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09 May Batiquitos Bird Count Today ["kathy_dickey" ] 09 May Common Goldeneye ["bicyclebirder" ] 09 May San Elijo Birding at Lagoon Day Tomorrow ["Ralph Achenbach" ] 09 May Grande Pelagic Trip tips, hints, reminders for this weekend ["Terry Hunefeld" ] 09 May Lake Murray Red-throated Loon continues ["hooverhorn" ] 8 May Your Gift [Lisa Kershner via GoodTree ] 09 May DUSKY FLYCATCHER ["joeworley2001" ] 09 May crested caracara etc at Tijuana Estuary today ["rtpatton02" ] 8 May Guide Needed [MiriamEagl ] 08 May singing swainson thrush Buddy Todd park and other north county notes ["stevanbrad" ] 08 May Reddish Egret ["bicyclebirder" ] 7 May Kitchen Creek [Sara Baase Mayers ] 7 May Birding Upyon and Crook Cty.,Wy. ["Jean" ] 07 May Two Openings for Saturday's Booby Adventure ["Terry Hunefeld" ] 07 May YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS ["joeworley2001" ] 07 May Calliope Hummer and others ["Tom" ] 7 May RE: Western Sandpiper ["Jensen, Kent" ] 07 May Saturday's Pelagic Trips From San Diego ["Terry Hunefeld" ] 07 May WILLOW --- HAMMOND'S and GRAY FLYCATCHERS at FRNC ["joeworley2001" ] 07 May Lewis's Woodpecker ["chloedad4" ] 07 May Pyrrhuloxia ["ynotknit" ] 07 May Very birdy on Upas St.! ["wlemlin" ] 06 May Grasshopper Sparrows at MTRP ["Eric" ] 6 May La Jolla warblers [Joe Sweeney ] 06 May next San Elijo monthly bird count Mon May 12th ["rtpatton02" ] 06 May Upcoming trip to Twenty Nine Palms & Imperial Valley ["BJ Stacey" ] 5 May Sunday birds ["Paul Burgers" ] 05 May MTRP bunting ["christine harvey" ] 05 May Purple martins at Big Laguna Lake ["jeremiah_stock" ] 05 May Spring migrants, SW Imperial County ["jeremiah_stock" ] 5 May Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [KENNY MILLER ] 05 May 5-4-08 BBG & MTRP ["Eric" ] 4 May Pacific Golden- Plover and Black Turnstone at San Elijo [Andrew Brumbaugh ] 4 May misc. late lingerers ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 04 May owls in balboa ["inqbusotter" ] 4 May Mystery Bunting{?}, Mission Trails Regional Park [Michael Evans ] 4 May Western Sandpiper [KENNY MILLER ] 3 May Agua Hedionda [Bob Chaddock ] 3 May Spotted Owls at historic locations ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 03 May GRAY FLYCATCHER ["joeworley2001" ] 3 May La Jolla, Tricolored Heron ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 03 May BBG 5-2-08 ["Eric" ] 02 May Point Loma ["christine harvey" ] 02 May Am. Robin pair in Oceanside ["smorrison1729" ] 30 Apr Old Mission Dam 4-30-08 ["Eric" ] 30 Apr Famosa Slough avocets ["bicyclebirder" ] 30 Apr Black Crowned Night Herons at San Elijo Lagoon ["calbirderrr" ] 29 Apr Urban grosbeak [phil ] 29 Apr Green Heron at San Elijo Lagoon ["calbirderrr" ] 28 Apr purple martins at laguna [Bill Mittendorff ] 28 Apr San Elijo Lagoon Day May 10 ["Ralph Achenbach" ] 28 Apr request elegant tern sighting info ["rtpatton02" ] Subject: Batiquitos Bird Count Today From: "kathy_dickey" <kathydickey AT roadrunner.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 22:19:25 -0000 We had quite a few warblers at Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad this morning: Wilson's, Yellow, Orange-crowned, Hermit, Common yellowthroat. Also some yellow-breasted chats and Hooded orioles, along with Western tanagers, made for a very colorful morning! 6 Black skimmers came by in formation. A total of 59 species in all, in about 2.5 hours. Kathy Dickey Cardiff, CA Subject: Common Goldeneye From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 21:47:19 -0000 It was pointed out that eye color seems to be important when IDing ducks. My ruddy duck cross was actually a common goldeneye. It is still on the river, north side, east end of the bike path next to Friars Road. Thank you Guy and Terry. