Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Monterey Bay > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, February 3 at 11:48 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	White Ibis,©David Sibley

3 Feb Re: chickadees and nesting material [David Suddjian ] 3 Feb chickadees and nesting material ["Sharon Hull" ] 3 Feb Monterey yellow-billed loon ["Glasco, Don" ] 3 Feb Re: College Lake and San Lorenzo Lesser Yellowlegs [] 2 Feb College Lake and San Lorenzo Lesser Yellowlegs [richard lange ] 2 Feb Lesser Yellowlegs [richard lange ] 2 Feb Snow and Ross's Geese Nelson Samuels [] 2 Feb Osprey in Odello [Rick Berg ] 2 Feb Yellow-billed Loon? [Lisa Larson ] 2 Feb San Lorenzo [Phil Brown ] 31 Jan Fascinating Ferruginous Hawk [Laurie Graham ] 1 Feb Re: Directions YBLoon [] 1 Feb Yellow-Billed Loon and others Nelson Samuels [] 1 Feb Re: Swainson's Hawk [David Suddjian ] 1 Feb Directions YBLoon ["Clifford Bixler" ] 1 Feb Re: Swainson's Hawk [Lise Peterson ] 1 Feb Natural Bridges [Phil Brown ] 1 Feb Yellow Billed Loon ["Clifford Bixler" ] 31 Jan YB Loon, RB Mergansers, marbled murrelet [Rick Berg ] 31 Jan Yellow-billed Loon ["Bill Hill" ] 31 Jan Two Bald Eagles @ Pinto Lake, 1/31 @ 11 AM [Bernadette Ramer ] 31 Jan Re: Geese, Plumbeous, and miscellaneous [Lise Peterson ] 30 Jan Lake San Antonio [Greg Meyer ] 30 Jan Lake San Antonio [Greg Meyer ] 30 Jan Lake San Antonio [Greg Meyer ] 30 Jan Hooded Oriole Photo [waxwingboheme ] 30 Jan Request for a friend re SCBC Panoche trip on 2/4 [Earl ] 30 Jan Allen's hummingbird [kathy kuyper ] 30 Jan Re: Early Migration? [Paul Stevens ] 30 Jan test [Greg Meyer ] 30 Jan Re: Early Migration [David Suddjian ] 29 Jan Re: Early Migration [chris hartzell ] 29 Jan Early Migration [Bob LaPointe ] 29 Jan Ramsay Park--Hooded Oriole, etc [John Garrett ] 29 Jan San Benito County Today: We Have Incubation! [Debra Shearwater ] 29 Jan Ano Nuevo. strange locations ["Glasco, Don" ] 29 Jan Allen Hummingbird [] 29 Jan Re: Early Migration? [David Suddjian ] 29 Jan Cedar Waxwings galore [] 29 Jan Re: Early Migration? [Chuq Von Rospach ] 29 Jan Re: Early Migration? [chris hartzell ] 29 Jan [Fwd: photolink] Nelson Samuels [] 29 Jan Re: Early Migration? [Chuq Von Rospach ] 29 Jan Photos from Salinas Rd,Panocha Vly. and Elkhorn Slough, Nelson Samuels [] 29 Jan Re: Early Migration? [Pete Sole ] 29 Jan Paicines, Panoche, Mercey Hot Springs 01-28 [Matthew Dodder ] 29 Jan Re: Early Migration? [Don Roberson ] 29 Jan my Marina yard [Steve Rovell ] 28 Jan Swainson's Hawk ["David and Connie" ] 28 Jan Re: Fw: Early Migration? [David Suddjian ] 29 Jan Re: Fw: Early Migration? ["Clifford Bixler" ] 29 Jan Fw: Early Migration? ["Clifford Bixler" ] 28 Jan RE: Early Migration? ["Glasco, Don" ] 28 Jan Early Migration? [chris hartzell ] 28 Jan Watsonville ["Sharon Hull" ] 28 Jan Scaups at Zmudowski, avocets and BCNHs at Whole Enchilada [Rick Berg ] 28 Jan Re: Geese, Plumbeous, and miscellaneous [Paul Van Loan ] 27 Jan Geese, Plumbeous, and miscellaneous [] 28 Jan Better link to mystery bird and bad photo [Sarah Lane/Jerry Stengel ] 28 Jan Mystery bird or very bad photo...you decide... [Sarah Lane/Jerry Stengel ] 27 Jan Panoche Valley eBirders [Debra Shearwater ] 27 Jan Panoche Trip? [chris hartzell ] 27 Jan test [Todd Newberry ] 26 Jan SUPER BOWL 2012 CHALLENGE [Todd Newberry ] 25 Jan Baldwin Creek area [Alexander Gaguine ] 26 Jan Santa Cruz to Wilder Ranch [] 25 Jan Nashville Warbler in Watsonville [waxwingboheme ] 25 Jan SCBC mtg reminder: Burrowing Owls! [Scott Smithson ] 25 Jan watsonville BALD EAGLES ["Heidi Sandkuhle" ] 25 Jan Monterey Audubon Field Trip This Saturday [] 24 Jan Glaucous Gull at Main Beach [richard lange ] 25 Jan Laguna Grande [Rick Berg ] 24 Jan wild turkey in Davenport [lea cox ] 24 Jan Out of place duck [chris hartzell ] 24 Jan BALD EAGLE Watsonville Slough [Eric Miller ] 24 Jan Geese at Seacliff [Mary Crouser ] Subject: Re: chickadees and nesting material From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:38:35 -0500 (EST) Chickadees do begin nest building this early. No slight intended for the fine Monterey Co atlas, but one of the less strong points about much breeding bird atlas data is that there is usually only limited field work very early in the year, and so some early nesting efforts by some resident species are missed or poorly represented in the atlas data set, and this can affect the interpretation of a species' breeding chronology. However, that being said, birds sometimes begin gathering nest material or even building very early in the nesting cycle and then abandon the effort before it amounts to anything. Birds may also construct a nest and then wait some time to begin laying. David Suddjian Capitola -----Original Message----- From: Sharon Hull To: 'MBB' Sent: Fri, Feb 3, 2012 8:07 pm Subject: [MBB] chickadees and nesting material As I do every late winter, I put out a suet feeder filledwith clean dog hair (the soft undercoat) for the birds to use as nestingmaterial.  This year I put it out on Feb 1, a few weeks earlier than usual,so I didn’t actually expect any takers yet. But within a few minutes, theChestnut-backed Chickadees began pulling the hair out and carrying it away, andthey have continued harvesting the hair in the 2 days since.  A check in The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Monterey Countytold me that CB Chickadees don’t usually begin nesting in Monterey Countyuntil March and I would assume that Santa Cruz Countyis similar.  So I’m perplexed: are these birds, perhaps inexperiencedor first year, just practicing nest building, with the “real” nestto be constructed later?  Do our chickadees stock-pile nesting materialfor later use?  Or could they really be nest-building this early?  Doesanyone have an idea of what is going on?  So far, I have not been able to trackany of the birds to a cavity or bird house so do not know where they areactually taking the hair. Sharon HullAptos   _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: chickadees and nesting material From: "Sharon Hull" <plants AT cruzio.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:06:31 -0800 As I do every late winter, I put out a suet feeder filled with clean dog hair (the soft undercoat) for the birds to use as nesting material. This year I put it out on Feb 1, a few weeks earlier than usual, so I didn't actually expect any takers yet. But within a few minutes, the Chestnut-backed Chickadees began pulling the hair out and carrying it away, and they have continued harvesting the hair in the 2 days since. A check in The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Monterey County told me that CB Chickadees don't usually begin nesting in Monterey County until March and I would assume that Santa Cruz County is similar. So I'm perplexed: are these birds, perhaps inexperienced or first year, just practicing nest building, with the "real" nest to be constructed later? Do our chickadees stock-pile nesting material for later use? Or could they really be nest-building this early? Does anyone have an idea of what is going on? So far, I have not been able to track any of the birds to a cavity or bird house so do not know where they are actually taking the hair. Sharon Hull Aptos _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Monterey yellow-billed loon From: "Glasco, Don" <Don.Glasco AT cengage.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:39:38 -0500 The yellow-billed loon was still preset at 10:15 . Viewed from Window-on-the-Bay. Near surf zone along w Pacific Loon for good comparison. A 1st year Common Murre let itself be washed ashore. It rested for 5 minutes on shore then struggled against mild waves to get itself back into water. Don Glasco Senior Systems Engineer Cengage Learning Technical Services, Web Hosting don.glasco AT cengage.com 831.277.5042 http://www.cengage.com_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: College Lake and San Lorenzo Lesser Yellowlegs From: stephengerow AT aol.com Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:16:05 -0500 (EST) Identification of a lone, non-calling Yellowlegs can be quite difficult in the field, and relative size is often hard to judge. Unfortunately, having looked at a few different photos of this bird, it appears to me to be a Greater Yellowlegs. On a Lesser, the bill should be very straight, and no longer than the head. The bill on this bird appears to have a very slight upward bend, and is noticeably longer than the head, both pointing toward a Greater. On some photos the bill also looks slightly grayer toward the base, not as evenly black as a Lesser's bill. Steve Gerow -----Original Message----- From: richard lange To: mbb Sent: Thu, Feb 2, 2012 7:55 pm Subject: [MBB] College Lake and San Lorenzo Lesser Yellowlegs Apologies for the email of a moment ago...I mistakenly hit a random set of keys that, of course, fired off the email prematurely. I meant to say.... I headed to College Lake this morning in hopes of finding the Bald Eagle. When I first arrived there were a couple RED-TAILED HAWKS and AMERICAN KESTRELS but no eagles. So I surveyed the wide variety of ducks. Nothing unusual was present, but I got good looks at a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS and some distant looks at about 10 CANVASBACKS. When I had given up on the eagle and headed back toward my car, I turned for one last look and noticed the far off gull flock had taken flight. Sure enough, the BALD EAGLE was working across the lake and ended up settling in a nearby Eucalyptus. Arriving home, I read Phil Brown's post regarding the LESSER YELLOWLEGS. I headed down to the Laurel Street bridge and found Bob and Bernadette Ramer already on the bird. It was across the river from us, and there was some discussion about whether it was actually a Greater Yellowlegs. I got some not-great shots of the bird and after getting home and studying them, it seems (to me anyway) that Lesser Yellowlegs is the right call. The first photo shows the Yellowlegs in front of a Killdeer. According the Sibley, these two birds should be the same size, and that looks to be the case in the photo. (A Greater Yellowlegs would be about 35% larger than a Killdeer.) The second provides a closer (although fuzzy) look at the head-to-bill ratio. Though this is a bit more subjective, I do think the ratio is about right for Lesser Yellowlegs. Happy birding! Richard Lange _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: College Lake and San Lorenzo Lesser Yellowlegs From: richard lange <richardmlange AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:54:10 -0800 (PST) Apologies for the email of a moment ago...I mistakenly hit a random set of keys that, of course, fired off the email prematurely. I meant to say.... I headed to College Lake this morning in hopes of finding the Bald Eagle. When I first arrived there were a couple RED-TAILED HAWKS and AMERICAN KESTRELS but no eagles. So I surveyed the wide variety of ducks. Nothing unusual was present, but I got good looks at a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS and some distant looks at about 10 CANVASBACKS. When I had given up on the eagle and headed back toward my car, I turned for one last look and noticed the far off gull flock had taken flight. Sure enough, the BALD EAGLE was working across the lake and ended up settling in a nearby Eucalyptus. Arriving home, I read Phil Brown's post regarding the LESSER YELLOWLEGS. I headed down to the Laurel Street bridge and found Bob and Bernadette Ramer already on the bird. It was across the river from us, and there was some discussion about whether it was actually a Greater Yellowlegs. I got some not-great shots of the bird and after getting home and studying them, it seems (to me anyway) that Lesser Yellowlegs is the right call. The first photo shows the Yellowlegs in front of a Killdeer. According the Sibley, these two birds should be the same size, and that looks to be the case in the photo. (A Greater Yellowlegs would be about 35% larger than a Killdeer.) The second provides a closer (although fuzzy) look at the head-to-bill ratio. Though this is a bit more subjective, I do think the ratio is about right for Lesser Yellowlegs. Happy birding!Richard Lange_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Lesser Yellowlegs From: richard lange <richardmlange AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:37:06 -0800 (PST) I headed to College Lake this morning in hopes of finding the Bald Eagle. When I first arrived, there were a couple of RED-TAILED HAWKS� _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Snow and Ross's Geese Nelson Samuels From: samnelo AT razzolink.com Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:43:01 -0500 (EST) At lunch break while subbing in second Grade at Elkhorn ELM School I drove down Dolan RD and across from the Dairy found 29 Snow & Ross's Geese. Nelson Samuels Aromas https://picasaweb.google.com/112696384428981218004/February22012?authkey=Gv1sRgCLXQkOXUkqieIw _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Osprey in Odello From: Rick Berg <fb97e4ad AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:24:52 -0500 I saw an enormous osprey prowling over Carmel River lagoon this noon-time. There were a Cooper's hawk, two Red Tails and several kestrels at Palo Corona, along with a coyote stalking some deer for a while before losing interest. Permits for Palo Corona are required but free: http://www.mprpd.org/index.cfm/id/31/Access-Permit-Application/ _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Yellow-billed Loon? From: Lisa Larson <lisa_larson AT hardingmarketing.