California

Allen's Hummingbird

Well, I am here and it is hot! David, Tracey and James live in a fabulous California ranch-style house on a gentle slope below a hillside covered in coastal chaparral. California Quail run off the driveway as you go out to take a walk down the suburban road! There are Desert Rabbits; at least that is what I make of them, all around the place. They LOOK exactly like European Rabbits but I am certain they must be Sylvilagus auduboni. The only other possibility is Brush Rabbit, S. bachmani, but they are smaller and darker. Two nights ago a small group of Coyote Canis latrans burst into calling just outside the back fence at about 11pm! Fantastic, but I doubt that the neighbourhood likes such bloodcurdling yelps and certainly the local dogs must be scared witless! Alice, the household dog does not like them. I was not ready to sound record the episode but I am now if it happens again, which it probably won't. There are some good birds in the garden including Nuttall’s Woodpecker, California Towhee, Western Phoebe and two species of 'hummer' that were a bit of a devil to identify! Eventually I worked them out as Allan's and Anna's but not easy even when they come in to special sugar solution feeders. The new Sibley field guide is definitely an excellent addition to the already impressive selection of such guides available in the States. I need it with me all the time! Soon after arriving here we all set off for three nights camping in the high Sierras where it would be cooler.