Date: 5/13/25 2:56 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Farren Road and Ellwood Mesa, May 13
I birded part of Farren Road this morning, going just as far as the Reservoir. I was hoping for Swifts, especially a Black Swift, but both Swifts and Swallows were few in number during the time I was there. The bright skies and strong wind probably contributed to their near-absence. On a more positive note, a Common Ground Dove was calling in the big prickly pear patch well below the orchards, which was a bit unusual. I found two Lazuli Buntings in the mustard and a nice male Phainopepla in a pepper tree on the nursery property at 500 Farren Road. I left the birding on Farren to Rob Lindsay and his group, who arrived as I decided to leave.
I'd read a report of a White-tailed Kite heading for Ellwood Mesa a couple of days ago, so I parked on Santa Barbara Shores Road and hiked a portion of it. Probably the big surprise was hearing a very vocal Yellow-breasted Chat just inside the entrance to the Ellwood Grove at SB shores. I also heard a lot of bird song from the trees along the creek and plan to get back there again soon as the area seems very birdy. I have read few reports from the spot so far this spring.
Up on Ellwood Mesa, I had lots of Cliff Swallows and a few Rough-wings and Barn Swallows in the mix, but only two swifts: 1 each of White-throated and Vaux's. I found the eucalyptus clumps along the bluff edge held some interesting birds: Lark Sparrows carrying nesting material, a pair of Hood Orioles, a very bright Yellow Warbler, and a pair of Lazuli Buntings. Again, this area deserves a full going-over. The grasses are green and there is lots of activity from Sparrows, etc. Unfortunately, I had to leave for an appointment without doing it justice.
Florence Sanchez
