[SBB] Black-chinned Sparrow at Hidden Villa!

Hello All,

Yesterday, 5/24/2006, I heard the distant, but clear song of a Black-chinned Sparrow from the rocky, chaparral covered slope directly above the Hidden Villa Hostel (also known as Elephant Mtn.) Sadly, this area is closed to the public, but our Hostel Trail which ascends the shady slope just opposite this area provides good listening possibilities within 1/8 mile of the parking lot. I heard the bird intermittently from 10:30-11:30 AM yesterday over a 1/2 mile span of this trail.

This morning 5/25 I exercised staff privilege and climbed the slope a bit after 6:30 hoping for a visual. I heard nothing until 7:15 when the bird sang twice from a low point on the slope among some rock outcrops. Although it went quiet at that point, I held still for a few minutes and then the curious bird popped up just 15 feet away in the dense chaparral, calling softly (a thin, sharp Junco-like "kiss" note) as it circled me, clearly checking me out. Its pink bill stood out sharply against its black face as it regarded me; I could also see its slate-gray head, breast, and belly; long tail; and warm brown unbarred wings. It then moved farther off and sang another 20 times or so from various points all along the slope.

A Common Poorwill was heard at dusk from this same slope on 5/23. Two Vaux's Swifts flew over HV in tandem at 11:30 on 5/24. And several Lazuli Buntings do continue to sing at HV, from upper chaparral slopes.

--Garth Harwood

PS - Did I mention that I haven't found anyone to cover HV for the summer count on June 3 yet?