[SBB] more Black-chinned Sparrows at Mt Um

All,

This morning (Mon, 5/28) between 8:15-9:30 am I saw at least three BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS along the Bald Mountain Trail at Mt Umunhum not far from the parking pull-out.

As I walked the trail up the first rise to a flat area I saw a singing male BCSP in a coyote bush in the flat area very close to the trail on the north side. The bird then took off across the trail and flew down slope on the south side. I could hear another BCSP in the brush at the flat area, and soon another male flew out and this one also flew down slope headed to the southeast. As I continued along the trail, this second male popped up in a mountain mahogany bush, again close to the trail, and I had excellent close up views of this singing male. Then it flew across the trail to the north side, and yet another BCSP appeared in the same mountain mahogany bush. This third BCSP was overall duller in color and did not sing, so I'm thinking this was a female. It then flew across the trail following the male.

Further down the trail by the large laurel tree I again saw this BCSP pair staying close together in the chaparral brush on the north side of the trail.

Finally, on heading back to my car, I saw a singing male BCSP again in a coyote bush by the side of the trail on the south side - this may have been the first one that I saw earlier.

I have been trying for several days now to find BCSP on Mt Um, and today I finally got lucky - really lucky. I wish other birders had been around to share these sightings.

So for those having trouble trying to find this bird at Loma Prieta - try Mt Umunhum's Bald Mountain Trail. Parking is limited at the locked gate, so try to get up there early, and be sure to park only in the pull-out area and not on the other side of the road at the start of Bald Mountain Trail which is designated as a fire lane. Bald Mountain Trail is open to the public, so you won't be made to feel uncomfortable birding there.

Ann Verdi

San Jose

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