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3 Feb Re: Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline [Kirill Shtengel ] 3 Feb continuing SB waterfront birds [Dave Compton ] 3 Feb possible Summer Tanager [Dave Compton ] 03 Feb White-throated Sparrow Lompoc Southside ["Paul Rosso" ] 03 Feb FW: White-throated Sparrow And Ferruginous Hawk continue on Lompoc Southside in 2012 ["Paul Rosso" ] 02 Feb Baltimore Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler [Hugh Ranson ] 02 Feb Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline ["Paul Rosso" ] 02 Feb UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 02 Feb Re: Roadrunner in Goleta ["justinwatts0" ] 1 Feb La Cumbre Peak, 2012-02-01 [Wim van Dam ] 01 Feb Weekend Birds ["Brad" ] 31 Jan Goleta Beach Park, 2012-01-31 [Wim van Dam ] 31 Jan Valley Birds: Vermillion Flycatchers and Snow Goose [libby lindsay ] 31 Jan Bluebirds [nancy states ] 31 Jan Vermilion Flycatcher Pair still on Baseline Ave. ["alcyone177" ] 31 Jan Roadrunner in Goleta [Mark Holmgren ] 31 Jan Sharp-shinned Hawk upper westside ["Dianna" ] 30 Jan Rail [] 30 Jan interesting yard birds ["Guy Tingos" ] 30 Jan Parrots [Linda Dye ] 30 Jan UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 30 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [Wim van Dam ] 30 Jan Weekend Raptors ["Noah" ] 30 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [Jamie Chavez ] 30 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [] 29 Jan RE: Re: questions about exotic birds ["Wes Fritz" ] 30 Jan Re: questions about exotic birds ["lbvireo" ] 29 Jan Townsend's Solitaire, etc. [Dave Compton ] 29 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [Dave Compton ] 29 Jan Armour Ranch Road ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 29 Jan Baseline Vermilion Flycatcher Pair ["justinwatts0" ] 29 Jan questions for Dave C, and others [Wim van Dam ] 29 Jan Westmont Birding Update: Tanager, Purple Finch ["cdwestmont" ] 29 Jan Least Bittern at LLC ["maggiesherriffs" ] 28 Jan Ocean Park, Lompoc (SYRE) ["Peter Schneekloth" ] 28 Jan January 2012 Slide Show [Lynn Watson ] 25 Jan Ocean Meadows Golf Course [Mark Holmgren ] 25 Jan Devereux shorebirds ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 25 Jan UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 24 Jan Re: Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher [Wes Fritz ] 24 Jan Re: Vermilion FC, breeding potential ["lbvireo" ] 24 Jan Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher ["lainieol" ] 24 Jan UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 24 Jan Goleta slough Goldeneye [David Levasheff ] 23 Jan Vermilion FC ["dbarica" ] 23 Jan Audubon Bird Walk - San Marcos Foothills Jan 27 ["Adam" ] 22 Jan Raptor Study - EITS birds at SBMNH [Lynn Watson ] 23 Jan Audubon-sponsored presentation "Owls in the Family" Wed Jan 25 ["Adam" ] 21 Jan Re: Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. [Dave Compton ] 22 Jan Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. ["las_cruzitas" ] 22 Jan Re: Red-naped/Yellow-breasted Sapsucker on Laurel Cyn Rd ["cloudgrease" ] 22 Jan Suspect Glaucous Gull, Santa Ynez River Mouth ["Peter Schneekloth" ] 21 Jan Re: Red-naped/Yellow-breasted Sapsucker on Laurel Cyn Rd ["lbvireo" ] 20 Jan Re: Has Anyone Else Noticed "The Hawk" That Loves To Perch On The Northbound Lightpo [Florence Sanchez ] 20 Jan Has Anyone Else Noticed "The Hawk" That Loves To Perch On The Northbound Lightpo ["RichS" ] 20 Jan Red-naped/Yellow-breasted Sapsucker on Laurel Cyn Rd [cedar Mathers-Winn ] 20 Jan Re: Grace's Warbler this a.m. at Bella Vista Open Space in Goleta ["lbvireo" ] 20 Jan Birding notes from yesterday morning [Oscar Johnson ] 20 Jan Armour Ranch Road Lewis' Woodpecker [Peter Dullea ] 19 Jan Eastern Phoebe on Jesusita trail [cedar Mathers-Winn ] 18 Jan Grace's Warbler this a.m. at Bella Vista Open Space in Goleta ["Joan Lentz" ] 18 Jan UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 18 Jan North county odds and ends [Oscar Johnson ] 18 Jan CBC Update [Rebecca Coulter ] 16 Jan RE: Devereux birds ["capnbob" ] 17 Jan Devereux birds ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 16 Jan Cachuma Lake birds [Peter Gaede ] 16 Jan Re: Birding today ["justinwatts0" ] 16 Jan Birding today ["justinwatts0" ] 15 Jan Santa Maria Valley birding ["J Chavez" ] 14 Jan Armour Ranch Road today [Rebecca Coulter ] 14 Jan Grackle on Armour Ranch Rd may be Hybrid ["las_cruzitas" ] 13 Jan anatomy question, pls help [Mr Zalophus ] 13 Jan Common Grackle on Armour Ranch Rd. ["las_cruzitas" ] 13 Jan Lawrence's Goldfinches ["Ken Hollinga" ] 13 Jan White-headed Woodpecker on Figueroa ["Paul Rosso" ] Subject: Re: Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline From: Kirill Shtengel <kshtengel AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:13:56 -0800 Feb 3, around noon: both male and female Vermilion Flycatchers continue at that location. The male showed up within 5 minutes of my arrival and continued on both sides of the entrance to 4175 Baseline, in between spending time in the vineyard on the south side of Baseline, quite close to the road. It was quite approachable and was singing. The female was harder to locate, but it showed up twice on the east side of the entrance to 4175 in the low tree brunches. Also active there: a pair of Nuttall's woodpeckers (male and femail) and a White-brested Nuthatch. A Red-shouldered Hawk was hanging out near Baseline about a mile to the east. Kirill Shtengel > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: continuing SB waterfront birds From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:15:33 -0800 (PST) Laguna Creek outfall: 3 CACKLING GEESE, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Garden St just north of the RR: PALM WARBLER   Dave Compton Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: possible Summer Tanager From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:11:16 -0800 (PST) A female Summer Tanager was reported to eBird on January 30 at the end of Coronado in Elwood, but we have minimal details at present. I'd be interested in updates of this bird, if anyone refinds it.   Dave Compton Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: White-throated Sparrow Lompoc Southside From: "Paul Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:35:56 -0800 At 8:00 am today, Feb 3rd, the White-throated Sparrow continued on the Lompoc southside. The best place to see it is in the Old LaPurisima Mission Park. It can be reached via S. G St. crossing the RR tracks. Paul Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: FW: White-throated Sparrow And Ferruginous Hawk continue on Lompoc Southside in 2012 From: "Paul Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:34:15 -0800 At 8:00 am today, Feb 3rd, the White-throated Sparrow continued on the Lompoc southside. The best place to see it is in the Old LaPurisima Mission Park. It can be reached via S. G St. crossing the RR tracks. Paul Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Baltimore Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler From: Hugh Ranson <zonetail AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:57:47 -0800 Both females. Presumably continuing birds just to the east of Pine avenue and across the street from the UPS building in Goleta. Both in a nearly leafless sycamore along the creek, 50 yards in from the road, and both frequently in the same binocular view. Hugh Ranson Santa Barbara Sent from my iPad ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline From: "Paul Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:23:56 -0800 Today, Feb 2nd, the male Vermilion Flycatcher continued on Baseline in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was seen at 9:40 am west of the entrance to 4175 Baseline. It flew from the vineyard on the southside of Baseline to a large oak and then to a tree on the northside. It was singing. On Armour Rd, there was a pair of Mountain Bluebirds in the longspur field on the northside. The field was being patrolled by an adult Ferruginous Hawk which took a ground squirrel. Paul Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:20:21 -0800 The most interesting bird I spotted on my beach walk at noon today was a large loon in Goleta Bay just east of the bluffs. It was presumably a Common Loon, but I wished I had my scope. The head angle and bill shape through binoculars were intriguing, though the coloration appeared spot on for Common Loon. I also found a fresh corpse of a Common Murre on the beaches. Florence ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Roadrunner in Goleta From: "justinwatts0" <justinwatts0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:45:10 -0000 Roadrunner continues. Seen at the northern dead end of camino vista. A red tailed hawk was hoping after it through the bushes as I watched, not quite as fast as the roadrunner though. -Justin Watts Goleta --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, Mark Holmgren wrote: > > Adrian O'Loghlen tells me that he and his friend Steve McKeon from Seattle saw a Greater Roadrunner yesterday in Goleta N of Goleta Sloughat the junction of Calle Koral and Camino Vista (the roads leading into the Willow Springs Housing E of Los Carneros Rd).  