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:25:12 +0000 Hi Birders, Has this bird been seen around Del Monte Beach again today? -Lisa Fay Larson_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: San Lorenzo From: Phil Brown <pdpbrown AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:43:30 -0800 There was a LESSER YELLOWLEGS foraging on the East bank of the San Lorenzo just upstream of the Laurel Street bridge this morning. Phil Brown._______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Fascinating Ferruginous Hawk From: Laurie Graham <fair80 AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:25:12 +0000 (UTC) Hi, All We led a bird trip to the Pinnacles on Sunday, and on the way back, we birded the backroads of Hollister. At the junction of Quien Sabe and Santa Ana Road, we were watching some hawk activity in the field along Santa Ana. We saw an unusual Ferruginous Hawk land in the field and vanish. The bird was a medium gray color and had shown the three points of light as it landed. While we were waiting for it to reappear, we watched Golden Eagles and a beautiful, classic light-morph adult Ferrug in a tree; if I remember correctly, the only tree in the field, north of the junction. Eventually the gray bird flew up out of the field, flew low over the fence at the back, landed and stood briefly, so we could get a fix on it, and then LAID DOWN in the entrance to a squirrel burrow! We got our scopes on it, and could barely see it. Debi Shearwater pulled up and we showed her where it was, and she couldn't find it. After about 10 minutes, the bird flew again, and we determined that it was an adult by the dingy white tail. We don't know if this is an unknown color morph, or whatever. The color and the behavior were very unusual. Laurie Graham, Jeff Faiclough, Leslie Flint, Ginny, Marshall, Kim Kushka, and others _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Directions YBLoon From: lammergeiereyes AT aol.com Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:01:42 -0500 (EST) Also note the bird is easily scopable with quality optics from Wharf #2 if you don't want to get sandy. Blake T. Matheson President, Monterey Audubon Society http://www.flickr.com/photos/34328261 AT N02/sets/ "Men still live who, in their youth, remember Passenger Pigeons. Trees still live who, in their youth, were shaken by a living wind. But a decade hence only the oldest oaks will remember, and at long last only the hills will know." Leopold (1949). -----Original Message----- From: Clifford Bixler To: MBB Sent: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 12:33 pm Subject: [MBB] Directions YBLoon I have had a couple of requests for more detailed directions so here it goes. Come into Monterey on Del Monte. Parking lot is before fisherman's wharf on the right across from McDonalds and next to the kayak business. Walk out to the beach. It was last seen down near the pier about 11:30 am. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Yellow-Billed Loon and others Nelson Samuels From: samnelo AT razzolink.com Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:11:40 -0500 (EST) Went around the south end of Monterey Bay first to Jetty Rd., all the expected. Next to Salinas River mouth a flock of twenty Horned Larks and a pair of Merlins. Stopped along Molera Rd and found an Allan's Hummingbird. Finally to Del Monte beach where the Yellow-Billed Loon was still present. Met another birder,Daniel Le Beaune ? I think We tracked the bird for a half mile along the beach as it worked its way in the direction of the townhouses. Nelson Samuels https://picasaweb.google.com/112696384428981218004/February12012?authkey=Gv1sRgCLXAwPmn_6aP7gE _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Swainson's Hawk From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:41:20 -0500 (EST) Lise, Swainson's is quite rare in our area, esp in winter, as this is only the 2nd county record for winter season ever. There is a dark morph Red-tailed living near Schwan. But the bird David E. described was a light morph Swainson's, so it would not be all dark. Size is not esp. helpful in the circumstances you describe. David -----Original Message----- From: Lise Peterson To: Monterey Bay Birders Sent: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 12:19 pm Subject: Re: [MBB] Swainson's Hawk Now that I have looked at Stokes' photos of the Swainson's hawk, I wonder if that is not what I glimpsed when I drove past Schwann Lagoon yesterday.  The raptor I saw, perched on a post near the roadway, was dark brown all over, and about the size listed for a Swainson's.  Not wanting to commit the sin of BWD (Birding While Driving) I did not come to a halt in the middle of East Cliff Drive.  Has anyone else seen it in that neighborhood? On Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 9:06 PM, David and Connie <dekdahl49 AT comcast.net> wrote:      This afternoon Connie and I were birding the Pajaro River mouth area.  As we were about to leave, around 4:30 PM, an adult light morph Swainson’s Hawk flew relatively low over the condominiums.  It then flew over the Pajaro River, into Monterey County for a short while, back over the Watsonville farm fields inland from the condominiums, and eventually towards HWY 1, where it turned north.  The hawk was very white on the beast and belly, had a broad chest band, and a pale throat.  The under tail feathers had numerous indistinct bands.  The wing linings were white, but the flight feathers were almost black.  When the hawk turned in flight the back was dark except for pale upper tail coverts.  In flight, the wings were somewhat raised similar to a Turkey Vulture.   David Ekdahl Connie Vigno _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb -- Lise Peterson Operations manager | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 831.420.1136 Connecting people with nature, and inspiring stewardship of the natural world_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Directions YBLoon From: "Clifford Bixler" <clifford.bixler AT att.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:32:39 +0000 I have had a couple of requests for more detailed directions so here it goes. Come into Monterey on Del Monte. Parking lot is before fisherman's wharf on the right across from McDonalds and next to the kayak business. Walk out to the beach. It was last seen down near the pier about 11:30 am. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Swainson's Hawk From: Lise Peterson <lise AT santacruzmuseums.org> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:18:54 -0800 Now that I have looked at Stokes' photos of the Swainson's hawk, I wonder if that is not what I glimpsed when I drove past Schwann Lagoon yesterday. The raptor I saw, perched on a post near the roadway, was dark brown all over, and about the size listed for a Swainson's. Not wanting to commit the sin of BWD (Birding While Driving) I did not come to a halt in the middle of East Cliff Drive. Has anyone else seen it in that neighborhood? On Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 9:06 PM, David and Connie wrote: > This afternoon Connie and I were birding the Pajaro River mouth > area. As we were about to leave, around 4:30 PM, an adult light morph > Swainson�s Hawk flew relatively low over the condominiums. It then flew > over the Pajaro River, into Monterey County for a short while, back over > the Watsonville farm fields inland from the condominiums, and eventually > towards HWY 1, where it turned north. The hawk was very white on the beast > and belly, had a broad chest band, and a pale throat. The under tail > feathers had numerous indistinct bands. The wing linings were white, but > the flight feathers were almost black. > When the hawk turned in flight the back was dark except for pale upper > tail coverts. In flight, the wings were somewhat raised similar to a > Turkey Vulture. > > David Ekdahl > Connie Vigno > > _______________________________________________ > mbb mailing list > mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu > http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb > > -- Lise Peterson Operations manager | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 831.420.1136 *Connecting people with nature, and inspiring stewardship of the natural world*_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Natural Bridges From: Phil Brown <pdpbrown AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:11:01 -0800 The beach this morning had the usual suspects including 4 MARBLED GODWITS and a WHIMBREL. 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL including an alternate plumaged male were in the pond along with a couple of male BUFFLEHEAD. The resident RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was offshore. Of most interest was a small flock of 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS that flew north. A couple of COMMON MURRE flew south fairly close in, and another flock of 6 flew in the opposite direction further out to sea. Phil Brown_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Yellow Billed Loon From: "Clifford Bixler" <clifford.bixler AT att.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:52:53 +0000 The yellow billed loon was visible and close in perfect light this morning and seen and photographed by a number of birders. It was east of the parking lot then gradually swam almost to the pier staying right at the surf line. Wonderful bird. Cliff Bixler Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: YB Loon, RB Mergansers, marbled murrelet From: Rick Berg <fb97e4ad AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:46:26 -0500 Yellow-billed loon fishing in the surf at Del Monte Beach/Window On The Bay. Several RB Mergansers off Hopkins Beach, along with a marbled murrelet.. _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Yellow-billed Loon From: "Bill Hill" <billhill AT redshift.