Hi all,
Last week I spent some time birding around Richmond and stumbled upon some notable breeding birds. Most significant was a group of 8+ Pigeon Guillemots on 5/3 just off the Richmond Long Wharf, with some of the birds seen flying directly under the pier. These numbers and behavior are highly suggestive of nesting, and would be the furthest the species has nested within the bay as far as I am aware. Confirming this species won’t be easy unless you have a kayak, but Miller/Knox is a good place to view them with a scope.
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In hopes of further success with expanding breeders, I have been closely monitoring the Elegant terns on Brooks island. As of May 3rd, there are about 250 birds but few are showing any signs of breeding so it seems they may not nest this year after all. For reference, last year, courtship began by 4/12 and birds were sitting on nests by the end of April. Numbers were also significantly higher. A Red-winged Blackbird pair on the island seemed incredibly out of place next to the heron rookery but appear to be attempting to breed.
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On 4/28 I hiked some of my favorite spots in Wildcat Canyon. The highlight was a MacGillivray's Warbler singing territorially from an eastward facing slope near the intersection of the Belgum and Monte Cresta trails amongst a large swath of poison oak & bay trees. Although there are several reports of MacG’s within the park that support breeding, this would be the northernmost to date for the county if confirmed. Also of note were 4 pairs of Rufous crowned sparrows, my highest count for the park. While there has been a known population at the sage patch along the Oil Well trail, many of these birds were instead found along the upper reaches of the Belgum trail in areas that looked more suitable for Grasshopper Sparrows. Perhaps this species is also expanding in the region?
