Bald Hill birds; Blue Jay still there

[Lisa Millbank]

Hello,

We spent a few hours at Bald Hill Park today. Just north of the railroad trestle that crosses 53rd, there was a flock of more than a dozen WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. The BLUE JAY is still there; calling frequently this morning near the paved path south of the barn. Later in the day, we heard it northeast of the barn. There were hundreds and hundreds of AMERICAN ROBINS out in the sheep pastures, and a MERLIN flushed them, but kept up its swift and steady flight south.  A female DARK-EYED JUNCO took a bath in the a little stream trickling down the hillside. After her bath, she nestled into the grass, preened herself and napped in the sunshine.

 

Lots of birds were singing this morning, several BEWICK'S WRENS, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, a BROWN CREEPER and SONG SPARROWS. A PACIFIC WREN gave just a bit of song. It always seems like there is a noticeable difference in singing shortly after winter solstice as the days lengthen just a bit.  

 

There were quite a few HERMIT THRUSHES in the brushy areas along the margins of meadows and woods. It also a good day for COMMON RAVENS to soar and frolic, in the synchronized flying they do as a pair, including one bird turning upside-down to briefly clasp the feet of the other.  

 

While hiking one of the forest trails, we heard a GREAT HORNED OWL make a soft hoot. We found her hiding against the trunk of a shady Douglas-fir. 

 

We got good looks at RED-TAILED HAWKS today and a couple of NORTHERN HARRIERS.  One Red-tail was carrying a stick in its bill, which we thought might be related to courtship.  A pair were giving the Osprey-like chirp they make as a pair. 

 

We rode down the old section (closed to traffic) of Reservoir Ave and spotted an adult COOPER'S HAWK on a power line. A flock of more than a dozen CALIFORNIA QUAIL flew across the road and disappeared into the blackberry thickets.  A particularly tolerant, large Red-tail hunts in the field near the intersection of 53rd and West Hills Rd. We've seen her before, and she has a noticeably thin bill with a long hook on it.

 

Lisa Millbank & Don Boucher
www.neighborhood-naturalist.com