San Benito County Birding: A Short Drive

Howdy, Birders,

Late this afternoon, February 20th, I made a short drive around the Hollister area. A CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, below, was at John Smith Road. A dark morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK was near the intersection of John Smith Road and Santa Ana Valley Road. The usual grassland species were around, including quite a few LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES. 

I am delighted to report that San Benito County's most reliable nesting pair of BALD EAGLES have begun incubation! One eagle was sitting in the nest today. I could not be certain if it was the male or female because the bird is very low in the nest and only the top of the head was showing. This nest was discovered in 2004. Its whereabouts is kept secret to protect the birds. They have successfully raised two young every year, except one since 2004. I will keep you posted on this year's outcome!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: PANOCHE VALLEY

HAIL, THUNDER & LIGHTNING, OH MY!

Howdy, Birders,

I spent a long day at Panoche Valley on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. Highlights were many, including some surprising weather. All images below by Debi Shearwater. Dawn, heading east on Panoche Road, below. Good sized flocks of YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES were along Panoche Road in the foothills, along with one LEWIS'S WOODPECKER which was near milepost marker 19.0. A single GREAT BLUE HERON was the only bird of note at Summit Ranch Pond. 

I concentrated on birding the valley floor in Panoche Valley proper. It was surprisingly cool with temperatures about 55 F. Very surprising, was a single MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD along Panoche Road at Silver Creek. This bird is about 20 days earlier than any record that I know about.

Raptors are beginning to take up their winter stations. One FERRUGINOUS HAWK was near Spanish Cattle Company Ranch  and one PRAIRIE FALCON was on the valley floor.

NORTHERN FLICKERS seemed to be migrating, as I found 7 on the valley floor, and the one pictured below, on Santa Ana Valley Road. Several more, today on San Juan Canyon Road. On the valley floor, I found one ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, one ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (gray-head type), one LINCOLN'S SPARROW and a few VESPER SPARROWS. 

Again, on Panoche Road, near the Douglas Ranch, I found THREE CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS. At Silver Creek Ranch in the dip of the creek, was one YELLOW WARBLER and one COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. 

 

I drove up to the county line at Jackass Pass, but it was very dull. So, I decided to head out New Idria Road where there is really some shortgrass prairie! (Panoche Road habitat is completely overgrazed). 

Well, I hit the jackpot on New Idria Road, spending most of my time in the prairie, beyond the Griswold Hills. I did see a ROADRUNNER in the hills, though. At least two PRAIRIE FALCONS and an adult GOLDEN EAGLE, 10 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 7 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, 137 HORNED LARKS and a dozen YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES were tallied. Please BEWARE: all of the bluebirds that I saw on Idria Road were WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, although Mountain Bluebirds should arrive in November. One COYOTE was hunting in the grasslands. I have seen San Joaquin Kit Fox, a Federally Endangered Species, along this road during spring. 

The roadsides were alive with sparrow flocks, as there is vegetation for them to hide in, unlike Panoche Road which is almost devoid of any sparrow habitat. No less than 7 VESPER SPARROWS popped up on the fences, as below. Near the 16 milepost, hundreds of sparrows were along the roadside, including 100+ LARK SPARROWS, many SAVANNAH SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, one each, BREWER'S and CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS. This fall some five records of CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS have been reported in San Benito County, doubling all records for the county. I suspect that both Clay-colored and Brewer's occur regularly in San Benito County each fall. Patient birders might be rewarded with sightings of one or the other, or both of these sparrows. About 16 miles out New Idria Road is Ashurst Ranch. That is the general area to watch for the big sparrow flocks. Best approach is remaining inside of your car, using it as a blind. If you find either sparrow, please let me know.  

 

I drove all the way to New Idria "town" which I do not recommend. It is an EPA SuperFund clean up sight. Some unsavory characters may be around. The town is burnt down, in any case. 

As dark clouds began forming across the valley, I headed home to Hollister. 

Suddenly, hail was pouring out of the sky. Lightning and Thunder, too!

Check back often, as I will be heading out to Panoche Valley at least once a week throughout the late fall and winter seasons. One TARANTULA was on the road, looking for its mate. It certainly is one of my most favorite birding places. If you eBird, be sure to check out the Hot Spots on eBird, and log your lists using those spots, limiting your travel distance to 5 miles for any one report. See you out there!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: OCTOBER 21, 2011 VARIOUS

Howdy, Birders,

This is a brief report of various birds in San Benito County, today, October 21, 2011.

