[SBB] S.C. Co. Bird List March 2007

I overlooked a 17 Feb record of Canyon Wren in Henry Coe SP, so that brings the February composite list to 209 instead of 208.

We found 12 species in February, whereas we normally find about 13, and this brought us to 221. As our January start was so outstanding, we are still 6 species over our long term average.

March (and April) are always good months for returning summer residents. We had three 1's this month: a WILSON'S WARBLER in Almaden Quicksilver CP on 15 Mar, a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE at multiple locations on 17 Mar, and a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK at Hidden Villa on 28 Mar. That finishes off the 1's for the year.

As for the 2's, there were 4 this month: a CASPIAN TERN at the Duck Pond and a WESTERN KINGBIRD at Ed Levin CP, both on 13 Mar; a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER near IBM in San Jose on 14 Mar; and a WARBLING VIREO along the Alamitos Creek Trail on 17 Mar. There are still six 2's left for the year (but 4 have been seen already in April).

There were two 3's in March: a HOODED ORIOLE in the Almaden Valley on 16 Mar and a CHIPPING SPARROW at Ed Levin on 19 Mar. Only one 3 is left for the year.

Moving into the rare birds, we had two 4's, both at Ed Levin CP: a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD on 10 Mar and a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW on 30 Mar.

Finally, a SWAINSON'S HAWK at Ed Levin CP on 23 Mar was our only 5. Interestingly enough, another Swainson's was there as well on 30 Mar.

April is always hour biggest month (ignoring January) and we expect to add 22 species. We are well on our way already, but we will see how things go.