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Clipboard in hand, bird count coordinator Dave Cook greets volunteers
participating in the 2006 Audubon Christmas Bird Count. |
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Each set of volunteers was given a bird list to help them keep track
of the type and numbers of bird species sighted during the count. |
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The Alum Rock Park bird count includes access to areas normally closed to the public.
Here, Dave arranges with a Park Ranger for transport to a remote area within the park. |
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| Our group's count began in the eastern foothills above the Boccardo Trail. |
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| Windswept, grassy hillsides provide ideal habitat for both songbirds and raptors. |
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| We passed through areas of deep shade; morning frost crunched beneath our feet. |
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| Ice pellets still littered the ground from a brief hailstorm 36-hours before. |
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| Scattered here and there in shallow recesses on sections of the upper trail; |
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| At lower elevations, we found large drifts of ice pellets washed from narrow ravines. |
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| Wild mushrooms thrive in the rich soil beside the trial. |
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| Winter bare California Buckeye like this one accent sections of the Boccardo Trail. |
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| Scanning hillsides and woodlands for any sign of birds. |
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| As on previous counts, we slowly worked our way down the mountain. |
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| Due to the recent rains, sections of the trail were very slippery. |
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| In these areas thick layers of mud collected quickly on our boots. |
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| Boccardo Trail affords sweeping views of the valley from San Francisco to Gilroy. |
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| While our group kept mainly to the trail, one member ranged far and wide. |
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| Bird and native plant expert Tom Cochrane covered an extensive area during the count. |
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| The mid-winter sun climbed too slowly to illuminate the far side of the canyon. |
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| This impressive California Buckeye is a well-known trail landmark. |
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We found numerous buckeye seeds scattered on the ground beneath its branches.
Some seeds were even trapped as they fell
in recesses of its limb structure. |
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| The rich color of California Buckeye seeds stand out among trailside grasses. |
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| As in the past, we paid particular attention to narrow canyons and wooded areas. |
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| Entering a sheltered canyon in search of birds. |
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| A pair of Golden Eagles is often seen gliding high above this narrow canyon. |
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| In search of rare native plants as well as birds, Tom heads for parts unknown. |
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| Our eyes and ears in remote areas, Tom sighted numerous birds while exploring. |
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| The cold discouraged many birds from being active. |
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| Normally quite tall, these broad Bay Laurels are groomed by the elements. |
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| A particularly challenging section of the Boccardo Trail. |
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| But during the annual bird count, it's downhill all the way! |
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| View of the lower levels of the Boccardo Trail above Alum Rock Park. |
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On the left, a tiny spring-fed pool near a stand of oaks. Cattle trails mark the area.
On the right, a stand of eucalyptus mark the Boccardo Trail trail head entrance.
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| Pausing briefly to scout for birds before continuing. |
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| Although overcast, the air was noticeably less cold at higher elevations. |
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| Morning cloud cover began to dissipate as we neared the trail head entrance. |
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Well done! Another successful winter bird count nears its conclusion.
Special thanks to these dedicated volunteers! Couldn't have done it without you! |
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| As on past counts, we saw a pair of red tail hawks in this area. |
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Keep gate closed! A small herd of cattle roam throughout the Boccardo Trail preserve.
Their grazing trims non-native grasses allowing more sunlight for native plant species. |
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| Wooden post marker shows distance between points along the trail. |
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| Along a sunny section of the Todd Quick Memorial Trail in Alum Rock Park. |
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| Trail traveler Tom with a view of the heights of the Boccardo Trail preserve. |
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| Nearing the end of the North Rim trail at the conclusion of the count. |
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We set out from Sierra Road at 8:45AM, reaching the Alum Rock Parking Lot around noon.
We counted hundreds of birds during the day's count and noted 35 different bird species. |
| Boccardo Trail Bird Count is 8AM Sunday, 14 December 2008 Join us! |
| Return to Top. |
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Go to Rancho Bird Count. |
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