It crossed Camino Vista road and went into the area between the houses and the wetlands. > > Mark Holmgren for Adrian O'Loghlen > Goleta > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: La Cumbre Peak, 2012-02-01 From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:38:27 -0800 This morning at a quick stop at La Cumbre Peak I finally got the (continuing) female Williamson's Sapsucker. Also present were at least 3 Townsend's Solitaires. - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Weekend Birds From: "Brad" <bcsinger AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:13:12 -0000 Sorry for the late post; a group of us from San Bernardino Audubon spent Saturday night and Sunday morning birding with Wes Fritz. Birds of note were 2 Spotted Owls and a Saw-whet in the Santa Ynez Valley Saturday night. Sunday morning both McCown's and Lapland Longspurs were along Armour Ranch Road and as Nick Lethaby pointed out, a few of the Laplands were coming into beautiful breeding plumage. We saw both the Vermilion Flycatcher and Eurasian Wigeon off Baseline Road, the Lewis Woodpecker off Happy Canyon and a "Red" Fox Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow nearby. The Grace's Warbler showed briefly at Belle Vista, and a Western Tanager (could not find the Summer) was spotted at the Stow House. Finally, (out of the area), the Red-necked Grebe continued in the Ventura Harbor. Brad Singer Lake Arrowhead ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Goleta Beach Park, 2012-01-31 From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:40:11 -0800 This evening at Goleta Beach Park there was a nice roost of, by my best estimate, 40 Whimbrels, 70 Long-billed Curlews, and 70 Marbled Godwits. - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Valley Birds: Vermillion Flycatchers and Snow Goose From: libby lindsay <glassolives AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:09:19 -0800 (PST) Thank you to Justin for reporting the flycatchers presence in the vineyard.  My third try, but this time I looked across the street and there they both were springing up from the wires in the vineyard.  The red on the male was just beautiful.  At the Alisal's River Crossing Golf Course, there is a little SNOW GOOSE keeping company with the ring-necked ducks--- visible from Alisal Road. Libby Lindsay Lompoc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Bluebirds From: nancy states <bnstates AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:49:56 -0800 Debbie Konkel, Gayle Hackamack and I went out to Armour Ranch Rd. this morning. We saw both of the Lewis' Woodpeckers. Then we tried for the Longspurs. No luck. The Horned Lark flock was way out. But there were so many Savannah Sparrows and Meadow Larks singing. It was Spring out there. We also had 3 Mt.Bluebirds sitting on the fence right by the car. We went to Baseline Rd. and quickly found the brilliant male Vermilion Flycatcher and the female we had seen yesterday. A Cooper's Hawk flew right by the tree the male was sitting in. I am glad he didn't see the flycatcher. It was a beautiful day in the valley. Nancy States Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermilion Flycatcher Pair still on Baseline Ave. From: "alcyone177" <alcyone175 AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:33:35 -0000 The male and the female were both at their original spot by the road at 4175 Baseline Ave. early this afternoon. Also hanging out in the trees there were 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, some Western Meadowlarks, and a Red-Breasted Sapsucker. I also checked out the rest of Baseline and up and down Armour Ranch Road. No longspurs, but there was a Mountain Bluebird right before ARR hits the 246. ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Roadrunner in Goleta From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:39:30 -0800 (PST) Adrian O'Loghlen tells me that he and his friend Steve McKeon from Seattle saw a Greater Roadrunner yesterday in Goleta N of Goleta Sloughat the junction of Calle Koral and Camino Vista (the roads leading into the Willow Springs Housing E of Los Carneros Rd).  It crossed Camino Vista road and went into the area between the houses and the wetlands. Mark Holmgren for Adrian O'Loghlen Goleta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Sharp-shinned Hawk upper westside From: "Dianna" <proscript.inc AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:38:44 -0000 A Sharp-shinned Hawk flew into the gum tree on our deck late yesterday afternoon (upper westside, near Eling's Park).  Don and I quietly crept under the tree and were able to see the small hawk sitting in the tree about 5 feet above us, where it in turn had a good view of the bird feeders.  We watched it for several minutes until it took flight in tne direction of Eling's Park over Calle Poniente. Dianna Ricky Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Rail From: thewah AT att.net Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:08:17 -0800 (PST) All. While looking for the LEAST BITTERN (observed today at 8:15 +/- 5) at the bridge at Lake Los Caneros, a small black/gray rail with scaling on the lower breast appeared briefly hanging in the reeds. This was a very quick view into sunlight. Is it not too early for a SORA/VIRGINIA chick? Is a BLACK RAIL a possible? The scaling and size suggests this. I'll leave it to the experts here to sort through this. But a RAIL it was, and small it was and the scaling was apparent. Each of these sightings occured at the first bend in the bridge from the Stowe house side looking right into a narrow water opening in the reeds. Bill Hartman (Keeper of a WI County List), East Valley Road, Santa Barbara. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: interesting yard birds From: "Guy Tingos" <guy.tingos AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:47:06 -0800 The past few days have yielded some unusual birds for our yard. A beautiful adult male Lawrence's Goldfinch visited our thistle feeders on Saturday. On Sunday, a Great Egret landed poolside and quickly left. This morning, a male Northern Harrier flew over the house headed due north. The Harrier was a new yard bird bringing our total to 117. Guy Tingos Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Parrots From: Linda Dye <naturbuf AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:05:29 -0800 (PST) There is a flock of about 12 parrots that fly over my house (near the junction of Stanwood and Sycamore Canyon, not too far from Westmont) every evening near dusk. I am interested in learning what species they are.   Linda  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:30:53 -0800 I checked out Area K at noontime. There are Shovelers, American Wigeons, and Coots in abundance and not a whole lot else. I found two pair of Cinnamon Teal and few Mallards in the mix. Best bird was a lone American Avocet that I almost missed. It was resting with head tucked next to some Shovelers in the middle of the marsh. There wasn't much in the restored wetlands behind the public safety building beside lots of Kildeer. I found about 6 Least Sandpipers working the mud and a Loggerhead Shrike was foraging from the utility wire near Goleta West Sanitary District. The only raptors seen today were a pair of Red-tailed Hawks. One was a dark-phased bird. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:40:59 -0800 Thanks everyone for your thoughts and pointers. It seems that Kimball Garrett's Parrot Project site would be happy with some additional data from our county. There also isn't any eBird report of Santa Barbara's feral parrots; shame on us. Interestingly, the santabarbarabirdfarm.com site mentions that already in 1975 Santa Barbara had a "well established" flock of Lilac-crowned Amazons. More peculiar is their conjecture that this is actual a truly natural and "northernmost and smallest flock of these LC Amazons", which would be funny if this species was not listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) On Jan 30, 2012, at 6:06 AM, Jamie Chavez wrote: > As far as the rules for inclusion on the official California State > list go, introduced species in CA are described as: "I - Introduced > but now established in California (10 species)". In the online bird > list of Santa Barbara County that I have maintained I have followed > this rule. I don't have the time now to dig deeply, but I located > this article through the SORA site published in Western Birds on the > Parrots in So CA from 1997. Official inclusion of Red-crowned Parrot > on the CBRC list was in 2001, but the areas where these were deemed > "established" are from So CA counties with no mention of populations > north of LA County (and barely into Ventura). I seem to remember > reading something like 15 years of establishment with evidence of > breeding and a stable or growing population for introduced species > to be added to the list. This may be why we wouldn't consider adding > it to our county list yet. > > http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/wb/v28n04/p0181-p0195.pdf > > See also the Parrot Project site by Kimball Garrett: > http://www.californiaparrotproject.org/ > > Jamie M. Chavez > Santa Maria, CA > > On 1/29/2012 10:56 AM, Wim van Dam wrote: >> >> These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that >> this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the >> CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? >> Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still >> have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? >> And >> so on. >> >> This is obviously a pressing matter. >> >> - Wim (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Weekend Raptors From: "Noah" <skater_ako1 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:44:33 -0000 After viewing the LEAST BITTERN at LLC on 1.28.12 (thanks Maggie), Danielle Cvitanovich and I took a walk around More Mesa at dusk. We were able to turn up 6 White-tailed Kites, 4 immature Northern Harriers, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Merlin and no owls. This morning, 1.30.12, a Merlin is on the redwood snag that is located on De la Vina between Quinto and Nogales. This is the first time that I have seen a Merlin here this winter. The Peregrine has been seen here very infrequently (about once a month). Noah Gaines Santa Barbara, CA ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: Jamie Chavez <almiyi AT verizon.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:06:16 -0800 As far as the rules for inclusion on the official California State list go, introduced species in CA are described as: "I - Introduced but now established in California (10 species)". In the online bird list of Santa Barbara County that I have maintained I have followed this rule. I don't have the time now to dig deeply, but I located this article through the SORA site published in Western Birds on the Parrots in So CA from 1997. Official inclusion of Red-crowned Parrot on the CBRC list was in 2001, but the areas where these were deemed "established" are from So CA counties with no mention of populations north of LA County (and barely into Ventura). I seem to remember reading something like 15 years of establishment with evidence of breeding and a stable or growing population for introduced species to be added to the list. This may be why we wouldn't consider adding it to our county list yet. http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/wb/v28n04/p0181-p0195.pdf See also the Parrot Project site by Kimball Garrett: http://www.californiaparrotproject.org/ Jamie M. Chavez Santa Maria, CA On 1/29/2012 10:56 AM, Wim van Dam wrote: > These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that > this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the > CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? > Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still > have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And > so on. > > This is obviously a pressing matter. > > - Wim (Solvang, CA) > > > ------------------------------------ > > For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com > . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: julieok AT aol.com Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:41:48 -0500 (EST) I believe the parrots you are seeing are Lilac Crowned Amazons that supposedly were let go from a bird breeding place in a fire some years back. A Double Yellow Headed Amazon teamed up with them and there are quite a few hybrids in the group. We have seen as many as 13 birds in the flock and as few as 8. They hang around my area on Chelham Way, but have been seen as far away as Hope Ranch. They make quite a ruckus in the Eucalyptus trees at cocktail hour. My daughter Jamie McLeod, Menagerie Bird Store and SB Bird Sancturay, in Summerland helped to heal a fledgling who had flown into a window and fractured his spine. The parent bird, a Lilac Crowned, stuck around to try to help the fledgling. The baby had to be tube fed since he had not yet learned to eat. When he healed he was released into the flock and the Yellow Head beat him up. There is a wonderful source of information on Phoebe and Harry Linden's web site. They are the authorities on this flock. _http://www.santabarbarabirdfarm.com/Wild%20Parrots/wildparrots.html_ (http://www.santabarbarabirdfarm.com/Wild%20Parrots/wildparrots.html) Julie McLeod 565-1332 In a message dated 1/29/2012 2:06:16 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, wim.van.dam AT gmail.com writes: These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And so on. This is obviously a pressing matter. - Wim (Solvang, CA) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: RE: Re: questions about exotic birds From: "Wes Fritz" <wes-fritz AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:29:14 -0800 Hi all, The non-native bird forum is very interesting, I had three Mannikins carrying nesting material at the Evergreen Open Space today. They were seen near basket 15. As for our parrot population and nesting, little is known. If you are interested in reading more about our local parrots go to http://santabarbarabirdfarm.com/ you can click on the wild parrots and updates. There you can read more about our local parrots, with a time line that goes nearly up to their current status. I hope this helps, good birding. Wes Fritz (805)895-0685 wes-fritz AT verizon.net Solvang, Ca. From: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lbvireo Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 5:05 PM To: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [sbcobirding] Re: questions about exotic birds I have photos of juvenile (2005) and adult (2006) Mannikins that seem to me to support breeding in the county, and should be sugstantiation for state listing... In addition, I photographed a messy looking nest in the willows along the fence line near where adults were mating, the exhibitionists seen on this page (nest photo not posted): http://blackfoot.net/~larkwick/NutmegMannikin.html I also saw a sizable flock of (a dozen or so) macaws at Modoc x Hollister sometime back in late 1980's or early 1990's, not proving breeding, but at least suggesting they "survived" in the area of Hope Ranch at the time - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls MT --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com , Dave Compton wrote: > > Hi Wim, > > I confess to not knowing a lot about our local parrots. I've seen Red-crowned Parrots around Santa Barbara a few times over the years. I also used to see a flock of Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix, I guess) in downtown Santa Barbara, but that didn't last very long. My feeling is that there are no established parrots in our area. I've never heard of ANY evidence of breeding, although it's possible someone has evidence that one of these species has bred. I can say that it doesn't seem as though we're seeing any more parrots of any kind in our area than we were seeing 15 or 20 years ago. So I would guess we're dealing with a lot of escapees. > > Compare this situation with Nutmeg Mannikins, which have been spreading and breeding for years. Even though this bird is not on our state checklist, I think it's way more likely you'll be counting this on your couny list in the next few years than that you will be counting Red-crowned Parrots. > > As for the Red-crowned Parrots in LA County, I'm not sure how long they've been around. But go down to Temple City and see them coming into roost. I've seen hundreds gathering in a neighborhood. It's quite a sight. > > Dave > > > ________________________________ > From: Wim van Dam > To: SBCo Birding > > Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 10:56 AM > Subject: [sbcobirding] questions for Dave C, and others > > These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that > this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the > CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? > Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still > have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And > so on. > > This is obviously a pressing matter. > > - Wim (Solvang, CA) > > > ------------------------------------ > > For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com > . Subject: Re: questions about exotic birds From: "lbvireo" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:04:30 -0000 I have photos of juvenile (2005) and adult (2006) Mannikins that seem to me to support breeding in the county, and should be sugstantiation for state listing... In addition, I photographed a messy looking nest in the willows along the fence line near where adults were mating, the exhibitionists seen on this page (nest photo not posted): http://blackfoot.net/~larkwick/NutmegMannikin.html I also saw a sizable flock of (a dozen or so) macaws at Modoc x Hollister sometime back in late 1980's or early 1990's, not proving breeding, but at least suggesting they "survived" in the area of Hope Ranch at the time - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls MT --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, Dave Compton wrote: > > Hi Wim, >   > I confess to not knowing a lot about our local parrots. I've seen Red-crowned Parrots around Santa Barbara a few times over the years. I also used to see a flock of Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix, I guess) in downtown Santa Barbara, but that didn't last very long. My feeling is that there are no established parrots in our area. I've never heard of ANY evidence of breeding, although it's possible someone has evidence that one of these species has bred. I can say that it doesn't seem as though we're seeing any more parrots of any kind in our area than we were seeing 15 or 20 years ago. So I would guess we're dealing with a lot of escapees.   >   > Compare this situation with Nutmeg Mannikins, which have been spreading and breeding for years. Even though this bird is not on our state checklist, I think it's way more likely you'll be counting this on your couny list in the next few years than that you will be counting Red-crowned Parrots. >   > As for the Red-crowned Parrots in LA County, I'm not sure how long they've been around. But go down to Temple City and see them coming into roost. I've seen hundreds gathering in a neighborhood. It's quite a sight. >   > Dave > > > ________________________________ > From: Wim van Dam > To: SBCo Birding > Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 10:56 AM > Subject: [sbcobirding] questions for Dave C, and others > > These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that  > this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the  > CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds?  > Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still  > have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And  > so on. > > This is obviously a pressing matter. > > - Wim (Solvang, CA) > > > ------------------------------------ > > For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com > . Subject: Townsend's Solitaire, etc. From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:55:37 -0800 (PST) Today I showed my sister, visiting from out of town, parts of the Santa Ynez Valley and the Figueroa Mtn area. Birding was light, but we did hear and see a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE at Pino Alto Picnic Area at Figueroa Mtn at around midday. It was along the road, near the entrance to the picnic area. Nothing else more unusual than a Golden Eagle perched in a valley oak west of Figueroa Mtn Rd about a mile north of Los Olivos.   Dave Compton Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:43:08 -0800 (PST) Hi Wim,   I confess to not knowing a lot about our local parrots. I've seen Red-crowned Parrots around Santa Barbara a few times over the years. I also used to see a flock of Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix, I guess) in downtown Santa Barbara, but that didn't last very long. My feeling is that there are no established parrots in our area. I've never heard of ANY evidence of breeding, although it's possible someone has evidence that one of these species has bred. I can say that it doesn't seem as though we're seeing any more parrots of any kind in our area than we were seeing 15 or 20 years ago. So I would guess we're dealing with a lot of escapees.     Compare this situation with Nutmeg Mannikins, which have been spreading and breeding for years. Even though this bird is not on our state checklist, I think it's way more likely you'll be counting this on your couny list in the next few years than that you will be counting Red-crowned Parrots.   As for the Red-crowned Parrots in LA County, I'm not sure how long they've been around. But go down to Temple City and see them coming into roost. I've seen hundreds gathering in a neighborhood. It's quite a sight.   Dave ________________________________ From: Wim van Dam To: SBCo Birding Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 10:56 AM Subject: [sbcobirding] questions for Dave C, and others These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that  this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the  CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds?  Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still  have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And  so on. This is obviously a pressing matter. - Wim (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Armour Ranch Road From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:30:40 +0000 All: The longspurs were ridiculously easy this AM and I found 6+ Laplands and at least 2 McCown's (male + female) within about 10 minutes of starting to look. Several of the Lapland Longspurs are progressing into breeding plumage and look pretty spiffy. I had a Ferruginous Hawk over the field and a Prairie Falcon nearby on Hwy 154. The two Lewis's Woodpeckers continue just S of the Armour Ranch Rd/Happy Canyon Road junction. The female E. Wigeon continues on the pond off Baseline Rd. Finally I had an American White Pelican at the E. end of Cachuma. These have been thin on the ground at Cachuma this winter. Nick Lethaby Software Development Organization Texas Instruments office: +1 805 562 5106 mobile: +1 805 284 6200 e-mail: nlethaby AT ti.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Baseline Vermilion Flycatcher Pair From: "justinwatts0" <justinwatts0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:47:18 -0000 Today on Baseline road near the previously mentioned address, a female Vermilion Flycatcher joined the continuing male vermilion. They were quite active together, and at one point the female took a peck at the male's raised crest. They seemed to prefer the vineyard and trees across from the house but they didn't mind wandering (around these coordinates - 34°38'7.04"N 120° 3'30.42"W) Also present was a male northern harrier. Photos here - http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyocRVg Justin Watts Goleta, Ca ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: questions for Dave C, and others From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:56:56 -0800 These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And so on. This is obviously a pressing matter. - Wim (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Westmont Birding Update: Tanager, Purple Finch From: "cdwestmont" <csteingruber AT westmont.edu> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:33:28 -0000 I've had several people ask about Westmont birds this January, so here's a quick update: I've not had much time to bird on campus so far this semester, but that should change. As of now, the news is sparse. Fairly quiet so far this semester, though with the spring-time weather, the birds have been a bit more active. And the Anna's Hummers are starting their courtship dives...a bit early, seems like. I've heard the Parrots a few times since being back--always on upper campus near the dorms, which is unusual. But they have not been back in force, which is also unusual. This morning I had what I assume to be the continuing Western Tanager in the area between Kerrwood Hall and Kerr Student Center [Dining Commons]. There's a large oak tree in the middle of the path in the area where the Tanager hangs out. Also at least one Purple Finch in the same area this morning. No Pine Siskins on the Liquid Amber by the Dining Commons so far this winter. Not an irruption year, I suppose. That's all for now... Happy Birding, Carrie Steingruber Westmont ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Least Bittern at LLC From: "maggiesherriffs" <maggiesherriffs AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:35:31 -0000 I was wrapping up an uneventful walk around Lake Los Carneros this afternoon when I saw something among the tules on the north side of the bridge--Noah happened to be there and helped me ID it as a Least Bittern. It was pretty shy but did give us a good look when it flew under the bridge before ducking back into the vegetation. Maggie Sherriffs Goleta ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Ocean Park, Lompoc (SYRE) From: "Peter Schneekloth" <peterschneekloth AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:52:38 -0000 A nice adult Peregrine sitting on the beach and a flyover by six Greater White-Fronted Geese were the only notable birds. A word of caution to anyone planning a visit the estuary is very full and the road nearly flooded. Park Ranger estimated another two days and the park could be closed, unless it breaks out and drains. Peter Schneekloth Buellton ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: January 2012 Slide Show From: Lynn Watson <nature.shutterbug AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:36:56 -0800 (PST) http://natureshutterbug.com/wordpress/2012/01/28/january-2012-photos/ Lynn Watson SB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Ocean Meadows Golf Course From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:52:32 -0800 (PST) During a bird survey of Ocean Meadows GC (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.42001,-119.87612&z=15&t=H) this morning, Dave Harris and I found and photographed an American Bittern in the same area where Betsy Moles and Barb Millett found an AmBi on the Santa Barbara Christmas Bird Count.  The female Vermilion Flycatcher was still present on Hole 9.  Two Western Pond Turtles were in the creek on Hole 5 where one was seen on 30 November. With not much coaxing, we found 5 Virginia Rails and 2 Sora.  Among the 89 Canada Geese there were no Cackling Geese there today. Mark Holmgren Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Devereux shorebirds From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:39:14 +0000 All: Devereux blew out at 1 PM last Saturday. Today a number of shorebirds were using remnant shallow water puddles in the upper slough: Killdeer: NC BB Plover: 2 Semipalmated Plover: 113 Long-billed Dowitcher: 22 Greater Yellowlegs: 6 Spotted Sandpiper: 1 Dunlin: 12 Western Sandpiper: 12 Least Sandpiper: 21 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:35:09 -0800 I walked around the Lagoon Island today as part of my noontime walk. In the eastern end of the lagoon below the Island, I found about 6 Redheads and 4 Scaup. The Scaup had their heads tucked, so identification was tricky. At least one was a male Lesser Scaup--not sure of the others (2 males, 1 female). Also in the east end of the Lagoon were 2 Mute Swans. Signs of spring were a singing Orange-crowned Warbler on the Island, singing Song Sparrows everywhere on campus, and a real chorus of frogs from the vernal pools on the Manzanita housing bluffs. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher From: Wes Fritz <wes-fritz AT verizon.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:50:35 -0800 Hi all, There have been two Lewis's Woodpeckers present in that area for well over a month. Good birding. Wes Fritz 805-895-0685 wes-fritz AT verizon.net Solvang CA. Sent from my iPhone On Jan 24, 2012, at 3:22 PM, "lainieol" wrote: > We found the Lewis's Woodpecker on Armour Ranch Road and the Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline Road this morning. Thank you Cruz and Rebecca and Peter for posting precise directions. Both are such spectacular birds. The way the Vermilion came streaking towards us in the morning sun made him look positively aglow. A delight! > > Bill and Elaine Uomini, > Goleta > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Vermilion FC, breeding potential From: "lbvireo" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:17:06 -0000 I think Cruz reported a pair successfully breeding a couple years (or so?) ago in vicinity where this particular male Vermilion hangs. There is also a record of an unsuccessful nesting attempt at or near the fire station in New Cuyama from a couple (?) decades ago, now (the then-found dead female and nest) at SB Museum of Natural History. So, the desire to see a breeding by VEFL somewhere in SB Co is not without merit! -- Jim Greaves --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, "dbarica" wrote: > > Went with a friend to check out the Vermilion and it showed up right on cue, thanks to great directions by Cruz. The bird was seen at 12:30pm, sallying back and forth around the fence at 4235 Baseline Rd., right next door to its location yesterday. It was often harrassed by a Black Phoebe and seems to feed alongside a small flock of Yellow-rumps. There was also an American Kestrel lurking above and nearby - I hope neon red is not a favorite color. > > The bird works the whole ranch area, sometimes dodging behind the house but eventually works its way back towards Baseline for some great views. > > Now if Mr. V would only find a way over the mountains to meet Miss V at Ocean Meadows, what are the chances of a breeding pair, like at Covington Park, next to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve??? That would be sweet! > > I will try to figure out a way to post some photos. > > DanielB > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher From: "lainieol" <echip AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:22:09 -0000 We found the Lewis's Woodpecker on Armour Ranch Road and the Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline Road this morning. Thank you Cruz and Rebecca and Peter for posting precise directions. Both are such spectacular birds. The way the Vermilion came streaking towards us in the morning sun made him look positively aglow. A delight! Bill and Elaine Uomini, Goleta ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:45:30 -0800 After the rains this weekend, Area K has a fair amount of water, now bing enjoyed by a lot of American Wigeons and Northern Shovelers. With them I found a few Green-winged Teal, Gadwalls, and a pair of Canada Geese today. I also found a Loggerhead Shrike working both sides of Mesa Road opposite Area K, and another one on the wires behind the Public Safety Building. The restored marsh behind the Public Safety Building had only a couple a Mallards, 1 Green-winged Teal, and a few Coots in the way of waterfowl, but there were at least a dozen Kildeer hanging around and a flock of 50+ Least Sandpipers. On Sunday, my husband found a lone Cackling Goose on Glen Annie Golf Course. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Goleta slough Goldeneye From: David Levasheff <dj_levasheff AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:41:16 -0800 1:00-1:30 Goleta Slough. Female/juv Common Goldeneye out front of Beachside Grill with the Buffleheads. David Levasheff Via iPhone ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermilion FC From: "dbarica" <dbarica AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:53:47 -0000 Went with a friend to check out the Vermilion and it showed up right on cue, thanks to great directions by Cruz. The bird was seen at 12:30pm, sallying back and forth around the fence at 4235 Baseline Rd., right next door to its location yesterday. It was often harrassed by a Black Phoebe and seems to feed alongside a small flock of Yellow-rumps. There was also an American Kestrel lurking above and nearby - I hope neon red is not a favorite color. The bird works the whole ranch area, sometimes dodging behind the house but eventually works its way back towards Baseline for some great views. Now if Mr. V would only find a way over the mountains to meet Miss V at Ocean Meadows, what are the chances of a breeding pair, like at Covington Park, next to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve??? That would be sweet! I will try to figure out a way to post some photos. DanielB ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Audubon Bird Walk - San Marcos Foothills Jan 27 From: "Adam" <aj.lewis AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:11:56 -0000 Where: San Marcos Foothills Preserve When: Friday, January 27, 2012 (8:30- 10:30am) Target Birds: ? (a new bird walk) Directions: Coming from the north on Hwy 101 take the State Street/Hwy 154 Off Ramp and proceed to Hwy 154. Take the Cathedral Oaks Rd exit and head north (left turn). Coming from the south on Hwy 101 take the Hwy 154 exit and proceed east on Hwy 154. Take the Cathedral Oaks Rd exit and head north (left turn). A short distance turn right on Via Chaparral and right on Salvar Rd. Proceed across the bridge to no where and turn left. Drive and park near the entrance. Adam Lewis www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Raptor Study - EITS birds at SBMNH From: Lynn Watson <nature.shutterbug AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:09:21 -0800 (PST) http://natureshutterbug.