May 6, 2004
More migrants
After yesterday's success, I decided to re-visit Willowbank Ditch and Slide Hill Park. It always amazes me how migration brings a new set of birds each day. At Willowbank, I saw no warblers or vireos, but Pacific-slope Flycatchers seemed to be everywhere (I conservatively estimated 5 birds along the stretch behind Putah Creek Park).
Today's unusual flyovers were a Yellowlegs sp and a rather late Acorn Woodpecker. 3 Swainson's Thrushes were present, though I only saw one of these. Birding highlight was two Black-chinned Hummers - a county first for me. I wonder if these birds breed in the vicinity, as the male was acting pretty territorial (he certainly seemed to object to my presence).
I actually managed to see a dragonfly well enough to tentatively identify it. I suspect this is a teneral male Common Whitetail, as it has the body coloration of a female but lacks black in the wingtips - any comments welcomed!
Slide Hill Park was quiet save for a few Western Tanagers and a singing Wilson's Warbler. White-tailed Kites look set to nest in the vicinity. I managed to take some ok shots of this bird, although had the usual problem of white bird against bright sky resulting in overexposure!
