August 24, 2004
Migration hotting up...
The last few days have brought many new birds to the Davis area. Perhaps most noticeable is a huge upsurge in the number of Black-throated Gray Warblers: along with Orange-crowned Warbler, they were the commonest warbler species at Putah Creek Picnic Ground on Sunday, and I've heard many just riding my bike through town. Today Roger Adamson and I were treated a rare sight at Willowbank Ditch: the low shrubs had been watered by sprinklers and a flock of warblers was using the saturated leaves to take a bath! We had excellent views of Warbling Vireos, Pacific-slope and Willow Flycatchers, Wilson's and Black-throated Gray Warblers without having to crane our necks!
My joy at spotting a young Great Horned Owl roosting near Putah Creek Picnic Ground quickly turned to dismay when I realised the poor bird had a serious-looking eye injury. I contacted Ryan Phillips of the nearby California Raptor Center, who is attempting to capture this bird today. Will report back if he has any success...
North Pond continues to attract crippled waders: this Lesser Yellowlegs is missing a few toes, but seems to be getting around just fine.
Rufous Hummingbird is a daily sight here currently.
The City of Davis Wetlands has continued to produce a stream of interesting birds, including a large female Peregrine, Sanderling, Willet and this Western Gull.
This brings my county list to 220!
Dragonfly-watchers, anyone know what this tiny Forktail sp. is?
Richard: we're just going to have to pick you up a copy of Tim Manolis's book...
Posted by: Pica at August 24, 2004 10:27 PM