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:15:05 -0800 Brian Weed found a Yellow-billed Loon this morning at the Window on the Bay along Del Monte Beach in Monterey. I relocated the bird later in the morning and took a few distant shots. You can look at one of them here http://www.birdshotphotography.com/yellowbilled_loon.htm _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Two Bald Eagles @ Pinto Lake, 1/31 @ 11 AM From: Bernadette Ramer <baramer AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:38:11 -0800 We were at Bob's family farm in Watsonville on the east side and adjacent to Pinto Lake and were thrilled to see 2 adult BALD EAGLES fly low overhead. They were headed east to west, coming from the general direction of College Lake. They flew over Pinto Lake and landed in some Eucalyptus Trees on the western side of the lake. It was the first time we had seen them on the property and at Pinto Lake. Bernadette and Bob Ramer Santa Cruz _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Geese, Plumbeous, and miscellaneous From: Lise Peterson <lise AT santacruzmuseums.org> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:16:31 -0800 Steve, thanks for such specific directions as to where to seek the PLUMBEOUS VIREO in San Lorenzo Park--- I was able to find it yesterday afternoon, although I did not see either of the warblers. I also saw a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and a PINE SISKIN flitting along the trees closer to the river. When we first hung feeders in our yard in RDM, ten years ago, we had several siskins regularly visiting them; I have not seen any the last two years. (On the other hand, as David observed, we host 8-10 juncos where we used to have none.) The large flock of KILLDEER who took over the 'occupy' area after it was fenced have since departed. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Lise On Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 7:27 PM, wrote: > Late this afternoon, I was surprised to see a flock of 35+ GREATER > WHITE-FRONTED GEESE plus one ROSS'S GOOSE flying over Garfield Park in > western Santa Cruz, heading southwest. > Earlier this afternoon, Wendy Naruo and I checked the San Lorenzo River > in the San Lorenzo Park area. We found the PLUMBEOUS VIREO around 3:00 PM, > in the pines on the west side of the county building, toward the north > (court house) end. It was staying mostly in the one pine that was of a > shorter needled species. The continuing HERMIT WARBLER was also working > through the pines in this area, and the BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was in a > cottonwood along the river near the north end of the recovering lawn area > with the orange plastic fence. The two continuing GREATER WHITE-FRONTED > GEESE were still in the San Lorenzo Park duck pond. > This morning's Santa Cruz Bird Club field trip found a nice variety of > species in the Natural Bridges area, but nothing too unusual. There was > only one GREEN-WINGED TEAL left at the Moore Creek lagoon, but AMERICAN > ROBIN numbers were up considerably, > Yesterday there were two male CINNAMON TEAL at Neary Lagoon, both in > the waste-water treatment plants clarifier tanks, visible through the fence > from the ramp down from the west entrance to the lagoon. > Steve Gerow > Santa Cruz > > _______________________________________________ > mbb mailing list > mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu > http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb > > -- Lise Peterson Operations manager | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 831.420.1136 *Connecting people with nature, and inspiring stewardship of the natural world*_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Lake San Antonio From: Greg Meyer <gmeyer AT csumb.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:39:26 -0800 I spent a wonderful, warm weekend kayaking at Lake San Antonio with higher water than I have seen in several years. On Saturday we saw 2 adult and 10 � 13 juvenile BALD EAGLES, plus 2 GOLDEN EAGLES. On Sunday, we had a similar show with numerous juveniles but only one adult BAEA and a distant soaring GOEA. Other highlights included a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, LESSER YELLOWLEGS and many AMERICAN WIDGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GADWALL AND RUDDY DUCKS. There were a number of �missing� birds this year. I saw *no* WESTERN GREBES, only four CLARK�S GREEBES (2 on each day) and *no* WHITE PELICANS. Usually in late January both species of Grebes are present in large numbers, calling and even starting to dance. Either the Grebes are very late or they will not be attempting to nest this coming spring. I will be going back for another weekend at the end of February, we shall see then! -- Greg Meyer, M.A. Outdoor Education and Recreation Program Kinesiology Department, Valley Hall 82D California State University Monterey Bay 100 Campus Center Seaside, CA 93955_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Lake San Antonio From: Greg Meyer <gmeyer AT csumb.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:39:26 -0800 I spent a wonderful, warm weekend kayaking at Lake San Antonio with higher water than I have seen in several years. On Saturday we saw 2 adult and 10 � 13 juvenile BALD EAGLES, plus 2 GOLDEN EAGLES. On Sunday, we had a similar show with numerous juveniles but only one adult BAEA and a distant soaring GOEA. Other highlights included a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, LESSER YELLOWLEGS and many AMERICAN WIDGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GADWALL AND RUDDY DUCKS. There were a number of �missing� birds this year. I saw *no* WESTERN GREBES, only four CLARK�S GREEBES (2 on each day) and *no* WHITE PELICANS. Usually in late January both species of Grebes are present in large numbers, calling and even starting to dance. Either the Grebes are very late or they will not be attempting to nest this coming spring. I will be going back for another weekend at the end of February, we shall see then! -- Greg Meyer, M.A. Outdoor Education and Recreation Program Kinesiology Department, Valley Hall 82D California State University Monterey Bay 100 Campus Center Seaside, CA 93955_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Lake San Antonio From: Greg Meyer <gmeyer AT csumb.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:39:26 -0800 I spent a wonderful, warm weekend kayaking at Lake San Antonio with higher water than I have seen in several years. On Saturday we saw 2 adult and 10 � 13 juvenile BALD EAGLES, plus 2 GOLDEN EAGLES. On Sunday, we had a similar show with numerous juveniles but only one adult BAEA and a distant soaring GOEA. Other highlights included a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, LESSER YELLOWLEGS and many AMERICAN WIDGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GADWALL AND RUDDY DUCKS. There were a number of �missing� birds this year. I saw *no* WESTERN GREBES, only four CLARK�S GREEBES (2 on each day) and *no* WHITE PELICANS. Usually in late January both species of Grebes are present in large numbers, calling and even starting to dance. Either the Grebes are very late or they will not be attempting to nest this coming spring. I will be going back for another weekend at the end of February, we shall see then! -- Greg Meyer, M.A. Outdoor Education and Recreation Program Kinesiology Department, Valley Hall 82D California State University Monterey Bay 100 Campus Center Seaside, CA 93955_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Hooded Oriole Photo From: waxwingboheme <waxwingboheme AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:45:35 -0800 Here's a photo of the HOODED ORIOLE that John Garrett found at Ramsay Park yesterday. It was in the Sycamore near the street at the extreme north east corner of the park, across the footpath from the gated soccer field. http://www.flickr.com/photos/10246978 AT N00/6793227143/ happy monday, Christian Schwarz, Santa Cruz/Watsonville_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Request for a friend re SCBC Panoche trip on 2/4 From: Earl <hawkowl AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:31:47 -0800 (PST) Hi, Isaac Field is looking for a ride to either the Wells Fargo meeting place or the Panoche Inn for this Saturdays trip. You can contact isaac at either 831-426-6207 or hobozero AT hotmail.com. He lives on Lincoln St. between Chestnut and Cedar downtown Santa Cruz. Thanks, Earl_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Allen's hummingbird From: kathy kuyper <chswift AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:18:37 +0000 There was an ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD, male, in Manresa State Park this morning. I saw the coppery-orange gorget as he watched me - until the Anna's chased him off - and heard the display several times. Kathy Kuyper Rio del Mar _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration? From: Paul Stevens <stevens AT tivo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:10:18 -0800 Not sure if it was a wintering individual, but I was surprised to hear (I think) an Orange-crowned Warbler in my yard this morning. From: "Glasco, Don" > Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:57:24 -0800 To: chris hartzell >, MBB > Subject: RE: [MBB] Early Migration? I don�t know about unusual or early migrations but I�ve noticed following in the last week which I don�t associate with Jan - poppies, Indian Paint Brush and Monkey Flower in flower - Mallards copulating - very agitated chickadees with displaying and challenging (so it appeared to me) - thrashers perched atop of bushes displaying and singing for multiple minutes Don Glasco Seaside, CA don.glasco AT cengage.com 831.277.5042 http://www.cengage.com From: mbb-bounces AT acg.ucsc.edu [mailto:mbb-bounces AT acg.ucsc.edu] On Behalf Of chris hartzell Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 4:17 PM To: MBB Subject: [MBB] Early Migration? With the lack of rain and continually warmer weather...is anyone noticing an early migration north yet? -Chris Hartzell ________________________________ This email and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. 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Binding agreements with TiVo Inc. may only be made by a signed written agreement. _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: test From: Greg Meyer <gmeyer AT csumb.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:11:50 -0800 -- Greg Meyer, M.A. Outdoor Education and Recreation Program Kinesiology Department, Valley Hall 82D California State University Monterey Bay 100 Campus Center Seaside, CA 93955_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:06:09 -0500 (EST) Okay. When I observe nature I see patterns and trends that help me understand and explain how things fit together. Who ever said anything in nature is absolute, if by that it is meant that nothing changes? Of course things change. And most often they change in ways that make sense given the factors that are driving the change. ("Climate change" is too easy of an umbrella here). Our history of bird knowledge is all about documenting and celebrating change. Just look at what we summarize in the "Santa Cruz Birds" articles in each issue of the Bird Club's "Albatross": < http://santacruzbirdclub.org/Archive%20to%202011.pdf>. Change is right there at the heart of what we are tracking, and we recognize (and sometimes make sense of) that change because it can be evaluated with regard to patterns and trends. Bob's comments seem to decry trends and patterns, but his examples mostly fit into them. Irruptions of Snowy Owls are a well known pattern. The increasing trend of caracaras that have appeared in the west out of their usual range are forming a pattern. Hard to say much about the flycatcher that was alluded to, since its identity was never fully agreed upon. But vagrant birds for the most part occur predictably and within established patterns that can be observed. They are not random. Swainson's Thrush in January? Maybe, but if so let's have it be firmly documented as is appropriate for such a seasonally rare bird, and then we can consider where it fits in. David Suddjian