BIRDING THE BOB JONES TRAIL

 The Bob Jones Trail - Warm sun filters through the Sycamore and the Coast Live Oak.  Heavy with leaves, the trees provide a variety of birds with endless opportunities to feed, nest and perch. ( Scroll down for a Bob Jones Trail map.)

The unusually heavy January rain flooded the trail.  Trees, and all the flora along the creek that had suffered from years of drought were now dense with healthy green foliage.  Finding a bird in dense vegetation can be difficult, if not impossible, but this morning I was birding by ear - no binoculars and I was using an App.

 I had added to my phone the Free Merlin Bird ID App created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  To say the App is fabulous and fun to use is an understatement.  I was near the creek when I though I heard a Kingfisher, (above) opened the Merlin ID App, clicked on "Sound ID;" Merlin, nearly instantly, identified Kingfisher plus House Finch, Spotted Towhee and Bewick's Wren.  Each recording comes with a list of the bird's various songs and calls.  The Merlin App is very helpful, especially when vegetation is dense or you would love to know the identity of a tiny bird singing from atop a tall tree.  

The highlight of the morning was a magnificent view of a Steller's Jay.  It was about 20 feet from me digging through leaves when it hopped onto the trail, pecked for a few moments at what looked like a cracker crumb and then flew into a nearby Oak.  I was delighted to see, up close, a Steller's Jay, as I had not seen one for several years. 

Eventually the topography along the trail changes; vegetation is less and the creek can be seen.  I was fortunate to see two Green Heron; one patiently perched on a sandbar, the other on a twig hanging over the creek.  Their song is a sharp croak and when disturbed a piercing shriek. 

Within an hour of birding I had observed or heard 15 species - The memorable birds were Nuttall's Woodpecker and Acorn Woodpecker, Hooded Oriole, Pacific Flycatcher (nest's in the creek), Bewick's Wren (singing), and a flock of Chestnut Chickadee (no Chestnuts but bushels of Acorns).

I really like the Bob Jones Trail as it is shaded, has a variety of birds, and midway along the trail is the Woodstone Marketplace with a charming trailside patio and excellent coffee.  Guess where I go after birding the Bob Jones?

Trail Map. The (1) is the location of the Woodstone Marketplace.  

           

Birding the Bluff Trail

Bluff Trail Montaña de Oro - Coon Creek Cove - This is the farthest one can walk south on the Bluff Trail.  At this point the trail gently curves north/east, about .70 of a mile to the Coon Creek Trail Head and parking area.

I heard the Pigeon Guillemot’s high, piercing whistle before I saw them.  They are frequently seen conversing with each other.  It appears they have much to say.

 These hardy, compact sea birds arrive at MdO in mid-March to nest in the holes and niches found in the rocky cliffs of the Bluff Trail. 

Sharp claws on their webbed very red feet help them to climb the rugged vertical shale formations.  I was wondering if the Guillemot on the left was not fully mature, as its feet were not the bright red of an adult.  In mid-August they will return to the open sea.  Fortunately there are always a few that hang around for awhile.

The Bluff Trail birds were very cooperative.  Noticed a pair of, difficult to see, Wrentit chasing each other through the brush, Spotted Towhee seemed to be everywhere, California Thrasher, and Bewick's Wren were singing.  The highlight of the morning was a precious California Quail family with 11 tiny chicks, mom leading the way, dad taking up the rear.  I never cease to be amazed that these itty bitty creatures are independent foragers at birth.  I wish them all a long and fruitful life.