[SBB] Early evening birding at Monte Bello OSP

[Kay Partelow <[[email protected]]>]

Hello Birders,

 

Last night (May 1) Debbi Brusco, Karen DeMello and I birded the White Oak trail at Monte Bello OSP in preparation for an upcoming woodpecker hike ("Picidae Picnic") for MROSD.  The visible members of the family were ACORN WOODPECKERS, though NORTHERN FLICKER, and NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER were also heard.  Much to our delight we had numerous LAZULI BUNTING sightings, with a few singing individuals.  In one oak tree we observed at least 4 of them, in addition to a WESTERN BLUEBIRD, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, and PURPLE FINCH--the latter 3 species were all singing.

 

Other goodies:  a "laughing" Purple Finch in the distance  (the "hee hee hee" vocalization we sometimes hear), followed by ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN TANAGER, singing SONG SPARROW, WHITE-SHOULDERED KITE, and a solitary BAND-TAILED PIGEON.  Very vocal CALIFORNIA TOWHEE and SPOTTED TOWHEE joined the crepuscular chorus along with a singing AMERICAN ROBIN. 

 

The best treat was an excellent look at a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW that eluded us for minutes before perching motionless at the base of Coyote Bush, giving us all stunning looks even with the fading daylight.  We all remarked how well the auricular patch stood out on the relatively unmarked cheek.  A "flat" head and unstreaked breast/sides helped confirm our i.d.  The bird was vocalizing, but not quite a full song.  A lovely backdrop of fog-shrouded hills in the sunset made this magnificent scene quite dramatic.

 

Back at the Page Mill Park and Ride, a GREAT HORNED OWL made an albeit brief appearance before dashing behind the trees into the evening.

 

Happy Birding!

 

Kay Partelow

Palo Alto

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