Capitola -----Original Message----- From: Bob LaPointe To: mbb Sent: Sun, Jan 29, 2012 9:39 pm Subject: [MBB] Early Migration Perfectly quite perhaps...a Swainson's Thrush was at Quail Hollow. And perhaps a Snowy Owl was in Missouri! The big picture is that the planet is indeed changing climate, and what we are seeing is a migratory response to those changes. Nothing is absolute under these variable conditions. How do you explain a vagrant like a Caracara at Scott's Creek or a disputed intercontinental flycatcher on the West Side. You don't explain, you simply observe. Nature's unpredictability commands the flow of experience. That alone captures my attention. Anything is possible regardless of trends. Bob LaPointe_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration From: chris hartzell <c.hartzell AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:06:57 -0800 (PST) I was aware of the Snowy Owl in Missouri...did you hear they had one show up at the airport in Hawaii? True story...shows up, makes the news, birders flock to see it...except...it was in the path of aircraft so they shot it. A Snowy Owl flies all the way to Honolulu and they shoot it!!! -Chris Hartzell ________________________________ From: Bob LaPointe To: mbb AT acg.ucsc.edu Sent: Sun, January 29, 2012 9:38:51 PM Subject: [MBB] Early Migration Perfectly quite perhaps...a Swainson's Thrush was at Quail Hollow. And perhaps a Snowy Owl was in Missouri! The big picture is that the planet is indeed changing climate, and what we are seeing is a migratory response to those changes. Nothing is absolute under these variable conditions. How do you explain a vagrant like a Caracara at Scott's Creek or a disputed intercontinental flycatcher on the West Side. You don't explain, you simply observe. Nature's unpredictability commands the flow of experience. That alone captures my attention. Anything is possible regardless of trends. Bob LaPointe_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Early Migration From: Bob LaPointe <eboifelix AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:38:51 -0800 (PST) Perfectly quite perhaps...a Swainson's Thrush was at Quail Hollow. And perhaps a Snowy Owl was in Missouri! The big picture is that the planet is indeed changing climate, and what we are seeing is a migratory response to those changes. Nothing is absolute under these variable conditions. How do you explain a vagrant like a Caracara at Scott's Creek or a disputed intercontinental flycatcher on the West Side. You don't explain, you simply observe. Nature's unpredictability commands the flow of experience. That alone captures my attention. Anything is possible regardless of trends. Bob LaPointe_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Ramsay Park--Hooded Oriole, etc From: John Garrett <johngarrett AT jps.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:47:35 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Birders, Today (1/29) Christian Schwarz and I saw a HOODED ORIOLE (photographed by Christian) at Ramsay Park in Watsonville. It was northeast of the soccer fields, and eventually flew north across Main St. Also in the park north of Harkins Slough Rd was a COMMON GALLINULE. Three GOLDEN EAGLES were over the 152 near Soda Lake. At lower Watsonville Slough, Nick Levendosky, Christian and I saw a male EURASIAN WIGEON fly in where it joined many Americans, regularly calling. Also around were two ROSS'S GEESE, a 'minima' CACKLING GOOSE, and an AMERICAN BITTERN. Also, I've seen several YELLOW-SHAFTED-type FLICKERS in Santa Cruz this month, with a pure-looking female wintering at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, another at Moore Creek Preserve, and various intergrades (leaning on the yellow-shafted side) at Natural Bridges SB, Neary Lagoon, and Henry Cowell Redwoods SP. John Garrett Santa Cruz _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: San Benito County Today: We Have Incubation! From: Debra Shearwater <debiluv AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:39:04 -0800 Howdy, Birders, It was a gorgeous day for birding � I couldn't resist getting out there! Some highlights for SAN BENITO COUNTY: At PAICINES RESERVOIR I found 1 EURASIAN WIGEON, 2 CACKLING GEESE, 5 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, one 4th year BALD EAGLE in the morning and one adult MALE BALD EAGLE in the late afternoon, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER and an assortment of waterfowl. On PANOCHE ROAD I found the "usual suspects," including PHAINOPEPLA, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW, HERMIT THRUSH, etc. Quite a few singing CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, WRENTITS, OAK TITS, etc. as is normal for this time of year. Two HOODED MERGANSERS were at the pond at Summit Ranch. Be sure to look on the duck house! (I failed to find the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker which had been around for several weeks). At the intersection of Panoche and Recalde Roads, a MERLIN was present. Sixteen MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were along Recalde Road. On Panoche Road from Silver Creek Ranch to Jackass Pass at least 28 MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were in mixed flocks with House Finches. Unusual birds included one SAGE SPARROW and one male NORTHERN HARRIER. A FERRUGINOUS HAWK was hunting here, also. Back on lower QUIEN SABE ROAD, one adult GOLDEN EAGLE was perched on a small tree and one BURROWING OWL was present. A PRAIRIE FALCON sped by. Here, I reconnected with Leslie Flint and the Sequoia Audubon folks. (We had run into run into each other at Paicines Reservoir in the morning). Her group was busily watching many GOLDEN EAGLES and several FERRUGINOUS HAWKS. We zipped around on SANTA ANA VALLEY ROAD to the spot where the EASTERN PHOEBE lives. http://shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/12/san-benito-county-birding-eastern.html Within 10 seconds, I had spotted the phoebe. In general, the "parade" of raptors continues on Santa Ana Valley Road, as previously reported on my blog posts. The most productive location is near the intersection of Santa Ana Valley and John Smith Roads. Up to 30 golden eagles and 7 ferruginous hawks, including one dark morph have been present in this area. http://shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-benito-county-birding-october-31.html Today, I am absolutely thrilled to report that "Bernadette" has rolled out her eggs and is incubating. "Bob and Bernadette" are the names that I have given to the mated pair of BALD EAGLES whose nest was discovered in 2004� the first bald eagle nest ever, in San Benito County. I've monitored this nest every year. This egg date is within 14 days of last year's egg date. Of course, I have no idea of the actual date of laying, as I am watching the nest from a distance of about a mile and I don't check it every day. (So, for instance, I didn't check the nest yesterday. So, she may have laid her first egg yesterday, or two days ago. I can only go by dates when I check. Last year, I confirmed that she was on eggs about February 10th). She is deep in the nest, while Bob goes hunting during the day, and perches about 4 feet on a branch above and to the side of the nest in the evening. They will need to protect their eggs from ravens and magpies who would steal them for food. Both eagles are quite capable when it comes to this, as I have observed in years past. Since I spent most of 2011 home, I was able to monitor them more closely than ever. This particular pair stayed together for the entire year. This is often the case for nesting bald eagles at this latitude. Since late September, they have been within sight of each other, every day that I've been able to observe them. Quite the couple! Most years, they have produced and fledged two young. Please check my blog for updates on their progress. Elsewhere in the county, the first ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD showed up this week. Happy Trails, Debi Shearwater San Benito County Birding Debra Shearwater Shearwater Journeys, Inc. PO Box 190 Hollister, CA 95024 831.637.8527 debi AT shearwaterjourneys.com www.shearwaterjourneys.com www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com Scotland in Spring: April 24 - May 2 with Debi High Arctic: Polar Bears, Walrus & Seabirds: 8 - 18 July, 2013 charter with Debi _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Ano Nuevo. strange locations From: "Glasco, Don" <Don.Glasco AT cengage.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:47:37 -0500 I spent a gorgeous warm day at Ano Nuevo doing my docent thang, leading a couple of tours to view Elephant Seals. Birding was somewhat secondary. BTW, last days of Jan or first week of Feb is the best time of year to see these magnificent critters. One of groups even got to watch close up mating (<50 feet away) for several minutes, even watching the 'Pink Floyd' extracting itself. No often seen than close. Enough porn. No unusual or unexpected birds. The pond was practically empty in the morning. But 2 Canadian Geese on the pond in the afternoon, the first I've seen at Ano. But the location of two birds struck me as odd. - A male Common Yellow-throat was working the tall grass and coyote brush between the staging hut and port-o-johns, < 10 feet from trail. yellow-throats frequent the tule reeds around the pond, but this was ~500 feet from the wet tule and there are no puddles or ponds about due to dry winter. A male Downy Woodpecker was gleaning thru short stunted Arroyo Willow at top of Lawrence of Arabia Dune, the first big dune visitors walk across. (I assume Downy instead Hairy because of thinness of tree branches and small size. No good look at bill.) A very dry non-riparian habitat. Don Glasco Seaside, CA don.glasco AT cengage.com 831.277.5042 http://www.cengage.com_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Allen Hummingbird From: Silverbirder AT aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:23:54 -0500 (EST) We just had a beautiful male Allen's hummingbird at our feeder, first for the year. Laura and Betty The Land, Royal Oaks_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration? From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:33 -0500 (EST) Winter song by juncos has become a regular feature in the mid-county region of Santa Cruz Co in recent years, coincident with a change in status in that area, where the species has expanded its breeding range into urban areas where they formerly did not nest. Now they are resident in those areas and some begin to sing in late November. But if you listen closely, the song is not as intense, loud or persistent as later when we are actually in the species' nesting season. They were singing at the same time during last year's much wetter winter. Chickadees are commonly chasing each other by late January. On the topic of migrant arrival dates, there is a summary for a number of landbirds in Santa Cruz County here: http://santacruzbirdclub.org/Spring%20Arrivals-08.pdf David Suddjian Capitola -----Original Message----- From: Pete Sole To: mbb Sent: Sun, Jan 29, 2012 8:59 am Subject: Re: [MBB] Early Migration? All, I think another way to ask a similar question, is: Is the breeding cycle for birds ahead of schedule this year due to the relatively mild weather we've been enjoying? One of the observations I've noticed lately is that Dark Eyed Juncos (Oregonian subspecies) are singing in what appears to be an attempt at establishing territories. I can also corroborate what another mbb another poster noted, Chickadees seem to be chasing each other, and being far more aggressive to each other, than earlier in the winter. I have no idea when Juncos normally start singing and establishing territories. Likewise Chickadees, but the question above still stands: Are we seeing activity indicative of an "early" breeding season? Great