Date: 6/14/25 12:12 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lake Cunningham - baby Ruddy Ducks
Hi all -
Had a walk this morning at Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose. As I drove in from the S. White Road entrance I could hear a *WESTERN FLYCATCHER* calling from within the round-about.
All in all it was pretty quiet throughout our morning but we had wonderful moments with a few species. A female *RUDDY DUCK* was carefully guarding her four newly hatched ducklings in the section of the lake in front of the native plant garden. Seeing these (adorable) and quite handsome tiny ruddy's so close was a first for me and most on the walk.
One *COOPER'S HAWK* appeared to be hunting and a *RED-SHOULDERED HAWK* flew over several times. One time it clearly had a meal in its grasp. Two *RED-TAILED HAWKS* may be nesting on the cell tower structure in the middle of the lake closer to the water slides. The ground squirrel numbers at this park were mind-boggling and clearly make for a great raptor meal.
A *GREEN HERON *was along the shore and two *GREAT-BLUE HERONS *flew directly overhead. One landed in a pine tree allowing for spectacular viewing.
And we all now have a better knowledge of the begging calls of baby *AMERICAN COOTS* and *PIED-BILLED GREBES*.
P.S. And thank you to all that supported our team's efforts in this years Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance Spring Birdathon. They met their goal with the help of everyone. And that's how its done!
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.
