Date: 8/22/26 12:17 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: SCVBA Trip to Picchetti Ranch OSP
This morning thirteen birders started on the trail bright and early at Picchetti Ranch OSP. In the August heat our expectations were low, but the Zinfandel Trail did not disappoint today!
The highlight of the trip was a NORTHERN PYGMY OWL. We watched a flock of birds fly across the trail towards a tree. Many of them were small but there was a larger bird in the flock. The small birds were quickly identified as Anna’s Hummingbirds, which were mobbing the larger bird perched in the tree, a Northern Pygmy Owl. The owl continued to be harassed by the hummingbirds for several minutes, then dove into the brush next to the trail. After a moment it flew back across the trail, landed in a tree, and looked like it went to sleep. It was still visible when we left.
Other birds of note were BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WESTERN FLYCATCHER, HUTTON’S VIREO, and a very visible pair of WRENTIT by the ephemeral pond. Additional raptors included PEREGRINE FALCON, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, RED-TAILED HAWK, and TURKEY VULTURE.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
