Date: 6/7/26 1:05 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: Grant Ranch 6/7/26
This morning, Zainab and I led an SCVBA field trip to Grant Ranch County Park. We observed 36 species.
In the parking lot, some saw a Cooper’s Hawk before we got started. We started at the Green Barn and headed south. Not long after we started, we saw an Ash-throated Flycatcher, a male Bullock’s Oriole perched nicely for photos, and we heard Lazuli Bunting. We spent some time watching more Bullock’s Orioles at the Stockman picnic area and identified at least a male, female, and first-year male.
We walked towards the ranch house, passing over 100 goats in a fenced area. Their presence seemed to attract insects, swallows (Barn, Cliff, Violet-green), and Brown-headed Cowbirds. We saw one juvenile Dark-eyed Junco and discussed how different they appear from adults. Along the Grant Loop, we heard California Quail until one eventually popped up.
The Hotel trail was quiet until we got to the bend in the path (37.33510° N, 121.71000° W). In the field, we spent a long time watching Bullock’s Orioles, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Western Kingbirds, Western Bluebirds, and Spotted Towhee. Back at the ranch house rose garden, we saw an Anna’s Hummingbird bathing in the fountain. Before departing, another birder spotted the Cooper’s Hawk again, bookmarking our trip.
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.
