Get to know the birds nesting at Crab Cove—and maybe in your backyard
Watching birds as they build their nests, lay eggs, incubate, hatch, and raise their young can be a truly joyful experience. Humans are often fascinated by the dedication shown by birds throughout the intricate nesting process.
There may be many more birds nesting in your neighborhood than you realize. Look for nests in trees and shrubs, under building eaves, in holes in trees or structures (cavity nesters), and even tucked under thick bushes. Observing a bird’s flight patterns can also give you clues—if they frequently return to a specific area and give warning calls when you are nearby, that could indicate their nest is nearby.
How you can help birds nest
If you have a yard or balcony space, you can assist birds in finding a safe nesting spot by providing a welcoming environment. Planting an organic garden, especially with California native plants, can provide birds with essential food sources. With access to food, water, and shelter, birds are more likely to thrive in your space.
Cavity-nesting birds rely on holes in trees, often created by woodpeckers in dead wood. Since dead trees and large branches are typically removed for safety reasons, you can help by installing inexpensive bird boxes to provide additional nesting sites. For the protection of birds and their nests, please avoid pruning shrubs and trees during nesting season, which typically spans from February through July. Keeping pet cats indoors (yes, many cats would not approve) is crucial for protecting wild bird populations!
Nesting at Crab Cove
Crab Cove is a birding “hot spot” during the cooler months, as many shorebirds and waterbirds make it their temporary home before migrating north to breed. But even on land, Crab Cove offers great opportunities to observe birds nesting! Here are some species you might encounter both at Crab Cove and possibly in your own neighborhood.
Woodpeckers
Nuttall’s, hairy, and downy woodpeckers all nest in holes in wood excavated with their strong beaks, and now acorn woodpeckers nest a few blocks away from Crab Cove. That’s right, at least four species of woodpeckers nest in Alameda around Crab Cove. Listen for their characteristic pecking sounds as they hunt for invertebrates under bark. During mating season, woodpeckers also engage in rapid and loud drumming to establish their territory and attract mates, much like other birds sing…