Date: 5/31/26 1:32 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Figueroa Mountain - Purple Martins, possible breeding
I hiked almost to the summit of Figueroa Mtn. this morning where it was quite windy until later in the morning. Near the summit I had 3 Purple Martin. The birds were perched in a particular group of dead snags and I thought one of the 3 birds had originally come out of a cavity but I wasn't sure. I spent about 30 minutes with the birds and they would at times fly off for 5 minutes and just when I thought they had left they would return again to the same spot. On the final return the male flew directly into a cavity which it had inspected earlier. Photo's seem to show adult male and female and I think one young bird with dark cap but I'm not rock solid on those female/young plumages. It seems plausible they are breeding here. Looks here: 3 Purple Martins 2 | peterschneekloth | Flickr ( https://www.flickr.com/photos/55934026@N05/55306190500/in/dateposted-public/ )
Once the wind died back a bit I had several Olive-sided Flycatchers, Western Wood-Pewees, Western Tanager, Mountain Chickadee and more expected birds. Complete list here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S350382942
