Date: 4/24/25 8:06 pm From: Dori via groups.io <Dorienne777...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Penitencia Creek Trail today
Today, I led my very first trip for Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance and
chose to do it on my "patch," the Penitencia Creek Trail where I bird at
least 2 to 3 times a week. I was blessed to have a warm, wonderful group of
people and very grateful to my co-leader Melanie Barnett who is just
outstanding. Although the weather was cold and cloudy, we were not
disappointed by what we were able to find. We found 42 species plus some
hybrids and a Muscovy Duck. The highlight for everyone were the rufous
hummingbirds busily feeding on Pride of Madera. We also got great looks at a
western flycatcher, Steller's jay, and northern rough-winged swallows (like
7 of them all lined up on a low bare branch for us.) We actually had 4
different species of swallows. Besides the NRWS, we also had barn, tree and
violet-green swallows but they were mostly moving too fast and too high to
get good pictures or even clear counts or IDs. We also had a lone ruddy
duck, a belted kingfisher, both ACORN and NUTTALL'S WOODPECKERS, a COOPER'S
AND A RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. It was a great experience
and I am so grateful to SCVBA for all the wonderful opportunities they've
given me to learn and grow as a birder. Please consider supporting the
ongoing Birdathon that helps encourage young birders from local low income
schools.
Dori Faust
These fantastic photos are courtesy of Renee Punian.
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.
