Sierra National Forest - Shaver Lake

March 19, 2010.

I spent the day birding in the higher elevations in the Sierra National Forest, northeast of Fresno, California, in the area of Shaver Lake. This area is around 5,400 feet elevation, and there was still plenty of snow on the ground. It was a perfect, clear skies day, with the temperature of 60 degrees F.

The density of the birds at this elevation is much less when compared to the valleys. There would be long stretches of park area where no bird was seen nor heard. However, the most common bird I did find was the MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, with well over a dozen seen in this campground.
Also, surprisingly active was the RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, with at least three different pairs working the branches, and also very vocal.
And finally, there were a few DARK-EYED JUNCOs dashing in the snow between bushes. All in all... it was a great trip into the beautiful Sierra National Forest!