Date: 12/5/24 7:04 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Hawk survey on Foxen Canyon Road
Today, I drove Foxen Canyon Road in the Santa Ynez Valley, primarily looking for hawks. I have done this for the past few years, and while we have not had anything like the spectacular winter when this area had multiple Ferruginous hawks and eagles for several years, it's always worth the drive.
Today I counted (one-way) on the stretch of Foxen Canyon Road running from Zaca Mesa Road to Tepesquet Road, 9 Red-tailed Hawks (a rather low number for this route). I also had 4 Turkey Vultures, 6 American Kestrels, and a single adult light-phase Ferruginous Hawk at 34.800071,-120.19163. I also counted Loggerhead Shrikes, since this species has become more rarely seen in recent years. I had 3 total.
After reaching Tepesquet Road, I continued on to Santa Barbara Mesa Road to check out the small reservoirs along this route. In some years, there have been lots of ducks on these ponds, but not so this year. The first pond (most westerly) was bone dry and its banks were choked with weeds. The second pond had some water in it but no ducks; the third also had a little water and only four ducks: a pair of Ring-billed Ducks and 2 female buffleheads. The side trip was worth while however, as I had a soaring Ferruginous Hawk opposite the first pond at 34.88895,-120.28919 and 5 Red-tailed Hawks along the route.
Fall color near the vineyards was great, and the Toyon berries are in full fruit along San Marcos Pass Road.
Florence Sanchez
