Date: 4/30/25 9:53 pm From: Cruz Phillips via groups.io <cruzitas...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Buntings and Grosbeaks
Continuing on the Bunting thread...George and I took a drive up Happy Canyon to Cachuma Creek today. We found three flocks of 8, 15+, and 30+ Lazuli Buntings along with several more individuals for a total of 59+ Lazuli Buntings.
We also had a flock of 25+ Black-headed Grosbeaks, the largest single group I have ever seen. They were at the second seep after the old shooting spot. The seep also had Seep Monkeyflower, a beautiful large bright yellow Monkey flower. And 4 Lawrence's Goldfinches, a bird I have not been seeing a lot of this spring.
Other fun birds at the creek included Hermit Warblers, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Western Tanager, W. Wood Pewee, Ash-throated Fly, Pac slope Fly, Warbling Vireo, lots of calling Mountain Quail, and a Swainson's Thrush. Plus all the other expected resident birds including Golden Eagle. Some nice flowers too including plenty of Globe Lilies hiding in the shade.
Came home to 2 Black-headed Grosbeaks and Lazuli Buntings in the yard. The two Yellow-headed Blackbirds are continuing to stick around with the other blackbirds.
Cruz PhillipsLas Cruzitas RanchSanta Ynez
