Favorites

Eden Valley Bird Favorites

Eden Valley Guest Ranch is home to many summer and year-round bird residents. In additional, we are in the fly-zone for spring and fall migration for even more.

Western Bluebird resting at Eden Valley.Summer birds found at the Ranch include Mountain Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds, Robins, Meadowlark, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Northern Harrier, Calliope Hummingbird, Swainson’s Hawk, Common Snipe, Mountain Chickadee, Golden Eagle, California Quail, Gray Jay, Kestrel, Redwing and Brewer’s Blackbirds.

Year-round residents include many species of hawks and owls, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vulture, Hungarian Partridge (Huns), Cedar Waxwing, Crossbill, Cowbird, swallows, Ravens, Crows, woodpeckers, Magpie and more. There are some fluctuations on what we see from year to year and as we learn more our list will probably grow. Some years the birds of prey numbers were down and rodents were up. In early 2017, we were pleased to see an increase in our friends, the hawks and owls, but few Kestrels. Spring 2018 was about the same. Recent years have had fluctuations. It seems like owl populations are stronger. Many migratory birds come back early in March, but most fly on. Early March had lots of snow. The Red Winged Blackbirds set up territories and their calls are like music for us during spring days.

Winter birds include Pine Siskin, Junco, Pine Grosbeak, Snow Bunting (white), and Rough-legged Hawk.

Our personal ranch favorite is the Common Snipe. Nothing closes a day better than the wild sound of a snipe flying stealthy near the campfire.