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3 Feb Harlan's x Western Red-tailed Hawk intergrade ["W.L. Rockey" ] 03 Feb North Davis Harris's Sparrow continues ["Chris" ] 03 Feb Rayhouse Rd Townsend's Solitaire ["drsgmule" ] 2 Feb White-throated Sparrow - Sacramento County [Cory Gregory ] 2 Feb Placer County Bald Eagle [Charles Walker ] 01 Feb Re: Blue Jay back This Morning [Bob & Carol Yutzy ] 1 Feb communal roost of Western Bluebirds [Manfred Kusch ] 02 Feb Lesser Black-backed Gull, Folsom Lake (Placer) ["Ron Pozzi" ] 02 Feb Blue Jay back This Morning ["Steve" ] 01 Feb Falcated Duck today - Yes & No ["bobandcarolredding" ] 31 Jan Canvasbacks in West Sacramento - updated directions ["tbgl2003" ] 31 Jan Falcated Duck Colusa -new location ["Kenneth" ] 31 Jan Yolo County Breeding Bird Atlas Meeting and Request for Birders ["Ed" ] 30 Jan Re: Re: Results of the UC Davis Bird Count [Manfred Kusch ] 31 Jan Re: Results of the UC Davis Bird Count ["dgslotton" ] 30 Jan Results of the UC Davis Bird Count ["Andy Engilis, Jr." ] 28 Jan Short-eared Owls - Sacramento County [Cory Gregory ] 29 Jan Blue-winged teal - West Sacramento ["tbgl2003" ] 28 Jan Re: White-throated Sparrow - Granite Bay ["rossierran" ] 28 Jan Re: White-throated Sparrow - Granite Bay ["Deren Ross" ] 28 Jan White-throated Sparrow - Granite Bay ["Chad Aakre" ] 28 Jan Harris's sparrow continues at CRP ["John and Glennah Trochet" ] 27 Jan Re: Costa's hummingbird in Chico (1/27) [Bruce Webb ] 27 Jan Yuba and Sutter Co Birds ["rupo AT att.net" ] 27 Jan Costa's hummingbird in Chico (1/27) ["Kirn, Shelly" ] 27 Jan Re: Merced National Wildlife Refuge (video) [Larry Broderick ] 27 Jan Cosumnes birds- 27 JAN 2012 ["John and Glennah Trochet" ] 26 Jan Merced National Wildlife Refuge (video) [Chuq Von Rospach ] 26 Jan Re: Is Chico Blue Jay still around? [Bruce Webb ] 26 Jan Re: Is Chico Blue Jay still around? ["Steve" ] 26 Jan Re: American/European Wigeon Hybrid Yolo Basin [Charles Walker ] 26 Jan American/European Wigeon Hybrid Yolo Basin [Charles Walker ] 26 Jan Re: Is Chico Blue Jay still around? [BRUCE DEUEL ] 26 Jan HACKED!! (Do not send $$!) [] 26 Jan HACKED!! (Do not send money!!!) [] 26 Jan .. [Jim Rowoth ] 26 Jan Is Chico Blue Jay still around? ["drsgmule" ] 26 Jan Yellow-shafted Flicker in El Dorado Hills ["dellar6" ] 25 Jan Semipalmated Plovers in Yolo county ["W.L. Rockey" ] 25 Jan Yolo Elkhorn Slough boat ramp [Steve Hampton ] 25 Jan Lincoln WTP - Eurasian Wigeon ["Chad Aakre" ] 25 Jan Falcated Duck back - Jan 25 ["Bruce Webb" ] 25 Jan Falcated Duck back - Jan 25 ["Bruce Webb" ] 25 Jan Ruff and Reeve + Yellow-headed-Tricolored & Redwing Blackbirds ["littlebitrv" ] 24 Jan Call for birders to help on UCD Mid-Winter Count ["Andy Engilis, Jr." ] 24 Jan Birding after the storm ["littlebitrv" ] 23 Jan RE: RFI: pelagic info ["Alvaro Jaramillo" ] 23 Jan CV Bird Club youth scholarship [John Sterling ] 23 Jan Re: RFI: pelagic info [Kurt Mize ] 23 Jan RFI: pelagic info [] 23 Jan Harris's Sparrow continues in Sacramento County [Cory Gregory ] 22 Jan Falcated Duck - moved slightly [Bruce Webb ] 22 Jan Merced Co. White-winged Scoter [kent Van Vuren ] 23 Jan Sutter County Glaucous Gull ["buckeyes0268" ] 23 Jan Short-eared owls, Yolo, week of 16 Jan ["zsgavilan71" ] 22 Jan Harris's sparrow at the Cosumnes River Preserve today ["John and Glennah Trochet" ] 22 Jan Western Amador Birding ["Don Marsh" ] 22 Jan Report for Land Park, Sacramento - Hooded Mergansers and Varied Thrush ["leoedson AT sbcglobal.net" ] 22 Jan falcated duck present Sunday morning ["John and Glennah Trochet" ] 22 Jan Continuing Falcated Duck ["Ed Harper" ] 22 Jan Sutter County Gull (Glaucous or Iceland?) ["buckeyes0268" ] 22 Jan 600 Canvasbacks in West Sacramento ["Not me" ] 21 Jan Sharp-shinned Hawk Behavior ? ["CaliKat" ] 21 Jan Harris's Sparrow continues in North Davis ["Chris" ] 20 Jan Re: Ferruginous Dark Morph (rufous) Photos (PLA) ["rossierran" ] 20 Jan Ferruginous Dark Morph (rufous) Photos (PLA) ["rossierran" ] 20 Jan Re: Uncommon Ferruginous Hawk Morph (PLA) ["rossierran" ] 20 Jan Uncommon Ferruginous Hawk Morph (PLA) ["rossierran" ] 19 Jan Clay-colored Sparrow photos wanted [John Sterling ] 19 Jan Ruff and Spotted Redshank ["littlebitrv" ] 19 Jan Tonight: Great Gray Owl TALK [Sally Walters & Don Schmoldt ] 19 Jan Orange-cr. Warbler, Mew Gull and Cattle Egret [Sally Walters & Don Schmoldt ] 19 Jan Tall Forest bird survey ["John and Glennah Trochet" ] 19 Jan Sacramento Christmas Bird Count Results ["teasterla" ] 18 Jan Common Teal - Sacramento NWR [Robert Doster ] 18 Jan Brown Pelican continues in West Sacramento [Dan Airola ] Subject: Harlan's x Western Red-tailed Hawk intergrade From: "W.L. Rockey" <wlrockey AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 13:00:53 -0800 Birders, I photographed this buteo on Esquon Road in Butte county a few weeks back. I thought you all might be interested to see the images: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9597727 My initial impression was an intergrade based on the white (not buffy) breast, white throat, and whitish base to the tail. I asked for Brian Sullivan's input, and he agreed it's an intergrade, but commented that it looks more Harlan's than Western. He mentioned the nearly wholly red tail, rufous leggings, and mottled upperparts point towards intergradation with Western. Cheers, W. Rockey Esparto, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: North Davis Harris's Sparrow continues From: "Chris" <cdunford AT freedomfromhunger.org> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:06:01 -0000 However, this bird visits 243 Cortez and vicinity less frequently (I went a week without seeing it) and is generally harder to locate than it has been. No longer a high probability for "drive by" birding. Chris Dunford Davis ------------------------------------ Subject: Rayhouse Rd Townsend's Solitaire From: "drsgmule" <pittmanl AT frontiernet.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:35:53 -0000 Four of us birding Rayhouse Rd in Yolo County this morning had good looks at a Townsend's Solitaire. Rayhouse Rd was fairly quiet, so we were walking back down the road when the Townsend's Solitaire flew across the road and perched openly on dead wood near a manzanita tree on the other side of the creek at 10:21 a.m. Shortly afterwards it flew back across to the west side of the road and perched on the top of a nearby tree. The location was approximately 1/3 mile south of the low water bridge. Also of interest was an adult Bald Eagle soaring over the ridge to the north of Highway 16 and Rayhouse Rd. Link to photos of Townsend's Solitaire: http://lsp.smugmug.com/Birds/Recent/12234071_2VqG9c#!i=1696533841 Linda Pittman Wilton CA ------------------------------------ Subject: White-throated Sparrow - Sacramento County From: Cory Gregory <arcticory AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:09:37 -0800 Birders, There was a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Cosumnes River Preserve this afternoon. However, I couldn't relocate the Harris's Sparrow near Desmond Road. A map of where we had the White-throated can be seen on my blog: http://arcticory.blogspot.com/ Good birding, Cory Gregory Elk Grove, Sacramento County ------------------------------------ Subject: Placer County Bald Eagle From: Charles Walker <cvwalker AT surewest.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:02:05 -0800 Hi, I was birding south of Sheridan mainly between Dowd and Brewer Rds this AM: I saw a Bald Eagle carrying a Coot on Waltz Ave about 1/4 mi east of Brewer at about 11:30 today. I think it might have been a 3rd year bird- it had a lot of white mottling on its upper wings and it had white on the throat. It flew north past Kempton Rd and I lost it. I also saw a Prairie Falcon just west of N Dowd on Dalby Rd, and another Prairie Falcon on Nader Rd where it has been previously seen. There were a lot of Snow Geese and White-Fronted Geese and Whistling Swans on Waltz east of Brewer and on Brewer north of Waltz. Good Birding, Charley Walker Roseville, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Blue Jay back This Morning From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:58:59 -0800 One wonders whether the lack of peanuts has anything to do with the bird not being seen as much anymore. When we were there the word was that everyone should bring some peanuts to provide for the birds. But later it was reported that all the Scrub Jays were so aggressive in getting the peanuts that the Blue Jay was not able to get in to them, so they stopped with the peanuts. Bob Yutzy Shasta, CA On 2/1/2012 5:29 PM, Steve wrote: > Denise said that the Blue Jay was seen at the water feeder this morning at around 8:00am in their backyard. She also said that people are still welcome to come by and try to see it. I believe the address is 1244 Stanley Ave here in Chico. There were chairs on the left side of the house last time I was there. > > Steve King > Butte County > > > ------------------------------------ > > Subject: communal roost of Western Bluebirds From: Manfred Kusch <makusch AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:47:53 -0800 Thanks to the several people who responded to my last post about five or more Western Bluebirds sleeping in the same nest box. It turns out that this is well-documented behavior for both Eastern and Western Bluebirds. I went out again last night and found the Nuttall's Woodpeckers I reported in my last post (but a bit too early for a good photo of their dormant state, will try later again) and in 3 boxes I found 3, 3, and 2 Western Bluebirds. The box that had been "stuffed" full of them at last check was empty. Perhaps they did not like being disturbed and felt more vulnerable with so many crowded into one box. With only 2 or 3 birds per box, they remained calm as I opened the front of the box. The Anna's Hummingbird is continuing with her nest construction down by the creek, the rim is now about half an inch high. People also pointed out that Anna's are known to nest in Sacramento and Davis in late January or even earlier. I know of friends who have had Anna's nests in their yards in Berkeley in late December. Around here, however, in the riparian woodland along the creek, Anna's nests in late January are very exceptional. In fact, it is rare to even see any hummingbirds along the creek before mid-Feb. The main breeding season starts usually in mid-February and goes (with second or third attempts) into early June. Manfred Kusch Davis/Winters makusch AT ucdavis.edu 707-678-1027 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Folsom Lake (Placer) From: "Ron Pozzi" <gbbirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:29:48 -0000 2-1-2012 Greetings Birders, Birded the Folsom Lake area around 4:30pm today. At Doton's Point near the lake's shoreline I came upon a flock of approximately 300 gulls. Among the predominately California gulls was a stunning 1st winter LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and a single 1st winter MEW GULL. Driving back towards the Granite Bay entrance to the lake I observed a MERLIN doing a late evening hunt. Get Out There! Ron Pozzi Granite Bay, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Blue Jay back This Morning From: "Steve" <sking.chico AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:29:20 -0000 Denise said that the Blue Jay was seen at the water feeder this morning at around 8:00am in their backyard. She also said that people are still welcome to come by and try to see it. I believe the address is 1244 Stanley Ave here in Chico. There were chairs on the left side of the house last time I was there. Steve King Butte County ------------------------------------ Subject: Falcated Duck today - Yes & No From: "bobandcarolredding" <boby AT c-zone.