this and that at China Ranch

Observers: Chris McCreedy
Email: cmccreedy@prbo.org
Remote Name: 63.164.145.198
Date: 04/10/2006
Time: 05:03 PM -0400

Sighting

I finally made it back to China Ranch late last night. This year our trailer is next to the airstream and across from the bakery - stop by and say hello. I birded a little this morning, and found male and female Rufus Hummingbirds at the feeder, singing Lucy's Warblers and a singing Bell's Vireo, and two male Hooded Orioles vying for a female's Icterid love. I found a Hammond's Flycatcher - unfortunately, it wasn't calling. But it's small bill, chunky head, eye ring, and plumage all pointed to Hammond's. Plus, it was doing something that I only find Hammond's to do, which is frequently tremble. It's a great trait once you learn it - they shake their entire body, particularly their wings. I've never seen other Empidonax do this, it's almost Ruby-crowned Kinglet-like.