Guadalupe Oak Grove Park

breeding birds

2010-07-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'll try to recall significant events in the park during the last year and a half I've neglected to blog.

A flock of Chipping Sparrows has wintered in adjoining Jeffrey Fontana Park for several years now, and they occasionally wander into Guadalupe Oak Grove. South bay birders can count on finding this species here for their year list.

A Hutton's Vireo pair nested high in a Valley Oak over the wooded trail this spring. I could see the tip of the females tail as she brooded eggs for several weeks. I enjoyed watching their progress from nest building to finding a fledgling giving his rendition of their call. Later I happened to find their empty nest on the trail.

Anna's Hummingbird nest along the south end of the wooded trail. One day I found 4 female hummingbirds on nests and one building a nest. Anna's nest early to coincide with blooming Gooseberry and California Fuchsia which grow along this trail. To find a hummingbird nest, look for a female gathering nest material or catching insects and follow her short flight to the nest.

The Coopers Hawk pair returned to last years nest and fledged two offspring a few weeks ago. The immature birds delighted the Los Gatos Birdwatcher group last Saturday on a field trip to the park. The young birds perched together on a snag, providing excellent views. That day the group bid farewell to our friend Hubert D'Hondt, who will return to France after an extended stay.

The parks resident Red-shouldered Hawk pair nested in the middle woods again. Once I find their nest I don't return, since they are easily agitated.
Finding nesting birds is a hobby of mine. I've found 117 nest so far this season. My favorite again this year was the Golden Eagle's nest on the Woods trail in Sierra Azul. They fledged one chick and had one unhatched egg. A close second was the Blue Gray Gnatcatcher nest on the Guadalupe trail in Quicksilver Co. Park. I could see into the nest and watch them feed nestlings. I was amazed how quickly the female would return with insects to feed her young.

Friday evening July 9th, I watched the resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks circling the park and constantly calling. I could hear the faint cries of their offspring, but hadn't found their nest in years. I followed their calls and spotted them on the Athenour property to the north east. The adults were apparently trying to coax the young to leave the nest. I was privileged to see both immature hawks first hesitant flight to a nearby Redwood tree. Two days later they were soaring over the ridge with confidence. The plumage of the immature Red-tailed Hawk is spectacular.

On May 6, 2010, I found a rare migrant, a Gray Flycatcher on the Quarry Trail. It was perched in a small oak flicking its tail. I knew right away it was something I hadn't seen before. Unfortunately it didn't stay, but was recorded for county records. It was one of two Gray Flycatchers seen in the county this year, the first since 2003. Regular birding in a neighborhood park results in some interesting finds. My species list for the park now numbers 109. I wonder what I'll find next?

Janna

CLINT

2008-12-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

The cut face on quarried sandstone reads CLINT WHY? Dec. 15 1993.
Exactly 15 years after that date, I find myself in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park staring at this rock. Why was I here that day, when I have neglected the park for so long? I find birding elsewhere more rewarding and seldom bird here anymore. It's cold and brisk today and the long green grass is in stark contrast to the brown hills of a valley in a year long drought. It rained yesterday and I find birds here and there. Dark eyed Juncos among White and Golden crowned Sparrows foraging on the ground. Ruby crowned Kinglet's are chattering throughout the park, announcing their presence. The Red tailed Hawk pair is still here and I find a beautiful Red breasted Sapsucker snug against an oak tree trunk, drilling for sap. A Downy and Nuttall's Woodpecker share a limb and a few Western Bluebirds fly overhead. Acorn Woodpeckers seem to be everywhere giving their raucous calls.

But no one is here for Clint. I only know he was a teenager found hanging from a tree limb by park rangers fifteen years ago today. I don't even know his full name. Friends used to gather at the rock with candles on the anniversary of his death. I'm sure he's not forgotten, not my me, not by his family or his friends. Rest in peace Clint.

Janna Pauser

sparrow chase

2007-12-05T19:57:00.001-08:00

I don't usually write about birding places other than Guadalupe Oak Grove in this blog, but things have been slow there lately. I haven't seen a good bird in the park since the Chestnut sided Warbler on Sept. 21. It was a rare bird for the county, and my best warbler this year.

On Nov. 6, I led a preschool class on a nature walk in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. While the kids were playing on the playground I went off to look for acorns for them to collect. Amazingly I came across a flock of Chipping Sparrows. I'd seen that species in the area several times, usually in the spring. I came back many times in the next three weeks, and counted as many as thirteen. It didn't attract much attention until another birder found a Clay colored Sparrow with the flock. Ann Verdi and I looked for it the next day, and both got a good look at this sparrow perched in a tree right in front of us.

