Date: 8/12/26 2:38 am From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Figueroa Mountain Purple Martin breeding update
Responding to John Lewis's request for further comments of Figuroa Mountain bird activity this year I can add a bit on my observations. Not all of these are necessarily related to recovery from the fire as per John's request for feedback. Several good winters of rain may have had an impact as well.
1. Lawerence's Goldfinches were very numerous in the burn area along Figueroa Mountain Road between the burned-out campground and Davey Brown trailhead.
2. Lazuli Buntings were in good numbers in the area mentioned above and also in the burned-out area of Cachuma Creek above Cachuma Campground. On April 6 and especially April 9 I had Lazuli Buntings migrating up Lion Canyon and passing over the saddle just below Ranger Peak towards the back country. On the 9th I had a rough estimate of 120 or so pass over in about 30 minutes. The birds were coming in pulses so fully accurate count and ID of every bird not possible but this number a good estimate. I plan to revisit this spot next spring.
3. Several trips down Davey Brown trail did not yield any Cassin's Vireo in areas where they are usually reliable, not surprising with most of the understory burned away. There sure were a lot of Humbolt Lily visible though.
4. I had confirmed breeding of Northern Pygmy Owl a bit lower down on E and W slope of mountain and a few more heard only records within Sedgwick Reserve (restricted access).
5. Olive-sided Flycatcher seemed a bit more common than usual with upwards of 3 pair on the summit and 3 more over at Ranger Peak/East Pinery area.
6. Oaks seemed to blossom a bit early this year and it is these blossoming trees where I tend to find mixed flocks of stop-over passerines. The flocks were very had to find this year.
