Date: 11/4/24 8:54 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] La Cumbre Peak area Nov. 4
I birded the Peak and large communications facility today. It was a beautiful morning, but I didn't turn up anything in the way of montane birds. La Cumbre Peak had 2 Yellow-rumps, two Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a pair of noisy Canyon Wrens, and a Steller's Jay calling from somewhere down canyon, but no Nuthatches, etc. I noticed driving up that a portion of the pines east of the peak were recently burned.
At the Communications facility, I had a nice mixed flock of Juncos, white-crowned Sparrows, Titmice, and a Bewick's Wren along with a couple of Scrub Jays. Later I found a single Hairy Woodpecker. That was about it.
Something is going on with this property. It's now gated and locked and a pole fence surrounds the perimeter along the road. The fence is very low for half its length and can be easily stepped over, so I don't think the aim is to keep people out, perhaps only cars. It also is not posted. The road that goes almost all the way around the facility is blocked off by rocks just past the driveway to the facility gate and completely covered with rocks behind the facility. I suspect this has been done to keep bikers out.
Here also were signs of small spot fires. I don't know if this was done selectively to keep vegetation down or if it was accidental. I suspect the latter since some of the trees were also scorched.
I mention this so it can be taken into consideration when planning this year's Christmas count as this area is often depended on for mountain birds.
Florence Sanchez