discussion! Pete On 1/29/12 8:44 AM, Don Roberson wrote: > David Suddjian is right on target. "Early migration" has no meaning at this date, in late January, except to ask whether Allen's Hummers and Tree Swallows are on time or not. No migration of any species is going to be accelerated or delayed by months.... the meaning of the term "early migration" is to ask whether the normal arrival date of each migrant is "early" by a margin of a few days or a week. > > Each species of migrant has a well-known and predictable arrival date. For Monterey County these are discussed in "Monterey Birds" or the Breeding Bird Atlas. An "early" spring is when a few arrive a few days before the usual "first" date; a "late" spring is when the first one is found some days or a week after the usual first date. Bar graphs indicate these timings. > > Actually more important that the usual "first" date is the timing of the first "surge" of migrants of any specific species, and that can sometimes be noticeable to birders -- but again, it will be near the usual timing. > > Swainson's Thrush is an example -- rather like Western Wood Pewee or Olive-sided Flycatcher -- that does not arrive until late April in any year. There is no such thing as an "early" migrant of any of those in January. The occurrence of such a bird -- if proven -- would be of a wintering individual. An "early" pewee or SWTH would be mid-April. > > Using migration terminology correctly is important in discussing this very interesting subject. > > Cheers, Don > > Don Roberson > Pacific Grove CA > http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ > > > > > Don Roberson > Pacific Grove CA > http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ > > > > _______________________________________________ > mbb mailing list > mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu > http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Cedar Waxwings galore From: mzpmyers AT aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:05:56 -0500 (EST) While walking in a neighborhood across from Henry Cowell this morning, I was pleased to see a flock of 60+ CEDAR WAXWINGS in a bare tree. They were glistening and gorgeous in the sunlight. Small groups came down to take turns drinking in a puddle. Pam Myers Santa Cruz_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration? From: Chuq Von Rospach <chuqvr AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:25:21 -0800 Another bit of anecdotal info... When I was out at Merced NWR a couple of weekends ago, one thing that struck me was how poor shape the the pastures were in. That was just before the big storm, so we'd had no rain, and everything had that "august brown" look to it; I remember thinking at the time this wasn't going to be a good year for the birds depending on the growth the rains normally bring. It would not surprise me a bit given the dry and warm winter that some birds are choosing to head north early (if this actually is early) because of the poor food supplies caused by the lack of rain. The weekend I was at Merced, there were almost no sandhill cranes on refuge which is unusual. I saw maybe half a dozen. They were in the area, because they flew in en masse right at the end of twilight for the evening. I've never seen that happen before, but it indicated to me the flock that's typically on the refuge was somewhere nearby where the food sources were better and came in to roost. Typically, there'll be good numbers in the pastures near the tour routes, but this year, no. I get out there 2-3 times a year (and this is my fifth year of doing that), so my data's limited, but it really struck me as not typical for this time of year and it was notable how poor pickings the pastures were for a grazing species. On Jan 29, 2012, at 9:57 AM, chris hartzell wrote: > What brought the question up, which I probably should have stated in my original post, is I received a couple unusual reports. A co-worker, who does geese hunting trips, said he has noticed in the last week that geese numbers are significantly down and they have also been seeing tens of thousands of geese flying northward (how far he could not say). I got a similar report from a wildlife photographer in New Mexico who said they seem to be noticing a similar pattern of low numbers at sites and large numbers flying north of cranes. +-+-+-+-+-+-+ Chuq Von Rospach, photographer, writer, and herder of cats email: chuqvr AT gmail.com blog: http://www.chuqui.com photos: http://chuqui.smugmug.com more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuqui _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration? From: chris hartzell <c.hartzell AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:57:22 -0800 (PST) What brought the question up, which I probably should have stated in my original post, is I received a couple unusual reports. A co-worker, who does geese hunting trips, said he has noticed in the last week that geese numbers are significantly down and they have also been seeing tens of thousands of geese flying northward (how far he could not say). I got a similar report from a wildlife photographer in New Mexico who said they seem to be noticing a similar pattern of low numbers at sites and large numbers flying north of cranes. -Chris Hartzell_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: [Fwd: photolink] Nelson Samuels From: samnelo AT razzolink.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:54:33 -0500 (EST) ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: photolink From: samnelo AT razzolink.com Date: Sun, January 29, 2012 12:52 pm To: samnelo AT razzolink.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- photo link https://picasaweb.google.com/112696384428981218004/January292012ExperimentingWithMyNewLens?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCJlIm1xc7XRQ _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration? From: Chuq Von Rospach <chuqvr AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:21:12 -0800 A couple of minor data points from my watching. Every year our neighborhood gets invaded by a large flock of robins when they flock and move from their wintering grounds. For a few days they're everywhere. That just happened this last week, and is about on schedule. I heard my first singing oak titmouse yesterday, and saw one checking out a nesting location in the last week. That's about normal. Checking the old cal avers bald eagle nest I found one of the birds, I think the female. In two weeks she should be brooding. It looks like they haven't laid yet, so they seem to be on schedule. So that's three species I have watched afor a few years and in these locations, things seem to be on schedule, not early or late. Chuq Von Rospach Blogger, photographer, cat herder chuqvr AT gmail.com, chuqui AT me.com Blog: http://www.chuqui.com Answering your email while mobile... On Jan 29, 2012, at 8:58, Pete Sole wrote: > I have no idea when Juncos normally start singing and establishing territories. Likewise Chickadees, but the question above still stands: > > Are we seeing activity indicative of an "early" breeding season? > > Great discussion! > > _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Photos from Salinas Rd,Panocha Vly. and Elkhorn Slough, Nelson Samuels From: samnelo AT razzolink.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:05:38 -0500 (EST) I have had some fairly eventful trips around the area recently here are a few highlights from Salinas Rd, Panocha Valley and the Elkhorn Slough. All Photos are from the last two weeks. Nelson Samuels, Aromas https://picasaweb.google.com/112696384428981218004/January292012ExperimentingWithMyNewLens# _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration? From: Pete Sole <pete AT lighthousenet.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:58:43 -0800 All, I think another way to ask a similar question, is: Is the breeding cycle for birds ahead of schedule this year due to the relatively mild weather we've been enjoying? One of the observations I've noticed lately is that Dark Eyed Juncos (Oregonian subspecies) are singing in what appears to be an attempt at establishing territories. I can also corroborate what another mbb another poster noted, Chickadees seem to be chasing each other, and being far more aggressive to each other, than earlier in the winter. I have no idea when Juncos normally start singing and establishing territories. Likewise Chickadees, but the question above still stands: Are we seeing activity indicative of an "early" breeding season? Great discussion! Pete On 1/29/12 8:44 AM, Don Roberson wrote: > David Suddjian is right on target. "Early migration" has no meaning at this date, in late January, except to ask whether Allen's Hummers and Tree Swallows are on time or not. No migration of any species is going to be accelerated or delayed by months.... the meaning of the term "early migration" is to ask whether the normal arrival date of each migrant is "early" by a margin of a few days or a week. > > Each species of migrant has a well-known and predictable arrival date. For Monterey County these are discussed in "Monterey Birds" or the Breeding Bird Atlas. An "early" spring is when a few arrive a few days before the usual "first" date; a "late" spring is when the first one is found some days or a week after the usual first date. Bar graphs indicate these timings. > > Actually more important that the usual "first" date is the timing of the first "surge" of migrants of any specific species, and that can sometimes be noticeable to birders -- but again, it will be near the usual timing. > > Swainson's Thrush is an example -- rather like Western Wood Pewee or Olive-sided Flycatcher -- that does not arrive until late April in any year. There is no such thing as an "early" migrant of any of those in January. The occurrence of such a bird -- if proven -- would be of a wintering individual. An "early" pewee or SWTH would be mid-April. > > Using migration terminology correctly is important in discussing this very interesting subject. > > Cheers, Don > > Don Roberson > Pacific Grove CA > http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ > > > > > Don Roberson > Pacific Grove CA > http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ > > > > _______________________________________________ > mbb mailing list > mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu > http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Paicines, Panoche, Mercey Hot Springs 01-28 From: Matthew Dodder <mdodder AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:51:23 -0800 All, I led my Palo Alto Adult School birding class on our annual tour of Panoche Valley on Saturday, January 28. Weather was fantastic and at least two other large groups were working the area, including Leslie Flynt;s Sequoia group and Lisa Myers/Freddy Howell's group. It was a productive day for us in that we located most of our targets, but not large numbers of birds. We began at Paicines Reservoir where most of the targets were located. COMMON MERGANSER, RING-NECKED DUCK, CLARK'S GREBE, LEAST SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER and a few other birds were noted, however Bald Eagle and Cassin's Kingbird were not see by our group. Most surprising discovery were 2-3 CHIPPING SPARROWS just below the fence line at the pullout. Heading down J1, we stopped where the creek crossed the road and a large wash with many small caves produced great looks at a singing CANYON WREN, and HERMIT THRUSH. I believe this area is called Miller Ranch. Intent on reaching the valley floor before noon, we passed many traditional spots but paused at some of them to pick up target birds. WILSON'S SNIPE was found along the creek at a small farm beside the road. Summit Pond had two HOODED MERGANSERS and a number of domestic fowl. PHAINOPEPLA was hard to come by, but we ended up seeing three individuals during the day in