This morning (Thurs, 4/6) at around 10:45 am an adult male PURPLE MARTIN was seen swooping around the hills at the lower (southwest) end of the reservoir. The bird was all-over glossy blue-black with a forked tail (although not as markedly forked as a Barn Swallow). In size comparison with nearby Tree Swallows, the Purple Martin was noticeably larger and chunkier.
I've usually read reports of Purple Martin seen in the heights of the Sierra Azul around Loma Prieta, so I was quite surprised to see this one at a lower elevation swooping over a grassy meadow; however, the location is not far from the Sierra Azul to the south and west.
Also of interest was a first-of-season CASPIAN TERN seen yesterday and today at Calero Reservoir. This bird was seen over the boat ramp and also over the lower southwest corner of the reservoir.
To look for either of these birds, your best bet is to park at the boat ramp and then hike toward the lower end over the spillway. From there a dirt trail follows along the grassy meadow hillside overlooking the reservoir.
Ann Verdi
San Jose
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