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/raptor-study-eits-birds-at-sbmnh/ Lynn Watson SB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Audubon-sponsored presentation "Owls in the Family" Wed Jan 25 From: "Adam" <aj.lewis AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:37:22 -0000 OWLS IN THE FAMILY by Gabriele Drozdowski Wednesday January 25, 2012 Farrand Hall, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History 2559 Puesta Del Sol Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Doors open 7:00 PM, Program begins 7:30 PM Free to the public Gabriele Drozdowski will present a program about our interaction with owls, using personal anecdotes from her decades of experience. Max, Santa Barbara's famous Great Horned Owl who is 13 years old, has lived with Gabriele since he was six months old. Gabriele will also share stories and pictures of wild owl rehabilitation, ranging from tiny Pygmy Owls to a rare local Spotted Owl. The birds suffered from a variety of maladies such as broken bones, poisonings, abandonment and oil spill complications. Gabriele began working with injured, sick, oiled and orphaned seabirds in 1991. Gabriele and her husband Jim Walker built the first seabird pond for S.B. Wildlife Care network at their residence and cared for over 2,000 seabirds before beginning to rehabilitate birds of prey through the Ojai Raptor Center in 1998. During her 20 years of working with wildlife, Gabriele has cared for over 3,000 birds from over 100 species from tiny Storm Petrels to Eagles. In 2000 Gabriele and Jim, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Audubon Society, created the Eyes in the Sky raptor education program. In March 2011, Eyes in the Sky relocated to a new, beautiful and permanent home at the S.B. Museum of Natural History. Max will accompany Gabriele for this lecture. Adam Lewis www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:12:25 -0800 (PST) Very interesting. The driveway to this address is about 500 meters north of where an adult male was seen a couple of winters ago. I'm guessing it's the same bird.   Dave Compton Santa Barbara ________________________________ From: las_cruzitas To: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2012 6:13 PM Subject: [sbcobirding] Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. Hi Folks, There is a bright male VERMILLION FLYCATCHER at 4175 Baseline Rd. in Santa Ynez (east of the 154).  I spoke with the ranch manager and he said the bird had been there all winter.  I saw it on the fence along 154, but he said it goes all the way up to the barn. PLEASE, stay on the road and do not try to enter the property. Cruz Phillips Santa Ynez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. From: "las_cruzitas" <cruzitas AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:13:49 -0000 Hi Folks, There is a bright male VERMILLION FLYCATCHER at 4175 Baseline Rd. in Santa Ynez (east of the 154). I spoke with the ranch manager and he said the bird had been there all winter. I saw it on the fence along 154, but he said it goes all the way up to the barn. PLEASE, stay on the road and do not try to enter the property. Cruz Phillips Santa Ynez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Red-naped/Yellow-breasted Sapsucker on Laurel Cyn Rd From: "cloudgrease" <cloudgrease AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:45:23 -0000 Sited again today, but still didn't get a very good look at it's back. Got one (less than glamorous) picture: shows a kind of "messy" spotting pattern on the back that looks more characteristic of Red-naped. If anyone wants to take a stab at it, I'll send my picture to you. Thanks, Cedar Mathers-Winn Santa Barbara --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, "lbvireo" wrote: > > Here's link to photos I made in 2005 and other times, of the 3 sapsuckers in Santa Barbara Counthy, starting with YBSA at top... Note especially the back pattern of YBSA and RNSA - it seems more diagnostic (I think) than white on wing or lack of red on nape; Red-breasted seems to be more of a problem telling males from females, and not so much "from" the other two species - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls MT > http://blackfoot.net/~larkwick/Sapsuckers_Woodpeckers.html > > --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, cedar Mathers-Winn wrote: > > > > Seen in pepper trees in yard of 3215 Laurel Cyn Rd. at about 1:05 pm today, 20 June. Minimal red on crown and throat; thick, long white "moustache"; thick white bar on plain black wing; did not observe any red on nape. I am pretty sure this was a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, but did not get a good enough look to completely rule out RED-NAPED. > > (Also, extensive sapsucker drilling rings seen on pepper trees.) > > > > Cedar Mathers-Winn > > Santa Barbara > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Suspect Glaucous Gull, Santa Ynez River Mouth From: "Peter Schneekloth" <peterschneekloth AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:22:24 -0000 A morning visit to Ocean Park revealed large numbers of gulls on the beach and in upper and lower estuary. One suspect Glaucous was a large gull, very light overall checkered pattern on back and wings with contrasting even lighter primaries (when in the air) and distinct two tone bill with dark tip. Rough photos available I will e mail to anyone interested. Peter Schneekloth Buellton ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Red-naped/Yellow-breasted Sapsucker on Laurel Cyn Rd From: "lbvireo" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:44:01 -0000 Here's link to photos I made in 2005 and other times, of the 3 sapsuckers in Santa Barbara Counthy, starting with YBSA at top... Note especially the back pattern of YBSA and RNSA - it seems more diagnostic (I think) than white on wing or lack of red on nape; Red-breasted seems to be more of a problem telling males from females, and not so much "from" the other two species - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls MT http://blackfoot.net/~larkwick/Sapsuckers_Woodpeckers.html --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, cedar Mathers-Winn wrote: > > Seen in pepper trees in yard of 3215 Laurel Cyn Rd. at about 1:05 pm today, 20 June. Minimal red on crown and throat; thick, long white "moustache"; thick white bar on plain black wing; did not observe any red on nape. I am pretty sure this was a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, but did not get a good enough look to completely rule out RED-NAPED. > (Also, extensive sapsucker drilling rings seen on pepper trees.) > > Cedar Mathers-Winn > Santa Barbara > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Has Anyone Else Noticed "The Hawk" That Loves To Perch On The Northbound Lightpo From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:59:58 -0800 Yes, that immature Red-tailed Hawk been there regularly for the past few weeks. That's a popular roost for Hawks. Over the years, I've seen other Red-tails, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, and Cooper's Hawk on that and other nearby lampposts on the way into Campus. Florence Sanchez --On Friday, January 20, 2012 11:14 PM +0000 RichS wrote: > > > > > First-of-all, THANX for all the contributions & inspiration from all the > members of this great group... > > I am grateful to be able to offer my humble input, which is, every time I > am on the State Highway 217 (Ward Drive) leaving the new "Henley Gate" at > the entrance to UCSB I notice "this hawk" that just loves to perch > "overlooking" the Santa Barbara Airport land. This hawk is always on the > "northbound light post" and it appears that "the powers that be" namely > SoCal EDISON has provided a "perching stand" next to the "light > fixture"... > > I am just wondering if anyone else "sees it" all the time??? > > --Rich > > > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Has Anyone Else Noticed "The Hawk" That Loves To Perch On The Northbound Lightpo From: "RichS" <richardstranger AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:14:03 -0000 First-of-all, THANX for all the contributions & inspiration from all the members of this great group... I am grateful to be able to offer my humble input, which is, every time I am on the State Highway 217 (Ward Drive) leaving the new "Henley Gate" at the entrance to UCSB I notice "this hawk" that just loves to perch "overlooking" the Santa Barbara Airport land. This hawk is always on the "northbound light post" and