areas where mistletoe was abundant. At one such place we had a ROCK WREN in full view on the ground near a fallen log... not a place we had ever seen it before, quite removed from any rock. WILD TURKEY and GOLDEN EAGLE were found in the oak savannah section. RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW was located in one of our traditional spots where the road takes a sharp S turn and becomes a concrete slab which allows flood waters to pass. I don't know the name of this area, but it is distinctive and has never yet failed to produce the species for us. Here also was a HAIRY WOODPECKER and a HUTTON'S VIREO. On the valley floor we stopped where the road passes through two small chain-linked enclosures on either side of the road. Both are recognized by the red slats. Here we observed the first of 3 PRAIRE FALCONS of the day, but we also had 1 or 2 VESPER SPARROWS mixed in with many LARK SPARROWS and SAVANNAH SPARROWS. Shortly past the junction with Little Panoche Road we found a spectacular dark morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK. After that, we explored the Silver Creek area where we did not locate Mountain Plover, however, we did find several (less than 10) MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, great numbers of TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS, HORNED LARKS and AMERICAN PIPITS. Backtracking a bit and turning down New Idria Road, we stopped at the new restroom at Griswald Hills, where Leslie's Group tipped us off on a GREATER ROADRUNNER. We refound the bird foraging on the hillside on the opposite side of the road. One MERLIN sped away as we returned to the junction, but provided at least a good enough view to identify it as it sped over the field. We drove slowly through Shotgun Pass, not hoping for much as we have only about a 10% success rate with Chukar, and skipped Mercey Hot Springs altogether. Our goal was to get up into Panoche Hills and search for sage species. There was much gunfire there, and only with difficulty did we locate SAGE SPARROW near the new overlook. As we made our way back down the hills we heard, and briefly saw on SAGE THRASHER at the large pullout where it says "Entering Public Lands". NORTHERN HARRIER was foraging the area as well. We're visiting the area again next week with the second half of my group. Hopefully we'll be able to find a few of the birds we missed yesterday... . . . Matthew Dodder Mountain View, CA http://www.birdguy.net http://www.zazzle.com/mdodder _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Early Migration? From: Don Roberson <creagrus AT montereybay.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:44:51 -0800 David Suddjian is right on target. "Early migration" has no meaning at this date, in late January, except to ask whether Allen's Hummers and Tree Swallows are on time or not. No migration of any species is going to be accelerated or delayed by months.... the meaning of the term "early migration" is to ask whether the normal arrival date of each migrant is "early" by a margin of a few days or a week. Each species of migrant has a well-known and predictable arrival date. For Monterey County these are discussed in "Monterey Birds" or the Breeding Bird Atlas. An "early" spring is when a few arrive a few days before the usual "first" date; a "late" spring is when the first one is found some days or a week after the usual first date. Bar graphs indicate these timings. Actually more important that the usual "first" date is the timing of the first "surge" of migrants of any specific species, and that can sometimes be noticeable to birders -- but again, it will be near the usual timing. Swainson's Thrush is an example -- rather like Western Wood Pewee or Olive-sided Flycatcher -- that does not arrive until late April in any year. There is no such thing as an "early" migrant of any of those in January. The occurrence of such a bird -- if proven -- would be of a wintering individual. An "early" pewee or SWTH would be mid-April. Using migration terminology correctly is important in discussing this very interesting subject. Cheers, Don Don Roberson Pacific Grove CA http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ Don Roberson Pacific Grove CA http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: my Marina yard From: Steve Rovell <tapaculo AT mac.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:15:34 -0800 Hi Birders - Just looked out in the yard to see the first birds out and about this morning. Feeding under one of the feeders were four birds: 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW, 1 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. Nice diversity. Steve Rovell Marina _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Swainson's Hawk From: "David and Connie" <dekdahl49 AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:06:07 -0800 This afternoon Connie and I were birding the Pajaro River mouth area. As we were about to leave, around 4:30 PM, an adult light morph Swainson’s Hawk flew relatively low over the condominiums. It then flew over the Pajaro River, into Monterey County for a short while, back over the Watsonville farm fields inland from the condominiums, and eventually towards HWY 1, where it turned north. The hawk was very white on the beast and belly, had a broad chest band, and a pale throat. The under tail feathers had numerous indistinct bands. The wing linings were white, but the flight feathers were almost black. When the hawk turned in flight the back was dark except for pale upper tail coverts. In flight, the wings were somewhat raised similar to a Turkey Vulture. David Ekdahl Connie Vigno_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Fw: Early Migration? From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian AT aol.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:05:20 -0500 (EST) Swainson's Thrush does not winter in California, with but a teeny number of adequately documented winter records, and it is one of the later arriving spring migrants (late April). I think any claim of a SWTH in January needs to have some pretty solid documentation, with good photos being essential. I personally have not seen much indicating any early migration where I have been, and I think it is still much to early to tell anyway. As far as northbound migrants, we are yet 3-4 weeks ahead of the vanguard of the suite of early arriving species, except for Allen's Hummer, which seemed to return this year on schedule compared to recent years. In years when we do have a pattern of early arrival for multiple species, it is usually evident in March, where species that normally arrive in late March or early April show up by early to mid-March, and so on. For resident species, it is normal to get a pulse of singing beginning in January. My 2 cents, David Suddjian Capitola -----Original Message----- From: Clifford Bixler To: MBB Sent: Sat, Jan 28, 2012 4:58 pm Subject: Fw: [MBB] Early Migration? Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: "Clifford Bixler" Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:19:18 To: chris hartzell Reply-To: clifford.bixler AT att.net Subject: Re: [MBB] Early Migration? Yes. I had a SWAINSON'S Thrush at Quail Hollow Ranch this morning. Cliff Bixler Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: chris hartzell Sender: mbb-bounces AT acg.ucsc.edu Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:17:13 To: MBB Subject: [MBB] Early Migration? _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Fw: Early Migration? From: "Clifford Bixler" <clifford.bixler AT att.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:09:06 +0000 I know that it could have been over wintering (or not). It was right in front of me in the open on a trail for several minutes. No doubt about it not being a Hermit. It did not seem injured or sick but was scratching and feeding. Didn't have a camera. I was just commenting and it seemed very odd. I wondered out loud to someone working in the park if it was Spring in January... Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: Dominik Mosur Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:56:08 To: Subject: Re: Fw: [MBB] Early Migration? Even if it were a Swainson's Thrush it would be an overwintering bird rather than an early migrant. That said, there are maybe a dozen records of SWTH in NorCal in winter. These were invariably injured or sick birds, unable to make the flight south and I don't think any actually survived through the whole winter. A claim of Swainson's Thrush at this time anywhere in the state of California should be thoroughly documented (with photos if possible, a thorough written description at the least) to be considered, not just with a one line off-the cuff report. Thanks, Dominik Mosur San Francisco --- On Sat, 1/28/12, Clifford Bixler wrote: > From: Clifford Bixler > Subject: Fw: [MBB] Early Migration? > To: "MBB" > Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 4:58 PM > > Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T > > -----Original Message----- > From: "Clifford Bixler" > Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:19:18 > To: chris hartzell > Reply-To: clifford.bixler AT att.net > Subject: Re: [MBB] Early Migration? > > Yes. I had a SWAINSON'S Thrush at Quail Hollow Ranch this > morning. > Cliff Bixler > Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T > > -----Original Message----- > From: chris hartzell > Sender: mbb-bounces AT acg.ucsc.edu > Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:17:13 > To: MBB > Subject: [MBB] Early Migration? > > _______________________________________________ > mbb mailing list > mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu > http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb > > > > _______________________________________________ > mbb mailing list > mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu > http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb > _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Fw: Early Migration? From: "Clifford Bixler" <clifford.bixler AT att.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:58:37 +0000 Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: "Clifford Bixler" Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:19:18 To: chris hartzell Reply-To: clifford.bixler AT att.net Subject: Re: [MBB] Early Migration? Yes. I had a SWAINSON'S Thrush at Quail Hollow Ranch this morning. Cliff Bixler Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: chris hartzell Sender: mbb-bounces AT acg.ucsc.edu Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:17:13 To: MBB Subject: [MBB] Early Migration? _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: RE: Early Migration? From: "Glasco, Don" <Don.Glasco AT cengage.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:57:24 -0500 I don't know about unusual or early migrations but I've noticed following in the last week which I don't associate with Jan - poppies, Indian Paint Brush and Monkey Flower in flower - Mallards copulating - very agitated chickadees with displaying and challenging (so it appeared to me) - thrashers perched atop of bushes displaying and singing for multiple minutes Don Glasco Seaside, CA don.glasco AT cengage.com 831.277.5042 http://www.cengage.com From: mbb-bounces AT acg.ucsc.edu [mailto:mbb-bounces AT acg.ucsc.edu] On Behalf Of chris hartzell Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 4:17 PM To: MBB Subject: [MBB] Early Migration? With the lack of rain and continually warmer weather...is anyone noticing an early migration north yet? -Chris Hartzell _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Early Migration? From: chris hartzell <c.hartzell AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:17:13 -0800 (PST) With the lack of rain and continually warmer weather...is anyone noticing an early migration north yet? -Chris Hartzell_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Watsonville From: "Sharon Hull" <plants AT cruzio.