[SBB] Townsend's Solitaire

Hi All,

I was enjoying a gorgeous, if quiet, early morning visit to the little pond at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve's Gate 5 pond yesterday 6/19/2006, when I got a pleasant surprise - a silent gray thrush flew slowly up out of Stevens Creek Canyon, looking like a female bluebird at first as it approached head-on, but as it by-passed me at a distance of about 50 feet I could clearly see that it was too long and too gray (both above and below) for any bluebird. As it flew by in a leisurely fashion against a slight headwind I could see broad, peachy wing stripes, and a long tail that had a narrow white outer edging along its entire length. I noted that its head was round and proportionately small, as was its straight, dark bill. The Townsend's Solitaire landed briefly on the willows at the pond's edge, but never really got its balance as the breeze kept the willow twigs waving about, so it moved on up and over the ridge into San Mateo County (Coal Creek OSP).

Pretty late to be migrating, but that's the impression I had - though its relaxed pace was interesting. If I was this late, I'd be in a hurry.

Everything else up there was very familiar. All the birds seem to be on territories now. American Coots have downy chicks on the pond, and a female Anna's Hummingbird was collecting willow down for a new nest. Two Lazuli Bunting males were mostly quiet, but whenever one of them sounded off a short but lively exchange of songs would ensue.

I plucked 12 ticks off my pant legs - actually a bit lower count than I'd had up there lately. It's quite a tick year, but I wonder if others have also noticed that very few of the ticks around this summer are the Lyme-carrying Deer Ticks? (AKA Western Black-legged Tick.) Only one of the hundreds of ticks I've observed at the pond lately has been a Deer Tick, and very few elsewhere either - not that I'm complaining! I will, however, grumble about the return of chigger season at the gate 5 pond. Visitors are cautioned not to linger near the water, especially on the dammed sides of the pond - although bug repellent on your legs and feet helps a lot.

I just returned from a birding week in Minnesota and North Dakota. Both are highly recommended. Composite e-bird trip lists are available for those interested; just let me know.

Good birding,

Garth Harwood