Rufous-capped Warbler, Black-capped Gnatcatcher

A successful morning of target birding in Santa Cruz County.

Ruby Rd:

Both BLACK and TURKEY VULTURES are wintering in Rio Rico, as usual. A CASSIN’S KINGBIRD was a less common wintering bird, but not that unusual.

Confluence of California Gulch and Warsaw Canyon:

Our main target here was BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER, and we ended up with good views. We couldn’t turn up a wintering Five-striped Sparrow, despite our best efforts.

Also in the area, GRAY FLYCATCHER, VERMILION FLYCATCHER, a singing CRISSAL THRASHER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, and RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW.

Peña Blanca Canyon:

The RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER pair duly showed up and performed well.

Also in the canyon, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, ARIZONA WOODPECKER, GRAY FLYCATCHER, a wintering ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, HUTTON’S VIREO, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and LARK and LINCOLN’S SPARROWS.