For birds of prey, this may be the closest equivalent to a cat’s hairball. The pellet is a necessary means to get rid of indigested material.
What’s That Weird Ball Coming Out Of That Bird’s Mouth?
May 14, 2015 •
Allen Fish
Allen Fish grew up on the Peninsula near, and occasionally in, San Francisquito Creek. He directs the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (www.ggro.org) and lectures on avian sciences at UC Davis.
When Red-Shouldered Hawks Arrive, You’ll Hear them First and Loudest
October 16, 2012 •
The red-shouldered hawk is perhaps California’s noisiest raptor. There’s a reason for it.
The Golden-Crowned Sparrow’s Winter Song Returns to the Bay Area
October 1, 2006 •
Listen for the winter song of the golden-crowned sparrow, which arrives following a spectacular migration every fall.
Why is Autumn a Good Time to See Raptors in the Bay Area? Where is Best?
July 1, 2003 •
For many birds, autumn is a flurry of eating and movement to find stuff to eat, before winter sets in. The same is true for raptors and their prey. In north temperate zones, many small birds fly south, and ground … Read more