Hi all, It was uncommonly hot on Figueroa Mountain Rd today, 88F near the top at 9AM. But as I drove up Catway Rd to the first pullout, I got out and heard a Black-chinned Sparrow singing repeatedly. (This is the first time I've been up there since the fire--I haven't been able to make myself see the extent of destruction. But there is recovery happening slowly despite the already very dry conditions.) Anyway, the now-open slopes around this pullout might be attracting this species...? Or maybe they've used this location all along. But I finally saw the bird perched up on a burned snag. It moved around quite a bit, singing from each spot. Seems maybe it's on a territory. I doubt I will get up there again any time soon but others with more time can maybe look and listen for it. Love this song!
I turned around and continued on Fig Mtn Rd to the entrance to the campground, and spent 30 mins or so there, listening to multiple Lazuli Buntings in the vicinity. Other highlights here were all expected: Western Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Ash-throated Flycatcher. Less expected (to me) were several Lawrence's Goldfinch, and two singing Chipping Sparrows. According to Paul Lehman's Birds of SB County, Lawrence's Goldfinch can increase significantly after large fires, which I hadn't known about. Chipping Sparrow has only two breeding records around this location in over 25 years. Today's singing birds are not proof of breeding, but it would be worth checking a bit later.
I made one more stop near Ranger Peak in a patch of remaining firs and oaks that weren't burned. Lots of bird activity here, by mostly the same cast of characters, plus a family group of House Wrens filling out the chorus. I found that all along the road where there were pockets of green among the burnt trees there was increased bird activity. And maybe it was just that I was able to linger longer in the shade, which is scarce along this route right now! I was encouraged by the presence of personal favorite birds I've come to depend on for my spring fix in the mountains...I know fire recovery is a sure thing in time, and I'm relieved to hear these old friends singing as usual. I was amazed, however, at the lack of Mountain Quail, not one recorded today in all my stops. Surely they are there, but perhaps the early heat just kept them quiet.
