Date: 10/27/24 11:11 pm From: Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coyote Valley area 10/27
Hi all,
Today (10/27), my mom and I visited Coyote Valley. Many of the roads in the area (particularly Santa Teresa Blvd.) were extremely crowded due to Spina Farms traffic - I would not suggest coming here next weekend, especially since that will be the last time that Spina Farms is open this year. As we were driving along Palm Avenue towards Coyote Valley OSP, we briefly stopped for a large flock of blackbirds that were foraging along and on the road (around 37°10'17.7"N 121°43'29.6"W). I spotted at least two Tricolored Blackbirds mixed in with the starlings and other blackbirds. After driving past the blackbirds, we headed to the OSP. Another group of blackbirds was foraging in the fields north of the parking lot, and I spotted another Tricolored Blackbird here. We checked the area around the picnic tables, before walking to the south end of the parking lot (near the preserve entrance). Here, I saw two Golden Eagles circling to the southeast and a surprise flyover flock of ten American White Pelicans. We then walked back to the picnic tables, and I spotted a small flock of Yellow-billed Magpies flying over the fields and landing in nearby oaks. Just as we were about to leave, a Prairie Falcon (possibly the continuing bird) flew over the field and landed in a bare tree on the hill! We were able to get good looks before the bird took off to the northwest. After leaving the preserve, we planned to visit Laguna Avenue, but the heavy traffic along Santa Teresa caused us to abandon this plan. However, as we were driving on Lantz Drive back towards Palm Avenue (roughly around 37°10'47.2"N 121°42'47.0"W), I noticed an unusual raptor and we quickly stopped off. After searching the area briefly, I was able to confirm at least one Ferruginous Hawk (and likely a second bird as well), before we headed home.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
