April 19:

Team Spiderhunters (Vivek and Vayun Tiwari) repeated what has now become a father-son annual tradition. 4-hour Birdathon, where Vayun tries to photograph as many species as possible while Vivek tries to see or hear as many birds as possible. We stuck to the same itinerary as part years - start at Shoreline Lake/Charleston Slough, quick stop at the Palo Alto Baylands and then hurry across the Valley floor to end the trip at Ed Levin Park. The Shoreline Area always delivers even though this year many of the waterfowl had already left and we got less species here than usual. But Black Skimmers, Black Oystercatcher and Elegant Tern and a lovely singing Wilson's Warbler were new for the count for us. The tide was out at the Baylands so we dipped on several hoped for shorebirds. Ed Levin had glorious weather and spring migrants like Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bullock's Oriole and Black-headed Grosbeakadded to our haul, even though we missed out some other expected birds. All in all it was a great day to be out and about. Thanks to our sponsors for their support.

Final results:

4 hours

66 species photographed

81 species observed