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

    Phew! April was a busy month. We found 18 new species which brings the composite list to 239 species. But our rapid pace from earlier in the year slackened, despite all those eyeballs out there, and we are now only 1 species ahead of our recent average.

    Except for Wilson's Phalarope (but in May), we finished up all the 2's in April: Western Wood-Pewee, Cassin's Vireo, Lazuli Bunting, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Red-necked Phalarope. The last 3, Swainson's Thrush, was found on 11 April.

    In April, we picked up seven 4's. A female or immature PURPLE MARTIN was at Ed Levin on 5 Apr, only one other migrant was found in April. On 10 Apr, a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER was seen at Smith Creek. The first VAUX'S SWIFT of the season was found the next day at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Then, on 12 Apr, the first of the migrant NASHVILLE WARBLER'S was seen at Smith Creek. A WHITE-FACED IBIS was in a wetland near the southern intersection of Hwy 85 and 101 on 13 Apr. HERMIT WARBLERS were found on at Smith Creek the next day on 14 Apr. The last 4 of the month were BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS found along the Guadalupe River below Curtner on 22 Apr. Although 4's tend to be rare, someone invariably encounters this species sometime during the year. Only 13 are still left on the composite list for this year (and 2 of those have been found in May).

    We had five 5's this month. A HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER was seen at Smith Creek on 10 Apr and a DUSKY FLYCATCHER was found there on 14 Apr. A COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD was photographed in Gilroy on 20 Apr. Two male and a female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD were near the dog park at Ed Levin CP on 11 Apr and and stayed at least for a few more days. YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS returned to Llagas Creek above Bloomfield on 27 Apr.

    We have more than 7 months remaining in the year and with luck we'll pick up 10 or so birds each in May and in September. But now that the regulars are back, we will be struggling for the few rare birds. Keep you eyes open.