[EBB Sightings] bird activity is....mushrooming

Hi Gang,
 With all the signs of spring around (lemony blooms of
leatherwood and sprightly milk maids, even a first
white trillium), I couldn't help but notice the
burgeoning bird activity in the brief moments that I
have been looking up from the ground.

On Sunday at Lake Chabot, I heard the first snatches
of a Swainson's thrush song, and just maybe the first
few notes of an Olive Sided Flycatcher (Quick Threee,
hold the beers), too.

Yesterday at Huckleberry Preserve I was surrounded by
a soon to be dissolved, mixed species flock of birds,
in singles and pairs: bushtits, CG chickadees and even
a spectacled, fat billed vireo...could it have been a
Bells? They were unfazed by my presence, and the vireo
in particular gave me a rather hard look as it gleaned
its final meal of the fading day. 

I heard the first high, chittering notes of white
throated swifts over my house in Oakland yesterday.

Might have to actually start carrying my binocs when I
walk the woods. It's almost time for the
fungal/feathered changing of the guard...

Debbie Viess