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: San Elijo Birding at Lagoon Day Tomorrow From: "Ralph Achenbach" <ralph.achenbach AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 15:47:56 -0000 Just a reminder of the wonderful opportunity to get in some quality birding at San Elijo Lagoon tomorrow, Saturday May 10. As part of the annual 'lagoon day', there will be birdwatching stations staffed by experts with scopes available for all to use. These and other activities for the entire family start at 8:30 am, including trail displays on archeology and ethnobotany, guided walks (at 9 am), children's story time (at 11 am and 1 pm) and a 5K run (at 8:30) am. Activities are centered around the Rios (west on Lomas Santa Fe Ave from I-5, right on North Rios Ave) and Santa Carina (east on Lonas Santa Fe Ave from I-5, north on Santa Helena, left on Santa Victoria, left on Santa Carina) trail heads. The first fifty to arrive will receive a free goldfinch feeder. All activities are free. San Elijo Lagoon is a spectacular place to experience most of the major habitats of Southern California on 7 miles of trails, from riparian woodlands to chaparral to coastal scrub, marsh and mudflats. Go to http://tinyurl.com/6xsdaf for directions. If you have any questions, please contact Debby Strauss at debbys AT sanelijo.org, or call 760-436-3944. Ralph Achenbach San Diego, North Park ralph.achenbach AT gmail.com Subject: Grande Pelagic Trip tips, hints, reminders for this weekend From: "Terry Hunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 06:37:05 -0000 Greetings Seabirders Here are some last hints, reminders and announcements for this weekend's pelagic trips on Grande. THE FORECAST: CHILLY While seas will be relatively quiet, temperatures will be chilly. You cannot bring too much warm gear. Dress very warmly. Gloves and hats will be coveted. BRING A BIT OF CASH Bring some cash for fuel surcharge, tips and food/snacks. You'll be able to purchase snacks, drinks and meals on the boat. And beer - we'll have some beers! The fuel surcharge for the three-quarter day trip is $2 per person, payable upon registration. The fuel surcharge for the double overnighter is $10 per person. As you disembark, it's customary to tip the crew about 10% of the ticket cost if they have met or exceeded your expectations. You can just hand your tip to any of the crew with a "thank you." BRING IDENTIFICATION Upon arrival at 5:30, go to the well marked "birding" ticket window of Point Loma Sportfishing and pick up your boarding pass. Homeland Security requires you to provide photo identification before boarding. DEEP WATER OVERNIGHT PASSENGERS: Sleeping is bunk-house style in a co-ed bunkhouse. Your private bunk is 6' 3" long, 2 feet wide, and comes with a mattress, pillow with fresh pillowcase and one heavy wool blanket. Some people bring sleeping bags, most don't. Most overnight passengers simply kick off their shoes, lie down in their clothes, and conk out. Remember earplugs. I've heard some of you snore. GALLEY Coffee, rolls and full bacon & eggs breakfasts and breakfast sandwiches will be available in the galley as soon as morning passengers board Grande. The galley will be serving coffee, soft drinks, breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and beer all day. BRING A LAWN CHAIR If you were on the March trip, you will remember that Grande had outdoor benches. Those benches will not be on Grande this trip. The warm, comfortable salon is roomy and seats about 30. For those who wish to stay outside, consider bringing a chair. Captain McDaniels said it is okay to bring a folding chair onto Grande if you would like to have a place to get off your feet outdoors. A photo of the type of chair that works well is here: http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/comfortstore_2002_33226208 or http://tinyurl.com/5wt93q PHOTOS If you have a camera, I would really appreciate it if you would be so kind as to email me a few photos of the trip. Photos of the birds, the boat, the people, the experience would be very much appreciated. If you would email me your 5 or 6 best photos of the trip, I would be very grateful. W. Terry Hunefeld Life is short. Bird often. http://www.SoCalBirding.com Pelagic Seabirding Trips From San Diego to: 9-mile Bank Los Coronados Islands Cortes & Tanner Banks Channel Islands http://www.SeaBreeze-Inn.com SeaBreeze Inn Bed and Breakfast Lovely rooms with ocean views and soft sea breezes from $90 Across Hwy 101 from Moonlight Beach Encinitas, North County San Diego Subject: Lake Murray Red-throated Loon continues From: "hooverhorn" <birdman AT bird-friends.