United States and northern Mexico.
Bullock’s orioles prefer to forage in trees, but will also come to feeders and will occasionally visit gardens. They feed mainly on insects and fruit, and they make a cup-shaped nest out of grass and bark strips.
Bullock’s orioles are an important part of the local ecosystem, providing food for predators such as hawks and owls, while also helping to disperse seeds and control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. bullockii |
9. Osprey
The osprey is a very unique bird, found all over the world. It is also known as the sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, as it primarily feeds on fish. It has a large wingspan, measuring up to 180 cm across, and can reach a length of over 60 cm.
The Osprey is mostly brown on the upper parts of its body, while its head and underparts are a greyish color. It is a diurnal bird of prey, meaning that it is most active during the day.
The Osprey is well-adapted to its environment, with long, narrow wings that allow it to maneuver easily through the air and powerful talons that make it an efficient hunter.
Its diet mainly consists of fish, which it catches by hovering over the water and then diving down feet first to grab its prey.
Its diet also includes other small animals, such as rodents, reptiles, and amphibians. The osprey’s presence in the wild is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
It helps to keep populations of fish and other small animals in check, maintaining the natural balance of the environment. It also serves as a natural indicator of the health of the aquatic environment, as its presence is an indication of a healthy ecosystem.
Unfortunately, the osprey is threatened by habitat destruction and pollution, which can drastically reduce its numbers in certain areas. It is important to protect this magnificent bird and its habitats so that future generations can enjoy its presence in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
10. Trumpeter Swan
The trumpeter swan is a species of swan found in North America and is the heaviest living bird native to the continent. It is also the largest extant species of waterfowl, with an impressive wingspan ranging from 185 to 304.8 cm.
This makes it an imposing sight when in flight, and it is easily distinguishable from other species of swans due to its large size. The trumpeter swan has white plumage and a black bill, with a yellow patch near the eyes.
They are slow and powerful flyers and can migrate long distances in search of food, nesting grounds, and warmer climates. They are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, small animals, and insects. They are also known to eat grain and corn.
The trumpeter swan is an important species, both ecologically and culturally. They are protected by law and are considered a symbol of grace, beauty, and strength.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. buccinator |
11. Black-crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron, also known as the black-capped night heron, is a medium-sized heron found across a large portion of the globe. It is commonly referred to as simply the night heron in Eurasia.
This heron can be found in parts of Europe, Asia, and both North and South America, making it a truly widespread species. The black-crowned night heron is a water bird that is easily identifiable by its black crown and gray wings.
It has a white throat and chest, and its eyes are yellow. It has a stout body, a short neck, long legs, and a short, thick bill.
The night heron is a nocturnal species that often roost in trees during the day, but can also be seen during the day in some areas. This heron feeds on a variety of small aquatic creatures, such as fish, crabs, and other invertebrates.
It can be seen wading through shallow waters in search of food, or standing still and waiting for prey to come close. It will also occasionally scavenge for carrion. The black-crowned night heron is a solitary species that usually nest in colonies.
Its nests are usually made of sticks and are often found in trees. The female will lay a clutch of three to seven eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 25 days.
The young will stay in the nest for around two weeks after hatching before they are able to fly away. The black-crowned night heron is an important part of many local ecosystems, helping to keep aquatic populations in balance.
It is a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List but is still threatened by habitat loss and human disturbance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
12. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a species of bird belonging to the family of Icteridae. It is found in large numbers across much of North America. Carl Linnaeus was the first to describe it in 1758, and since then, three subspecies of common grackle have been identified.
Adult common grackles have a distinctive and long, black-colored bill, pale yellow eyes, and a long tail. The plumage of these birds is mainly black, but they can also show a more iridescent blue, purple, and bronze in certain lighting conditions.
The males are more brightly colored than the females. Common grackles are omnivorous and feed on a variety of items including insects, small fish, and seeds. They often congregate in large flocks and can be heard making distinct calls and noises.
They are also highly social birds and can be observed interacting and playing with each other. The common grackle is a species of bird that is widely found across North America and has been known since the time of Carl Linnaeus.
Its distinctive features include its long bill, pale yellow eyes, and long tail. It is an omnivorous species, often found in large flocks, and is highly social in its behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
13. Ferruginous Hawk
The ferruginous hawk is a large bird of prey that belongs to the Buteo hawk family. It is also known by its old colloquial name, the ferrugineous rough-leg, due to its similarity to the closely related rough-legged hawk.