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:02:23 -0000 Hello all, We arrived at the platform at about 2:30 pm and stayed through darkness. The bird was reported as last being seen through about 12:30 pm in the usual place in front of the platform. However, no one had seen it since. We continued searching from the platform for several hours. Others took the tour route and came back to look but no luck. Mike, one of the refuge staff or the manager there, and a previous email, said that the bird had been the day before in the next pond further on the right on the vehicle only road a few hundred yards down but that the duck could be quite hard to find there. A couple of the fellows searching with all of us said they would drive down the road and look again for the Falcated. They returned a short while later saying they had the bird there. We all (5-6 cars folk) jumped in our cars and drove up and saw the bird on the right up on the top of a dike road. Before we could even spread the word that we saw the duck or get a window mount scope set up the whole group of Mallards and Wigeon flew off back in the direction of the platform. It was back to the platform for all of us as it got darker and darker, but NO LUCK. Several of us in the group did get to see the duck out on the road, but only very, very briefly. Clearly folks should check both the platform area and the next pond (and the little pond across the road from the platform.) Our general list of birds is below: hundreds of White-fronted Geese hundreds+ of Snow Geese 3 Blue Snow Geese Ross's Geese hybrid Snow x Blue Geese (3-4 spotty jobs) 10 male Eurasian Wigeon 1 hybrid Green-winged x Common Teal (main vertical stripe and small horizontal stripe) 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Tree Swallow and, all the other usual suspects Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Canvasbacks in West Sacramento - updated directions From: "tbgl2003" <hoakes AT jsanet.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:47:12 -0000 I'm following up on a post I added the other day about the location of the canvasback flock in West Sacramento. I've gotten a couple of emails about the directions so I wanted to send out a global update. The pond is located at the south end of STONEGATE AVE (not Southgate as I had it before). Stonegate is east of Jefferson Blvd and south of Linden Road. My apologies for the confusion. Harry Oakes Sacramento, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Falcated Duck Colusa -new location From: "Kenneth" <ksobon1 AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:08:34 -0000 The Falcated Duck was present today from 4:30- 4:45 in the pond just west of the viewing platform. Hopefully It will be back in the usual location tomorow because it was in a very dificult location for viewing. It was on a island that could only be viewed from the car on the single lane road. Ken Sobon Paradise CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Yolo County Breeding Bird Atlas Meeting and Request for Birders From: "Ed" <edwhisler530 AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:07:32 -0000 Dear Birders: There will be an orientation meeting for the 5th year of the Yolo County Breeding Bird Atlas on Tuesday, February 7, at 7:30 pm in the Wildlife Health Center Conference Room, UC Davis. Please come and pick a Block for this season, find out how to upload your count data, how to decide that a bird is confirmed as breeding, and sign up! We need volunteers, as many as possible, to make this atlas a success. If you're unsure of your ability or level of available time for this effort, by all means team up with someone else. The Wildlife Health Center is part of the UC Davis South Campus area and is on Old Davis Road, south of I-80, second driveway on the left after the railroad tracks. Come through the main gate then the second gate and park. Below is a link and map. http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whc/about/contact.cfm We look forward to seeing you there. If you can't make the meeting but would like to take on a Block, please contact me (edwhisler530 AT comcast.net) for an assignment. Cheers Ed Whisler Coordinator Yolo County Breeding Bird Atlas Yolo Audubon Society Davis, CA 916-204-0471 cell ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Re: Results of the UC Davis Bird Count From: Manfred Kusch <makusch AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:36:07 -0800 Hi Darell and Andy-- I was just about to send a comment re: Wood Ducks to Andy when Darell's post arrived. The total absence of Wood Ducks along my stretch of Putah Creek for the past 2 months has been quite exceptional. The ducks had a great breeding season last year--several of my nest boxes were occupied twice--and some ducks hung around most of the summer. Then they began to assemble again in the pond like area upstream from my place at the beginning of October in anticipation of the acorn harvest that brings them there every year. But they soon noticed that there were absolutely no acorns. For some reason the large valley oaks did not produce a single acorn. In fact there were not any acorns anywhere along my daily route. Thus no Wood Ducks, no Acorn Woodpeckers and few Scrub Jays.I should add that there have not been any other water birds on the creek either for the past several weeks: no Mallards, mergansers, grebes, cormorants. Quite exceptional. One has to wonder if the long dry spell has something to do with this unusual pattern. In general, winter has been very quiet along the creek. Small high points were the extended presence of two flaming Red-breasted Sapsuckers, two Varied Thrushes, several Orange-crowned Warblers, intermittent Hermit Thrushes, in addition to the usual numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers (especially numerous today!), Ruby-crowned Kinglets (but no golden-crowned this year), Bushtits, passing flocks of Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, Lesser and American goldfinches. A few Lincoln's Sparrows in the company of their Golden-crowned and White-crowned cousins-once removed were present most days starting in late December (later than usual). There are a couple of Fox Sparrows at my seed feeder in the garden in addition to the usual large flock of crowned sparrows, but so far, for the first time in four years, no White-throated Sparrow. Unusual has been the continual presence of Western Bluebirds from October until now, both at the creek (feeding on mistletoe berries) and around my house. Typically they show up very intermittently for a few days during the winter. When I recently checked my 10 nest boxes in the native grass area in front of my house, an area of about 2 acres dominated by California sycamores and valley oak , to see who was using them at night, I found 4 boxes occupied by Nuttall's Woodpeckers (3 fem., 1 male) and one box literally stuffed full with Western Bluebirds. Since they became agitated when I opened the front, I quickly closed it and shone my flash light through small crack only and was thus not able to do an accurate count, but I am confident that there were at least 5, probably more, bluebirds all huddled together in a pile up to the entrance hole. I had found 2 male bluebirds sleeping in the same box before but never so many as in this box. Is this a well-known behavior among Western Bluebirds? There were several empty nest boxes nearby, so it was not a scarcity of sleeping cavities that produced this communal roost. Sleeping Nuttall's are also interesting. They sleep on the floor of the nest box. They arrive in the vicinity of the box as early as 4 PM and enter the box well before darkness. As the night progresses, the feathers on their back puff up and spread in concentric circles, ultimately forming a round cover or blanket that hides all other features of the bird. Once they reach this stage they are completely undisturbed if I open the front of the box. They remain still in that position even when I shine my flashlight directly at them. Perhaps I'll take a photo and post it since it is quite an unusual sight. Although for many birds it is clearly still winter, never mind the mild temperatures, my resident Red-tailed Hawks have been adding sticks to their bulky nest lately and today I noticed the first female Anna's Hummingbird teasing fibers and spider's web from trees and bushes down by the creek and laying the foundation for a nest. It's pretty early for around here and it remains to be seen whether her urge to nest is strong enough to stick with the effort. Sent from my iPad On Jan 30, 2012, at 5:03 PM, "dgslotton" wrote: > Hi Andy, > > One explanation for the low wood duck numbers may be that tons (70+) showed up just a few days before your survey at the West Pond basin in West Davis following its filling, finally, with water. The wood ducks were accompanied by at least 8 pairs of hooded mergansers and half a dozen green winged teal. Apparently very appealing habitat right after the rains. Many now seem to have moved on, likely to Putah Creek where they may have come from in the first place. So you may have had a strange window of lower than normal numbers on count day. > > Cheers, > Darell Slotton > Davis, CA > > --- In central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com, "Andy Engilis, Jr." wrote: > > > > I wanted to report the results and highlights of the 4th annual winter bird > > count on the UC Davis Campus. As many of you know the UC Davis campus is > > quite unique in that it encompasses a very large land base comprised of > > agriculture, restored grasslands, a seven mile-long riparian corridor (Putah > > Creek), along with the UCD Arboretum and numerous ornamental plantings on > > the core campus. It makes for a varied setting that in some years can > > attract odd wintering species. We started the survey four years ago to begin > > to track mid-winter diversity on campus and it has proved to be a fun event. > > We have toyed with the idea of conducting a spring survey too, maybe this > > will be the year! > > > > > > > > The count was held on Saturday, 28 January 2012, on a beautiful winter day, > > light wind, high clouds, cool crisp morning and mild daytime temperatures - > > and NO FOG! Forty-five observers were organized into 5 areas: two on the > > core campus, one on the south campus, one on the west campus and one on the > > Russell Ranch Property. We for the first time counted the UC Davis crow > > roost in the morning before it disbanded for the day. A team of three souls > > estimated the UC Davis Campus roost to contain 20,000 crows. With a > > "Hitchcockian" aura, it was a bit unnerving as the crows vocalizations ebbed > > and flowed as if they were