Date: 1/13/21 4:09 pm From: Eve Meier <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] McClellan Ranch and McClellan Groundwater Recharge Pond
Hi Everyone,
This morning I visited McClellan Ranch starting with sitting near the bird feeders for about 20 minutes. Only the suet feeder was full but I did see a nice variety of birds including a *Downy Woodpecker*, my first of the year. (https://ebird.org/checklist/S79177412)
Next, I walked the nature trail that runs along the creek and continued along Stevens Creek Trail to the group picnic area at Blackberry Farm, then returned to the ranch using the paved Stevens Creek Trail. This is a good location for *Brown Creepers, *I spotted several along the creek. And, the woodpeckers were very busy today! I spotted a least 2 *Downy Woodpeckers *along the nature trail, 2 *Northern Flickers* (one had black malar stripes but I didn't get a good look at its tail), several *Nutall's*, a surprising 3 *Red-breasted Sapsuckers* and can't be missed *Acorn Woodpeckers*. Besides the *Golden-crowned*, *White-crowned* and *Song Sparrows* spotted at the feeder, I also found one Sooty *Fox Sparrow* near the fallen tree in the small walnut orchard. A few *Red-tailed Hawk* were circling above, a *Cooper's Hawk* was hunting in the parking lot, and a couple of *Red-shouldered Hawks* were calling from the riparian area. (https://ebird.org/checklist/S79198230 )
After the McClellan Ranch area I decided to check out the McClellan Groundwater Recharge Pond which is less than a mile down the road. I had never been before. This is a nice little pond with a trail all around it which provides really nice views of *Hooded Mergansers*, *Common Mergansers*, *Buffleheads*, and a few *Ring-necked Ducks*. It's definitely worth the stop if you are in the area. (https://ebird.org/checklist/S79191910)
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