Date: 4/15/24 12:03 pm From: Luca de Alfaro via groups.io <luucaa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Trip report: Rancho San Antonio Saturday (Western Tanagers and more)
On Saturday, I went to Rancho San Antonio. The weather was cloudy at first, and after an hour or so, it started to rain. Yet, the birding was excellent; the birds were very active, both nesting and feeding.
The highlight for me were two WESTERN TANAGERS, spotted a bit East of Ohlone Village. They landed on the high branches of a tree on the other side of the creek; I lifted my binoculars to check the two birds out, and I was very surprised to see two beautiful male Western Tanagers in their full colors! They departed a minute later.
There were many BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, including at least two pairs. I heard many Wrentits, and three of them were courteous enough to let me observe them; equally, there were many Bewick's Wrens and Spotted Towhees.
At the conclusion of my tour, as I was approaching the parking lot, I was greeted by a Great Blue Heron, looking somewhat miserable in the rain very close to the path.
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.