discussing our presence in the rookery! John > > Emeln in a 1940 paper estimated the Sacramento Valley population at 50,000 > > birds (more than half the crows estimated to winter in California at the > > time), and mapped the Yolo (Davis-Woodland) Roost at 5,000 birds. > > > > > > > > On to the count. With all teams reporting in we recorded 101 species and > > over 37,000 birds on count day (we have one species still unresolved, a > > reported Rufous-crowned Sparrow from Russell Ranch). This is the second > > highest count (the highest being 102 species in 2009). As with any new > > count, we add birds annually. There were six new records for the count this > > winter with perhaps the best being a tie between two Phainopepla at the > > Russell Ranch (unusual in mid-winter) and a nomadic, singing male Wrentit > > found on the west campus Putah Creek Reserve. The later is the first record > > in this stretch of Putah Creek. New records this year also included: a > > Green-winged Teal (West Campus), a Ferruginous Hawk (West Campus), a > > Prairie Falcon (Russell Ranch) and a Wilson's Snipe (West Campus). Two > > White-throated Sparrows were observed, one on the west end of the Arboretum > > and the other along Putah Creek (West Campus). > > > > > > > > The Core Campus which includes all of the associated landscaping of main > > teaching buildings, the UCD Arboretum, and Quad yielded 70 species of birds > > with highlights including the count's only Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, > > Black-crowned Night-Heron, White-throated Swift, Hutton's Vireo, Varied > > Thrush (a single bird), Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsends Warbler, > > Horned lark, Chipping Sparrow and Lark Sparrow. Also the count's only > > Slate-colored Junco and Yellow-shafted Flicker were recorded from Core > > Campus. West Campus totaled 78 species with the count's only: Green-winged > > Teal, Ferruginous Hawk, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, > > Marsh Wren, Wrentit, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. South Campus (which includes > > the UCD Raptor Center) yielded 63 species of birds with the count's only > > reports of: Greater White-fronted Goose and Merlin. The Russell Ranch Team > > recorded 73 species of birds with the count's only: California Quail, > > Sharp-shinned Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Greater Yellowlegs, Phainopepla, and > > Brown-headed Cowbird. Two owling teams recorded Great Horned Owls and Barn > > Owls. > > > > > > > > The numbers of Wood Duck were at their lowest to date. The UC Davis > > Arboretum was home to 40 or 50 birds over the past decade but until recently > > their numbers have dwindled to near zero. None were found there on count > > day. Fortunately several were observed along Putah Creek. The Mallards have > > also dramatically declined on the Arboretum from over 300 birds to just over > > 100 birds this year. The decline of ducks on the waterway may have > > something to do with a family of otters that moved into the arboretum a > > little over a year ago. We also witnessed the continuing spread of Eurasian > > Collared Doves with birds reported from all teams including the core campus > > teams. > > > > > > > > Finally we made an effort to separate the Yellow-rumped Warblers into its > > component "species" Audubon's and Myrtle. All teams combined counted 2,696 > > Yellow-rumped Warblers (there are a lot on campus). Of those we were able > > to identify 1,599 birds to their species component: 1,477 Audubon's and 122 > > Myrtle; yielding about a 10:1 ratio this winter. > > > > > > > > Thanks everyone for your help this year. After recovering from the flu, > > this was a nice way to get back on my feet! > > > > > > > > Best - Andy Engilis > > > > > > > > > > > > Andrew Engilis, Jr. > > > > Curator > > > > Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology > > > > University of California > > > > One Shields Avenue > > > > Davis, CA 95616 > > > > USA > > > > > > > > Office Phone: 530-752-0364 > > > > FAX: 530-752-4154 > > > > E-mail: aengilisjr AT ... > > > > Website: http://mwfb.ucdavis.edu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Results of the UC Davis Bird Count From: "dgslotton" <dgslotton AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:03:24 -0000 Hi Andy, One explanation for the low wood duck numbers may be that tons (70+) showed up just a few days before your survey at the West Pond basin in West Davis following its filling, finally, with water. The wood ducks were accompanied by at least 8 pairs of hooded mergansers and half a dozen green winged teal. Apparently very appealing habitat right after the rains. Many now seem to have moved on, likely to Putah Creek where they may have come from in the first place. So you may have had a strange window of lower than normal numbers on count day. Cheers, Darell Slotton Davis, CA --- In central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com, "Andy Engilis, Jr." wrote: > > I wanted to report the results and highlights of the 4th annual winter bird > count on the UC Davis Campus. As many of you know the UC Davis campus is > quite unique in that it encompasses a very large land base comprised of > agriculture, restored grasslands, a seven mile-long riparian corridor (Putah > Creek), along with the UCD Arboretum and numerous ornamental plantings on > the core campus. It makes for a varied setting that in some years can > attract odd wintering species. We started the survey four years ago to begin > to track mid-winter diversity on campus and it has proved to be a fun event. > We have toyed with the idea of conducting a spring survey too, maybe this > will be the year! > > > > The count was held on Saturday, 28 January 2012, on a beautiful winter day, > light wind, high clouds, cool crisp morning and mild daytime temperatures - > and NO FOG! Forty-five observers were organized into 5 areas: two on the > core campus, one on the south campus, one on the west campus and one on the > Russell Ranch Property. We for the first time counted the UC Davis crow > roost in the morning before it disbanded for the day. A team of three souls > estimated the UC Davis Campus roost to contain 20,000 crows. With a > "Hitchcockian" aura, it was a bit unnerving as the crows vocalizations ebbed > and flowed as if they were discussing our presence in the rookery! John > Emeln in a 1940 paper estimated the Sacramento Valley population at 50,000 > birds (more than half the crows estimated to winter in California at the > time), and mapped the Yolo (Davis-Woodland) Roost at 5,000 birds. > > > > On to the count. With all teams reporting in we recorded 101 species and > over 37,000 birds on count day (we have one species still unresolved, a > reported Rufous-crowned Sparrow from Russell Ranch). This is the second > highest count (the highest being 102 species in 2009). As with any new > count, we add birds annually. There were six new records for the count this > winter with perhaps the best being a tie between two Phainopepla at the > Russell Ranch (unusual in mid-winter) and a nomadic, singing male Wrentit > found on the west campus Putah Creek Reserve. The later is the first record > in this stretch of Putah Creek. New records this year also included: a > Green-winged Teal (West Campus), a Ferruginous Hawk (West Campus), a > Prairie Falcon (Russell Ranch) and a Wilson's Snipe (West Campus). Two > White-throated Sparrows were observed, one on the west end of the Arboretum > and the other along Putah Creek (West Campus). > > > > The Core Campus which includes all of the associated landscaping of main > teaching buildings, the UCD Arboretum, and Quad yielded 70 species of birds > with highlights including the count's only Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, > Black-crowned Night-Heron, White-throated Swift, Hutton's Vireo, Varied > Thrush (a single bird), Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsends Warbler, > Horned lark, Chipping Sparrow and Lark Sparrow. Also the count's only > Slate-colored Junco and Yellow-shafted Flicker were recorded from Core > Campus. West Campus totaled 78 species with the count's only: Green-winged > Teal, Ferruginous Hawk, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, > Marsh Wren, Wrentit, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. South Campus (which includes > the UCD Raptor Center) yielded 63 species of birds with the count's only > reports of: Greater White-fronted Goose and Merlin. The Russell Ranch Team > recorded 73 species of birds with the count's only: California Quail, > Sharp-shinned Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Greater Yellowlegs, Phainopepla, and > Brown-headed Cowbird. Two owling teams recorded Great Horned Owls and Barn > Owls. > > > > The numbers of Wood Duck were at their lowest to date. The UC Davis > Arboretum was home to 40 or 50 birds over the past decade but until recently > their numbers have dwindled to near zero. None were found there on count > day. Fortunately several were observed along Putah Creek. The Mallards have > also dramatically declined on the Arboretum from over 300 birds to just over > 100 birds this year. The decline of ducks on the waterway may have > something to do with a family of otters that moved into the arboretum a > little over a year ago. We also witnessed the continuing spread of Eurasian > Collared Doves with birds reported from all teams including the core campus > teams. > > > > Finally we made an effort to separate the Yellow-rumped Warblers into its > component "species" Audubon's and Myrtle. All teams combined counted 2,696 > Yellow-rumped Warblers (there are a lot on campus). Of those we were able > to identify 1,599 birds to their species component: 1,477 Audubon's and 122 > Myrtle; yielding about a 10:1 ratio this winter. > > > > Thanks everyone for your help this year. After recovering from the flu, > this was a nice way to get back on my feet! > > > > Best - Andy Engilis > > > > > > Andrew Engilis, Jr. > > Curator > > Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology > > University of California > > One Shields Avenue > > Davis, CA 95616 > > USA > > > > Office Phone: 530-752-0364 > > FAX: 530-752-4154 > > E-mail: aengilisjr AT ... > > Website: http://mwfb.ucdavis.edu > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Results of the UC Davis Bird Count From: "Andy Engilis, Jr." <aengilisjr AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:45:48 -0800 I wanted to report the results and highlights of the 4th annual winter bird count on the UC Davis Campus. As many of you know the UC Davis campus is quite unique in that it encompasses a very large land base comprised of agriculture, restored grasslands, a seven mile-long riparian corridor (Putah Creek), along with the UCD Arboretum and numerous ornamental plantings on the core campus. It makes for a varied setting that in some years can attract odd wintering species. We started the survey four years ago to begin to track mid-winter diversity on campus and it has proved to be a fun event. We have toyed with the idea of conducting a spring survey too, maybe this will be the year! The count was held on Saturday, 28 January 2012, on a beautiful winter