Date: 6/14/26 12:05 pm From: Karen via groups.io <karush111...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Fieldnotes June 14th: Máyyan 'Ooyákma Ridge, Metcalf Road
It was a happy accident that we were locked out of the overflow parking lot and had to park in the Motorcycle County Park since we would not have seen the Western Kingbirds, Oak Titmouse, the Black Phoebes or the Western Bluebirds or had such a close looks at the nesting Cliff Swallows. Note to self ...always check out parking lots! Thanks to John for keeping the Bird List.
Since we are heading into Summer the grasslands can be tricky birding, but although we didn't have a large number of species we did have some interesting birds that can be difficult to see in Santa Clara County. We headed out as far as the border with the public part of Máyyan 'Ooyákma and returned.
The Grasshopper Sparrows ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Grasshopper_Sparrow ) popped up and buzzed their little hearts out both along the side of the road and the fence line. John also had a family of Lark Sparrow ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lark_Sparrow ) s near the entrance and we heard them later in the distance. We had multiple Horned Larks ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Horned_Lark ) standing on rocks, flying and a young Horned Lark on the gravel road. Cliff Swallows were in big numbers, followed by Western Meadowlarks ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Meadowlark ) on fences, flying and singing. We had a lonely Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture and Acorn Woodpecker. We did have a small group of blackbirds with one identifiable as a Red-wing Blackbird. The Common Ravens were around with a single American Crow. We also had a male American Kestrel in beautiful plumage both on the way out and on the way back. Other sightings included a House Finches, a flyover from a Double-Crested Cormorant, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Buckeye Butterfly and several other butterflies.
If you want to beat the heat in the Summertime Sanborn Park and Bear Creek Redwoods OSP offer plenty of shade and the Baylands (Palo Alto, Redwood City, Sunnyvale) usually offer cooler breezes with easily seen birds. Also check out these spots Summer Birding SCVBA ( https://scvbirdalliance.org/summer-birding )
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.
