Date: 3/21/26 2:16 pm From: kuschmanfred via groups.io <makusch...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] More arrivals
The first pair of Barn Swallows showed up on my front porch on March 16 and by now at least six have returned. They seem familiar with our place and used to our presence, barely showing any reaction as we walk past.
On March 18 the first Swainson’s Hawks appeared above the creek, and a pair has since been perched regularly at the top of a tall eucalyptus snag 100 yards west of our house. Most likely, this is the same pair that has been nesting in a valley oak on the Yolo side of the creek for at least the last three years. More Swainson’s are circling overhead as they pass on.
There are at least 2 male Hooded Orioles in residence in my garden by now, they were joined today by the first female.
Rufous Hummingbirds continue to pass through on most days, mostly males but also the first females.
Just as last year, this seems again to be a banner year for California Quail around here. Many pairs show up at my seed feeder both in early morning and before turning in for the night.
And last, after several years of a butterfly drought it is quite wonderful to witness large numbers of Pipevine Swallowtails fluttering around our lilac bushes and in the garden generally. Not as many as in some earlier years but still a noticeable increase over the past 2 or 3 years.
Manfred Kusch South bank of Putah Creek 3 miles west of Davis
