Birds of Prairies and Oak Woodlands

While Redwood National and State Parks are known for towering redwoods, some habitats within the parks look nothing like a redwood forest. Among these are the prairies and oak woodlands of the Bald Hills, located on the slopes above the redwoods on the east side of Redwood Creek.

Despite the name, the Bald Hills are not truly “bald” in terms of lacking vegetation, nor are they the same as Serpentine Balds (such as the Little Bald Hills in the north of the parks). Instead, these hills feature a mix of perennial and annual grasses and forbs, with wet seeps containing sedges and rushes. The oak woodlands, dominated by white oaks, also contain scattered black oaks and California bay trees. This diverse landscape provides optimal habitat for bird speciesthat are rarely seen elsewhere in Redwood National and State Parks.

Birds of the Bald Hills

In spring, hiking through the oak woodlands, you’re likely to detect Sooty Grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus) and California Quail (Callipepla californica). Male Sooty Grouse emit a low, nearly inaudible boom as they strut to attract mates, while California Quail call out their distinctive, loud “Chi-ca-go... Chi-ca-go”.

One of the most entertaining birds year-round is the Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus). With their clown-like appearance and raucous calls, they can be seen flying between oaks, storing acorns in granaries—holes they chisel into snags or dying trees.

Other year-round residents of the Bald Hills include:

• Scrub Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
• Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana)
• Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta)
• Band-tailed Pigeons (Columba fasciata)

Summer Birds of the Bald Hills

In summer, one bird dominates the landscape—the Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena). These bright turquoise males are hard to miss, and on many days, they may be the most common bird observed.

Another summer visitor, sometimes breeding in the Bald Hills, is the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). This small, inconspicuous sparrow gets its name from its insect-like buzz or trill, which resembles the sound of a grasshopper.

Wild Turkey

A newcomer to the Bald Hills is the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Not native to California, this large game bird was introduced to the area for hunting. While some visitors enjoy spotting them, park staff consider them a pest due to their potential impact on native ecosystems.