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This past Sunday, IL Fiorello Olive Oil Co., was host to the Napa-Solano Audubon Society. This is a biannual event and we hope to have many more. Beginning at 6:30 am, a group of intrepid birdwatchers gathered in our parking lot. With grove map in hand, bird list, and binoculars at the ready, we all set out to document the morning chorus. The birds were happily singing and song identification quickly became an integral part of the identification.
The female killdeer sitting on her nest in the front of the ellipse evaded everyone’s identification by superb camouflage. Her mate on the other hand flew over our heads trying to distract us by very loud calls and evasive maneuvers.
The robin’s nest in the Citrus grove now has 4 robin blue eggs. I carefully climbed up on a ladder to get this precious picture.
I am on the lookout for hummingbird’s nests, but they are very hard to spot. I will keep looking in the citrus, and report back. The expert birder’s told me to stand very still and look for lichen on the branches of the lemon and orange trees.
The walk continued on for 2 hours with lots of bird identification and camaraderie in the group. We were watching for burrowing owls along the canal but they were elus
ive today. The squirrels that dig the holes were all too present. Our domestic chickens, even though beautiful and truly loved, were not the stars of the Audubon show. They do produce beautiful eggs for us.
The local white goose showed up later on in the morning, announcing his displeasure in our walking through his groves.
The walk ended with Darren’s magnificent vanilla blueberry scones and hot coffee on the back patio. A beautiful day had by all.
We are considering planning an evening walk in the Fall to identify the hawks and owls on the farm. Anyone is welcome, just contact the Napa-Solano Audubon Society and keep in touch with us at IL Fiorello.
Ciao,
Ann
