Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Calero/Morgan Hill - Dec 2006 Casa Loma Rd. & OSA Rancho Property Santa Clara County Open Space Authority |
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| This year's team included: (l.to r.) Paul Billig, Dave Tharp, Pat Congdon, Angela Boyle, Doug Reynaud, Mike Hutnik, Tom Cochrane, Craige Edgerton, Dave Burnham. | ||
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| With early morning temperatures in the low 40s, the team headed west along Casa Loma Road towards a closed section of OSA's Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve. | ||
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| Crossing a stream on a residents-only section of Casa Loma Road. Along this same creek further up the road, we sighted 6 brightly colored wood ducks. |
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| A layer of frost blanketed the landscape. The chilly weather kept many birds under cover. | ||
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| Checking the rafters of an old barn for owls. Nearby, high in the branches of some sycamore trees, we sighted a score of Cedar Waxwings. |
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| The sun shown brightly as the team entered the Rancho property. | ||
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| Both experts and novices relied on bird books to correctly identify species sighted. | ||
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| Entering a narrow side canyon heading for Hidden Lake. Note: This was the first time in five years we found the creek dry. |
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| We'd advanced only a short distance before noticing drops of blood along the trail. | ||
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| On leaves, stones, and low hanging branches, we followed the blood trail up the canyon. | ||
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| Keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding forest for more than birds. | ||
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| At a spot just off the trail, we found disturbed earth in what appeared to be a cache site. Hunters, both human and animal, often hide kill if intending to return later to retrieve it. |
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| Speculating among ourselves as to the source of the blood-trail mystery, we nonetheless continued counting birds up the canyon. |
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| During past counts up this canyon, colorful wild mushrooms and migrating California Newts have enlivened trail scenery. |
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| Less than normal rainfall year-to-date has resulted in a dry creekbed. | ||
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| Along the shore of Hidden Lake. A huge flock of Ring-Neck Ducks took flight the moment they saw us. Circling high overhead, we counted 30 before they disappeared from view. | ||
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| Team members confirm the Ring-Neck Ducks' ID as well as other birds sighted in the area. | ||
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| It was quite cold in the canyon's deep shade, so after scanning the lake shores, surrounding woods, we continued uphill into the bright sunshine. |
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| Bird Count volunteer Dave Tharp pauses to enjoy the view. | ||
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| Team members make the long ascent to the ridge above Hidden Lake. | ||
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| Team members pause near a pair of towering oaks as they approach the summit. | ||
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| We paused at the summit for a breather. Those who brought sack lunches, snacked. | ||
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| The team paused for this group photo before heading downhill. | ||
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| I'm wait'n on you! | ||
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| But not for long! | ||
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| Last half-mile before reaching the OSA parking lot. Another successful bird count draws to a close. Special thanks to OSA and to the dedicated volunteers who made this event possible. | ||
| We counted 40 separate species during the day, including a Golden Eagle above Hidden Lake. | ||
| Return to Top. | ||