Date: 8/9/26 7:46 pm From: steveak via groups.io <stephen.l.mchenry...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Pileateds at Saratoga Quarry Park
Carolyn and I dropped by Quarry Park in Saratoga this afternoon to take a short walk on the trails.
We weren't specifically birding, but heard or saw the usual: Many California Quail, including with chicks following the adults around; also Steller's Jays, Dark-eyed Juncos, Acorn Woodpeckers.
While sitting at a picnic table having a snack at the Lower Terrace area, we (or I should say "Merlin") heard a calling Pileated Woodpecker. We heard the calls several time. Eventually, however, a very distinct Pileated flew across my line of sight and landed in a nearby cedar tree. When I got up to get a better look, it flew behind the tree to another, and Carolyn and I both followed the bird. It landed in a large snag tree to the north just a short distance from where we were, and there was not just a single Pileated, but two of them working the snag tree!
We had good views for a few minutes, but I wasn't able to tell if this was a male/female couple, or just two close and personal friends. So I don't know if the birds were male, female, or both.
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.