On Dec. 3, I birded at Jeffrey Fontana Park where the sparrows had been seen. I heard a Fox Sparrow which I reported a week ago. Then I lucked out and found the Clay colored Sp. in the grass and nearby Chipping Sparrows. Just inside Guadalupe Oak Grove Park I found the White throated Sparrow, an uncommon winter visitor, which I first spotted a month ago. Already I had three uncommon sparrows! I continued the chase on the Guadalupe River Trail where I picked up White and Golden crowned Sparrows, Lincolns, House and Song Sparrow. It was only 9:30, so I drove out to Fortini Rd. I hadn't seen a Lark Sparrow for months, but persistence produced a Lark Sparrow. I knew I could find a Rufous crowned Sparrow at the Stile Ranch trailhead. I played its call on my PDA, and three RCSP popped up in the chaparral. I had only one more possible sparrow to find, so I stopped at the Calero Reservoir boat ramp and found a Savannah Sparrow, my twelveth sparrow species!!!

(White-throated Sparrow photo by Alan Walther)

nesting birds

2007-09-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Each year I happen upon many active bird nests while birding. This year was no exception, with 49 nests seen in various parks this spring. The noisy nestling's alert me to their presence, and I stay to watch the adults feed their young. My favorite find was a Northern Mockingbird nest on the Guadalupe River trail in downtown San Jose. I was serving jury duty and walked to the nearby trail to have my lunch. A mockingbird perched nearby, eventually flew and settled on its nest in a Sycamore tree over my picnic table. It was the first and only Northern Mockingbird nest I've found. Although this bird is common, its nest had eluded me.

My husband Lee has 100 nest boxes in various Almaden Valley Parks, with many in GOG. We haven't had Western Screech Owls nest in a nest box for several years but I found two fledglings sitting side by side in a big Valley Oak tree recently. Lee has two Ash throated Flycatcher pairs nesting and five Western Bluebird pairs nesting in his nest boxes the park.

About ten years ago Lee gave me my first pair of binoculars. I knew nothing about birds, but went to GOG park one May morning. With beginners luck, I happened upon Northern Flickers nesting in a tree cavity. I sat on a log and watched the pair feed two nestling's for over an hour. That's what got me hooked on birding.

A photographer friend Alan Walther, found Northern Flickers nesting in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park this spring and shared their location. It's rare to find this bird nesting on the valley floor. It was a thrill to see the adults feeding their offspring.

(Northern Flicker photo by Alan Walther)

Yellow-breasted Chat

2007-05-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

A little rain last night made a trip to Guadalupe Oak Grove Park a must this morning. It was a work day and I had to make this quick. As I walked back to my car after walking the trail, I heard a bird making a variety of calls. I gave some loud whistles, which surprisingly the bird mimicked, and further piqued my curiosity. I peered up into the tree and found a Yellow-breasted Chat!!
This unique bird was easily recognizable: a very large warbler with a vivid yellow throat and breast, is as bold and brash as local birds get. It flew off into the poison oak and peered out at me from an open area on the ground. Again I got a great look at this uncommon and normally elusive bird. I rushed home to post it on South Bay Birds, so that others may see it before it left. Later that afternoon I returned to the park and found several birders looking for the chat. Eventually, all got satisfying looks at the chat in a rare appearance at GOG. Apparently the bird left that night and was not seen again.

(Yellow-breasted Chat photo by Peter LaTourrette)

Almaden Eagles Birdathon

2007-04-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

The following was posted on South Bay Birds by our venerable leader, Ann Verdi. This is the forth year I've participated in Audubon's Birdathon or Big Day, a fund raiser for youth education. It was even more special this year because our best birds were found at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Janna

Yesterday (Sun, Apr 22) the Almaden Eagles Birdathon team (Janna Pauser, Kirsten Holmquist, Rich Page, and Ann Verdi) did our run. We go for a full day, although we cover only a limited area on our count - only in the Almaden area and nearby areas - hence we never get up to the baylands, the Diablo Range, or the Santa Cruz Mountains (except for a small portion of Sierra Azul) - however we're able to find a good variety of species within our relatively small circle.

Here's a run-down of some of the highlights of our day. With weather reports of heavy rain predicted for the morning, we had opted to make a later start than usual and do our owling at the end of the day - but lo and behold, the rain had already passed through by morning, but we had a late start anyway.

