Great Blue Heron
Some large land birds are here in winter. Great Blue Herons can often be seen hunting in snowy fields, or along open creeks. Ruffed Grouse are in the upper elevation woods. Ring-necked Pheasants are grassland birds, and can often be seen in orchards in wintertime. California Quail flock together in winter. You might even have them visit your back garden feeder. American Dippers thrive in fast-flowing streams and rivers, and can survive the cold and ice very capably. Canada Jays were previously known as Gray Jays. Bohemian Waxwings flock in winter here but are not here in summertime.
(Move mouse over images below to enlarge &/or see captions.)
(Move mouse over images below to enlarge &/or see captions.)
Common Raven
Here are three members of the Corvid family, related to crows and jays. On the left is a Common Raven. Like gulls, these are frequent visitors to the local landfill, especially in winter, and are among the most intelligent of birds.
Below left is a Clark's Nutcracker. These like Ponderosa pine woods where cones are plentiful. This one has found a walnut tree in someone's garden. On the right is a Black-billed Magpie. These can be seen just about anywhere year round.
Ruffed Grouse close-up