day, light wind, high clouds, cool crisp morning and mild daytime temperatures - and NO FOG! Forty-five observers were organized into 5 areas: two on the core campus, one on the south campus, one on the west campus and one on the Russell Ranch Property. We for the first time counted the UC Davis crow roost in the morning before it disbanded for the day. A team of three souls estimated the UC Davis Campus roost to contain 20,000 crows. With a "Hitchcockian" aura, it was a bit unnerving as the crows vocalizations ebbed and flowed as if they were discussing our presence in the rookery! John Emeln in a 1940 paper estimated the Sacramento Valley population at 50,000 birds (more than half the crows estimated to winter in California at the time), and mapped the Yolo (Davis-Woodland) Roost at 5,000 birds. On to the count. With all teams reporting in we recorded 101 species and over 37,000 birds on count day (we have one species still unresolved, a reported Rufous-crowned Sparrow from Russell Ranch). This is the second highest count (the highest being 102 species in 2009). As with any new count, we add birds annually. There were six new records for the count this winter with perhaps the best being a tie between two Phainopepla at the Russell Ranch (unusual in mid-winter) and a nomadic, singing male Wrentit found on the west campus Putah Creek Reserve. The later is the first record in this stretch of Putah Creek. New records this year also included: a Green-winged Teal (West Campus), a Ferruginous Hawk (West Campus), a Prairie Falcon (Russell Ranch) and a Wilson's Snipe (West Campus). Two White-throated Sparrows were observed, one on the west end of the Arboretum and the other along Putah Creek (West Campus). The Core Campus which includes all of the associated landscaping of main teaching buildings, the UCD Arboretum, and Quad yielded 70 species of birds with highlights including the count's only Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, White-throated Swift, Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush (a single bird), Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsends Warbler, Horned lark, Chipping Sparrow and Lark Sparrow. Also the count's only Slate-colored Junco and Yellow-shafted Flicker were recorded from Core Campus. West Campus totaled 78 species with the count's only: Green-winged Teal, Ferruginous Hawk, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, Marsh Wren, Wrentit, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. South Campus (which includes the UCD Raptor Center) yielded 63 species of birds with the count's only reports of: Greater White-fronted Goose and Merlin. The Russell Ranch Team recorded 73 species of birds with the count's only: California Quail, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Greater Yellowlegs, Phainopepla, and Brown-headed Cowbird. Two owling teams recorded Great Horned Owls and Barn Owls. The numbers of Wood Duck were at their lowest to date. The UC Davis Arboretum was home to 40 or 50 birds over the past decade but until recently their numbers have dwindled to near zero. None were found there on count day. Fortunately several were observed along Putah Creek. The Mallards have also dramatically declined on the Arboretum from over 300 birds to just over 100 birds this year. The decline of ducks on the waterway may have something to do with a family of otters that moved into the arboretum a little over a year ago. We also witnessed the continuing spread of Eurasian Collared Doves with birds reported from all teams including the core campus teams. Finally we made an effort to separate the Yellow-rumped Warblers into its component "species" Audubon's and Myrtle. All teams combined counted 2,696 Yellow-rumped Warblers (there are a lot on campus). Of those we were able to identify 1,599 birds to their species component: 1,477 Audubon's and 122 Myrtle; yielding about a 10:1 ratio this winter. Thanks everyone for your help this year. After recovering from the flu, this was a nice way to get back on my feet! Best - Andy Engilis Andrew Engilis, Jr. Curator Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology University of California One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 USA Office Phone: 530-752-0364 FAX: 530-752-4154 E-mail: aengilisjr AT ucdavis.edu Website: http://mwfb.ucdavis.edu [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Short-eared Owls - Sacramento County From: Cory Gregory <arcticory AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:38:12 -0800 Birders, If anyone on the south side of Sacramento wants to see some easy and convenient SHORT-EARED OWLS, we spotted some hunting the other evening over a portion of Stone Lakes NWR. Specifically, at least two were hunting in the grasslands south of Elk Grove Boulevard and west of Franklin Boulevard. You can view this grassland from a public park accessed by driving south on E. Taron Drive. I have a few pictures and a map of the area on my blog: http://arcticory.blogspot.com/2012/01/short-eared-owls.html Good birding, Cory Gregory Elk Grove, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Blue-winged teal - West Sacramento From: "tbgl2003" <hoakes AT jsanet.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:33:50 -0000 There were a dozen BLUE-WINGED TEAL in West Sacramento this morning. They were located at the water detention pond west of Southport Parkway. They were on the westernmost loafing island along with a large group of CINNAMON TEAL. There were several males walking along the shoreline - beautiful birds. There is no parking on Southport Parkway but the pond can we accessed via the neighborhood south of the pond. Turn west off Southport onto Oakland Bay Dr, then right on Bowen Island Rd. The access point is a cul-de-sac at the intersection of Solomon Island Road and Pender Island St. I also stopped by the pond at the end of Southgate Ave, also in West Sacramento. The large flock of CANVASBACK were still present. There were also RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP, COMMON MERGANSER, BUFFLEHEAD, and COMMON GOLDENEYE. The male goldeneye were displaying. Good birding! Harry Oakes Sacramento, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: White-throated Sparrow - Granite Bay From: "rossierran" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:10:49 -0000 Hi Chad, Nice find and congrats on #200 in Placer. Ron Pozzi should be knocking at your door anytime now. My previous reply was a touch phone screen error. Deren Ross Auburn --- In central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com, "Chad Aakre" wrote: > > Hello Everyone, > > I have a White-throated Sparrow hanging out in my back yard. I first saw it a weeks ago and didn't think it stayed around but I just played a call and up it came. I live in Granite Bay in case anyone would like to see it. > > Give me a call and we can make arrangements. Cell# 916-275-1681. > > This was my 200 bird of Placer County and it came to me... nice. > > Good birding to you! > > Chad Aakre > Placer County > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: White-throated Sparrow - Granite Bay From: "Deren Ross" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:56:46 +0000 Y Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: "Chad Aakre" Sender: central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:55:05 To: Subject: [CVBirds] White-throated Sparrow - Granite Bay Hello Everyone, I have a White-throated Sparrow hanging out in my back yard. I first saw it a weeks ago and didn't think it stayed around but I just played a call and up it came. I live in Granite Bay in case anyone would like to see it. Give me a call and we can make arrangements. Cell# 916-275-1681. This was my 200 bird of Placer County and it came to me... nice. Good birding to you! Chad Aakre Placer County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: White-throated Sparrow - Granite Bay From: "Chad Aakre" <chadaakre AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:55:05 -0000 Hello Everyone, I have a White-throated Sparrow hanging out in my back yard. I first saw it a weeks ago and didn't think it stayed around but I just played a call and up it came. I live in Granite Bay in case anyone would like to see it. Give me a call and we can make arrangements. Cell# 916-275-1681. This was my 200 bird of Placer County and it came to me... nice. Good birding to you! Chad Aakre Placer County ------------------------------------ Subject: Harris's sparrow continues at CRP From: "John and Glennah Trochet" <trochetj AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:25:59 -0800 Dear Birders, The Harris's sparrow first found by Maryanne Steurer last weekend was seen again this morning by many. This time it was on the south side of Desmond Road approximately 150 meters west of the Farm Center gate. Best, John Trochet Sacramento [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Costa's hummingbird in Chico (1/27) From: Bruce Webb <BruWebb AT surewest.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:37:57 -0800 I arrived at 315 pm today and had to wait all of two minutes to see the male Costa's Hummingbird. It visited the trees before coming to the feeder. Also present were White-crowned Sparrows and Lesser and American Goldfinches which went silent when an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk passed overhead. Thank you Shelly and Jay. Bruce Webb Granite Bay, CA sent from my Android phone On Jan 27, 2012 1:37 PM, "Kirn, Shelly" wrote: > ** > > > Hi CV Birders > > The male Costa's hummingbird has been a regular visitor to our feeders > since late December, and I saw it using the large, red feeder along the > back fence a bit after 7:15am this morning before heading to work. Assuming > that there might be folks visiting Chico for the Snow Goose Festival this > weekend, I would like to extend the invitation to drop-by our yard to see > the bird (no need to call, email before hand, or to knock). Our address is > 59 Herlax Circle off of W 11th Ave in Chico which is actually fairly close > to the event headquarters at the Masonic Lodge. You can't miss us, we are > the only house in the neighborhood without lawn. Come through the gate on > the left side of the driveway near the single garage. You are welcomed to > sit anywhere and make yourself comfortable. I put a blue camp chair along > the west fence that affords a view of 3 (of the 4) hummingbird feeders, or > you can sit on the back porch. Please shut the gate when you leave. > > Bird on! > > Shelly Kirn > and Jay Bogiatto > Chico, Butte Co > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Yuba and Sutter Co Birds From: "rupo AT att.net" <rupo@att.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:18:46 -0000 Yesterday birded parts of Yuba and Sutter Counties. Found 13 Cattle Egrets on Hallwood Rd west of Hwy 20. The birds were at the last house on the south side of Hallwood. Found a 1st or 2nd cycle Glaucous Gull at Sutter NWR. The bird was east of the levee rd hanging with Herring Gulls in the non-hunting part of the refuge.(First found this bird 7 Jan 2012 but was unable to make a positive ID) Also found 2 Mountain Plovers on Progress Rd.