PAICINES RESERVOIR still has good mudflats for shorebirds, although there is never a large number: DUNLIN (1), WESTERN SANDPIPER (1), LEAST SANDPIPER (7); various species of waterfowl have been passing through (COMMON MERGANSERS, etc.), but today RUDDY DUCK (8) and WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (8) were present; AMERICAN PIPIT (8) were at the water's edge; VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS (8) made a brief pass; and an immature BALD EAGLE was in the oaks at the northwest corner. I've seen ADULT BALD EAGLES and PRAIRIE FALCON at the reservoir, lately. The Hollister Sewer Ponds are fairly hopeless at the moment.

LOWER QUIEN SABE ROAD (I define this area as the part of Quien Sabe Road between Highway 25 and the intersection of Santa Ana Valley Road): one PRAIRIE FALCON was present. It usually can be found sitting on a telephone pole. This individual will likely hang in this area for at least several weeks. It was pushed away from its' previously special place on Santa Ana Valley Road by a Ferruginous Hawk.

SANTA ANA VALLEY ROAD: A FERRUGINOUS HAWK has taken up its' winter residence not far from the intersection with Quien Sabe Road, near mile marke 7 (I think). See above. Continuing on Santa Ana Valley Road, you will find the favored hunting grounds of the raptors near the intersection with John Smith Road. Here, I found a second FERRUGINOUS HAWK and an immature GOLDEN EAGLE. On recent past drives, I have seen many raptors on along this stretch of the road. Finally, at mailbox #4451, I found a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, below, which I photographed.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater, inland Annie Auklet

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: PANOCHE VALLEY

Howdy, Birders,

Panoche Valley is well known to birders during the winter months. However, birding can be interesting at any time of the year. Panoche Valley is recognized as a Globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA) by National Audubon. Fall can be a great time to spot unusual birds in the valley, as well as enjoy some great scenery. On September 30 and October 5, I birded Panoche Valley. Each time, I ran into a local valley person and spent a hour, pulled up along the roadside, talking to these folks. This is the "PV Way," chatting about the "nature of the valley." A lot is at stake. I plan to visit the valley at least once a week throughout the fall season, into winter. So, stay tuned, if you are interested in this area. For more details on location of the valley, click here.

One enters the valley through the oak dotted and towering gray pine foothills. I couldn't help but notice the newborn calves. The local rancher told me that this is late in the season for calving. He counts his calves, every single day. Meanwhile, I counted YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES! San Benito County seems to have been spared the harsh impacts of the West Nile Virus that has killed off local yellow-billed magpies in many other counties, including some that have been entirely wiped out. I counted some 85 magpies on Highway 25 where it runs through the McCullough Ranch! These images, above and below, are of HY magpies.
It is the time of year for TARANTULAS to be on the road. I generally try to get them to cross the road to avoid being smashed by oncoming vehicles. LARK SPARROWS are forming flocks in the foothills and on the valley floor.
Below, is Shotgun Pass on October 5th. The great grasslands are laid out beneath the cover of threatening thunderstorms. It did rain on this day!
A great many of the grassland birds are shades of brown. One does not need to describe this as "dull," but rather, one can learn to appreciate the many shades of brown that allow these birds to live an inconspicuous well adapted life amongst the grasses. Below, is a HORNED LARK, a breeder in the valley. GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS and SHORT-EARED OWLS were also confirmed breeding this year in the valley.
The beautiful valley floor on Little Panoche Road is lit up with sunlight amidst the rain showers. This will be one place to search for Mountain Plovers and Burrowing Owls once winter arrives.

The biting northwest wind on October 5th, made me feel as though winter had arrived. The CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, below, says that fall is still here. This was one of three individuals I observed on September 30th. Two kingbirds were near the school.

This ROCK WREN was on the road to New Idria in the Griswold Hills. Another bird exhibiting shades of brown.

It was gratifying to see good numbers of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES all across the valley. About 12 years ago, I found a shrike in the road, with pin-feathers meaning that it was still a hatchling— in mid-October!
An adult GOLDEN EAGLE and three RAVENS flying away, as they were feeding on the ground. Shortly after this, I saw a Raven carrying a WESTERN MEADOWLARK in its' feet! And, I wonder why meadowlarks never sit on the fences long enough for a photograph!
SAVANNAH SPARROWS, below, will soon line the fence rows, although only a handful are present at the moment.

