[All photographs copyright, Gary Nunn 2013] – On 28 Dec 2013 I ventured up Hot Springs Mountain in northeast San Diego County in search of winter visitors. Overall the birding was pretty quiet up there around 6000-6500 feet elevation. A few mixed flocks of smaller passerines, dominated by Mountain Chickadees, and an occasional woodpecker. I quickly heard the unmistakeable call of a White-headed Woodpecker Picoides albolarvatus at the usual spot where I have previously found a pair of this species on Hot Springs Mountain Road (elevation about 6100 feet). I could only detect one individual however, an adult female, which was actively feeding at large pine cones in the tree tops. It came by overhead and investigated me for one or two minutes before noisily exiting the area. This is the third occasion in 2013 I have seen this species at this location (including during the summer). It would seem to be the only reliable place remaining in San Diego County where this species can be encountered with some regularity. Other woodpeckers in the area included calling Hairy Woodpecker and an inquisitive Red-breasted Sapsucker.
White-headed Woodpecker – Hot Springs Mountain, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
White-headed Woodpecker – Hot Springs Mountain, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
White-headed Woodpecker – Hot Springs Mountain, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
White-headed Woodpecker – Hot Springs Mountain, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
I can’t quite put my finger on it but there is something a bit strange about the Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi. They always look a bit inanimate, but then suddenly spring to life swooping around gracefully! The favored mountain top location adds to the mystery factor (the occasional coastal wanderer excepted). I have seen quite a few singles in the mountains here in San Diego County in previous winters, but this was my personal best high count of three seen together at the top of Hot Springs Mountain on 28 Dec 2013. Hot Springs Mountain tops out at about 6500 feet elevation and holds plenty of large White Fir. Townsend’s Solitaire enjoys feeding on the berries of the Fir Mistletoe found living on this tree species. The solitaires were enjoying bush-top perches low down as well as frequent visits to the mistletoe laden crowns of the mature fir trees. At the mistletoe I watched them fluttering forcefully and pushing themselves into the thick yellow-green leafy clumps to retrieve the berries. Presumably all the exposed berries had already been picked off earlier!
Townsend’s Solitaire – Hot Springs Mountain peak, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
Townsend’s Solitaire – Hot Springs Mountain peak, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
Townsend’s Solitaire – Hot Springs Mountain peak, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
Townsend’s Solitaire – Hot Springs Mountain peak, San Diego County, California 28 Dec 2013
Good pics as usual. Thank you, Jim Sams
Nice pics, Gary.
What is the access situation for Hot Springs Mountain? I understand it belongs to a local tribe, and there is a fee, but is it walk-up, drive-up and if drive, what is the road like? Thanks.