Date: 4/6/25 6:28 pm From: Connor Christensen via groups.io <connor.r.christensen...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip to Ed Levins CP Spring Valley Area
Hello everyone,
We had a wonderful time birding this morning at Ed Levin County Park, Spring Valley Area. We set out with a group of intrepid birders and had a surprise visit from Matthew Dodder. We began our trip by inspecting the eucalyptus tree known as the "Magic Tree" for migrating hummingbirds. The group got decent looks at a Selasphorus female, and I got a brief look at a male Rufous Hummingbird. We also heard both Bullock's and Hooded Orioles in the tree, although we didn't get good looks at them. Tree Swallows filled the air and inspected nest boxes along with Western Bluebirds.
The warm spring morning was welcoming to 7 raptor species, including both Sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks. We also got a very distant view of a Golden Eagle (spotted with the help of Matthew) perched on a power pole on the hills overlooking the area. The group was very excited to spot a female Phainopepla feeding on mistletoe along the Spring Valley Pond. Even more exciting was the flock of Lawrence's Goldfinches that were seen in the field and trees around the ranger station. Overall, we had 51 species on our checklist this morning ( https://ebird.org/checklist/S223506144 ).
After the trip finished, I spent a bit more time inspecting the magic tree with Sam for more migrating hummingbirds and we were incredibly lucky to spot a Calliope Hummingbird. When I planned this trip, seeing a Calliope Hummingbird was my dream, and I'm so excited to have seen it. Here is a link to that checklist ( https://ebird.org/checklist/S223505920 ). As a reminder SCVBA is holding our Spring Birdathon ( https://scvbirdalliance.org/birdathon ) right now, with all funds raised being used to support the Alliance's local environmental education programs. Check out the teams and consider joining or supporting one of them. Thank you to Liz Frith for co-leading, and to Matthew for all of his knowledge and experience.
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.