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 04:25:36 -0000 Hi, The Red-throated Loon that I reported a few weeks ago is still at Lake Murray. I saw and photographed it late this afternoon, around 6pm. It was in the first cove as you start the lake path from the Kiowa entrance. It also swam further out and around the larger cove that's near Baltimore Dr. I hope this bird hangs around a bit longer. -Scott Streit La Mesa birdman AT bird-friends.com www.bird-friends.com Subject: Your Gift From: Lisa Kershner via GoodTree <sturnellamagna1 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:47:08 -0700 (PDT) Dear Friends, I left a gift for each of you on GoodTree.com - please give it to your favorite Cause or choose mine. Pick up your gift here: http://goodtree.com/invitations/78760294?version=22&a=f32d5 Be Good, Lisa --- This email sent by sturnellamagna1 AT yahoo.com through GoodTree LLC., 703 Market St. #470, San Francisco, CA 94103. No more invites, please: http://goodtree.com/opt_out?i=78760294&a=f32d5 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: DUSKY FLYCATCHER From: "joeworley2001" <joeworley AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:13 -0000 Today-birded with Don in the same place-SE FRNC to The Wall and back. There was a large selection of empids again- This time we saw Dusky Flycatcher, as well as Hammond's, Gray, Pacific Slope, and Ash-throated flycatchers. 2 Yellow-breasted Chats- one singing. Many singing and calling Tanagers,(45) Swainsin's Thrush (8)Grosbeaks Western Kingbirds (25) Townsend's, Wilson's and Hermit Warblers. New yard bird today- a shiny, black, crested, male, Phainopepla!! Joe Worley Point Loma joeworley AT cox.com Subject: crested caracara etc at Tijuana Estuary today From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 01:32:47 -0000 At 2:40 this afternoon, Joe Barth & I observed the caracara flying upstream from the mouth of the Tijuana River. At times it was harassed by a western gull, then as it got farther inland & started circling as if attempting to catch a thermal, a female peregrine began harassing it. Other species of interest included two apparently one-year-old glaucous- winged gulls flying south to north along the beach around 10 am, a near- breeding plumage Bonaparte's gull at the river mouth, & 1000s of pelicans & cormorants offshore (sorry, couldn't conjure up any boobies among them). At least 75 least terns were seen along the beach south of the river & 4 snowy plovers. North of the river were at least 15 least terns, 12 snowy plovers, & a few Caspian & Forster's terns. No elegant terns were to be seen. At least 7 gull-billed terns were foraging the length of the beach but most focused around the south end of the barrier dune. If birding this area, please be aware that the plovers currently have active nests as well as chicks both north & south of the river, & that they are not only within the fenced-off area. Robert Patton San Diego, CA Subject: Guide Needed From: MiriamEagl <MiriamEagl AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:46:39 -0500 Hi, all! This lady wrote me about wanting to have a guided nature tour up around Lake Hodges; if anyone can help her, please reply directly to her, NOT to me! Thanks! MB < Subject: singing swainson thrush Buddy Todd park and other north county notes From: "stevanbrad" <stevanbrad AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 21:29:59 -0000 I had a least 1 or maybe 2 singing SWAINSONS THURSHES at Buddy Todd Park this am. 1 seen maybe 2 heard. I have rarely HEARD swth outside the mountains. I saw another swth at lower Cottonwood park Encinitas the other day. MOUNTAIN CHICADEE and 10 RED CROSSBILLS continue at Buddy Todd. I am now looking/hoping for juvis when looking at the crossbills at Buddy Todd Fun to see and hear 7 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS Sunday at Penesquitos canyon. 