Indigo Bunting – Paso Picacho Campground

The Indigo Bunting reported by Eric Kallen on April 27 continued today (May 8) at the Paso Picacho campground in the Cuyamaca mountains. Specifically, the bird is on territory, singing almost non-stop, near the restroom at the group campsite (this is NOT the group picnic area – refer to a map when you get to Paso Picacho). As previously noted, this is the returning bird from last year with a patch of white coloration on the lower belly.

It felt like early spring up there – ceanothus blooming, oaks just starting to leaf out. Yellow warblers were numerous, with smaller numbers of other warblers as well. None of these birds were singing, so I assume they are headed north. Very few flycatchers seen/heard, although in two spots I heard a “Whit” call that made me think there might be Willow FC in the area (I was unable to find the birds however).

Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56006873

Nancy Christensen

Ramona