Date: 5/12/25 7:42 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Santa Ynez River Birding May 12
I started in Buellton early this morning and watched teh Swallow show from the bridge over the Santa Ynez River on Santa Rosa Road. Only CLiff Swallows (and one Violet-Green), but there were well over 100 birds soaring and interacting back and forth. No Swifts.
I then walked along the river going both ways from the entrance at Industrial Road. Lots of birdsong. I heard 2 Chats and I think Warbling Vireos own this stretch of River.
Afterwards, I went to Ocean Park and birded the estuary and shore west of the Railroad trestle. Surprisingly, it wasn't windy as it was in Buellton or heading through Gaviota Pass this morning--just typical brisk breeze. I got nice views of the pair of Avocets and located the continuing Ruddy Turnstone on the north side of the estuary (scope needed).
Yesterday ,I also checked this spot after birding Barka Slough and found one of the continuing MEergansers (no Turnstones yesterday). Barka Slough had good birding, with Lazuli Buntings, American Goldfinches, and Yellow-breasted Chats kind of dominating everywhere. Two chats out of the 8 I found were nicely visible. Surprisingly, I had trouble running down Blue Grosbeak but finally got a pair while walking back to my car. Warblers were fewer than usual for this site.
There are some modest patches of pink Clarkia (Fare-well-to-Spring) along the bank of southbound 101 between Los Alamos and Buellton; also a small amount of White Lupine. Yuccas are starting to bloom along the highway too.
Florence Sanchez
