My Old Patch

Most birders have patches even if they don't know what a patch is.  A patch is simply a certain area that you spend a lot of time at looking for birds.  This could be your backyard or even a major birding hotspot.  My first patch was located behind my church in Claremont, CA.  More specifically, the empty land on either side of Webb Canyon Road.  It was a great place to explore; there were grassy fields, chaparral, and oak woodlands.  It was there that I started birding seriously.

One of the many giant live oaks that comprised the small woodland

The chaparral habitat

I have loved animals; especially birds since a very young age.  My parents knew it and encouraged me to learn more by giving me books to read and wildlife documentaries to watch.  I was practically raised on Zaboomafoo and Steve Irwin!  In 2012, I saw a movie called The Big Year.  It was comedy about 3 birders who were competing to see the greatest number of bird species in a calendar year.  I watched intently as they added species to their life lists - I had never heard of listing before.  Immediately after finishing the film, I started compiling a list of the bird species I had seen.  I eventually bought my first field guide - Peterson's Guide To The Birds Of North America.  I also bought a cheap pair of binoculars and a point-and-shoot camera.  Now armed with the tools of the trade, I proceeded to explore my favorite patch.  It seemed that every time I went out, I saw something new.  Eventually, it became more and more difficult to find life birds and I shifted my focus to insects, then plants, and finally herps.  Eventually, I returned to my love of birding.  I paid more attention to the birds in the area and wound up finding a few more life birds.  I studied their habits, songs, and arrivals/departures quite extensively.  Unfortunately, I did all of this before I knew about eBird.  If you don't know what eBird is, then I highly recommend that you look it up.  It's an excellent way to keep track of your sightings and those of others all around the world.  Every time you upload a checklist, the site generates life, year, month, country, state, and county lists saving you hours of organization!

Back to my old patch now...

I have observed over 80 species of birds there during my years of birding.  To finish this post, I want to share with you some of the memorable birds that I spent time with at my old patch.

Pacific-slope Flycatchers are common in Spring and Summer.

I often heard their "peerweet" call from the oaks.

Once, I found a Steller's Jay in a Toyon bush.  

It was quite unusual to see it at such a low elevation.

The Wrentit is a Pacific Coast specialty.  

At my old patch, I could hear their unique songs on occasion.

The California Thrasher was arguably my favorite bird to find there.

Phainopepla were common during Summer.

This colorful male Hooded Oriole and its mate would come through 

the area on occasion in the Summer.

I had the pleasure of finding a male Purple Finch eating some Toyon berries one foggy morning.

Godspeed and good birding,

- Joshua