[EBB Sightings] Coyote Crteek Trail - 5/3

We got out yesterday between the squalls and walked north along the trail
for about a mile.  First observations were of a pair of Bushtits that seemed
unusually rufous in coloration.  These were apparently of the Pacific rather
than the Interior population.  

Shortly thereafter we encountered 20-30 Cedar Waxwings perched throughout a
poplar tree.  While watching these, a first winter Black-headed Grosbeak
appeared, singing as it moved up the tree and later down towards the creek.


About 200 yards beyond that one of the Red-shoulder Hawks began screeching
near the Cisco buildings.  When it appeared it made its way to the nest with
some small critter dangling from its beak.  My guess is there a chick or two
to be fed now.

While trying to catch a glimpse of the Red-shoulder chick, two
White-throated Swifts appeared from the other side of the tree, made several
passes and disappeared to the other side of the creek.

The Bullocks and Hooded Orioles are still hanging around the abandon farm
house and can be encountered about 100 yards north or south of it.  Both the
males and females saw fit to scold us as we took our time passing though.

A Western Kingbird sat atop a dead branch either watching us or a rather
noisy Red-winged Blackbird sitting on an adjacent telephone wire.

The White-tailed Kites are still defending their nesting area from intruders
and seem to have moved even the Red-tails further north.

The Ravens nest atop the power pole remains intact and probably with chicks.

It looks like the Red-tail nest atop the power pole further north failed.
Interestingly, it appears it is being rebuilt.  More interestingly, another
nest is in progress on the pole between the Raven's nest and it.  We watched
as different birds hauled branches from trees along the creek to both.

On the way back a Bewick's Wren made a brief appearance and finally, a
Black-throated Gray Warbler was seen gleaning larva from a treetop just
south of the abandon farmhouse.

Throughout the walk, Song Sparrows and several species of swallows were
seen, including Tree, Northern Rough-wing, Cliff and Barn swallows.

Also noted were the usual cast of characters including European Starlings,
Crows, Mourning Doves, House Sparrows, Black Phoebe's, Turkey Vultures and
California Towhee's.

The crowned sparrows are gone as are the yellow-rumps.

Chuck Woodrum
Fremont 94539