(at the previous noted field) Dale Rubach Grass Valley, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Costa's hummingbird in Chico (1/27) From: "Kirn, Shelly" <sakirn AT csuchico.edu> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:37:20 -0800 Hi CV Birders The male Costa's hummingbird has been a regular visitor to our feeders since late December, and I saw it using the large, red feeder along the back fence a bit after 7:15am this morning before heading to work. Assuming that there might be folks visiting Chico for the Snow Goose Festival this weekend, I would like to extend the invitation to drop-by our yard to see the bird (no need to call, email before hand, or to knock). Our address is 59 Herlax Circle off of W 11th Ave in Chico which is actually fairly close to the event headquarters at the Masonic Lodge. You can't miss us, we are the only house in the neighborhood without lawn. Come through the gate on the left side of the driveway near the single garage. You are welcomed to sit anywhere and make yourself comfortable. I put a blue camp chair along the west fence that affords a view of 3 (of the 4) hummingbird feeders, or you can sit on the back porch. Please shut the gate when you leave. Bird on! Shelly Kirn and Jay Bogiatto Chico, Butte Co [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Merced National Wildlife Refuge (video) From: Larry Broderick <northcoastraptor AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:14:51 -0800 That was very nice. I enjoyed it very much, thank-you. Great work! keep it up! Post more! -- L. Broderick. 707-975-7047 West County Hawk Watch (Sonoma/Marin/Solano) email. northcoastraptor AT gmail.com info. www.google.com/profiles/northcoastraptor. pictures. www.flickr.com/photos/west-county_hawk-watch [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Cosumnes birds- 27 JAN 2012 From: "John and Glennah Trochet" <trochetj AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:01:41 -0800 Dear Birders, I attempted a survey out at Valensin Ranch this morning, but I didn't finish up before the winds were well out of tolerance. I then went down to the lower preserve. I refound the young Harris's sparrow a ways west of the previous location. It was on the north edge of Desmond Road near the green gate on a dirt road running north into Lost Slough East, the first such gate west of the corner of Bruceville and Desmond Roads. Among the gulls north of Desmond was a first cycle glaucous-winged gull, an infrequently detected species at the preserve. Best, John Trochet Sacramento [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Merced National Wildlife Refuge (video) From: Chuq Von Rospach <chuqvr AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:29:54 -0800 I'm experimenting with different ways to show my photography, and since Merced NWR is one of my favorite spots, it's a logical place to experiment. This is a short slideshow video of images from there that I thought I'd pass along for those of you interested. http://vimeo.com/35721202 (fwiw, these images are things I've taken there over the last five years) +-+-+-+-+-+-+ Chuq Von Rospach, photographer, writer, and herder of cats Santa Clara, CA email: chuqvr AT gmail.com blog: http://www.chuqui.com photos: http://chuqui.smugmug.com more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuqui ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Is Chico Blue Jay still around? From: Bruce Webb <BruWebb AT surewest.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:12:17 -0800 Yesterday afternoon, I stopped by Denise Devine's home and spent 40 minutes looking for the Blue Jay. I noticed no peanuts at the feeder which earlier accounts mentioned. All the Scrub-jays came and left peanutless. Later I walked the road and a vehicle stopped and seeing my binoculars, they told me they had seen the Blue Jay two days ago on their lawn (yellow house) just up the street. Twenty minutes later, another woman riding her bike said they had it in their yard much even further down the street less than two weeks ago. Perhaps if we can find a feeder with peanuts it might have a reason to stay around. Bruce Webb (In Chico for the Snow Goose Festival) Granite Bay, CA On 1/26/2012 3:17 PM, Steve wrote: > > > I sent of an E-mail to Denise today for status on the Blue Jay in > their backyard. This is her response. > > --------------------- > Sad to say, we haven't seen or heard him for a couple of weeks. > The Scrub Jays became very aggressive when the peanuts were put out. > We finally cut back. > > And we haven't had any birders this last week until yesterday > when Greg Miller and Bruce Webb came by in the afternoon. > > We still welcome people to come by. > May be someone will see him. > > Thanks for checking. > > Denise > > ----------------------- > > Steve King > Chico > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Is Chico Blue Jay still around? From: "Steve" <sking.chico AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:17:57 -0000 I sent of an E-mail to Denise today for status on the Blue Jay in their backyard. This is her response. --------------------- Sad to say, we haven't seen or heard him for a couple of weeks. The Scrub Jays became very aggressive when the peanuts were put out. We finally cut back. And we haven't had any birders this last week until yesterday when Greg Miller and Bruce Webb came by in the afternoon. We still welcome people to come by. May be someone will see him. Thanks for checking. Denise ----------------------- Steve King Chico ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: American/European Wigeon Hybrid Yolo Basin From: Charles Walker <cvwalker AT surewest.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:14:52 -0800 We also saw some interesting Grebe behavior at Yolo Bypass near Davis, CA: 2 Winter Plumage Eared grebes were swimming around a small patch of reeds near Parking lot C. They were repeatedly picking up the submerged ends of reeds and setting them in the water next to the other grebe, then twisting their necks from side to side. this lasted for 2-3 minutes or more. I haven't seen behavior like this before. Charley Walker Roseville, CA On Jan 26, 2012, at 5:51 PM, Charles Walker wrote: > Hi Birders, > > Today about 11AM, My wife and I saw a bird at Vic Fazio or Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area that we believe is an American Wigeon/ European Wigeon hybrid. The bird looked more like an American Wigeon in the body, but had yellow-white encircling the green face patch like the picture for the hybrid in Sibley, or even whiter. there was minimal or no speckling below the eye. the green behind the eye extended to the nape as a bright green, brighter than a typical American Wigeon. This was a wider stripe, like the color stripe on Sibley's hybrid picture, but greener. This bird was on the return or north leg of the loop south of Parking Lot B on the West side of the road. We'd be happy to hear of other opinions or sightings of this bird. > > Good Birding, > > Charles Walker > Roseville, CA > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: American/European Wigeon Hybrid Yolo Basin From: Charles Walker <cvwalker AT surewest.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:51:54 -0800 Hi Birders, Today about 11AM, My wife and I saw a bird at Vic Fazio or Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area that we believe is an American Wigeon/ European Wigeon hybrid. The bird looked more like an American Wigeon in the body, but had yellow-white encircling the green face patch like the picture for the hybrid in Sibley, or even whiter. there was minimal or no speckling below the eye. the green behind the eye extended to the nape as a bright green, brighter than a typical American Wigeon. This was a wider stripe, like the color stripe on Sibley's hybrid picture, but greener. This bird was on the return or north leg of the loop south of Parking Lot B on the West side of the road. We'd be happy to hear of other opinions or sightings of this bird. Good Birding, Charles Walker Roseville, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Is Chico Blue Jay still around? From: BRUCE DEUEL <bdeuel AT wildblue.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:27:18 -0800 There are no more recent postings on my eBird review list, either. I would appreciate learning of any sightings subsequent to the 16th, for the record of dates of occurrence. Cheers, Bruce Deuel Red Bluff On Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 10:41 PM, drsgmule wrote: > ** > > > I haven't seen a report since 1/16. I'll be passing through Chico and I'm > probably one of the last valley residents that hasn't seen it. > > Linda Pittman > Wilton CA > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: HACKED!! (Do not send $$!) From: rowoth AT sbcglobal.net Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:06:17 -0800 (PST) My account has been hacked.  (Augh!) I'm not stranded anywhere and I don't need your $$--so ignore any such requests from me.  Delete immediately! Jim [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: HACKED!! (Do not send money!!!) From: rowoth AT sbcglobal.net Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:59:51 -0800 (PST) Oh god, it looks like my account has been hacked.  Please ignore any pleas for assistance from me! Jim [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: .. From: Jim Rowoth <rowoth AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:50:48 -0800 (PST) Dear Sir or Madam: http://westcoastcustomcom.us/httpmoneytracking263937622.php?ezacIDCid=91 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:50:47 _________________________________ "Any other boy would have been satisfied if he could supply as many papers as people wanted and let it go at that." (c) Majel workslow ------------------------------------ Subject: Is Chico Blue Jay still around? From: "drsgmule" <pittmanl AT frontiernet.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:41:53 -0000 I haven't seen a report since 1/16. I'll be passing through Chico and I'm probably one of the last valley residents that hasn't seen it. Linda Pittman Wilton CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Yellow-shafted Flicker in El Dorado Hills From: "dellar6" <dell AT dellrichards.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:10:23 -0000 A Yellow-Shafted Flicker was seen (and photographed) by a friend this past Saturday at 2:51 p.m. in El Dorado Hills. The bird was in the Chinese tallow tree at 536 Meybees Court, El Dorado Hills, 95762. It is a gated community, so you will have to wait for access, but the tree is on the edge of the property surrounded by fields/hills. Two photos are in the Woodpecker album at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/central_valley_birds/photos/album/502276740/pic/list I also have a Google Earth view with an arrow at the spot, if anyone wants to email me directly. Dell Richards dell AT dellrichards.com Sacramento CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Semipalmated Plovers in Yolo county From: "W.L. Rockey" <wlrockey AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:14:59 -0800 Birders, Today at noon I stopped by the Woodland wastewater treatment plant. I scoped the mudflat north of the road across from the 'birder parking' sign and found a single SEMIPALMATED PLOVER along with quite a few DUNLIN, 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, a few LEAST SANDPIPERS, and a few GREATER YELLOWLEGS. I then walked around the gate (they seem to have forgotten to unlock it?) and ran into Brent Campos who mentioned he had also seen some Semipalmated Plovers. So, I scoped the mud peninsula on the south end of the first main pond and saw two more SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS along with many BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and a single KILLDEER. There was also a single MEW GULL with the mostly CALIFORNIA, RING-BILLED, and a few HERRING GULLS. 