We started with Guadalupe Oak Grove Park where because of the rain the night before there was a nice fall-out of passerines. Highlights here included two CASSIN'S VIREOS and two NASHVILLE WARBLERS. Other notable birds at the park included PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, HUTTON'S VIREO, COOPER'S HAWK, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and VAUX'S SWIFT overhead. To Janna's delight, we also saw a female NORTHERN FLICKER peaking out from one of the nest boxes.

Next stop was Alamitos Creek Trail by Camden Ave & Graystone bridge. Here we found HOUSE WREN, YELLOW WARBLER, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, a fly-over GREAT BLUE HERON, and Kirsten found a FOX SPARROW. We also saw a pair of nesting WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.

On to the Stile Ranch trailhead and the ranch lands around Fortini and San Vicente Rds. At the Stile Ranch trailhead we picked up RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW and W. MEADOWLARK. In the ranch lands we saw WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAVANNAH SPARROW, AMERICAN KESTREL, and a lone BAND-TAILED PIGEON in one of the trees.

We visited CALERO RESERVOIR twice during the day but because of high winds and very little roosting area, we didn't find as much as we had hoped here; however, we did see our first GOLDEN EAGLE of the day (an immature). We had some concern about finding our "namesake" Golden Eagle as the eagles have chosen not to nest at the McKean Rd transmission tower nesting site this season. Other birds tallied here included GADWALL, WHITE-TAILED KITE, N. HARRIER, FORSTER'S TERN, and a variety of swallows. (We managed to get to get all five regularly occurring swallow species during our day - Tree, Violet-green, N. Rough-winged, Cliff, Barn).

We headed on to Casa Loma Road and the entrance to Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Highlights here included a pair of WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES along Llagas Creek, and a nice male LAZULI BUNTING in Rancho Canada del Oro OSP. Other notable birds here included COMMON RAVEN, WARBLING VIREO, HAIRY WOODPECKER, plus YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE seen along Casa Loma Rd. We also saw a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES here.

Next stop was Chesbro Reservoir and here we found our bird-of-the-day - a SOLITARY SANDPIPER seen upstream of the reservoir in Llagas Creek along Old Oak Glen Road. Janna originally spotted the bird which was then well seen and studied by all of us. Although Chesbro Reservoir is quite dry right now, we found an interesting assortment of other shorebirds on the mudflats - one GREATER YELLOWLEGS, approximately 60 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, and about dozen DUNLIN (all in full breeding plumage). Other birds tallied here included WOOD DUCK and WESTERN BLUEBIRD.

Then it was time to head back to the Almaden area. At the Mockingbird Hill entrance to Quicksilver CP we found BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and WRENTIT. At Almaden Reservoir we found our first COMMON MERGANSER of the day plus more Wood Ducks. While we didn't add anything new in Twin Creeks, we finally got some decent looks at Pacific-slope Flycatcher and Warbling Vireo. By then we were into late afternoon and the winds were kicking up. We tallied CALIFORNIA THRASHER on Mt Umunhum, but the township of New Almaden and Hicks Road were quiet.

Back to suburbia, stopping first at Almaden Lake where we noted GREAT EGRET, SNOWY EGRET, GREEN HERON, and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON on the nesting island. RING-BILLED GULL was our only gull species tallied for the day. Two W. Sandpipers and a Dunlin were also seen here, plus several Common Mergansers. We also saw a beautiful male HOODED ORIOLE on the west side of the park. Last day-time stop was at the Water District as daylight was fading. In the channel we saw a male CINNAMON TEAL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER in breeding plumage, plus a heard-only COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at the main pond.

After a quick bite to eat, we then headed over to the McAbee entrance to Quicksilver CP for a little owling. It was dark by the time we got there, and we were unable to rouse any Common Poorwills, so we had to settle for heard-only W. SCREECH OWL and BARN OWL. And so ended our big day.

We had a few misses - notably Osprey, Caspian Tern, and no selasphorous hummers - but we ended up with a total of 107 species for the day which is pretty good for this limited inland count, and definitely better than our total of 99 species last year.

Ann Verdi

Varied Thrush

2007-01-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

Varied Thrush are moving into Almaden Valley this winter. I've seen them in Quicksilver County Park and elsewhere. I thought this would be the year to find this colorful species in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Right out of my car I heard it's distinctive call. I found my first Varied Thrush across from the parking lot. Walking along the wooded trail I found two more beautiful bright orange males picking through the leaf litter under the oaks. That should be species number 98 for the park.

