Date: 3/23/25 10:00 pm From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Weekend birding and close encounters
On yesterday’s SCVBA field trip to Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Gazos Creek Beach we encountered several Wilson’s Warblers and Orange-crowned Warblers in full voice before breaking for lunch at Hwy 1 Bar and Grill. Today I wanted to do in-county birding. I began at Calero Creek Trail where two Golden Eagles traced slow circles over the ridge. Western Bluebirds and Tree Swallows were investigating nest cavities in the orchard, and a single Rufous-crowned Sparrow appeared at the base of the hillside closer to the Stile Ranch trailhead. Few migrants were present during my walk, but I did have a pleasant encounter with Janna Pauser who reported much the same results. https://ebird.org/checklist/S220315522
There was no parking at Rancho Cañada del Oro so I continued to Old Oak Glen Avenue. Again, few migrants were present, but I did spot an Osprey being harassed by a Red-tailed Hawk over the Chesbro Reservoir. The chase lasted for several minutes and both birds were calling loudly. A small flock of Ring-necked Ducks swam on the far side of the water and a dozen American White Pelicans were loafing on the shore. Overhead, another few were decanting toward the water.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S220332106
Late afternoon as I was grilling in the back yard I heard a commotion overhead. A dozen American Crows were chasing a Bald Eagle just 20 feet over our yard. The Eagle screamed once or twice before landing briefly in a large redwood across the street and visible form our deck. I lost track of the bird after I called to Cricket to come and see, but I suspect it was still in the neighborhood as the Crow continued to call for another couple of minutes. Great yard bird! We’ve made several bird-friendly additions to our mostly-native backyard including a bubbling fountain, a Hummingbird feeder, a fluff dispenser, and a nest box. The fountain alone has attracted 5 species already. All four of these bird attractors were being used today and we’re very excited to see how things develop when the plants all begin to flower.
Matthew
Spring Birdathon runs March 24 – May 4. Don’t miss the fun or the prizes!
Check out the teams already accepting sign-ups and more will be posted soon.
All proceeds help fund our education programs.
https://scvbirdalliance.org/birdathon
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvbirdalliance.org
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.
