[SBB] Recent birds and butterflies 3/16/2007

Hello All,

I have been out of circulation for awhile with respect to posting observations, but I have been making regular visits to Monte Bello's Gate 5 pond (AKA "MB05") throughout the winter. Things have begun to get lively here at Hidden Villa too, so a summary of interesting observations is now in order...

Breeding activity has picked up in earnest with the sudden change to balmy weather a couple of weeks ago.

--On Monday, 2/26/2007, I observed a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks copulating near the top of a tall tree near the HV entryway.

--On 3/8, a Hutton's Vireo was observed adding lichen to a nest site in an oak tree at HV.

--On 3/13, a pair of Ring-necked Ducks were observed copulating at MB05. Three pairs of Dark-eyed Juncos were carrying nest material to separate sites near my HV office.

--Today 3/16, 8 to 10 Violet-green Swallows were inspecting nestboxes at HV. Although they typically do some inspecting like this shortly after migratory arrival, I do not expect actual nesting for a few weeks yet.

The Lawrence's Goldfinch communal roost I have been monitoring this winter at Monte Bello remained active until this week. On 3/5, no fewer than 47 individuals were observed at the roost in the late afternoon. Activity was still strong at 3/8 (42 birds), but had waned to only 9 birds on the morning of 3/13, and I have not seen any at the roost site on several visits since then.

Also at MB05, Hooded Mergansers persisted for most of the winter, numbering up to 7 but 1 was last seen on 2/5. About that time, however, a pair of female Buffleheads showed up - a first for the pond, and they stayed for almost a month. A Sora continues to appear intermittently, and was last heard on 3/13. A Wilson's Snipe flew over the pond at first light on 3/13. Fox and Lincoln's Sparrows were still present at the pond as of 3/15, but they have become more furtive. A Lincoln's Sparrow showed up here at HV yesterday as well, and that one is probably on the move. Many Townsend's Warblers are singing in the oak canopy at HV at the moment.

Yesterday at the MB05 pond, an American Coot indulged in an amusing behavior, leaping almost completely out of the water to snatch willow catkins from overhanging limbs and munch them down. Who knew?

Butterflies are showing up all over as well. A couple of weeks ago we had a hatch of Calif. Tortoiseshells here at HV. Yesterday afternoon 3/15, there was a distinct movement of this species from west to east across the ridges of Monte Bello Preserve. I observed at least 50 over a half-hour period.

Other butterflies currently flying at HV include:

Sara Orangetip (first observed today)

Propertius Duskywing (same)

Mylitta Crescent - first seen yesterday

Orange Sulfur/Alfalfa butterfly (yesterday)

Spring Azure - abundant

Veined White - abundant in the forest

Calif. Ringlet

Mourning Cloak

A very few damselflies have begun flying at MB05 this week too, but I haven't ID'd them.

And oh yeah, since we're straying off subject, let's include the reptiles...the first Pacific Rattlesnake of the year was found here at HV this week.

Have an excellent weekend everyone --

Garth Harwood