Some great sparrows in the open country on the way up - Striped, Savannah (pictured), Vesper and Clay-colored. Also some nice groups of Horned Larks (pictured), as well as Blue Grosbeaks, American Kestrels and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
 |
| Horned Lark |
 |
| Savannah Sparrow |
The real highlight was getting into some mixed Warbler flocks - the best one of which included Townsends, Hermits, Slate-throated Whitestards, Painted Redstarts, Crecent-Chested, Wilson's, Orange-crowned and a cracking Red Warbler (as well as Bushtits, Hermit Thrush, Gray Silkies and a Broad-winged Hawk circling lazily overhead).
Further up, we got into a big group of Woodpeckers, including 6 Acorn and 4 Hairy. They were associating loosely with some Elegant Euphonias, Plumbeous Vireos and a Flame-colored Tanager.
 |
| Red Warbler |
 |
| Townsend's Warbler |
A cracking day out - 53 species in total - was finished off with nice views of Olive Warblers and Greater Pewee.
I wondered about the verdict on the large hawk overhead ..... Fantastic birding on that day . Lots of firsts for me , the best being the Elegant Euphonias ...or maybe the Red Warbler ?
ReplyDelete