4 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were also present on the water and flying overhead. I just checked the yolo county checklist and there are no Semipalmated Plover records from January. A quick check on ebird showed only two other Dec-Feb. records for the central valley. Good birding, W. Rockey Esparto, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Yolo Elkhorn Slough boat ramp From: Steve Hampton <shampton AT ospr.dfg.ca.gov> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:52:44 -0800 This morning I tried to re-find a Swamp Sparrow found by John Sterling on the Sac CBC at the Elkhorn Slough boat ramp near Rd 124 and the river road in Yolo County. No luck on that. I did find a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW about 100 yards up the tracks (north) from Rd 124, on the river side. The other day there was BLACK-THR GRAY WARBLER over the restrooms. good birding, Steve Hampton, Ph.D. ________________ Resource Economist Office of Spill Prevention and Response California Dept of Fish and Game PO Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 ----------------------------------- (916) 323-4724 phone (916) 324-8829 fax ------------------------------------ Subject: Lincoln WTP - Eurasian Wigeon From: "Chad Aakre" <chadaakre AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:47:02 -0000 There was a single EURASIAN WIGEON along with the other waterfowl at the Lincoln Sewage Ponds today... as it has in past years. The bird is hanging out in the west ponds and seems to concentrate on the levee separating the two ponds on that side. Other waterfowl observed there today were: NORTHERN SHOVELER AMERICAN WIGEON GREEN-WINGED TEAL CANVASBACK REDHEAD RUDDY DUCK BUFFLEHEAD GADWALL MALLARD AMERICAN COOT PIED-BILLED GREBE EARED GREBE DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT Besides waterfowl, there was also a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. And a few days ago I was able to observe that dark morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK that Darren Ross reported earlier. Really striking bird... thanks for the post Darren. Take Care, Chad Aakre Placer County ------------------------------------ Subject: Falcated Duck back - Jan 25 From: "Bruce Webb" <BruWebb AT surewest.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:44:46 +0000 After an absence of 2 days, the Falcated Duck is back in front of the viewing platform this morning, according to Mike Peters, Refuge Manager. Sent from my mobile phone Bruce Webb Granite Bay, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Falcated Duck back - Jan 25 From: "Bruce Webb" <BruWebb AT surewest.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:44:46 +0000 After an absence of 2 days, the Falcated Duck is back in front of the viewing platform this morning, according to Mike Peters, Refuge Manager. Sent from my mobile phone Bruce Webb Granite Bay, CA ------------------------------------ Unsubscribe: mailto:CALBIRDS-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CALBIRDS Listowners: mailto:CALBIRDS-owner AT yahoogroups.com For vacation suspension of mail go to the website. Click on Edit My Membership and set your mail option to No Email. Or, send a blank email to these addresses: Turn off email delivery: mailto:CALBIRDS-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume email delivery: mailto:CALBIRDS-normal AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Ruff and Reeve + Yellow-headed-Tricolored & Redwing Blackbirds From: "littlebitrv" <littlebitrv AT fastmail.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:51:56 -0000 01-23-12 Hearst Rd off Ingomar Grade in Gustine CA Yellow-headed Blackbird 50,Tricolored Blackbirds 200 and Redwing Blackbirds 500 normally they are spread out around the Dairy but Monday the where at the feed pile before the Dairy. http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758629041/in/photostream 01-24-12 Ruff, Reeve and Lesser Yellowlegs maybe? The water was down but not all the way but when I got there around 1:20 pm. The Ruff was there with 2 Black-necked Stilt and one Greater Yellowlegs. There where 4 Northern Harriers flying in the area and making everything fly. When they returned about 10 min later the Reeve returned with with the Ruff and with them was what looked like a Lesser Yellowlegs but the legs where not really yellow they looked more red orange. Maybe this is what Betty Burridge saw on the 18 th of this month.This shorebird stayed within 10 ft of the Ruff and Reeve. When they moved to a different puddle behind the main body of water it went also. http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758629413/in/photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758629921/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758630505/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758631801/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758634419/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758634651/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758635069/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6758634651/in/photostream/ See directions for the Ruff in post of 19th or 20th Marie Stewart Temp Los Banos ------------------------------------ Subject: Call for birders to help on UCD Mid-Winter Count From: "Andy Engilis, Jr." <aengilisjr AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:25:03 -0800 Birders -- If you are looking for a fun morning birding on the UC Davis campus (which is quite large and varied) we are conducting our annual mid-winter bird count this Saturday January 28th. It is a fun day and our fourth year. It is conducted Christmas Count Style and usually ends by 1pm. With the recent storms the birds should be mixed up a bit this year and we are looking to try and break our record of 103 species in one day. If you are interested, please contact me and we can get you assigned to a team. Thanks - Andy Engilis Andrew Engilis, Jr. Curator Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology University of California One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 USA Office Phone: 530-752-0364 FAX: 530-752-4154 E-mail: aengilisjr AT ucdavis.edu Website: http://mwfb.ucdavis.edu [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Birding after the storm From: "littlebitrv" <littlebitrv AT fastmail.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:12:47 -0000 I went out to Santa Fe Grade today Jan 23rd with all the rain most of the spots are now to deep for shorebirds. I didn't see any of the normal ones and no sign of the Ruff at all. I will keep an eye out and maybe when the water is lower it will come back I will let you know if it shows up. On Sunday I went after the Nelson's (Sharp-Tailed) Sparrow. If you haven't gone to see it, it is worth the drive. I have missed it in Texas so I was glad to see the post on EBB. I have posted some photos that I was able to take on my flicker site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6753325109/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6753325519/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6753324741/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6753325923/in/photostream/ Marie Stewart Temp Los Banos ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: RFI: pelagic info From: "Alvaro Jaramillo" <chucao AT coastside.net> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:07:34 -0800 Folks, Hopefully I am not breaking rules here, but I have been putting together pelagics as of last year. I plan on doing it again in the 2012 season, dates to be determined. Both from Half Moon Bay and Monterey. See - http://alvarosadventures.com/ under "Boat Trips" for schedule once finalized. Regards, Alvaro Alvaro Jaramillo alvaro AT alvarosadventures.com www.alvarosadventures.com _____ From: central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kurt Mize Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 4:38 PM To: Ellen_McBride AT fws.gov Cc: central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [CVBirds] RFI: pelagic info Monterey seabirds and Shearwater journeys are both good. Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2012, at 4:06 PM, Ellen_McBride AT fws.gov wrote: > I'm trying to find info on one-day pelagic birding trips leaving from > Monterey and northward up the coast from there. Does anyone have any > info, contacts, listserves, websites, they would recommend? Please > contact me offline for any recommendations. > > Thanks very much in advance! > Ellen > > "Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to > rather than what we are separate from." -- Terry Tempest Williams > > ************************************* > Ellen R. McBride, M.S. > Senior Wildlife Biologist > U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service > Conservation Planning Branch > 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605 > Sacramento, CA 95825 > (916) 414-6561 (w) > Ellen_McBride AT fws.gov > ************************************* > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: CV Bird Club youth scholarship From: John Sterling <jsterling AT wavecable.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:13:10 -0800 Once again the Central Valley Bird is happy to announce that we will be accepting applications for the Youth Scholarship to one of many birding camps to choose from. Please forward this to any 10-18 year old birder in the region. Deadline is March 1st, so get your applications to me as early as possible. http://www.cvbirds.org/Scholarship.htm www.cvbirds.org thanks, John John Sterling 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 530 908-3836 jsterling AT wavecable.com www.sterlingbirds.com (photos, classes, tours, county birding) ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: RFI: pelagic info From: Kurt Mize <k1mize AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:37:53 -0800 Monterey seabirds and Shearwater journeys are both good. Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2012, at 4:06 PM, Ellen_McBride AT fws.gov wrote: > I'm trying to find info on one-day pelagic birding trips leaving from > Monterey and northward up the coast from there. Does anyone have any > info, contacts, listserves, websites, they would recommend? Please > contact me offline for any recommendations. > > Thanks very much in advance! > Ellen > > "Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to > rather than what we are separate from." -- Terry Tempest Williams > > ************************************* > Ellen R. McBride, M.S. > Senior Wildlife Biologist > U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service > Conservation Planning Branch > 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605 > Sacramento, CA 95825 > (916) 414-6561 (w) > Ellen_McBride AT fws.gov > ************************************* > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RFI: pelagic info From: Ellen_McBride AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:06:39 -0800 I'm trying to find info on one-day pelagic birding trips leaving from Monterey and northward up the coast from there. Does anyone have any info, contacts, listserves, websites, they would recommend? Please contact me offline for any recommendations. Thanks very much in advance! Ellen "Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from." -- Terry Tempest Williams ************************************* Ellen R. McBride, M.S. Senior Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Planning Branch 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 414-6561 (w) Ellen_McBride AT fws.gov ************************************* [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Harris's Sparrow continues in Sacramento County From: Cory Gregory <arcticory AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:27:32 -0800 Birders, The HARRIS'S SPARROW at the Cosumnes River Preserve was still present first thing this morning. A map of where I saw it and a couple of crummy pictures are posted on my blog: http://arcticory.blogspot.com/ Good birding, Cory Gregory Elk Grove, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Falcated Duck - moved slightly From: Bruce Webb <BruWebb AT surewest.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:47:50 -0800 A new wrinkle on the Falcated Duck vis-a-vis recent heavy rains. At 2 PM the Falcated Duck was present in the usual position parading in front of the viewing platform. About 6 birders enjoyed great scope views, albeit in the constant drizzle. We talked and revisited and lost our attention of the duck. Suddenly, at 2:30 it was no longer in view. We spent 30 minutes looking for it. I happened to turn around and looked across the road (south) into a small rainwater pool/pond behind a large tree. and there it was actively swimming back and forth in the small pond. We never saw it fly (another missed opportunity). Does this foretell that the rains might cause it to explore away from the platform? The refuge manager said the new rainwater pond behind the tree always forms after storms and he thought this was the first time the Falcated Duck has ever left the Platform viewing area. A large tree obscures good views of the rainwater pond. Bruce Webb (with Big Year Birder Greg Miller enroute to Chico Snow Goose Festival) Granite Bay, California On 1/22/2012 1:40 PM, seagypsy011 wrote: It is still being seen at Colusa. Yesterday evening it was in the back of the pond in front of the viewing platform and around 11A was in front of the first little green island in front of the viewing platform. Best times to see it are 7:30 to 9A and 3 - 5P. It is usually the most active then and not sleeping out of sight. Marilyn Kircus ------------------------------------ Subject: Merced Co. White-winged Scoter From: kent Van Vuren <VanVurenK AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:04:06 -0800 From Top Of The Hill, Prunedale On Saturday I had the adult male White-winged Scoter found on Jan. 16th by Ellen Bluestein and Peter Colasanti. It was in the same location as originally reported---the center of the O'Neill Forebay in Merced County. Kent Van Vuren ------------------------------------ Subject: Sutter County Glaucous Gull From: "buckeyes0268" <buckeyes0268 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:43:45 -0000 Birders, Went back to the sutter county gull roost again today, camera in hand, and hoped the bird I saw yesterday would return. The bird did come to roost again, and thanks to John Sterling for helping with the ID, as it is a first cycle GLAUCOUS GULL. Again this locatonis 1 mile west of S.Township Rd on Bogue Rd. Bruce Duel and I were not succesfull in the morning as it blew the roost early and we were unable to relocated. The evening seems to be best. Also, the mountain plovers seem to be gone from the Progress Rd field. Cheers Jim Laughlin Yuba City ------------------------------------ Subject: Short-eared owls, Yolo, week of 16 Jan From: "zsgavilan71" <zsgavilan AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:29:05 -0000 Sorry for the late post, but last week there was some great Short-eared owl viewing at dusk at the Rd. 106/Rd. 36 'T' just west of the Yolo Bypass and east of the Yolo Grasslands Archery range. There were at least 3 in the tall weeds east of Rd. 106 hunting with harriers and perching on the fence. Close views. These birds will likely be in the same area after the rain passes. Zach Smith Davis, Ca. ------------------------------------ Subject: Harris's sparrow at the Cosumnes River Preserve today From: "John and Glennah Trochet" <trochetj AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:34:43 -0800 Dear Birders, I received the following note from Maryanne Steurer late this afternoon: "Hello John, This morning at the Cosumnes River Preserve I found a Harris' Sparrow along Desmond Rd (between the yellow 15mph turn sign and Bruceville rd corner) in a large (70+) flock of sparrows. The large flock had a majority of White-crowned but also many Golden-crowned within it. The Harris' Sparrow had quite o bit of black and looked close to a nonbreeding adult - according to my Beadle/Rising Sparrow photographic guide book. It became easy to refind each times as the flocks flushed when cars went by. It was on both sides of the road on the grassy pullover areas. I went down to the visitor's center and told someone inside and they just said to put it on the board. I drove back once more on the way home and again refound it once again in the large sparrow flock (just a little west of the yellow sign this time). Thanks, Maryanne Steurer" Maryanne is not subscribed to CV Birds, so I post this on her behalf. I ran down to the indicated area very late in the afternoon, and the Harris's sparrow was the first bird I put my bins on, right next to the yellow sign. Best, John Trochet Sacramento [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Western Amador Birding From: "Don Marsh" <marsh_don AT att.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:47:31 -0000 Saturday afternoon I did a little birding around western Amador County. Hightlights included a/the male Eurasian Wigeon and a female Barrow's Goldeneye at the Ione Water Treatment Plant. I rarely see wigeon at the Ione WTP, so finding 35 American Wigeon along with a Eurasian Wigeon was a surprise. The other highlight were two singing California Thrashers on Tonzi Road. Good Birding, Don Marsh Sutter Creek, Amador Co ------------------------------------ Subject: Report for Land Park, Sacramento - Hooded Mergansers and Varied Thrush From: "leoedson AT sbcglobal.net" <leoedson@sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:22:01 -0000 This morning there were 4 hooded mergansers on the Land Park golf course pond near the intersection of 14th Ave and 19th Street.This is my third hooded merganser observation in as many years at this same location. Other dates include single pairs on February 7, 2010 and January 31, 2011. Also present this morning were 3 varied thrush under oaks just east of the Robertson Way entrance to Land Park. Leo Edson Sacramento ------------------------------------ Subject: falcated duck present Sunday morning From: "John and Glennah Trochet" <trochetj AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:47:57 -0800 Dear Birders, This morning the falcated duck continues at Colusa NWR. Also at the pond overlooked by the observation deck were at least six drake Eurasian wigeons. Best, John Trochet Sacramento [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Continuing Falcated Duck From: "Ed Harper" <calidris AT surewest.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:11:46 -0000 Just to let interested parities know, the Falcated Duck continues to delight birders at Colusa NWR. It was present today near the viewing platform, spending much of its time foraging just beyond the nearest island that is covered with grass, the middle portion showing yellowish grasses. A scope was helpful but not essential. Enjoy! Ed Harper Carmichael, CA Sandpiper Journeys ------------------------------------ Subject: Sutter County Gull (Glaucous or Iceland?) From: "buckeyes0268" <buckeyes0268 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:31:14 -0000 Stopped by the gull roost in Sutter County this evening. The roost is located on Bogue Rd 1 mile west of S. Township Rd in a flooded rice field; south side of rd. Tonight I found an interesting gull. Field marks were dirtyish white body, with clean white primaries and a touch of black at the tip of the tail. The bill was small with a pink base and black tip. The bird also appeared to be a smaller sized gull though it sat alone and at a distance which can make size justification difficult. No camera tonight which I wasn't pleased about. But it should be there tomorrow morning since it is a roost. My thought was that it is either a juvenile GLAUCOUS GULL or potentially a KUMLIEN'S ICELAND GULL. Would be good to get a second opinion. Jim Laughlin Yuba City ------------------------------------ Subject: 600 Canvasbacks in West Sacramento From: "Not me" <frankseverson AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:46:18 -0000 Pond at Stonegate Ave. & Hoopa Rd., West Sacramento, Yolo, US-CA Jan 21, 2012 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 17 species Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 4 Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) 600 Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 2 Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 4 Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 40 Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 4 Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 4 Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) 1 Sora (Porzana carolina) 1 Walking along shoreline Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) 4 American Coot (Fulica americana) 30 Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) 1 California Gull (Larus californicus) 1 Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 3 American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) 2 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) X Frank Severson 2973 Benton Street West Sacramento, CA 95691 530-957-2702 ------------------------------------ Subject: Sharp-shinned Hawk Behavior ? From: "CaliKat" <calikat_83 AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:45:36 -0000 Assuming it is the same individual, there is a Sharp-shinned Hawk that has been hunting the feeders here for at least a couple of years. In that time, the bird has often landed in a tree or on a fence in fairly close proximity to me. He would sometimes fly right at me, passing directly overhead by a good distance of around 15-20 feet or more. Lately however (if it is the same bird), he is getting closer. Last week, he passed directly in front of me, at shoulder