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:27:27 -0800 Pam Myers and I birded in Watsonville this balmy morning. We went first to College Lake, hoping to find the Bald Eagle but he/she was elsewhere. The water level was incredibly high - the highest I've ever seen it - with the banks entirely submerged. Not even the usual gang of Killdeer was in residence. We then went to the area behind the warehouses on Lee Rd where the slough also had an extremely high water level with the lower parking lot completely flooded. Of interest there: when we first pulled in, a kingbird was on the wire fence just below the paved area but it flew off and we lost it before we could get adequate glimpses of any field marks. It did not reappear while we were there and we couldn't locate it on any likely resting spots within our scoped views. Also of interest: about 12 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were flying low over the water way out in the slough, with many more mixed in with the other gull species on the water. At Pajaro Dunes, the flood waters have receded, leaving lots of what looked like shorebird-friendly muddy areas, but few species were taking advantage of it and we didn't see anything unusual. A COMMON GOLDENEYE (female) was in the channel, and a WHITE-TAILED KITE hovered over the marsh. As we left the gated area, we spotted a CINNAMON TEAL (male) in the river on the north side of the entry road. Not a particularly birdy morning, but it was lovely to be out and about on this gorgeous day. Yesterday at home, I was startled to watch a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET dart onto the saucer that hangs below a suet feeder and proceed to eat some of the suet crumbs that had fallen there. Though the kinglets are in our garden every winter, this was the first time I'd seen one actually come to a feeder. Sharon Hull Aptos _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Scaups at Zmudowski, avocets and BCNHs at Whole Enchilada From: Rick Berg <fb97e4ad AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:37:54 -0500 There are Lesser (I think) Scaups at Zmudowski Stae Beach (off Hwy 1 n. of Moss Landing), along with ruddies, PB grebes and shovelers. I have inadequate optics and these are my first scaups, but I think they are lessers due to location and habitat. I will attempt to attach a pic. In the tree across the ditch behind Whole Enchilada in Moss Landing, there are 10+ Black Crowned Night Herons, and there were 20 avocets frantically feeding in the water this morning, but they seem to have moved on. _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Re: Geese, Plumbeous, and miscellaneous From: Paul Van Loan <pvanloan AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:20:01 -0800 Steve, I would not be surprised if that were the same flock (of 36) that I noted resting on the berm of the Younger Lagoon on Jan.8. Paul Van Loan On Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 7:27 PM, wrote: > Late this afternoon, I was surprised to see a flock of 35+ GREATER > WHITE-FRONTED GEESE plus one ROSS'S GOOSE flying over Garfield Park in > western Santa Cruz, heading southwest. > Earlier this afternoon, Wendy Naruo and I checked the San Lorenzo River > in the San Lorenzo Park area. We found the PLUMBEOUS VIREO around 3:00 PM, > in the pines on the west side of the county building, toward the north > (court house) end. It was staying mostly in the one pine that was of a > shorter needled species. The continuing HERMIT WARBLER was also working > through the pines in this area, and the BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was in a > cottonwood along the river near the north end of the recovering lawn area > with the orange plastic fence. The two continuing GREATER WHITE-FRONTED > GEESE were still in the San Lorenzo Park duck pond. > This morning's Santa Cruz Bird Club field trip found a nice variety of > species in the Natural Bridges area, but nothing too unusual. There was > only one GREEN-WINGED TEAL left at the Moore Creek lagoon, but AMERICAN > ROBIN numbers were up considerably, > Yesterday there were two male CINNAMON TEAL at Neary Lagoon, both in > the waste-water treatment plants clarifier tanks, visible through the fence > from the ramp down from the west entrance to the lagoon. > Steve Gerow > Santa Cruz > > _______________________________________________ > mbb mailing list > mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu > http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb > >_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Geese, Plumbeous, and miscellaneous From: stephengerow AT aol.com Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:27:31 -0500 (EST) Late this afternoon, I was surprised to see a flock of 35+ GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE plus one ROSS'S GOOSE flying over Garfield Park in western Santa Cruz, heading southwest. Earlier this afternoon, Wendy Naruo and I checked the San Lorenzo River in the San Lorenzo Park area. We found the PLUMBEOUS VIREO around 3:00 PM, in the pines on the west side of the county building, toward the north (court house) end. It was staying mostly in the one pine that was of a shorter needled species. The continuing HERMIT WARBLER was also working through the pines in this area, and the BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was in a cottonwood along the river near the north end of the recovering lawn area with the orange plastic fence. The two continuing GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were still in the San Lorenzo Park duck pond. This morning's Santa Cruz Bird Club field trip found a nice variety of species in the Natural Bridges area, but nothing too unusual. There was only one GREEN-WINGED TEAL left at the Moore Creek lagoon, but AMERICAN ROBIN numbers were up considerably, Yesterday there were two male CINNAMON TEAL at Neary Lagoon, both in the waste-water treatment plants clarifier tanks, visible through the fence from the ramp down from the west entrance to the lagoon. Steve Gerow Santa Cruz_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Better link to mystery bird and bad photo From: Sarah Lane/Jerry Stengel <surfbird04 AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:50:38 +0000 (UTC) " http://www.flickr.com/photos/10783212 AT N07/6773539381/ " Some MMBers did not like the last link. Hope this helps. Sarah Lane Monterey Peninsula _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Mystery bird or very bad photo...you decide... From: Sarah Lane/Jerry Stengel <surfbird04 AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:25:53 +0000 (UTC) Hi Birders! Birding this afternoon at Monterey Plaza Hotel near Ricketts' Beach Park and the Coast Guard Pier we saw this small puffin sized bird say 15" long. There are a total of three photos one before the above photo and one after it. All very similar unfortunately. This bird was diving alot and stayed under water for long periods at a time, perhaps disappearing out of view as well? Anyway - I was lucky to get these photos as I only got this bird in my binocs once or twice in 30 minutes. Any help on ID would be welcome. I am thinking rhino auklet or...? Let me have your thoughts on why you think it is...what it is. Thank you. Good Birding! Sarah Lane Monterey Peninsula _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Panoche Valley eBirders From: Debra Shearwater <debiluv AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:12:47 -0800 Howdy, Birders, Wow! What stunning weather for a visit to PANOCHE VALLEY! With balmy, warm days it could not be a more perfect time to visit Panoche Valley. And, a great many birders will likely participate in field trips over the coming weeks. Last year, I tallied over 500 birders who visited this unique Important Bird Area (IBA). If you are an eBirder, and I hope you are, please take a minute to refresh the public Hot Spots on the eBird map. Please submit separate eBird lists for the various locations. For instance, if you begin by birding at Paicines Reservoir, you should submit a checklist for birds seen and heard only at the reservoir. Various stops along Panoche Road are now Hot Spots, including Miller Ranch, the Red Rock, Summit Ranch & pond, McCullough Ranch, Antelope Valley Fire Station, New Idria, Silver Creek Ranch, Shotgun Pass, Jackass Pass, etc. All of these areas are in SAN BENITO COUNTY. You can submit a checklist for each stop. Mercy Hot Springs which is visited by many birders to see the Long-Eared Owls is in FRESNO COUNTY. Panoche Hills BLM area is mostly in FRESNO COUNTY. Please submit separate lists for these areas, and submit to the appropriate counties.Your checklists should not be more than 5 miles of coverage. If this seems like a lot of checklists to work up on a day, why not divide it up among the members of your vehicle? For more information regarding checklists and Panoche Valley, please see: http://shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-benito-county-birding-heading-to.html http://shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-benito-county-birding-panoche.html http://shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-benito-county-birding-panoche_11.html Why Can't I Find A Chukar? http://shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-cant-i-find-chukar.html Christmas Plovers: http://shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com/2011/12/san-benito-county-birding-christmas.html eBird is a program launched by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society in 2002. eBird provides rich data sources for basic information on bird abundance and distribution at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Your eBird records are accessed and used in many ways. eBird is amassing one of the largest and fastest growing biodiversity data resources in existence, across the globe. With 3 million submissions per month, eBird, is far beyond a "game"� it can help in conservation measures for birds beyond what anyone ever dreamed. There's no question that there is a learning curve for using eBird. However, the more one uses it, the easier it gets. Of course, like any other bird records, sightings need to be reviewed for accuracy. It is now possible to upload your images to checklists that you submit. eBird greatly encourages this. Give something back to the birds you enjoy � a lasting record and contribution to avian knowledge with an eBird checklist submission. Hope to see you out there! Happy Trails, Debi Shearwater San Benito County Birding Debra Shearwater Shearwater Journeys, Inc. PO Box 190 Hollister, CA 95024 831.637.8527 debi AT shearwaterjourneys.com www.shearwaterjourneys.com www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com Scotland in Spring: April 24 - May 2 with Debi High Arctic: Polar Bears, Walrus & Seabirds: 8 - 18 July, 2013 charter with Debi _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Panoche Trip? From: chris hartzell <c.hartzell AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:20:06 -0800 (PST) After posting my 2012 Photo Trip list, I got some inquiries as to if I am doing a Panoche Valley trip. Doing a "workshop" is challenging on a Panoche trip...HOWEVER, Ame and I are looking to take a day trip up there and if there are some of you interested in tagging along with us to do a "birding with cameras" kind of trip, let me know, we'll make it a day field trip. -Chris Hartzell_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: test From: Todd Newberry <taxa AT ucsc.edu> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:45:09 -0800 test _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: SUPER BOWL 2012 CHALLENGE From: Todd Newberry <taxa AT ucsc.edu> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:46:08 -0800 * * * MBB'S SUPER BOWL BIRDING CHALLENGE XLVI * *is on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 5* *THE CHALLENGE* ** ** *1 -- GO BIRDING *(solo, teams)*ONLY DURING THE SUPER BOWL GAME. **Kick-off is at 3:30PM.