Date: 3/14/26 3:24 pm From: Howard Friedman via groups.io <howardnfriedman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Alum Rock Field Trip on the Lucky Friday the 13th
Hi birding friends,
Bob Bolles and I lead a delightful and enthusiastic group of birders on a trip along Penitencia Creek Trail in Alum Rock Park this last Friday the 13th. Our group had some new birders and some more advanced birders. Just as we started out, we found California Quail feeding on the hillside, a Brown Creeper feeding on an oak, several Acorn Woodpeckers, and heard a calling Nuttall's Woodpecker. As we moved along, we heard a could of trilling Bewick's Wrens and observed a solo Red-tailed Hawk circling above.
Farther down the trail we saw a few Bushtits, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, and Oak Titmouses. Near the Inspiration Trail junction, we observed our first White Breasted Nuthatches. The pair were very active and seemed to be moving about their nest. We entered the park main area where we saw some Tree Swallow feeding. From here near the first bridge in the park, we observed an Oak Titmouse entering its nest hole. This created quite a bit of excitement. Moving deeper into the park we listened to the calls of mobs of Steller's Jays chasing each other through the trees.
Looking into the creek a male Mallard was swimming solo, most likely looking for a mate. Looking up toward the ridge line at Sierra Vista we saw a kettle of Turkey Vultures circling above with a pair of Red-tailed Hawks. THhs seemed to be the pair we saw mating in a dead eucalyptus snag earlier. This might have been the highlight of the trip. While looking in the ridge direction we were able to watch Band-tailed Pigeons fly into a tree on the lower hillside.
Return, we saw many of the same birds. The new species we were able to enjoy darting about were four Northern Rough-winged Swallows seeming to be looking for food of nesting areas under the bridges.
When we returned we saw another Red-tailed Hawk land on here nest in the eucalyptus above Eagle Rock Parking lot. It was a fun day with really fun and kind people. Looking forward to leading a trip once more. I am grateful to Bob Bolles for his help and knowledge making the trip very fun. Thank you everyone who attended, you all make a difference. (check the eBird List to see all the birds we observed)
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.
