Date: 4/11/26 3:02 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Birding Vasona for the SCVBA Birdathon
Hi all -
My team "Los Gatos Birdwatcher" spent the morning at Vasona birding for
the SCVBA spring Birdathon. My team of 10 were real troopers as we
birded in the rain all morning. We started on the dam side hoping for
the Red-throated Loon that had been seen for a few days, but despite our
efforts and the efforts of many more, the bird has not been re-found as
of this writing. However, we had a great study in swallow ID as *VIOLET
GREEN, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, CLIFF* and *BARN* were all there in
the hundreds, with an occasional *VAUX'S SWIFT* flew through the mix.
With a scope we could observe the nesting *GREAT-BLUE HERONS,
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS* and a *SNOWY EGRET* out on the island. Later
we also had great views of *GREEN HERONS.
*
Two *BALD EAGLES* flew overhead early in the morning and never
re-appeared. *RED-TAILED*, *COOPER'S* and *RED-SHOULDERED* were also found.
A *GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE* landed close allowing for a great conversation
in range expansion.
All in all it was a tough day trying to find species. As we moved to the
other side of the park and walked along the creek we had to work hard
for songbirds. *YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, SONG
SPARROWS, OAK TITMICE, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES* were a welcome sight.
We were able to find two *GREAT-HORNED OWL* chicks safely sleeping away
in the rain up in the Eucalyptus above the boat house.
We also ran into the Santa Clara Valley Young Birder's Club (SCV-YBC)
out on their field trip. A great time exchanging sightings!
It was a cold and wet morning. We ended with 56 species.
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.
