[SBB] Loma Prieta

["Kris Olson" <[[email protected]]>]

Decided to try something different today and despite a late start, it turned
out to be a lovely day. However, to get to the punch line quickly, NONE of
the specialty birds such as Black-chinned Sparrow, Sage Sparrow or Purple
Martin was seen or heard.

I arrived at the upper saddle (thanks to Bob and Frank's directions in
Birding at the Bottom of the Bay) about 10:30 am. Weather was wonderful--
warm, light breeze. Below me, Santa Cruz and Monterey looked socked in by
thick fog.

Despite the late hour, Wrentits, California Thrashers and Western Scrub Jays
were calling constantly -- up until about 1:30pm, in fact (that's when the
Thrashers seemed to quit.) So the saddle sounded quite alive. There were
also quite a few Spotted Towhees up and about, adding their trills.

The big surprise to me was how many ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were around. And any
poor larger bird that moved was immediately attached by 2 or 3 hummers. I
must have seen over 100 today.  I found one tree just starting to flower
(this was actually on the other side of Loma Prieta -- on Mt. Umunhum,
according to a bicyclist) --anyway, the tree had at least 8 or 10 hummers in
it, each attacking the others. It was like giant hummingbird feeder.
Despite my best efforts, I was not able to turn one of these birds into
anything but an Anna's, which seemed odd. Wouldn't this be a good location
for Allen's?

I did manage to see one and hear 2 or 3 more ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and on
the way down the hill, 2 Juncos.

I heard 3 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS -- lower saddle, upper saddle and on the
way up. They were so loud and clear, but of course I could not find them.

When I arrived at the upper saddle, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE cruised by-- the
sun lighting up its head. It crossed from Santa Cruz Co to SCL co, if I
understand the directions correctly.

I saw one and only 1 swallow flying over the top of Loma Prieta -- tree or
violet green.

I noticed that most reports from Loma Prieta were in mid-May to June, so
perhaps later is a better time for this area.

Kris Olson





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