Field Trip Report

South Coast San Mateo Owling Trip
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

We dressed warmly for this event! From left to right, Scott, Linda, Michael, Garth, Sonny, Cathy, Carol, Judy, and Pat.
Participants were respectful, quiet, attentive, and thrilled by the sounds of the night!

Jennifer Rycenga and Garth Harwood led eight participants on an owl prowl. Despite an ominous weather forecast, our trip succeeded without any major hitches, as we detected four species of owls. While visual sightings of owls were confined to brief glimpses and perched birds, we were gratified to hear four different vocalizations from the loquacious Northern Saw-whet Owls, as well as an unusual barking complaint call from a Western Screech-Owl. We finished the evening with two Virginia Rails in the Pescadero Marsh.

Species seen and heard:

Northern Harrier
Virginia Rail
Barn Owl
Great Horned Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Western Screech-Owl
Wrentit
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
California Towhee
Song Sparrow

– Jennifer Rycenga