it appears that "the powers that be" namely SoCal EDISON has provided a "perching stand" next to the "light fixture"... I am just wondering if anyone else "sees it" all the time??? --Rich ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Red-naped/Yellow-breasted Sapsucker on Laurel Cyn Rd From: cedar Mathers-Winn <cloudgrease AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:55:43 -0800 (PST) Seen in pepper trees in yard of 3215 Laurel Cyn Rd. at about 1:05 pm today, 20 June. Minimal red on crown and throat; thick, long white "moustache"; thick white bar on plain black wing; did not observe any red on nape. I am pretty sure this was a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, but did not get a good enough look to completely rule out RED-NAPED. (Also, extensive sapsucker drilling rings seen on pepper trees.) Cedar Mathers-Winn Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Grace's Warbler this a.m. at Bella Vista Open Space in Goleta From: "lbvireo" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:19:55 -0000 Hi Joan et al -- I recall one of then-wintering Grace's from 1980's (first year of same?!) was in a residential area on Padaro Lane [?] (south side of 101), and foraged quite a bit in flowering shrubs and onto power lines (I made a few lousy, but record photos of it) - I saw it on ground numerous times in the brief time I was able to spend trying to get those shots... This was not like those in the other one (or two?) locations on north side of 101, where one had to find them among dense live oaks! Anyway, I think birds do odd things in winter that one would not see in their "usual haunts" - the FIRST Grace's warbler I saw was at the top of a pine in Arizona, and while watching it, a small white blob descended from it onto my shoulder. Truly graced! -- Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, "Joan Lentz" wrote: > > Hi All: > A bunch of us in bird class FINALLY had great looks at the Grace's > Warbler wintering at Bella Vista Open Space. After trying unsuccessfully at > 8 a.m., we returned around 10 a.m. and we were able to locate the bird in > the pines directly opposite to the little bridge and the path with steps > that enters the park mid-way. From these pines at the mid-way point, the > bird traveled north in the pines, ending up at those directly behind the > little playground, where all of us had great looks at this beautiful > warbler! It was very actively feeding and flying out from the tips of the > branches, rather than it's typical behavior of staying close in to the base > of the pine needles. > > Joan Lentz > Santa Barbara > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Birding notes from yesterday morning From: Oscar Johnson <henicorhina AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:54:38 -0800 (PST) Matt Brady, Meagan Oldfather and I checked a few spots around Montecito yesterday (19 Jan) morning.  At 1040 Mountain Dr we heard a singing SCOTT'S ORIOLE.  The western end of Pepper Lane had the continuing BROWN CREEPER. In lower Montecito we were birding along Butterfly Lane and I thought I heard a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in what turned out to be George Rowland's yard. They and Bill and Joan Murdoch graciously invited us inside where we got great views of the White-throated Sparrow (they've had two at their feeders recently) and also found a SWAMP SPARROW at their feeder.  Good birding, Oscar Johnson  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Armour Ranch Road Lewis' Woodpecker From: Peter Dullea <pdullea AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:47:35 +0000 As of about 10:00 am on Wednesday, 1/18/12, at least one Lewis' Woodpecker was still present along Armour Ranch Road several hundred yards south of its junction with Happy Canyon Road. As before, the bird was flying back and forth between six or eight Valley Oaks immediately to the south of the stone ranch gate at 5200 Armour Ranch Road. I apologize for the late post. Peter Peter Dullea P.O. Box 415 Buellton, CA 93427-0415 (805) 350-1304 KI6PWE [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Eastern Phoebe on Jesusita trail From: cedar Mathers-Winn <cloudgrease AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:08:47 -0800 (PST) Observed an EASTERN PHOEBE yesterday at 2:48 PM hunting in the first meadow encountered on Jesusita Trail, starting from the trailhead by Lauro Canyon Reservoir, just off San Roque Rd. Resighted today at about noon, and watched it for a little over an hour as it moved around in this meadow before flying off into the adjacent canyon on the southern edge. Phoebe was seen perching mostly on taller stalks of grass/shrubs, but also on low oak branches at meadow edges. Also present were a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK circling above meadow and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH by trail before meadow is reached. Cedar Mathers-Winn Santa Barbara 93105 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Grace's Warbler this a.m. at Bella Vista Open Space in Goleta From: "Joan Lentz" <joanlentz AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:39:14 -0800 Hi All: A bunch of us in bird class FINALLY had great looks at the Grace's Warbler wintering at Bella Vista Open Space. After trying unsuccessfully at 8 a.m., we returned around 10 a.m. and we were able to locate the bird in the pines directly opposite to the little bridge and the path with steps that enters the park mid-way. From these pines at the mid-way point, the bird traveled north in the pines, ending up at those directly behind the little playground, where all of us had great looks at this beautiful warbler! It was very actively feeding and flying out from the tips of the branches, rather than it's typical behavior of staying close in to the base of the pine needles. Joan Lentz Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:06:05 -0800 Today at 11:30 a.m., the Varied Thrush was seen in its usual spot under the Laurel Fig trees on the south side of Ellison Hall. This is the first time I've seen it since early December, although there have been more recent sightings by others. A beautiful day to walk the beaches at low (minus) tide, but nothing of particular interest was noted. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: North county odds and ends From: Oscar Johnson <henicorhina AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:58:08 -0800 (PST) Sorry for the belated post. On Monday Mark Holmgren and I checked a bunch of spots in the Lompoc area and turned up the following:  2 Hermit Warblers and one Red-breasted Nuthatch at the La Purisima Pines (intersection of Rucker Rd and Calle Primera). 1 Rhinoceros Auklet and 8 White-winged Scoters while seawatching at Surf Beach. No tubenoses or murrelets. 12 Royal Terns here seemed a little high for the north county. 8 Thayer's Gulls in the lagoon at Santa Ynez River Estuary. 11 Cackling Geese (unknown subspecies) flew into Devereux Slough after sunset. Good birding, Oscar Johnson [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: CBC Update From: Rebecca Coulter <rfcphoebe AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:45:52 -0800 Hello birders, The 2011 CBC species total has been revised up to 215, to include the heard-only record of Northern Waterthrush on count day. Based on careful analysis of a recording made of the bird that day, we have decided to include it in our final total. The presence of this species at this time of year is quite rare, and could suggest an individual that has overwintered at this location on Arroyo Burro Creek, given the sightings of a Northern Waterthrush there last fall. Rebecca Coulter Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: RE: Devereux birds From: "capnbob" <capnbob AT sbceo.org> Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:53:21 -0800 There were also a good number of tree swallows over the brush between the top end of the slough and OM gold course about 10 am today. There were also two Black Skimmers at Goleta Beach a few minutes later. Rob Lindsay -----Original Message----- From: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lethaby, Nick Sent: Monday, January 16, 2012 4:42 PM To: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [sbcobirding] Devereux birds All: On Jan 9, there was a imm Bald Eagle perched in the trees about the south parking pull out. Today, there was a Barn Swallow over the slough. Nick [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Devereux birds From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:42:20 +0000 All: On Jan 9, there was a imm Bald Eagle perched in the trees about the south parking pull out. Today, there was a Barn Swallow over the slough. Nick [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Cachuma Lake birds From: Peter Gaede <pgaede AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:54:32 -0800 Hi All: I spent the evening yesterday through this morning at the Cachuma Lake campground. Weather was pleasant and few campers. Two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were seen this morning along the shoreline in the cove next to the Lupine Yurt, and were later seen in the open grassy area with White-crowns between this cove and El Dorado Point. A SLATE-COLORED JUNCO was with a flock of Oregon's at campsite #425. Yesterday evening (1/15), 22 MEW GULLS were in the Marina, with one Herring and a few each of Ring-billed and California's. The Mew Gulls were not there this morning. Peter Gaede Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Birding today From: "justinwatts0" <justinwatts0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:22:31 -0000 Amendment: 8 Black-Bellied Plovers At Jack O'Connell Park (as expected for that number) And looks like 1 black-belly mixed in with a pair of goldens at the pasture. Good thing a camera remembers every single detail. -Justin Watts --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, "justinwatts0" wrote: > > Santa Maria - At Jack O'Connell Park: > 8 Pacific Golden Plovers > > Guadalupe pasture: > 1 Ross's Goose > 3 Pacific Golden Plovers > A couple Tri-Colored Blackbirds were feeding with Red-Wings and the cows near the gate > + Cinnamon Teal and Green-Winged Teal > > Goleta - In the field between Ocean Meadows Golf Course and UCSB Family Housing: > 1 Wilsons Snipe > 2 Greater White-Fronted Geese > 2 Ross's Geese > 7 Cackling Geese > 115 Canadian Geese > + Killdeer and Meadowlarks > > -Justin Watts > Goleta, CA > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Birding today From: "justinwatts0" <justinwatts0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:34:22 -0000 Santa Maria - At Jack O'Connell Park: 8 Pacific Golden Plovers Guadalupe pasture: 1 Ross's Goose 3 Pacific Golden Plovers A couple Tri-Colored Blackbirds were feeding with Red-Wings and the cows near the gate + Cinnamon Teal and Green-Winged Teal Goleta - In the field between Ocean Meadows Golf Course and UCSB Family Housing: 1 Wilsons Snipe 2 Greater White-Fronted Geese 2 Ross's Geese 7 Cackling Geese 115 Canadian Geese + Killdeer and Meadowlarks -Justin Watts Goleta, CA ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Santa Maria Valley birding From: "J Chavez" <almiyi AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:22:22 -0000 All, During today's Santa Maria Valley trip as part of the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival, our group toured the Santa Maria sewage ponds, Jack O'Connell Park in Guadalupe and finished at Oso Flaco Lake in SLO County. It was a good raptor day overall. At SM sewage we had the continuing pair of Snow Geese in one of the back ponds, and a drake Wood Duck in one of the cement settling ponds just beyond the facility buildings. Two Peregrine Falcons were also seen on the electrical towers. A few Tree Swallows were over the ponds. Everything else was to be expected. We arrived too late to find any golden-plovers at Jack O'Connell Park, but while there we had a Ross's Goose fly into the Guadalupe sewage plant. From a distance we scoped toward the pasture where there were possibly two different Golden Eagles in the area. It was on the way back to the vehicles that we relocated a sparrow seen earlier among some Savannah Sparrows on the ball field that is very likely a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. Liz Muraoka managed some photos before the bird flew off. She will probably post these later when she has time. No doubt this is a wintering bird at the park so it can probably be relocated without too much trouble. Oso Flaco was enjoyable, but we had nothing out of the ordinary this afternoon. Good birding, Jamie Chavez Santa Maria, CA ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Armour Ranch Road today From: Rebecca Coulter <rfcphoebe AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:22:02 -0800 Several birders converged at Armour Ranch Road this afternoon. Maggie Sherriffs, Wim Van Dam, Peter Schneekloth and I had a Rufous-crowned Sparrow near the south intersection with Hwy 154, on the west side of the road. After Jared Dawson and Kathleen Boehm had seen one Lewis' Woodpecker about 1/4 mile south of the intersection with Happy Canyon Road, Peter then followed a hunch and discovered that there are two Lewis's WPs there. At least one bird worked the oaks on both sides of the road, and at one point both birds were visible in oaks about 100 yards from each other. We all had great scope views of these lovely and unusual woodpeckers. Also in this area was a Loggerhead Shrike. A little farther north, a small group of blackbirds swirled around with meadowlarks and starlings; two larger, dark, blackbird-types were observed by Jared and Wim (and joined by Paul Keller), but none of us had very satisfying looks, as the flock moved repeatedly from place to place (around the intersection of Happy Cyn and Armour Ranch). We had no joy at the "longspur spot" further up Armour Ranch, only distant flocks of Horned Larks and no Mountain Bluebirds along the road. Nonetheless, a lovely afternoon to be birding in the Valley. Rebecca Coulter Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Grackle on Armour Ranch Rd may be Hybrid From: "las_cruzitas" <cruzitas AT aol.com> Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:10:55 -0000 Hello again, Well I might have jumped the gun. The bird was more the color of a very irridecent Brewer's Blackbird, (black, green and blue) than a Common Grackle (bronze or purple). So, this may be a Brewer's Blackbird x Great-Tailed Grackle hybrid, a more likely bird than the purplish race of the Common Grackle. Now, I really need to refind it. Cruz ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: anatomy question, pls help From: Mr Zalophus <mr.zalophus AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:24:21 -0800 Birders, My students and I were examining a black-vented shearwater that washed up at our research station (not in SB County, very sorry...Zuma Beach). We need a little help. Is there a technical name for the spines or "teeth" that are located back in the palate of the upper mouth? ...and also the tongue is quite "toothed"...? many thanks, in advance Bob Perry Condor Express, and Malibu High School [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Common Grackle on Armour Ranch Rd. From: "las_cruzitas" <cruzitas AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:59:33 -0000 Hi Folks, While leading the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival Field Trip, the group with Cher Hollingsworth and I had an adult male COMMON GRACKLE in front of the gate at the ranch with the LEWIS' WOODPECKER. It is on the east side of Armour Ranch Rd. 200 yards south of Happy Cyn. Rd. There was a garden hose with a sprinkler going in front of the gate and the bird was on the ground near the sprinkler and the road. There were some red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, and starlings around, but it was only very loosely with the other birds. The bird flew into the oak next to the gate, then flew down to the woodpecker tree, and then east out of sight. We got to watch it for several minutes. It was slightly larger, but not as fat (robust) as a robin; had a very large yellow eye, long grackle shaped bill and head, blue irridecence and grackle like "check" note when it flew up into the tree. Tail was shorter and more rounded that a Great-Tailed. Cruz Phillips Santa Ynez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Lawrence's Goldfinches From: "Ken Hollinga" <hollinga AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:45:12 -0800 Hi Birders, While walking to the La Purisima Mission this morning I noted a Common Raven near the entrance and four Lawrence’s Goldfinches at the aqueduct cistern (about 1/4 mile east of the main buildings). A farmer was working the mission ag fields, followed by a large flock of crows, California Gulls, and three Bobcats – all harvesting rodent spare parts behind the disc. Ken Hollinga Lompoc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: White-headed Woodpecker on Figueroa From: "Paul Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:31:43 -0800 The White-headed Woodpecker continued this morning ( Jan 13th) on Figueroa Mtn. It was seen at the top at the overlook. It was flying from tree to tree in a stand of pines north of the overlook (beyond the restroom). It was also calling. Had a six woodpecker morning here. Paul Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com .