Pectoral Sandpiper, Common Black-Hawk

A pleasant stroll with the dog this afternoon along the Anza Trail in Rio Rico, north of Rio Rico Dr, produced all the expected migrants, plus a COMMON BLACK-HAWK flushed from a riverside willow about a quarter mile north of the bridge.

At Rio Rico Ponds this evening, there were four shorebird species on the main pond just east of the railroad, which currently has excellent shorebird habitat. There was one each of WILSON’S SNIPE, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, KILLDEER and a fine PECTORAL SANDPIPER, the latter being a new bird for me in Santa Cruz County. Also four WHITE-FACED IBIS on the pond and 16 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS on the flooded field south of Rio Rico Dr.