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In this four-part series, BenitoLink will explore birds and birding on the Central Coast of California, which has been named the best state for bird watching in several categories including the number of bird species, national and state parks, bird watching groups, and Audubon Society offices and chapters. Part 1 looks at bird species and focuses on one species in particular, the tricolored blackbird.
Earlier this spring, San Benito County bird expert Debi Shearwater embarked on a count of the endangered tricolored blackbird, as she does every year. Shearwater found seven colonies with a total of more than 20,000 birds, all of them on private property.
During the April count, she said the areas were alive with song and nest building, and lots of birds flying around catching insects and preparing their nests. The species usually forms nests of one male and two females, according to Shearwater, and they require dense vegetation and cover to have a successful colony.
According to californiabirds.org there are 689 bird species in California, including the tricolored blackbird. The California Audubon Society’s website states, “The more than 600 bird species that have been spotted in California make up about two-thirds of all birds species in North America”
The tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor), which is found almost exclusively in California, is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Meanwhile, there are two bird species endemic to California, and are found only in the state: the yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli) and the island scrub-jay (Aphelocoma insularis). Both are members of the corvid family of birds (crows, jays, magpies). The yellow-billed magpie can be found in south San Benito County. The island scrub-jay is found only on Santa Cruz Island which is part of Channel Islands National Park.
Shearwater made a second trip to two of the colonies on May 15. BenitoLink joined her and 14 other bird enthusiasts to check on nesting. All was quiet during the visit, as is expected when the birds are sitting on nests. Large groups of females were seen arriving at the colonies, which the group enjoyed seeing from an appropriate distance that would not disturb nesting. A flushed bird cannot sit on eggs or their young, and if either gets too cold they will die. It also disturbs feeding patterns.
According to several sources, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s unclear how successful the colonies will be this year as many factors are involved, including ambient temperature, water availability, cover, number of predators and food supply.
BenitoLink asked Hollister resident Marie Reed, who has been an avid bird watcher for the last 10 years, why she was there, “I was interested in seeing the tricolored (blackbird). Because they are endangered we need to do what we can.”
Another person who joined the trek while visiting from San Francisco but declined to provide her name said she was staying at Paicines Ranch and heard about the outing. “It is a great opportunity to learn about the birds,” she said.
A man calling himself Denis from San Juan Bautista said, “I’ve enjoyed birding all my life. You never know what you will see.” He added that he was excited to see other species such as black-crowned night herons and green herons.
The lake by the colony was alive with activity that day and from a safe distance visitors could see grebes, egrets, coots, harriers and red-winged blackbirds taking care of daily business.
The group also got to see something that most bird watchers don’t usually get to see, a tricolored blackbird cemetery.
According to Shearwater, when resources are low, the parent birds will take eggs or even hatchlings and nestlings to a spot away from the colony and abandon them. That way what resources they have can be given to fewer offspring, thus ensuring better success. That same day, the group came upon three empty egg shells.
Shearwater later told BenitoLink when it comes to birding and birds, “San Benito rocks! Saving all of these colonies involved an incredible number of people from Cal Fish & Wildlife, Hollister Water District, Livestock Manager at Paicines Ranch, and landowners of several ranches. To say that ‘it takes a village’ would be very accurate.”
Good birding spots in San Benito County include Paicines Ranch, Pinnacles National Park, South County, Panoche Valley and St. Francis in San Juan Bautista.
Other birds of special concern that can be seen in the county include the California condor, Northern harrier, loggerhead shrike and the Swainson’s hawk.
All native nongame birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Act and California Migratory Bird Act. It’s illegal to take a bird, feather, bone or nest of any protected species. The taking of native game birds is permitted within certain parameters such as the season.
Birding and bird watching etiquette
Take only photographs, leave only footprints
Do not disturb birds or other wildlife
Do not handle birds or other wildlife
Do not flush birds
Keep groups small
Wear neutral or muted color clothing
Avoid using flash photography
Do not pull over onto dry vegetation
Do not enter private property without the landowner or occupant’s permission
List of birds found in California.
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