Halloween Celebrated at Butterbredt – October 29, 2016

A pair of Jack-O-Lanterns (Roxie Seider 10-29-16)

This year, the weather was warm and it seemed as though the migration was not yet occurring since the number of birds were down.  The rabbitbrush was blooming but was not quite at the height of bloom (they’d be at their best in another week).  On the drive to the spring, we saw a Greater  Roadrunner actually flying across the road instead of running.  It’s always a shock to see  Roadrunners fly (or Soras for that matter).   On the walk down the dry riverbed we came across the Horned Owl.   It’s bit of a contest for who can find the Horned Owl first.  Somehow someone always does even when we have almost lost hope.  Found the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and of course lots of White-crowned Sparrows.  Not a common bird at this spot was the Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Covey of California Quail (Roxie Seider 10-29-16)

Back at Keith’s home, we were carving pumpkins while California Quail kept themselves busy eating the bird seed that Keith always supplies for them.

Monarch butterfly (Roxie Seider 10-29-16)

Of course everyone stopped carving when someone spotted a couple of Red-breasted Sapsuckers.  After dark, we lit the pumpkins and Chuck Bragg awarded each person with a prize.

Red-breasted Sapsuckers (Roxie Seider 10-29-16)

Butterbredt never disappoints anyone.  The air is clear so the color of the birds are much brighter and there is that quality of relaxation the desert inspires.  If we get some good winter rains, the flower show in the spring (our April 30 trip) will be absolutely fabulous.   [Jean Garrett]

Owl in the pumpkin (Roxie Seider 10-29-16)

Previous reports: November 2015, October 2013, November 2012