Posted by: MKM
on Apr 20, 2010
To add to the FOS sightings: An Ash-throated Flycatcher was at the Bear Valley Springs Water Canyon Campground in the bushes behaind the facilities there yesteday 19 April 10. The Rufous Hummingbirds are still coming through, both male and female were seen two days ago at 4900' mid-way through Bear Valley Springs; the FOS Rufous at this location was 11 Mar 10. The Black-headed Grosbeak arrived here on 08 Apr 10. I would have written sooner but I've been in pursuit of the spectacular wildflower displays at Wind Wolves, Carrizo Plain and the Antelope Valley.
Posted by: AVianAdMin
on Mar 13, 2010
Friday was such a nice day! I spent about an hour in the morning out on my deck drinking coffee, soaking up some sunshine, and enjoying the view and wildlife.
I noticed a couple of new bird species that confirms spring is close: my first Violet-green Swallow circling over my house; and a Rufous Hummingbird visiting my feeders amid the numerous Anna's. This is remarkable since my feeder seems to be perpetually frozen until today!
In the evening, Christine and I made a quick tour of the BVS Lakes and discovered a huge flock of Violet-green Swallows swooping over the north-west corner of 4-Island Lake. There must have been 100 of them!
And today I woke up to snow again, which seems par for the course in spring around here - the weather is schizophrenic!
So keep your eyes open for first of spring sightings! The fun's about to begin.
Richard
Posted by: mrydfrn
on Feb 20, 2010
I had several first of the season sightings for me this past week. I got to see a nice interaction between an adult bald eagle and a few pestering ravens. It was Feb. 12th, Mark and I were on our way to Whiskey Flat days in Kernville. Heading down the 58 is when we spotted them. Beautiful soaring eagle enjoying the updrafts of the foothills. Pesky ravens pushing him out of their area.
Then the other day, I had a black throated sparrow come into the yard. I noticed him because he was checking out one of my bluebird houses. Oh ya, have a couple of bluebirds fighting over some houses already.
Had a brown creeper stop by on Wed. then thursday's highlight, my first adult rufous hummingbird came by for a drink. I happened to be sitting outside, about a foot under his feeder at the time. If you've ever heard an adult rufous you'll understand when I say, I heard him before I saw him. Buzzzzzzzzz!
Ah Spring was in the air last week.
Posted by: AVianAdMin
on Mar 19, 2009
Male Rufous Hummingbird sighted in Bear Valley Springs
Christine has been bugging me to set up our hummingbird feeder now that it's not freezing every night. I finally got around to it yesterday and the first hummer to visit was a beautiful male Rufous Hummingbird. He's still hanging around with a few Anna's.
This is earlier than I would expect the Rufous to show up. Probably never saw them this early because I never set up the feeder.
Richard