(Varied Thrush photo by Peter LaTourrette)

Winter Species Survey

2007-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

I completed my winter survey in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park this morning Jan. 18, 2007. I had been waiting for some rain, which has been sparce this winter. Today I found 36 spcies. Most interesting were Hairy Woodpecker, Merlin, Red-breasted Sapsucker, W. Bluebirds, and White-throated Swifts, which seemed unusual for this time of year.

The huge Starling flock flew overhead and fifty more were seen in the park.

36 species for winter survey

Double-crested Cormorant 1 flyover
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 1
California Quail 6
Rock Pigeon 4
Mourning Dove 12
White-throated Swift 5
Anna's Hummingbird 10
Acorn Woodpecker 25
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Nuttall's Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
Black Phoebe 2
Western Scrub-Jay 8
American Crow 1
Cedar Waxwing 40
Western Bluebird 4
American Robin 80
European Starling 200
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Bewick's Wren 3
Bushtit 13
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Oak Titmouse 13
Lesser Goldfinch 2
House Finch 14
Yellow-rumped Warbler 75
Golden-crowned Sparrow 23
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Spotted Towhee 1
California Towhee 4

Minnesota birding

2006-06-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

We arrived early for the Pauser family reunion in Cold Springs Minnesota June 17th. A storm was predicted, so I grabbed my binoculars to check out Uncle Rodney’s backyard before the party started. My target bird was the Red eyed Vireo. Well, why not? Last year I found a Yellow billed Cuckoo, my most sought after bird. Red eyed Vireo was second on my list of must see birds in Minnesota.

I found House Wrens nesting in a small bird house in their beautiful wooded yard. A pair of Rose breasted Grosbeaks and a male Cardinal was also seen. I heard an unfamiliar bird song, which was clearly a vireo. I made a pssst call and two Red eyed Vireos flew in close, looking quizzically at me. Their stark white undersides, dark eye line, red eye, and white eyebrow told me they were indeed Red eyed Vireos. It was almost too easy, a new life bird for me!!! A few minutes later I heard another vireo call. This time I spotted a stunning male Yellow throated Vireo, another life bird. I found Eastern Bluebirds on the roof and Chipping Sparrows on the driveway before it started to rain. After a wonderful reunion we headed home in torrential rain, enduring a classic Minnesota thunderstorm.

Birding every spare moment on our five day vacation yielded seven life birds for me. I found five more Red eyed Vireos, three Indigo Buntings, and clearly heard a Barred Owl's eerie call on our last stop before departure. I also added four nests to my nest list. My only disappointment was the lack of warblers. I think I have a better idea on where to bird, so who knows what I'll find next year!!!

Janna

Pileated Woodpecker !!!

2006-05-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

I did my spring species survey in G.O.G. Park April 27, 2006. A female Anna's Hummingbird looked very sweet sitting in the center of her nest working on the rim with her long beak. I heard two singing Orange-crowned Warblers and two Wilson's Warblers, seeing one of each. Only a dozen Band tailed Pigeons were seen today. A week ago nearly 200 flew out of the trees as I drove along Vargas. Two newly arrived male Ash throated Flycatchers were calling for mates and will hopefully nest in the park. Three male W. Bluebirds were guarding their nest boxes, with females brooding eggs. The 25 Cedar Waxwings which flew over in tight formation will be leaving soon. Dark-eyed Junco and Bewicks Wren were feeding begging fledglings. The White-breasted Nuthatch pair was feeding a second brood in an Elderberry cavity only two feet off the ground. I also saw a pair of Coopers, Red shouldered and Red tailed Hawks. One Am. Kestrel pounced on a large insect as I walked by. A pair of colorful Hooded Orioles and Bullocks Orioles was a delight to find. I counted 10 Scrub Jays at the top of the south stairs and wondered what they were up to. Two Hutton's Vireos at opposite ends of the park were heard this morning. Hopefully they will also nest in the park this spring.

I decided to walk through the woods again hoping to find a Warbling Vireo which I'd seen the previous week. I caught a glimpse of a big black bird and wondered why a Turkey Vulture would land on the side of a tree. I got my binoculars on the bird and found a Pileated Woodpecker!! The largest woodpecker species was an amazing discovery in this suburban habitat. I always knew I'd find one in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, as strange as that may sound. I got a pretty good look at the bird before it worked its way around the back of the tree and flew off. I believe it was a male because of the large red crest. I drove home and posted my sighting on South Bay Birds in hopes another birder would find it before it was gone. I've found other rare birds, but this has to be my favorite. I received many messages of congratulations later that day.

