October 2007

Birds
In addition to our permanent bird population, some fall migrants are stopping over on More Mesa, and many of our winter residents have already arrived.  In the past two weeks, the following birds have been observed on More Mesa:

• Northern Harrier
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Loggerhead Shrike
• American Kestrel
• Savannah Sparrow
• Song Sparrow
• White-crowned Sparrow
• Common Yellowthroat
• Yellow Warbler
• Wilson’s Warbler
• Blue Gray Gnatcatcher
• Black-throated Gray Warbler
• Cassin’s Kingbird
• Say’s Phoebe
• Wood Pewee
• Western Meadowlark
• Northern Flicker

And, of course look for our ever present, beautiful White-tailed Kites.

Fire
Also, while out on the East side of More Mesa, notice how the burn area is already recovering. Shoots of many native plants (coyote bush, willow and oak) are making their appearance from the fire blackened earth … and after only 0.3 inches of rain last month!

Say’s Phoebe catching insects in the burned area, More Mesa, October 9, 2007.