Laguna Dusky flycatchers

Russ and I took a late morning walk along Desert View Road in Mt Laguna. Although it was quite late to start birding for the day, we were treated to numerous bird songs. As soon as we parked I heard a Dusky Flycatcher calling east of us, but we were unable to locate it. Got distracted by an Olive-sided Flycatcher (life bird for Russ) and lost track of the Dusky. Walking just under 1/3 of a mile, we encountered a calling Dusky Flycatcher (another life bird for Russ) who was very busy foraging. There was actually a pair there, so the bird that kept reappearing was probably not always the same bird. In the same area there was a pair of Cassin’s Vireos, one of which sang almost non-stop. The pair scolded and attacked a larger bird (a crow?), making us think this pair will nest right there. A singing male Black-throated Gray Warbler was also right there, plus House Wren, Spotted Towhee, Purple Finches, Pewees and a vocal Ash-throated Flycatcher. Not bad for noon…

Checklist for our walk: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S46114679

We pulled off Sunrise Hwy onto Desert View Rd (note that the sign says Thing Valley Rd) and drove about 50 yards to where it forks. We parked at the fork and walked south (to the right). The road beyond that point gets pretty rough, and even the entrance road could be challenging for a low clearance vehicle. I asked at the Visitor Center, and parking is allowed at the Redtail Roost right across the street, but you MUST display the Adventure Pass. You probably also need to display it if you parked where we did. During the 1 ½ hours we were there we saw 2 cars and 2 horses, this on a holiday weekend, so a nice quiet alternative to the busy Agua Dulce area.

Nancy Christensen

Ramona