John Mariani who hosts the web site Almaden Valley Birds wrote the following.
28 April, 2006
Janna Pauser reports the discovery of a PILEATED WOODPECKER at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on April 27th. This is a first record for the Almaden Valley. In recent years the Santa Cruz Mountains population has been increasing and expanding its range, so an eventual occurrence was to be expected - most likely in the Sierra Azul. But birds don't always do what is most likely, and the suburban location of this sighting is a bit of a surprise.

I had 40 bird species for my spring survey

Turkey Vulture 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Coopers Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Rock Pigeon 9
Band-tailed Pigeon 12
Mourning Dove 15
White-throated Swift 2
Anna's Hummingbird 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Acorn Woodpecker 28
Nuttall's Woodpecker 3
Black Phoebe 2
Ash-throated Flycatcher 2
Western Scrub-Jay 10
American Crow 1
Hutton's Vireo 2
Cedar Waxwing 15
Western Bluebird 3
American Robin 4
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 18
White-breasted Nuthatch 7
Bewick's Wren 5
Bushtit 12
Violet-green Swallow 14
No. Rough-winged Swallow 2
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6
Oak Titmouse 10
American Goldfinch 2
Lesser Goldfinch 12
Orange-crowned Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Wilson's Warbler 3
Dark-eyed Junco 7
Spotted Towhee 1
California Towhee 6
Bullock's Oriole 2
Hooded Oriole 2

Golden Eagles

2006-02-17T20:02:00.001-08:00

I have an exciting addition for my bird species list. Today is the seventh time I've seen Golden Eagles in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. They nest about 10 miles away near Calero Reservoir.

2-9-06 Today's Golden Eagle flew into Guadalupe Oak Grove Park and perched on the ridge. It gave a loud, harsh chirping call from its perch. I watched it fly with deep, slow wing beats, hunting along the hillside before flying off to the north.

At the top of the stairs I flushed a adult Merlin from its tree top perch. Two Red-tailed Hawks were calling and performing a courtship display with talons extended. An adult Red-shouldered Hawk was calling from the woods where they are often seen and heard. Then a male American Kestrel flew by clutching its prey.

Also seen today were three Western Bluebirds along the ridge. I have seen them during the winter months feeding on Mistletoe and perched on tree tops.

*********************************

2-11-2006 I arrived at 12:30 today just in time to see two Golden Eagles!! An adult flew in and maneuvered like a much smaller bird, capturing it's prey on the ground. I watched from a short distance, amazed at the agility of this huge bird. It sat on the ground clasping its prey, then flew off and joined another Golden Eagle flying along the ridge. I walked to the Vargas pass and saw them circling in the distance with two Turkey Vultures. Soon they returned and I noticed one eagle was a juvenile with white wing patches and tail band. I feel privileged to see these magnificent birds in the park.

Spring

2005-05-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

The bird that's eluded me for years was found today, mothers day, in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Between showers I stopped at the park and found a Swainsons Thrush. It seemed to be as curious about me as I was about it. An Anna's Hummingbird was taking apart an old nest, perhaps construction another. A bright yellow bird in the tree canopy caught my eye, a beautiful male Wilson's Warbler. Western Bluebirds were finding insects near the parking lot. Chestnut backed Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, and White breasted Nuthatch fledglings were seen begging for food along the wooded trail and throughout the park. Several days ago I found a Bewicks Wren pair attending their brood nesting in a small log on the ground. Eight singing Warbling Vireos were seen or heard and many Black headed Grosbeaks were singing from the oak trees on that day. Bullocks and Hooded Orioles seen with one Yellow rumped Warbler that seemed to be left behind.

On the Quarry trail today I found a Great Horned Owl in a sandstone cut near the stairs. On the west side of the park I sighted an Olive sided Flycatcher perched atop the tallest oak tree. A pair of Western Tanagers and Bluebirds were found here again today.

The spring rains have yet to cease but breeding birds are thriving. All this rain seems to have increased the number of insects substantially. We're hoping the Ash throated Flycatcher will find a mate and return to the same nest box for the fourth consecutive year. He's been calling for two weeks now. Lee will soon be able to post the fledgling totals which should be significant. Janna

two owls

2004-11-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

I got a call from friends, Frank and Joan, who had just seen an owl perched in a tree in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. A variety of birds had been mobbing the owl, which caught their attention. It was a Great Horned Owl, which stayed all day, and Lee was able to photograph.

