April 13, 2026; City of Menlo Park Bedwell Bayfront Park Bird Walk No. 4

A Rainy Start to Our bird walk Adventure

The days leading up to our City of Menlo Park Bird walk No. 4 at Bedwell Bayfront Park were filled with rain. The forecast promised a dry morning, and as we gathered, the skies looked hopeful.

We formed a circle for introductions. Rick shared the park's background and its significance in our community and handed out a checklist of common bird species we might see this time of year. We briefly considered bringing rain jackets and umbrellas, but we all felt confident that the weather would hold.

We started off and everything was fine.

As we set off, excitement filled the air. Almost immediately, we spotted a male hummingbird perched on a small branch. We paused to admire its stunning gorget, a vibrant flash of color that caught our attention.

The Rain Begins

Then, just as we were getting into the groove of our birdwatching adventure, the rain started!

I asked everyone if they wanted to take shelter under a tree. Surprisingly, they were all fine with getting a bit wet. So, we pressed on, and soon enough, the rain stopped, and the sun broke through the clouds!

The Thrill of Discovery

As we continued our walk, we encountered a variety of birds. Each sighting brought a wave of excitement. From the graceful Snowy Egret to the energetic Western Sandpipers, every moment was a joy.

Birdwatching is not just about seeing birds; it's about connecting with nature. I love sharing this experience with others. The thrill of spotting a rare bird or simply enjoying the beauty of the landscape is something I cherish.

We also had the chance to observe some unique behaviors. For instance, the way the Forster's Tern dove into the water was mesmerizing. It reminded me of the delicate balance of life in this ecosystem.

We saw a lot of small Western Sandpipers

Snowy Egret

Long-billed Dowitcher

Snowy Egret with small fish

Golden slippers

Forster's Tern

Barn Swallow

We can tell it's a barn swallow because of the forked tail. The cliff swallow looks very similar but has more of a fanned tail.

Male Northern Harrier aka 'Grey Ghost'

Western Sandpipers

Forster's Tern

Western Kingbird - I did not realize this at the time or I would have gotten a bit closer to get some better shots!

Bewick's Wren

Capturing Moments

Photography plays a vital role in our birdwatching adventures. I always encourage participants to bring their cameras. Capturing these moments allows us to relive the experience later.

Whether it's a close-up of a Barn Swallow or a wide shot of the stunning landscape, every photo tells a story. I often share my own images, hoping to inspire others to appreciate the beauty around us.

Join Us Next Time!

Our birdwalk at Bedwell Bayfront Park was a wonderful experience, despite the rain. I am grateful to everyone who joined us. Your enthusiasm made the day even more special.

If you’re interested in exploring the beauty of Bay Area wildlife through photography, consider joining us for our next guided tour. Together, we can connect with nature and create lasting memories.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure! I can't wait to see you next time.

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For more information about our tours and photography experiences, check out In the Wild with Rick.