Date: 4/18/25 3:46 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coyote Lake Camping Overview
Hi all -
I camped (with non-birders) the last two nights at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. Here are just a few fun moments. What an opportunity to hone in one's birding by ear skills. With everything green and lush some of the birds were invisible, but their song gave them away. PURPLE FINCH, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER were throughout the Lake View Campground. Regarding raptors, the TURKEY VULTURES were the most numerous fly overs, but during my two days I also observed RED-TAILED HAWKS, RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE, a NORTHERN HARRIER, WHITE-TAILED KITES, and both a SHARP-SHINNED & COOPER'S HAWK.
After dark and throughout the night GREAT-HORNED OWLS were heard repeatedly. On Thursday morning a NORTHERN PYGMY OWL was calling before dawn. One night BARN OWLS were flying directly over the campground as they were "kleaking" overhead.
We could also hear the clacking of GREAT-BLUE HERON chicks somewhere in a nest. The adults herons were observed repeatedly flying overhead.
WILD TURKEYS own the campground as males walked around the campsites displaying, and the CALIFORNIA QUAIL were also near.
A few WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS remain and the swallows were in high numbers. VIOLET GREEN and TREE were the most numerous. Some looking for nest cavities. WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were also observed nesting.
I never made it to the dam.
Both nights at roughly 8:50 PM we saw the line of Starlink Satelites pass overhead flying south bound at roughly 8:50 PM. (Freaked out a few neighboring campers.)
Lisa Myers Los Gatos Birdwatcher/Let's Go Birding
P.S. If you have not had a chance to participate in the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance Spring Birdathon you still have time. My team "Los Gatos Birdwatcher" has filled, but you are welcome to support our efforts. And if not us, please consider supporting another who is working hard to raise money for our local birding organization. Is not us - than who? https://scvbirdalliance.org/birdathon
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
