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Monthly Archives: April 2022

Northern Waterthrush – Agua Caliente

Northern Waterthrush – Agua Caliente
By – 1:28 pm
A Northern Waterthrush was hanging out in the campground at Agua Caliente County park today – in the area where the stream crosses the road (near the restroom). It was singing off and on all morning, but I did not know what species I was hearing. I sat on a rock and just watched for a while, and eventually it came out and foraged in the open.  Other birds of note out there today – a small flock of Brant (geese) flew over just before sunrise. A Green Heron tried repeatedly to land at the little stream near the restroom – it kept getting spooked and then would fly in a circle around the camp. Oddly enough, this species has been reported there before, always in April , but it was a new patch bird for me. At least one Green-tailed Towhee was seen several times around the camp. The campground was pleasantly birdy, but less so than last week or the week before. Once again chats and Pacific Slope Flycatchers seemed to be everywhere. I did not hike any of the trails, but moved from spot to spot around the camp and let the birds come to the trees near me. Checklist for today: https://ebird.org/checklist/S108397877  Nancy ChristensenRamona 

More California Towhee

More California Towhee
By – 7:52 am
Many thanks to those of you who answered my query about a strange California Towhee call I’ve been hearing in Balboa Park. Bruce Rideout was especially helpful:John: was it at the end of the chink calls? If so, it was probably the complete song, which is only given by males in their first breeding season, or by those who have lost their mates. You don’t hear it very often because they mate for life.John WaltersBonita, CAjohnfwalters5552@gmail.com

Odd Towhee call

Odd Towhee call
By – 4:35 pm
Walking over the bridge on Space Theater Way across Pepper Canyon in Balboa  Park, I have recently noticed a resident California Towhee giving a call I have never heard before. In addition to the usual metallic chip calls, this individual also gives a loud CHUP-CHUP-CHUP-CHUP, about 3/second. It is quite striking, and unlike anything I’ve heard from a towhee.John WaltersBonita, CAjohnfwalters5552@gmail.com

Mt. Helix Migrants

Mt. Helix Migrants
By – 11:53 am
I went this morning (4/28/22) to Mt. Helix summit to check out the earlier reported lerpy euc just east and down slope from the amphitheater and it did not disappoint.  It was overcast and misty when I arrived and the tree was loaded with 50+ migrants.  The majority were Townsends and Wilsons Warblers along with a few Hermit and Western Tanagers.  As long as I have lived in San Diego, I don’t think I had ever been to top of Mt. Helix.  The views from the summit are spectacular!Gary GranthamScripps Ranch

Re: Big morning migrant fallout on Mt Helix (Apr 22, 2022)

Re: Big morning migrant fallout on Mt Helix (Apr 22, 2022)
By – 9:00 am
All,Although not as heavy as Eitan’s report from 4/22, there was still a good showing of warblers this morning (4/26) at Mt. Helix. At least 25 Wilson’s, 4 Hermit, 6 Nashville, and 1 MacGillivray’s Warbler, plus Townsend’s and Orange-Crowns. A pair of Black-Headed Grosbeaks, 60ish Cedar Waxwings, and a TBD flycatcher rounded out the show. The warblers were concentrated in the two lerpy eucs that Eitan described in the post I’m replying to.– Nick ThorpeUniversity Heights

Re: morning flights in San Diego (help with Soledad ID request)

Re: morning flights in San Diego (help with Soledad ID request)
By – 11:31 pm
I was also on Soledad this morning from 7:15 to 9:15 and the dominant bird species today was Lazuli Bunting. At around 9:00 there was a bit of a fallout and birds were stopping in the pines on their way through, which was nice for those of us less adept at identifying birds flying by.I had one mystery bird land briefly in a pine and I took a few blurry underside pics before it flew on. For those that like a bird quiz, here’s my incomplete eBird checklist with the photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S108026054Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.David TrisselSan Diego, CA

Re: ID help – Bird sound recorded on Mt. Helix today

Re: ID help – Bird sound recorded on Mt. Helix today
By – 7:15 pm
Was just notified that the sound was probably a Mockingbird “tew” call.Feeling a bit sheepish for posting, but at least Merlin and BirdNetmissed it too :-). There were a few Mockingbirds in the area. Nothingelse was coming from them other than this call.Lisa

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