The following week I discovered more birds noisily mobbing something in the same tree. I found an owl and thought this looks like a Long-eared Owl! It seemed unlikely another owl species would happen to roost in the same tree. I checked on the owl again late afternoon and fortunately ran into Charlie Rettner with his camera. I said "have I got a bird for you!!" He climbed up on the rocks and photographed the owl. The next day he sent me a photo, which I emailed to experts for identification. Les Chibana was the first to proclaim it was indeed a Long- eared Owl, the first of the season and rare to this area. Charlie gave us permission to use his photo on our web site. The Long-eared Owl photograph can be viewed on page 3 of our park photos along with our Great Horned Owl pictures.

Bobcat and Coyote

2004-11-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

I got to Guadalupe Oak Grove Park at 4 pm, after birding on two other trails today. The green grass is a wonderful background for the dark oak trees in low light, and the park looks magical. I found the Lions Mane mushroom which grows on the same tree each winter. The squirrels have been eating it again this year. It was so beautiful three years ago when allowed to mature.

I met two park regulars, Richie and Dorothy with their friends, and told them about my web site. Then I looked for the Townsends Warbler I'd seen in the same location earlier in the week.

A woman with a small white Terrier asked me if I'd seen any Coyotes. I told her no, and she walked on. Then I noticed a large male Bobcat heading her way. I watched as she passed the Bobcat, now hiding behind a small bush beside the trail. It was the same large male cat I'd seen some time ago with an unusual curled tail. The cat then dashed out and ran up the hill and under the fence. I was still watching it when a young Coyote appeared on the ridge stalking the Bobcat. They watched each other for a while, then the Bobcat sat down and began grooming, seemingly uninterested. They were nearly the same size. The Coyote looked at me and then the Bobcat, unsure what to do next. They were about 20 feet apart when they disappeared over the ridge and out of sight.

As I was walking down the Quarry tail I heard an unusual sound. As a birder, I always pursue unfamiliar sounds. Finally I found two Red-breasted Sapsuckers, a juvenile and adult female. The juvenile's head was still downy and it was begging for food, all the while making sweet soft mewing sounds. I watched them for 15 minutes and they were never more than a foot apart. I'm always anxious to find the Red-breasted Sapsucker, which return to the park for a short time each fall. What a wonderful finish to a beautiful day.
Janna

birding at dusk

2004-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

A walk in the park just before dusk was enchanting. Many birds were in flight and feeding before roosting for the night. The light was perfect, and the birds silhouette's made them easy to find and view with my binoculars.

Even though many Crows and Starling were present I found the following birds which are a good sample of the parks winter birds.

Anna's Hummingbird
Acorn Woodpecker (many)
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Black Phoebe
Hutton's Vireo
W. Scrub Jay
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Oak Titmouse
Bushtit
White-breasted Nuthatch
Bewicks Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Northern Mockingbird
Yellow-rumped Warblers
Cal. Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
House Finch
Lesser Goldfinch

The bird tree

2004-09-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

It was cool and breezy when I birded in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park this afternoon. Very few birds seen along the wooded trail except for the parks speciality, Acorn Woodpeckers. I stopped and pished (a term to call in birds) when I saw some birds high in a Coast Live Oak tree. Then my first fall Townsends Warbler flew in close to me. I don't think I've ever gotten a better look at this brightly colored warbler. Other birds congregated in the same tree were White breasted Nuthatch, Chestnut backed Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bewicks Wren, Black Phoebe, Huttons Vireo, and several Bushtits. Also seen in the park were Lesser Goldfinch, Nuttalls Woodpecker, and a small flock of Golden-crowned Sparrows with some Cal. Towhees near the Villas. Two vocal adult Red shouldered Hawks showed their displeasure when a Red tailed Hawk soared into their territory. A most unusual sight was an adult Coopers Hawk chasing a Turkey Vulture. An Orange-crowned Warbler was seen near the parking lot while talking to park regulars Thalia and Hal.

Bobcat sighted

2004-09-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

I found a few birds in the trees near parking lot today, but not much else along the tree lined trail. I turned around to leave and that's when I spotted a beautiful male Bobcat walking towards me. When he saw me he flicked his tail a few times, then walked right up a leaning tree trunk and disappeared into the dense foliage.