Date: 2/5/26 10:49 am From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, Wednesday, 2-4-2026
Good morning, South Bay Birders,
Yesterday at noon time eleven binocular-wielding people met Dan Bloch and
myself to explore the nooks and crannies of Sunnyvale WPCP for avian life.
Twenty-six species were seen and heard. Marsh Wrens, heard and (amazingly)
seen, were still tuning up for Spring from last month. We observed that
they sing even while flying, no mean feat considering how wide they open
their mouths while singing! Green Herons, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and
White-crowned Sparrows were very evident to please our eyes and sharpen ID
skills. Ruddy Ducks, Lesser Scaups (where are all the Greater Scaups?),
Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes, and, of
course, Mallards represented the waterfowl An American Kestrel,
Turkey Vultures, immature Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks showed up to
represent the raptors. At the beginning of the trip we met two ladies out
for a stroll in the fresh warm air with their umbrellas for shade who asked
us if we were "bird watchers." Discussion ensued. Later we met them on
the trail as they were returning from their walk. They quizzed us on the
identification of a "big black bird with a white tail and head." We
determined that they saw an adult Bald Eagle. We did not see that bird.
:( Such are the vagarities of birding.
Here is the eBird list thankfully kept by Dan during the trip. eBird
Checklist - 4 Feb 2026 - Sunnyvale WPCP (please use a more specific hotspot
where possible) - 26 species (+1 other taxa)
<https://ebird.org/checklist/S298157698>
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.