height and only an arms length in front of me. It was so quick - I didn't see him until he was right there in front of me. (It was pretty awesome too) Now he has also flown directly at me, passing over my head by only about 6 feet instead of the usual good distance. He is really getting bold. He may not mean any harm and may just be telling me that he recognizes me as part of the "landscape" here, but this is his territory. I know birds don't normally attack people.... but there was that year I was forced to spend the entire summer with my hair tucked up under a "blonde" sun hat to keep a crow from attacking me; which it did every single time I dared venture beyond the front door without the hat. Additional info: The hawk does not get close to anyone else. We have chickens and ducks here and I am the one that takes care of them, as well as the feeders. My questions are, do hawks ever attack people, laying talons on them? What do you think is he trying to tell me, if anything? I have long admired this bird and often stand and observe him when he is nearby. Perhaps he felt harassed and so is displaying his dominance? I don't know what to make of the situation and wonder if I should be nervous? Good Birding, Kathryn Sanderson Olivehurst Yuba County ------------------------------------ Subject: Harris's Sparrow continues in North Davis From: "Chris" <cdunford AT freedomfromhunger.org> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:02:38 -0000 Same time (0745), same station (243 Cortez Ave., Davis, Yolo Co.), despite the storm passing through last night. Chris Dunford Davis ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Ferruginous Dark Morph (rufous) Photos (PLA) From: "rossierran" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:31:19 -0000 I just heard from Frank Gray. He had seen and reported a dark morph Ferruginous in the same area on 12/24/11. It appears that this bird has located a good area to hunt and may continue to offer good viewing and photographic opportunities. Thus far, the bird has been seen between Aitken Road the Dairy on East Catlett. Deren Ross Auburn, CA --- In central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com, "rossierran" wrote: > > Hello Birders, > > I posted some photos of the Dark Morph Ferruginous Hawk seen on East Catlett Road in Western Placer County. The photo date should be 1/19/12. After viewing, I will leave one or two in the album. Unfortunately, I did not get any good quality shots but these should be an adequate reference. > > Deren Ross > Auburn, CA > ------------------------------------ Subject: Ferruginous Dark Morph (rufous) Photos (PLA) From: "rossierran" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:21:36 -0000 Hello Birders, I posted some photos of the Dark Morph Ferruginous Hawk seen on East Catlett Road in Western Placer County. The photo date should be 1/19/12. After viewing, I will leave one or two in the album. Unfortunately, I did not get any good quality shots but these should be an adequate reference. Deren Ross Auburn, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Uncommon Ferruginous Hawk Morph (PLA) From: "rossierran" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:57:21 -0000 Hello Birders, I appreciate the comments and inquiries. For clarification, the intermediate (rufous) morph is more commonly and accurately known as a DARK MORPH (BNA). The source for intermediate (rufous) morph is from Wheeler's "Raptors of Western North America" where four color morphs are described. In retrospect, the best and generally accepted description for this particular bird would be Dark Morph (rufous). It was a beautiful bird and one that I rarely find Placer Co. It's definitely worth the chase for any local photographers. I may post a few sub-par photos for reference. Thanks, Deren Ross Auburn, CA --- In central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com, "rossierran" wrote: > > Hello Birders, > > This morning, I found and photographed an Intermediate (rufous) morph Ferruginous Hawk on East Catlett Road in Western Placer County. The uncommon morph was hunting from the utility poles (south side) just east of the dairy cattle farm. > > Deren Ross > Auburn, CA > ------------------------------------ Subject: Uncommon Ferruginous Hawk Morph (PLA) From: "rossierran" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:25:47 -0000 Hello Birders, This morning, I found and photographed an Intermediate (rufous) morph Ferruginous Hawk on East Catlett Road in Western Placer County. The uncommon morph was hunting from the utility poles (south side) just east of the dairy cattle farm. Deren Ross Auburn, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Clay-colored Sparrow photos wanted From: John Sterling <jsterling AT wavecable.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:55:55 -0800 I heard that there were photos of the two Clay-colored Sparrows currently in Stanislaus County. I somehow missed that email. Can someone send me the photos or the link? thanks, John John Sterling 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 530 908-3836 jsterling AT wavecable.com www.sterlingbirds.com (photos, classes, tours, county birding) ------------------------------------ Subject: Ruff and Spotted Redshank From: "littlebitrv" <littlebitrv AT fastmail.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:10:18 -0000 Today I went to find the Ruff found a while back and the Spotted Redshank posted on the 18th by Betty Burridge on [NBB] redshank. When I got to the area there was still frost on the weeds. In the early light the legs and part of the bill of the shorebird I found did look red to me but the bill was not long enough to be a Spotted Redshank, a Common Redshank does have a shorter bill but it is black in winter. Then I really looked at the photosI had taken the legs that had seemed red to my eyes where orange. This was the Ruff. So I looked for the Spotted Redshank with no luck. I talked with another birder that had drove 100 miles on the chance that there might be a Spotted Redshank. I don't know if the ID by Betty Burridge was wrong or that I couldn't find the correct bird. But the distance to the bird I had was 30ft at first and 20 ft when I went back later. Without the photos and books I had with me I could have made an incorrect ID on this bird. You can see all my photos on my site http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/ or just the Ruff photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6727933541/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6727933005/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsareforever/6727932311/in/photostream/ Marie Stewart Temp in Los Banos ------------------------------------ Subject: Tonight: Great Gray Owl TALK From: Sally Walters & Don Schmoldt <bajaowl AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:31:57 -0800 > THE GREAT GRAY OWL, largest owl in North America, will be subject of a talk by Josh Hull of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at the meeting of the Sacramento Audubon Society Th 1/19, 7 pm. Free program free parking. Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Ancil Hoffman Park, Carmichael. For directions: www.sacramentoaudubon.org/societyinfo/meetings > > Sally Walters, Program Chair & VP SallyWalters & DonSchmoldt Sacramento County, Ca BajaOwl AT Gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Orange-cr. Warbler, Mew Gull and Cattle Egret From: Sally Walters & Don Schmoldt <bajaowl AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:13:17 -0800 Of interest, we have had an Orange-crowned Warbler "foraging" at our hummingbird feeder for the past four days. At the Nimbus Fish Hatchery yesterday, we observed an adult Mew Gull. Also yesterday, we observed five Cattle Egrets foraging on the sloping lawn adjacent to Howe Ave., between University Ave. and American River Dr., in Sacramento. Good birding, Don Sally Walters & Don Schmoldt Sacramento, CA BajaOwl AT Gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Tall Forest bird survey From: "John and Glennah Trochet" <trochetj AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:19:16 -0800 Dear Birders, The next Tall Forest bird survey at the Cosumnes River Preserve will take place on Saturday, 21 January, 2012, rain or shine. I'm hoping that there will be a window of decent calm between squalls, but we'll deal with whatever we get. I'm also hoping that between now and then we'll receive enough rain to close the unpaved roads at the preserve so that we'll have to walk in from the Farm Center. We go through the Farm Center gate, corner of Bruceville and Desmond Roads, at 7:00 a.m. promptly. Be prepared for a much longer walk than usual (so bring a snack and a beverage), and for rain and mud. I'd like to say that we have a good shot at the ruff found on the Rio Cosumnes CBC, but that seems not to be the case. Best, John Trochet Sacramento [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Sacramento Christmas Bird Count Results From: "teasterla" <teasterla AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:22:42 -0000 Central Valley Birders, I'm posting the Sacramento CBC highlights for my friend Mark Cudney who is the compiler for the Sacramento Christmas Bird Count. All area leaders have finally reported their tallies. A record number of observers totaled 163 species- three shy of last year's record but still one of the higher inland counts in the country. Good sightings included two semi-palmated plovers, a western gull, a hooded oriole, a swamp sparrow and a well-documented red-naped sapsucker. Bad misses included redhead, osprey, golden eagle, western screech-owl, brown creeper, and wrentit. Mark Cudney Todd Easterla Rancho Cordova, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Teal - Sacramento NWR From: Robert Doster <rdoster AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:44:51 -0800 The male COMMON TEAL (or Eurasian Green-winged Teal) was still present at 09:00 this morning at the location mentioned below on the Sacramento NWR tour road. Good birding, Rob Doster Chico, CA ================================================= To: central_valley_birds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:17:52 -0500 Subject: [CVBirds] Common Teal and Glaucous Gull All, This morning there was a male Common Teal in a small group of Green-wings at Sacramento NWR. It was on the auto tour not quite 3/4 of the way around the loop on a short section were the road turns north for a brief stretch. It was a classic Common Teal with no signs of hybridization with Green-winged Teal. Distant but clearly identifiable photos were taken. Cheers, Cameron Cox Statesboro, GA ------------------------------------ Subject: Brown Pelican continues in West Sacramento From: Dan Airola <d.airola AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:01:04 -0800 (PST) I don't remember hearing any reports on the juvenile Brown Pelican here since December, and there are no Jan. reports in ebird for Yolo County. I saw it today diving at the north end of Lake Washington near the rowing club facility. What is presumably this same bird has remained in this area since early September. Dan Airola Sacramento [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------