Date: 6/26/25 1:41 pm From: Dori via groups.io <Dorienne777...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Today at Spring Valley
We had a great time at Spring Valley at Ed Levin County Park today with 48+ species. Immediately, from the parking lot, we spotted White-tailed Kites catching an updraft. Then, we got really good looks at an Ash-throated Flycatcher going in and out of a nesting box, at one point carrying a dragonfly! Other highlights were three Foster’s terns and (very surprising) two Caspian Terns flying above the small pond. One of our sharp young birders caught sight of a bright Bullock’s Oriole high in a eucalyptus tree giving us some good looks. There were many pairs to admire including Red-tailed Hawks completely synced in their flight, two Great Blue Herons, Western Bluebirds and many Lesser Goldfinches chasing each other. We enjoyed seeing many young birds as well including two juvenile Red-shouldered hawks, Wild Turkey chicks, juvenile Dark-eyed Juncos and an occupied GB Heron nest (Thank you, Dave Weber!) Other highlights include a Western Flycatcher, a Lazuli Bunting singing from the top of a tree and a variable cloud of Bushtits! We heard and Merlin picked up Lawrence‘s Goldfinches and I may have had a brief glimpse of one but alas not good enough for a positive ID on this elusive but very much a park regular this year.
Many thanks to the great group we had. All of your eyes and ears helped us find all 48+ species! A special thank you to Melanie Barnett, our wonderful trip co-leader and Susan Tenney who were blessed to have with us!
Dori
Our EBird list:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S254328094
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.
