[SBB] S.C. Co. Bird List for May 2007

I've done some clean up on the previous list. I overlooked a BANK SWALLOW found at the Gilroy treatment ponds on 27 Apr, so that ups April's total to 240 species, which is 2 above the average. An early April SWAINSON'S THRUSH has been retracted, but one was found later in the month so this does not affect the totals.

This month we added 9 species which brings us to 249 and keeps us still 2 birds above the average.

The last of the easy stuff were a group of 5 WILSON'S PHALAROPES found at the New Chicago Marsh on 6 May.

We had five 4s in May. On 12 May, a MOUNTAIN QUAIL was heard south of Maymen's Flat on Summit Road and a BLUE GROSBEAK was seen along Frazier Lake Road in the south county. BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS have appeared in good numbers this year, the first birds found on Mt. Umunhum on 17 May. A WILLOW FLYCATCHER was found (and photographed) in Halls Valley on 20 May. We have few of these birds in spring, although fall birds are regular (and easily missed). A GREATER ROADRUNNER along Metcalf Road on 29 May was the first for the year. Generally someone finds this resident before May, but they are so rare . . . .

There was only one 5 in May, but this species was found by multiple observers. Migrant BLACK SWIFTS were found along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains on 14 May by three observers. At different times of the day, migrant flocks were recorded at Monte Bello OSP, Long Ridge OSP, and the Sierra Azul OSP.

Two 6s were found in May, any 6 in May is always impressive. A LESSER NIGHTHAWK was moving north along the Santa Cruz Mountains as seen from the Long Ridge OSP on 14 May. Then, on 29 May, a male BOBOLINK was heard singing at Monte Bello OSP. The singing bird was not seen well, but the song is distinct. It did not stay. All of our previous Bobolink records have been of fall birds.