Date: 4/24/24 4:49 pm From: Howard Friedman via groups.io <howardnfriedman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Alum Rock Park Trip
Greetings from the wandering birders,
Yesterday our offering from the Earth was very nice indeed. Alum Rock Park did not disappoint us. The morning was breezy and cool. We anticipated warmth, but it never arrived so we generated our own warmth of spirit and body by hiking. Our early bird identifications from the parking lot below Eagle Rock included Black-headed Grosbeaks calling, large flocks of Cedar Waxwings perched high above and soaring Band-tailed Pigeons circling. We spied several California Quail crossing the road (which begs the question, why do the quail cross the road?) that eventually hid in the California Sagebrush.
We departed the parking lot to make our way down the road A pair of American Robins were calling above us from a Valley Oak. They were very much a likely pair ready to nest. We watched them feeding. The next stop was the adjacent parking lot where we looked for a pair of Bullock's Orioles (the Eucalyptus is a regular nesting haunt for these birds for years). Low and behold, the song of the Oriole filled the air. We were all treated to it's gorgeous apricot orange plumage and contrasting wing bars as it flit about the outer edges of the tree. Behind us a Norther Flicker called and another bird revealed itself to the entire group. Entering the Rustic Lands picnic area we got a better look at a huge flock of Cedar Waxwings in towering Redwood. The big treat was watching a pair of Northern Flickers copulating (behavior is fascinating for sure). We lucked out running into Chris Johnson who joined us for a bit and shared his wonderful and warm expertise. Thanks Chris! He helped us identify a Western Flycatcher singing and confirmed the Ash-throated Flycatcher I had heard on the hillside.
Walking over to the historic bridge, one of our new participants/members found a sleeping Great Horned Owl to the amazement of our entire group. We definitely spent several minutes owl gazing. Finally off the asphalt, we joined the creek trail finding several Bushtits and Chestnut-backed Chickadees. In this mixed flock our only warbler of the ad appeared: An Orange-crowned Warbler.
Walking along the stream trail we found a few small flocks of Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Bushtits. In a few places we caught the songs of House Wrens singing it up. A pair of Northern Rough-winged Swallows perched in good view. They shorty after viewing they became very active. Near the log cabin we all watched feeding Golden-crowned Sparrow, really working it too. We heard a number of Black-headed Grosbeaks in the area and watched a few more flying about. Near the YSI we got to observe a Black Phoebe as it guarded its nest.
It was a fabulous but chilly day. Our group was fun, engaged, interactive, and kind-hearted. I am grateful to have lead such a connected group who spent so much time helping each other bird. A special thanks to John Harshman. You made this trip much more informed, interesting, and well-oiled. It is a pleasure to work with you anytime.
It was good to be in the park where I have had some of my most amazing experiences and have visited since I was 2 years old. Life is a blessing indeed.
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.