The Buteo hawk family gets its name from the Latin word ‘buteo’, which means ‘buzzard’. The specific epithet ‘regalis’ for the ferruginous hawk comes from the Latin word for ‘royal’.
The ferruginous hawk is distinguished by its large size, broad wingspan, and distinctive plumage. The upperparts are light to dark rusty-red color, while the underparts have white feathers with dark brown streaks.
The species is mainly found in open habitats, including grasslands, steppes, and deserts. It is primarily a hunter of small mammals, including ground squirrels and mice, as well as other birds, reptiles, and insects.
The ferruginous hawk is a migratory species, with some individuals traveling as far south as Mexico during the winter months. It is also a threatened species, due to habitat destruction and human-related incidents.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. regalis |
14. Double-crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a species of water bird that can be found in a variety of different habitats. It is part of the cormorant family and is native to North America.
It is found in areas near rivers, lakes, and coastlines, and is distributed from Alaska’s Aleutian Islands all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mexico.
This species can be seen in a variety of different habitats, ranging from coastal areas to inland lakes and rivers. It is a year-round resident in most of its range and is considered an important member of the ecosystem.
The double-crested cormorant is a large bird, with a black body and white facial features. It has a long, thin neck and a hooked bill. Its wingspan can reach up to 3.3 feet, and its body length can reach up to 2.5 feet.
Its diet consists of a variety of aquatic species, such as fish, crustaceans, and eels. They use their long necks and sharp eyesight to locate prey in the water. The double-crested cormorant is an important part of the food web and is a valuable species in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
15. Pied-billed Grebe
The Pied-billed Grebe is a species of water bird that is part of the Grebe family. It is the only species left alive of the extinct Atitlán grebe and is the only species in the genus Podilymbus. This water bird is mainly found in ponds all over the Americas.
It has a unique appearance characterized by its pied-billed head, which is a combination of black and white colors. Its body is also covered with dark brown feathers that help it blend in with its environment.
This gives the bird excellent camouflage while it hunts for food in the water. The Pied-Billed Grebe is an excellent swimmer and is able to dive deep into the water in pursuit of small fish and aquatic insects.
They are also excellent divers, able to dive to a depth of up to fifteen feet. The grebe is a territorial species and will defend its territory against other birds.
They are also known to form long-term relationships with their mates, and will often stay with the same partner for life.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podilymbus |
| Species | P. podiceps |
16. Western Grebe
The western grebe is a type of bird that is part of the grebe family. It is also known by several different folk names, such as “dabchick”, “swan grebe” and “swan-necked grebe”.
This aquatic bird is usually found in freshwater lakes and rivers, where it can dive beneath the water’s surface to feed on small fishes and aquatic insects. It has a distinctive long, slender neck and a black bill with a white stripe running along its top.
Its body is mainly grey and white in color, and it has a bright yellow patch on its forehead. The western grebe is a graceful swimmer and can be seen performing its courtship “dance” on the water’s surface.
During this dance, the birds will face each other and move their heads up and down in tandem, while at the same time calling out to one another. This behavior is thought to be a way for the birds to bond and form a pair.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Aechmophorus |
| Species | A. occidentalis |
17. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl, also known as the Polar Owl, White Owl, and Arctic Owl, is a large white bird of the true owl family. This owl is native to the Arctic regions of North America and the Palearctic, and it prefers to nest and breed in the tundra.
Snowy owls have a distinctively white feathered coat with barred wings and tails that make them easily recognizable. They are well adapted to their cold climate, having thick feathers that help keep them warm throughout the year.
This combined with their keen eyesight and hearing, makes them successful hunters in the Arctic region. Snowy owls usually hunt during the day but can also hunt during the night, taking advantage of the long summer days.
They mainly feed on small mammals like lemmings, voles, and hares, but they can also take birds and fish. These birds are also very social and can often be seen in small groups in the tundra.
Snowy owls have been around for centuries and are an important part of the Arctic ecosystem, providing a valuable source of food for other birds and animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. scandiacus |
Conclusion
Overall, Boulder Creek is a great place for birdwatching. With its variety of habitats, Boulder Creek provides a wide range of birds that can be seen year-round.
From the majestic bald eagles that soar high above the banks, to the colorful warblers that flutter through the trees, Boulder Creek is an excellent spot to observe many different species of birds.
With a little bit of patience and dedication, birdwatchers can get an up close and personal look at these amazing creatures.