November 27, 2023
Rufous-capped Warbler, Lower Florida Canyon 11-23-23
This is amazing, three years after the previous sighting a pair of these wren-like warblers appear at the exact same spot as last seen – a seep at the base of an old dam. Brian Nicholas last reported this species on November 28, 2020. They were resident until the drought in 2020. Many searches up the canyon were made since 2020 without success, until now.
I made the trip up the canyon the day after they were reported. I sat on one of the conveniently-located boulders above the seep. Cathy Beck showed up soon after me, and she took off further up the canyon. A few minutes later, who shows up but a Golden-crowned Kinglet. As it turned out, 2 Golden Crowned Kinglets! A few minutes later I followed Cathy up the canyon, but we found nothing. Upon returning to the perch above the dam, first the Kinglet reappeared, then both of the warblers. Cathy later found the second Kinglet. A great Morning.
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lower Florida Canyon 11-23-23
Rufous-capped Warbler, Lower Florida Canyon 11-23-23
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lower Florida Canyon 11-23-23
An interesting update – there now appear to be 2 Streak-backed Orioles at the Gilbert Water Ranch. This is crazy. Perhaps a sign of the End of the World.
Fox Sparrow, Madera Canyon 11-25-23
The End of the World