2 seen 5 others heard 2 or 3 LEAST BITTERNS heard Oneal Lake a couple of weeks ago steve brad lecucadia Subject: Reddish Egret From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 20:34:10 -0000 I thought I saw two individuals, but since I only saw one at a time and on each side of the Sports Arena Bridge I only get to say I saw one. The reddish egret was first seen on the west side of the bridge chasing bait in a reddish egret manner. I then saw a second individual on the east side of the bridge that appeared smaller while being much closer. This was at about noon. And a ruddy duck X something. Less than 20 ducks and coots total on the whole stretch of the river to PCHwy if you don't count the 30 or so ruddy ducks. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: Kitchen Creek From: Sara Baase Mayers <baase AT cs.sdsu.edu> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 22:16:39 -0700 (PDT) At our first stop along Kitchen Creek Road this morning (May 7), just north of Route 8, we saw a mountain lion (a "lifer"!) walking slowly past trees back some distance from the road near a fenced house. Then it crouched low, almost disappearing in the high grass and skulked along until it disappeared. The birding included some awesome moments too. As we started hiking west on the Pacific Crest Trail, a Great-horned Owl flew high along a ridge nearby, landed on a rock, and turned its head to look down at us. Later, a Gray Vireo came up to the top of a bush and sang, giving us a wonderful view. We heard Mountain Quail calling throughout the morning and saw one silhouetted against the sky on top of a rock. We saw Black-chinned Sparrows, Lazuli Buntings, Western Wood-pewees, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Lesser and Lawrence's Goldfinches, Western Kingbirds, Oak Titmouses ("Titmice"?), a Warbling Vireo, Western Tanager, and a variety of other birds. Heard Canyon Wren and Wrentit. The observers were Janice Cadwallader, Jan Nordenberg, and Keith and Sara Mayers. ====================== Sara Mayers Point Loma, San Diego baase AT cs.sdsu.edu ====================== Subject: Birding Upyon and Crook Cty.,Wy. From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 18:09:37 -0700 Today Verna Hays and I birded Upton area in Wy.. 54 species were seen with great sights of hawks on nests. Birds of the day are in caps. Crow Western Meadowlark RED-NECK, Wilson's Phalarope Bufflehead, Lessor Scaup, Ruddy, Redhead, N. Shoveler,A. Wigeon,Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, N. Pintail, Gadwal, Common Meganser Ducks Eared, and Pied-billed Grebe Canada goose Red-wing blackbird Yellow-headed Blackbird Vesper, White-crowed, chipping Sparrows Morning Doves N. Harrier 3 Swainson's Hawks(nest0 Red-tailed Hawk Ferrugious Hawks (nests) Golden Eagle Kestrel Great Horned Owl Loggerhead Shrike(lots) A. coot Franklin's Gull Starling Horned Lark Lark Bunting Say's Phoebe Western Kingbird Barn Swallow Killdeer Red-shafted flicker Brewer's blackbird Cliff swallow Robin Grackle Com. Yellowthroat Nt. Bluebird Spotted towhee W. Turkey Eastern Kingbird Double-crested cormorant COMMON LOON Monday I saw a Orange-crowned warbler in Rapid, S. D.. I have lots of Cowbirds at my feeders and the Red-wings have left. Wish they were back. I know everyone dislikes Brown-headed cowbirds but we were entained Sunday when the males were displaying for a female on our deck railings. They would raise their tails and stick their heads straight up in the air and then flap their wings and jump up and down at the same time. The female ignored them of course. Jean , sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Two Openings for Saturday's Booby Adventure From: "Terry Hunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 23:38:18 -0000 Greetings SDBirders I just received an email from Point Loma Landing. They have two spaces available for Saturday's three-quarter day Booby