Date: 4/25/25 10:09 am From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Arrivals at the Ranch
I did not see the White-throated Sparrow yet today, but yesterday it was obvious near the feeder. I hope it sticks around until tomorrow when my DeDUCKtions team sets out on its Birdathon day.
Today I heard a stinging Western Tanager outside my office door and quickly grabbed my binoculars. It was high in the thick old trees beside the building and resisted my efforts to get a look.
I’ve also been waiting for the Black-chinned Hummingbird to arrive at McClellan Ranch, and today was the day I spotted a female at the flowering salvia beside the feeders. She showed a clean whitish throat, small rounded head and slender neck, paddle-shaped wingtips, and long bill. She explored the flowers and also visited the feeder a couple of times. So far only one individual as far as I could tell, so I hope a male shows up soon. I will keep watching the native plantings of salvia and monkey flower across from our building.
Earlier this week I heard the Bullock’s Oriole again, and even caught a glimpse of it as it flew across the meadow. They always seem less common than the Hooded Orioles at this location.
At least three Western Flycatchers, as many as six Warbling Vireos. A couple of Orange-crowned Warblers, and a Wilson’s Warbler were also vocalizing along the creek trail and near the Alpaca enclosure. Two pairs of Northern Rough-winged Swallows are focusing their attention on the bridge leading toward the overflow lot.
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There is still plenty of time to join or sponsor a team for this year’s Spring Birdathon!
https://scvbirdalliance.org/birdathon
Matthew
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvbirdalliance.org
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