Date: 7/21/26 7:33 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] 5 Warbler morning at Vollmer Peak, plus post-breeding dispersers
My recent birding has been fairly quiet, but this morning really stood out for variety and novelty.
Following up on reports of *Black-throated Gray* and *Hermit Warblers* at Vollmer Peak, I went to see if they continued. While these species are regular here later in the fall, the 3rd week of July is earlier than I usually start monitoring this spot. I'm not sure if Hermits typically show up this early, but it's definitely early for Black-throated Gray.
I was pleased to find both of those species (including at least 2 Hermits - perhaps as many as 4), plus a female *MacGillivray's Warbler seemingly with a begging fledgling* in tow, plus *Orange-crowned Warblers with fledglings*, and *Wilson's Warblers*. I can't remember having a 5 warbler day in late July, so this was quite a treat. The MacGivllivray's seemingly had a breeding territory here earlier in the year, so it's nice to see they've been successful.
Other highlights:
- One major highlight for me was a f*ledgling Rufous-crowned Sparrow*, which I photographed in harsh light in the midst of chasing warblers - assuming at the time that it was a Song Sparrow fledgling. I only noticed my hasty mis-ID later when reviewing photos. This is my first for this species at Vollmer (and a nice breeding code), so in retrospect, that turned out to be a real treat! I thought at one earlier point that I'd heard Rufous-crowned Sparrow deer-deer calls, but this wasn't heard clearly enough - so I've only counted the one I photographed. - *2 Lazuli Buntings* called from dense brush on the NE side of the peak, making buzzy flight calls in response to a low flying Red-tailed Hawk. Thanks to the Red-tail, otherwise I'd never notice the buntings! - A *banded adult Red-tailed Hawk* was interesting to see perched on a radio dish on one of the towers - though I couldn't get the whole band number. It might include the numbers 669, but I'm not sure. - *Blue-gray Gnatcatchers* were present at several locations - a bird that's less common except on the lower slopes. - *California Thrashers* were being quite vocals, making various cryptic calls from the poison oak thickets on the east side of the peak - *House Wrens and Purple Finches* (in incognito mode) were seemingly everywhere - probably post-breeding dispersers - The *Western Flycatchers* have seemingly bred successfuly here (or are dispersing from elsewhere) - since there were mixed adults and juveniles. They tend to breed down by the steam train area, so they're less often on the east side of the peak along the Seaview trail, except during migration.
Many of these species are being more quiet (mostly calls and few songs) and less visibly obvious right now, so if you go look for them, listening for calls can really help.