The first of fall VESPER SPARROW, below, was found on September 30th. Search for them on the valley floor amongst the many Savannah Sparrows. Vesper Sparrows are not nearly as numerous. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was also present on September 30th.

PRAIRIE FALCONS, icons of the grasslands, can be found anywhere along the valley floor. This one, below, was on Panoche Road, near Silver Creek Ranch. I also found an adult, male LARK BUNTING in basic plumage in this area, along with a ROADRUNNER. It has been a number of years since Lark Buntings were seen in PV. Perhaps, this will be a "good" year for them. On Panoche Road, near the ranch homes, large flocks of blackbirds can be found. On October 5th, I saw 110 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS amongst these flocks.

New to the area— an oil rigging that is actively being worked. This is on the road that goes to New Idria. A small encampment, complete with workers living in trailers, has sprung up as well. The oil well is very close to the location where I photographed a SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOX. Who knows what the future will hold for Panoche Valley? It is under threat from solar development at this time. If you love this place, now is the time to visit. Hope to see you out there!

All images by Debi Shearwater, copyright. Please do not use without permission.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY: FALL MIGRATION

Community Gardens near Vista Hill Park, Downtown Hollister

Hello, Birders,

After several "false starts" about exactly where to go birding this morning, I finally hit the jackpot on San Juan Canyon Road. Best bird of the day was a BLACKPOLL WARBLER, (first fall female) which I believe is a first record for San Benito County. It was in the lower third of the canyon, not at the top of the road, about 4 miles in from the junction with Old Stage and Mission Vineyard Roads. It was with a mixed flock that included two singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. San Juan Canyon Road is the road that leads up to Fremont Peak State Park. I was birding from the road between 0945 and 1145 this morning (not the best time of day- I'd recommend starting earlier). This is an excellent birding road during both fall and spring migration.

Other migrants on this road today included: WILSON'S WARBLER (2), MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (1), HUTTON'S VIREO (13), YELLOW WARBLER (1), NASHVILLE WARBLER (1), TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (1), BLACK-THROATED-GRAY WARBLER (2), WESTERN TANAGER (1), and the above mentioned Orange-crowns. Missed HERMIT WARBLER, but saw two on 30 August. Also, on August 30, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER (1), WESTERN WOOD PEWEE (1). The "usual suspect" birds which are resident. At the top, in Valley View Campground, I saw a BOBCAT (HY). On the return drive, downhill, I caught the hind end of a MOUNTAIN LION! It was a most unsatisfactory view. Stopped the car. Pished for it (works for bobcats!). But, I could only hear it crunching leaves and snap one twig. This past week, a mountain lion on this road took someone's dog, I am told. I see bobcats, on average, one time for every ten birding days.

American White Pelicans on Paicines Reservoir

Elsewhere in the county: mudflats are appearing at the south end of Paicines Reservoir, finally! Least and Western Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, etc. have been showing up, with one RED KNOT on 3 September. BALD EAGLES, and the occasional Golden Eagle continue at the reservoir. along with off and on WHITE PELICANS (2-3), and a PEREGRINE flyover on 3 September. Both HOODED and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES have showed up in the solitary willow, easily seen from the pullout. The first Northern Shovelers appeared on the reservoir 3 September, although the first shovelers arrived at the sewer ponds several weeks ago. They now number over 200. A female BUFFLEHEAD spent the summer going between the sewer ponds and San Justo Reservoir (closed to the public). At the sewer ponds, both BAIRD'S and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, WILSON'S PHALAROPES and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER have been around, off and on. A STILT SANDPIPER on 15 AuguOverall, shorebird habitat is exceedingly slim. The Sewer Ponds are open to birders. It is required to sign in and out. Please do so! Very easy, and no hassles.

DO NOT TRESPASS at Paicines Reservoir! You WILL be ticketed. The sheriffs pulled up while I was there recently to ticket some fishermen.

On private properties: a WILLOW FLYCATCHER was along the riparian of San Benito River 5 Sep; a communal roost of 21 White-tailed Kites was in a wetland 5 Sep; nine WHITE-FACED IBIS established a new high count for the county; confirmed nesting Ruddy Ducks for the first time in the county, earlier this summer.

