Another beautiful day, and I just couldn't get to work!

Jean found the Purple Martins this morning in the usual place on Starland Drive in Bear Valley Springs, so Christine and I cruised over there and she showed us the place. There were at least 3 pair in oak nesting cavities. This is the only place in the world where Purple Martins nest in oak trees. While we were watching them, a Golden Eagle soared low overhead.

Then we decided to hike out Sycamore Ridge Trail and try to find the Canyon Wren we heard there 2 months ago. The trail is absolutely gorgeous this time of year - everything's green; there are wildflowers and tall grass; the creek is flowing; and the trees are just starting to leaf out. We didn't hear the Canyon Wren, but we found several other species that more than made up for it. In addition to the common and expected birds, we found these --

Cassin' Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Lazuli Bunting
Lawrence's Goldfinch
Orange-crowned Warbler

That brings my monthly sightings list in Tehachapi to 95 and it's only May 8!