* *YOUR GOAL: TO SEE AND/OR HEAR MORE KINDS OF BIRDS THAN THE COMBINED TEAM SCORES OF THE FOOTBALL GAME. *East Coast birders complain that the game is at night there. Yes, well, that makes for tough birding. *2 -- YOU HAVE ONE BIRDING HOUR*. After all, endless as it seems, the Super Bowl lasts only a playing hour. Fair's fair. But finding, say, sixty species (a few game-scores have exceeded even that) means averaging a new bird every minute for that birding hour! Suddenly this challenge doesn't look so easy. . . ** *3 -- *Football teams stop for *HALF-TIME *and take*6 TIMEOUTS*. *So can you.* (Quarter-changes and "2-minute warnings" and other such arcana don't happen in birding.) If you mix coastal bluffs and the UCSC Arboretum, say, or Jetty Rd and Moon Glow Dairy, or various Watsonville Wetlands, you need timeouts to get from one place to another. Fine, but *YOU CAN'T COUNT BIRDS DURING YOUR TIMEOUTS, *any more than those teams can score points during theirs. Lament: some birds show up only during your timeouts. *4 -- *Back home, *LEAVE YOUR TV OFF; THE FOOTBALL SCORE WILL BE IN MONDAY'S PAPER*. After a night of suspense, winning your challenge will be all the sweeter, losing it all the more endurable. *5 --*As always, *CHALLENGE WINNERS* share the prize: *THREE CHEERS*! Todd Newberry Santa Cruz _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Baldwin Creek area From: Alexander Gaguine <gaguine AT baymoon.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:31:42 -0800 The abandoned garden/weed patch across Highway 1 from the pumpkin farm was teeming with birds this afternoon, including a white-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. I was unable to pick out anyone else unusual, but I know I didn't see everyone. A MERLIN flew over the pumpkin field. Yesterday Eileen and I also noted the large flock (over 30) of Brown-headed Cowbirds along West Cliff, just reported by Steve Gerow; interestingly I saw no females among them. Alexander_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Santa Cruz to Wilder Ranch From: stephengerow AT aol.com Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:59:02 -0500 (EST) This morning a SWAMP SPARROW was along Moore Creek just south of the Mission Street crossing near Shaffer Road. Along the path between Santa Cruz and WIlder Ranch, there was a NASHVILLE WARBLER foraging in blooming Cape Ivy in the low spot just west of the row of eucalyptus on the west side of the horse ranch. A PEREGRINE FALCON landed in the eucalyptus. Later in the day a recently plowed field in this area had a nice flock of at least 80 AMERICAN PIPITS. On the north side of Highway 1, a dark morph RED-TAILED HAWK carried a stick into the last eucalyptus grove before the Wilder Ranch border, apparently starting nest-building already. In the park, a large flock of mixed sparrows and juncos at the north end of the horse corrals had two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, a white-striped adult, and a tan-striped bird- A group of 22 PINE SISKINS flew from an alder in Peasley Gulch to near the old cabin along Wilder Creek, the first moderate-sized flock of siskins I have seen in a while. On Wilder Creek Beach there were two LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, about 35 WHIMBRELS, and other expected shorebirds, plus at least 800 gulls of seven species (and lots of Glaucous-winged hybrids). A MERLIN scattered the blackbirds near the Wilder Ranch historic buildings complex. Four different ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS in various spots in the park seemed above average for January. Yesterday (Jan. 24), along the West Cliff Drive coastal bluff just east of Lighthouse Point, it was interesting to watch a flock of about 35 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, mixed with other blackbirds and starlings, hopping off the ground to catch flying termites. On January 23, a flock of at least 80 AMERICAN ROBINS flew eastward over Bethany Curve Park. Robins have otherwise been in small numbers in the coastal lowlands of west Santa Cruz this winter, with rarely more than 4-5 at any given spot. Six FORSTER'S TERNS we foraging off West Cliff Drive near Stockton Avenue on January 21, with two there on Jan. 23. The female HOODED MERGANSER was still at Antonelli Pond on Jan. 23. Steve Gerow Santa Cruz_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Nashville Warbler in Watsonville From: waxwingboheme <waxwingboheme AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:05:01 -0800 Howdy all, There was a bright NASHVILLE WARBLER with black eucalyptus-goo all 'round its bill foraging in the lower levels of the tall eucalyptus grove just west of Rodriguez Street on the 152 out of Watsonville. Also interesting was a roost of at least 24 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON just north of the Harkins Slough Road bridge over Watsonville Slough. Christian Schwarz, Santa Cruz, or Watsonville sometimes, too._______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: SCBC mtg reminder: Burrowing Owls! From: Scott Smithson <wscottsmithson AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:37:51 -0800 Dear Birders, You are cordially invited to the Santa Cruz Bird Club meeting on Thursday, January 26 at 7:30pm at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Here is a description of Jack Barclay's talk on Burrowing Owls: * Burrowing Owls in the Santa Clara Valley � past, present, and future * Jack Barclay, who has been studying burrowing owls for over 20 years in the Santa Clara Valley, will review past and current population status and the likelihood of burrowing owls persisting into the future in the Santa Clara Valley. He will summarize the population research at San Jose International Airport, where he has been managing and monitoring the owl colony since 1990, and review results of a population viability analysis (PVA) of owls at the three largest remaining colonies in the valley. The PVA was used to evaluate the future status of owls in the valley and was incorporated into the burrowing owl conservation strategy in the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Conservation Plan. The final part of his talk will include a video, �Reversing the Trend��about burrowing owl conservation�prepared by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society. -- W. Scott Smithson, M.S. Camp SEA Lab www.campsealab.org cell: 831-431-0404_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: watsonville BALD EAGLES From: "Heidi Sandkuhle" <Mrskuhle AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:24:39 -0800 This morning at 10 am behind the cemetary at College Lake, I saw 2 adult BALD EAGLES in an oak tree. Went back an hour later and only saw one, but didn't have time to look much. College Lake has a bit more water in it, and there were dozens of AM. WIGEON, lots of COOTS, SHOVELERS, RUDDY DUCKS, KILLDEER, a few MALLARDS, and one AM. PIPIT. Heidi Sandkuhle Corralitos_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Monterey Audubon Field Trip This Saturday From: lammergeiereyes AT aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:33:47 -0500 (EST) A reminder to any interested that this Saturday local author and birder Stan Dryden will lead a birding trip to the Carmel River Mouth and Odello Lagoon. The weather forecast looks golden. Call Stan for More info. Sat. Jan. 28- Carmel River mouth & Vic. Leader: Stan Dryden/624-8860 This area has been long recognized as one of our localbirding “hotspots”. This time of year some of the over wintering waterfowl canbe seen from the area that is commonly called “Odello Fields” and we will birdthis area and if time permits the trail along the ocean looking for shorebirds andraptors, such as Osprey, Merlin, White-tailed Kites. Blake T. Matheson President, Monterey Audubon Society http://www.flickr.com/photos/34328261 AT N02/sets/ "Men still live who, in their youth, remember Passenger Pigeons. Trees still live who, in their youth, were shaken by a living wind. But a decade hence only the oldest oaks will remember, and at long last only the hills will know." Leopold (1949). _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Glaucous Gull at Main Beach From: richard lange <richardmlange AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:23:34 -0800 (PST) I spent the late afternoon working on my gull identification skills (such as they are) on the large flock on the beach at the mouth of the San Lorenzo. In addition to the usual common gulls species, I counted 6 HERRING GULLS, 1 THAYER'S GULL, at least 10 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS and 1 GLAUCOUS GULL. I'm guessing the Glaucous is the same one seen around San Lorenzo Park in recent days.� Apologies for the poor quality of the attached photo--I had just noticed the bird when a group of teenagers ran yelling into the middle of flock, dispersing just about every bird on the beach. I waited for 45 minutes but the Glaucous never returned. (It was an opportune moment to smile through gritted teeth and remember that I too was a teenager once.) Happy birding!Richard Lange_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Laguna Grande From: Rick Berg <fb97e4ad AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:45:40 -0500 Two female, one male hooded mergansers, green heron, one Clark's grebe, a red-shouldered hawk, a Virginia rail, and tons of ruddies and pied-bills. Also yellow-rumped and Townsend's warblers, various sparrows, and the flocks of coots, mallards, and gulls (mostly California, some western). A large flock of cedar waxwings are uphill in a tree on the neighborhood. _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: wild turkey in Davenport From: lea cox <leacox2 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:24:03 -0800 I saw a wild turkey in Davenport, in the Eucalyptus trees on the north side of the Post Office. I think it was a male because the colors were very striking -- especially the red tail feathers. B. Lea Cox, M.F.A., Ph. D. http://bleacox.com ARTIST WEBSITE https://www.facebook.com/pages/B-Lea-Cox/253430964703529?sk=wall ARTIST FACEBOOK PAGE http://exhibit1.wordpress.com/ CLOSE ENCOUNTERS BLOG http://bleacox.wordpress.com PHOTO BLOG _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Out of place duck From: chris hartzell <c.hartzell AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:40:42 -0800 (PST) Today I saw a male AMERICAN WIGEON in the waters surrounding El Estero Park in Monterey. I believe that is the first time I've ever seen or heard of one being there. -Chris Hartzell_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: BALD EAGLE Watsonville Slough From: Eric Miller <eaglit AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:05:32 -0800 Reported BALD EAGLE spotted above Watsonville slough at Walker St. Bridge adjacent to the City of Watsonville's Nature Center 1:30pm ish. _______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb Subject: Geese at Seacliff From: Mary Crouser <mecrouser AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:36:47 -0800 (PST) This morning while taking a walk on the beach I saw a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE and a CACKLING GOOSE�hanging out�together on Seacliff State Beach.� They were up near the wooden seawall about half way between the pier and Aptos Creek, almost directly below the restroom.� I've seen them two or three times in Aptos Creek since new years, but this was the first time I've seen them away from the creek. � Mary Crouser_______________________________________________ mbb mailing list mbb AT lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu http://lists.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mailman/listinfo/mbb