[SBB] Hidden Villa etc. 4/15/2007

Hello All,

Highlights of a combination Hidden Villa/Audubon bird walk at Hidden
Villa yesterday 4/15/2007 included a singing Nashville Warbler along
the creek just behind the education building, several cooperative
Lazuli Buntings which allowed themselves to be scoped by all, a
Cassin's Vireo, Vaux's (1) and White-throated (5) Swifts, and a
Sharp-shinned Hawk. In addition we had killer views of Black-headed
Grosbeaks, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Western Bluebirds and Townsend's
Warblers. Wilson's Warblers were moving through in good numbers, and
Orange-crowned and Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warblers were well
represented also. Warbling Vireos were present at several locations but
gave only fair looks (in typical fashion.)

I started the day at sunrise at the MB05 pond, where a group of 5
Ring-necked Ducks continued (4m/1f).

After the HV walk I checked nestboxes at Arastradero Preserve. The
season is a bit later than usual with low activity in the boxes
overall. Along the way, however, I kept running into 1 or 2 Lawrence's
Goldfinches, generally within a 1/4 mile of the main parking lot. Both
of the individuals seen clearly were males, but I have no idea how many
were actually around as several observations were made over 3 hours. A
single Vaux's Swift was among many Cliff and Violet-green Swallows. 3
Wild Turkeys appeared to be eating ripening wild oats, husks and all -
yick. Yellow-rumped, Townsend's, and Wilsons Warblers were in a flock
near Sobey Pond, where I also saw a magnificent Bobcat and 43 Bullfrogs
(Bad news for native frogs and any other small wildlife there!)