Birding Islay Creek

Yesterday Morning walked about a mile and a half up Islay Creek in Mondaña de Oro State Park.   Weather was mild and sunny.  The creek, located on the south side of the trail, is dense with a robust growth of vegetation consisting, primarily of Willow, Cottonwood, Bay and a few Oaks.  As one progresses up the road, the creek is deeper and farther away.  The adjoining hillsides are covered with lush chaparral; beauty and tranquility prevail.

I was birding by ear - no binoculars.  Wilson's Warbler, one of my many favorites, was carrying on something fierce.  Wrentit sang every time Mr. Wilson paused.  In the distance Swainson's Thrush was singing. See photo borrowed from Wikipedia (thank you very much).

As I progressed up the creek the Swainson's Thrush was dominant, nearly drowning out Orange-crowned Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher and the precious Western Wood-Pewee.  From what I heard this perky, migrant Thrush had found a home in Islay Creek.

To hear the song of the Swainson's Thrush I am including a link to a 22 second video.   The loudest sound is a Calif. Quail.  The flute like sound is the song of the Thrush.

http://youtu.be/U6ijBBgJ-3o