Date: 7/6/25 1:10 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: SCVBA Field Trip | Picchetti Ranch OSP - Zinfandel Trail | July 6, 2025
Today, 14 birders joined the SCVBA Field Trip to Picchetti Ranch OSP. We followed the Zinfandel Trail one mile out then followed it back while walking around the opposite side of the ephemeral pond.
Our trip started with great views from the parking lot of a young Red-shouldered Hawk on the utility pole who called repeatedly. At the winery, we saw one Indian Peafowl, a Black Phoebe, and an Acorn Woodpecker. Near the bathrooms were a flock of Wild Turkeys. As we continued to the ephemeral pond (dry except for a small puddle), we found one lone Mallard. Then a little further, we found a pair of Hutton’s Vireo moving quickly around an oak. A California Scrub-jay caused confusion because it wasn’t very blue, but all other field marks pointed to its identification. We got a great view of a male Nuttall’s Woodpecker. An Oak Titmouse was visible on the trail with the general consensus this was the cutest bird of the trip. We saw a few species of sparrow (without “sparrow” in the name!). We compared the differences between Dark-eyed Junco adults and juveniles, which don’t look similar. We also saw the county’s largest sparrows, Spotted Towhee and California Towhee. We heard a Purple Finch but didn’t see it. Then we ended with a White-breasted Nuthatch foraging on a trunk back at the winery.
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.
