My first sighting of this small sea bird, but known to all as a species endangered by the loss of old growth forest (like the spotted owl), and adversely impacted by logging.
Marbeled murrelet, Bodega Bay
Same bird, different view - the marbeled murrelet nests in old growth forests.
Many terns were diving in the bay, along with pelicans.
I believe these are common terns.
Possibly juvenile common tern, going in for a dive, Bodega Bay
Splash, and a fish!
Common Loon nearby, surfaced with a small sea snake
Clark's grebe, Bodega Bay
Brown Pelicans also getting in on some fishing action
Brown Pelican, Bodega Bay
 On the shore, the white-crowned sparrow, Bodega Bay |  And the everywhere present Savannah sparrow |
Female Kestrel gives me the "back off" look, as I get too close with the camera, Bodega Bay
Snowy Egret, Bodega Bay
Not to be missed, the marbeled godwits, Bodega Bay
Some inland areas around Bodega Bay are known in the birding world as "vagrant traps," meaning unusual species are often seen there. It can get rather crazed with whole troops of birders descending on the area at certain times, so I don't frequent it too often. But the other day, it was quiet and no one else was there, so I braved a venture up the well-traveled and trampled path that is known as Owl Canyon.
 |  Chestnut-sided warbler, vagrant to the Bodega Bay area |
| Chestnut-sided warbler, either a female or first year male, at Owl canyon, Bodega (the male is very colorful, with the alluded to chestnut coloring.) See Colin Talcroft's local birding website: http://www.colintalcroft.com/Sonoma_County_Bird_Watching_Spots/SCBWS_front_page.html |  |
 Black Phoebe, Hole in the Head, Bodega |  Some yellow-rumped warblers showing up |