Cassin's Kingbird, Santa Ana Valley Road

Santa Ana Valley Road is just loaded with raptors. There is a large rodent outbreak, along with an explosion of small grasshoppers (smaller species of grasshoppers than the type that exploded in Panoche Valley over the summer). Kestrels, shrikes and CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS are feeding on the grasshoppers. This road will be well worth watching throughout the fall and winter months. The PRAIRIE FALCON is well stationed near the intersection of Santa Ana Valley and Quien Sabe Roads. It will likely remain there until the first wintering Ferruginous Hawk shows up and steals that spot. On 15 August, I saw four Prairie Falcons on Santa Ana Valley Road. Up to three CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS are on this road. Locations have been: mailbox #4500, mailbox #1275, at Samarkand Ranch. Both BALD (HYs and adults) and GOLDEN (HYs and adults) have been hunting Santa Ana Valley and Quien Sabe Roads.

Where to go birding during fall migration in San Benito County? For passerines: Vista Hill Park off Hill Street in downtown Hollister is a great place. I was there this morning, but could not tolerate the leaf blowers. BE AWARE: there is a homeless people's camp set up, complete with yappy dogs. All harmless, but take car. Just slightly downhill from the park is the Community Garden. I recommend it for birding as well. Fall migrants I have seen in this location in the past: Willow Flycatcher, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler. This park represents the highest elevation in the surrounding area. It is planted with numerous exotics. It is extremely attractive to migrants, and being such a small area, tends to concentrate them well. San Juan Canyon Road is obviously one of the best places for regularly migrating passerines, as well as for the chance of a rarity. I have seen Northern Parula Warbler at the top of the road, several years ago. For shorebirds, try the sewer ponds, but be prepared to be disappointed. Paicines Reservoir could be good. The lighting is best in the early morning.

Trying to catch up, but not getting there fast enough!

Cats forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA Annie Auklet in the movie, "The Big Year"

San Benito County Birding: Update on Eastern Phoebe

Howdy, Birders.

This afternoon from 3:07 to 3:32, I tried to get a photo of the EASTERN PHOEBE on Santa Ana Valley Road in San Benito County. To my surprise, it was nowhere to be seen when I first arrived. After finding a SAY'S PHOEBE nearby, I began to search a small orchard in the area. A BLACK PHOEBE was calling loudly from the orchard. Then, I noticed the EASTERN PHOEBE, sitting on the very top of some leafless trees in the front yard of the white home. This was closer to the 3.02 mile marker. The phoebe was making a soft call note. Below, is my photograph.

It was surprising how many other birds were around in this sort of habitat: NUTTAL'S WOODPECKER, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, KESTREL, WHITE-TAILED KITE, WESTERN SCRUB JAY, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, HOUSE FINCH, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD near house #2200. My photograph is below.

See you out there!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SBT COUNTY BIRDING

Howdy, Birders,

It was a great day for raptors in San Benito County, today. At Paicines Reservoir an OSPREY was making a mad dash for a fish, just as I pulled into the parking area. An adult BALD EAGLE flew in from the south, perching in the oaks on the west side of the reservoir. A mixed flock of 47 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED and 15 CANADA GEESE arrived. A female NORTHERN HARRIER plied the hillsides. Other notable species included: 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, a flock of 25 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS (one of the largest flocks I have ever seen in the county); 4 VIOLET-GREEN and 1 TREE SWALLOW; 2 AMERICAN PIPITS; 3 YELLOW WARBLERS.

On Santa Ana Valley Road, between the intersections of Quien Sabe and John Smith Road, a PRAIRIE FALCON was sitting on the telephone pole.

A little further along the road, a FERRUGINOUS HAWK was also on a telephone pole.

Two more FERRUGINOUS HAWKS were vying for winter territory, high in the sky. One is below.
At residence #3600, two CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS were present. There may be three individuals.
I stopped at the Historical Park, near Bolado. Best birds were 2 CHIPPING SPARROWS, 5 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, 22 LARK SPARROWS, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW, 2 CALIFORNIA THRASHERS and 2 calling SORAS.

Finally, I returned to Hollister, passing this pumpkin field on my way to the post office.
Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater