Since we have a slowdown in birding, I am taking this opportunity to address one of my favorite birds, the American Robin. This bird has been visiting my neighborhood every year between February and July. It leaves usually by early July. There are several locations in a mile stretch of greenbelt and homes in the Turtle Rock Glen, Turtle Rock, Irvine, Ca area (near UCI). Three of the photos were taken in my backyard. I was told over the last 3 years by 3 very experienced and well-respected Sea & Sage birders that the American Robin isnt found in Orange County, and they have never seen one here. Since I started photographing birds in 2014, and then became more involved in birding in 2017 by taking several of Sylvias classes, I thought I would photo-document the American Robin in my neighborhood (just 2 miles from the San Joaquin Marsh) for 2018, 2019, and 2020. They just arrived in the last week for this yearat least the first I had heard or seen them yet this year. Their call/song is very distinctive and carries a long distancevery soulful. Please see below:
American Robin
Turtle Rock Glen, Turtle Rock, Irvine, CA
Found in 2018, 2019, and 2020 between the months of January and July only.
The following birds were logged into eBird with photos for documentation:
4/10/2020 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222359651 33 38' 46.04" N, 117 48' 53.11" W
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222359681
6/7/2019 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222368451 33 38' 45.71" N, 117 48' 37.95" W
5/30/2019 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222367761 33 38' 40.44" N, 117 48' 32.26" W
4/23/2018 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222366041 33 38' 46.2" N, 117 48' 52.8" W
3/29/2018 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222363301 33 38' 46.2" N, 117 48' 52.8" W
1/30/2018 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222362361 33 38' 46.2" N, 117 48' 52.8" W
Another typical location for American Robin in this locality is 33 38' 46.04" N, 117 48' 53.11" W (this is very near the corner of Turtle Rock Drive and Starcrest).
I photographed a hooded Oriole there this morning.
The habitat is an Irvine greenbelt with trees, bushes, shrubs and grass. Typical trees are Sycamore, Pine, Alder, Liquid Amber, English Birch, etc.
Typical bushes are Xylosma and Indian Hawthorne, etc.
Typical Birds in this area are as follows (seen at some time during the year):
American Robin T urkey Vulture Pacific Slope Flycatcher
California Quail Red-shouldered Hawk Black Phoebe
Mourning Dove Red-tailed Hawk Cassins Kingbird
White-throated Swift White-tailed Kite Western Kingbird
Annas Hummingbird Great Horned Owl American Crow
Allens Hummingbird Nuttalls Woodpecker Bushtit
Great Egret Acord Woodpecker Northern Mockingbird
Western Bluebird Cedar Waxwing House Sparrow
House Finch Lesser Goldfinch W hite-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow California Towhee Spotted Towhee
Hooded Oriole Orange-crowned Warbler Common Yellowthroat
Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler House Wren
I am sure others have Orange County localities for the American Robin also......everyone stay safe and virus-free!!!
Ron Grabyan
Irvine, California |