Cold and breezy start to the day and it seemed the birds were hunkered
down, waiting for the sun. But once it appeared, things really did pick up.
By the end of the morning, it was almost pleasant, for a winter day that
is.

The huge flock of scaup was considerably reduced. Not sure if they have
moved out or were just in a location where they could not be seen easily.
But, there was a crowd of 30+ Common Goldeneye, many performing. A single
Canvasback was alone just north of NOAA. At one point, on the swim platform
were about 80 Mew Gull, plus 1 or 2 each of Glaucous-winged, Ring-billed,
California and Herring Gulls.

Small numbers of Violet-green Swallows were seen flying about and perched
in the trees near the swim beach. A couple of California Quail were
discussing their favorite city repeatedly for about an hour. Several
Wilson's Snipe were flying about the 7 Meadow early. A pair of Cooper's
Hawks and a pair of Red-tailed Hawks were each interacting. Ruby-crowned
Kinglets were in full song everywhere in the park.

Three Anna's Hummingbirds remain on eggs, all on Promontory Point. The most
remarkable event of the day was the large numbers of Fox Sparrows, many
trying out their songs, though never complete. There was one group of 4
Foxes in the shrubs near the fins sculpture, 3 were Sooty but one was a
presumed Red Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca zaboria?). It presented a
rusty/ruddy color on its wings and back that were the same as the ruddy
color to its rump and tail, much like the second bird pictured on this
page: http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/MTYbirdsFOSP4.html. When I
tried for a photo, a couple of dog-walkers came by and the bird flushed,
not to be found again.

Has Spring arrived? 53 species for the day; 81 for the year.

Scott Ramos
Seattle