Fest. Visit http://socalbirding.com/ and click on May 10 Booby Adventure to learn more and/or register. Following is an email I received from Captain James McDaniels pertaining to the marine weather forecast that I sent out earlier today. James translates it into English for us. Hi Terry, There are no weather advisories or warnings posted for this weekend. Looks like we will see a little South wind and swell condition associated with the "Coastal Eddy" that has been present this week. It may be a little chilly and could get breezy at times. The highest winds are Thursday and Friday and should continue to diminish through the weekend. For Saturday's 3/4 day: Wind SW 10 kt...becoming W 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft. Mixed swell W 2 to 4 ft and S 2 ft. ENGLISH: It should be very nice. For Saturday night's ride out: Wind W 10 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Mixed swell W 2 to 4 ft and S 2 ft. ENGLISH: Should still be nice. May feel a few bumps in the road as we approach Cortez Bank. Sunday Offshore: NW winds 10 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft. English: Going to be a little bumpy/breezy. Nothing we cant handle. Obviously the further out we get, the more this will increase. Sunday night coming home: Wind W 10 to 15 kt. Becoming 10 knots or less after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Mixed swell W 3 to 5 ft and S 2 ft. ENGLISH: Should be a nice ride home, especially coming in from the west. Terry Hunefeld, Leucadia Life is short. Seabird often. Subject: YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS From: "joeworley2001" <joeworley AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 21:07:19 -0000 Two Yellow-breasted Chats stopped for a drink at FRNC's East side- Again I just birded a small portion of the cemetery. The migration was heavy, birds flying north-after drinking-feeding. Large numbers of Wilson's, Tanagers, Grosbeaks, and Empids. Joe Worley joeworley AT cox.net Point Loma Subject: Calliope Hummer and others From: "Tom" <lindner514 AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 20:23:14 -0000 Hi, a week or two back we had a good hummer day ... 5 maybe 6 species ... i've posted photos of these and others to my site ... maybe too many ... and not at all to National Geographic standards ... but if you like looking at bird shots ... the Calliope is toward the end of the 44 new shots http://tinyurl.com/5a89zu Tom Lindner Ramona Subject: RE: Western Sandpiper From: "Jensen, Kent" <kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 12:24:43 -0500 My birds for the day included a Senegal Parrot, Rueppell's Griffon, a Laughing Dove, a red-billed hornbill, and a Pied crow.. :) Where in the world am I? I hope all are well! cheers.. KC __._,cheers_.___ Messages in this topic (2) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Yahoo! Groups Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Visit Your Group Biz Resources Y! Small Business Articles, tools, forms, and more. Moderator Central Get answers to your questions about running Y! Groups. Dog Fanatics on Yahoo! Groups Find people who are crazy about dogs. . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Saturday's Pelagic Trips From San Diego From: "Terry Hunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 17:15:43 -0000 Greetings, Seabirders, Grande is set to sail at 6:30 a.m. Saturday to the nine-mile bank and the Coronados Islands, returning about 3:00 p.m. to drop off some and pick up a few more passengers, then sail overnight to deep water in the area of the Cortez and Tanner Banks out past San Clemente Island where we'll bird for 15 hours – from sun up to sun down on Sunday. It looks like great weather and seas are forecast by NOAA (report below). If you are registered for either or both trips, please re-visit http://socalbirding.com and click on your trip(s) in the left panel to obtain complete checklists, instructions, times, registration, sign-in, parking and directions to Point Loma Sportfishing. The three-quarter day trip is sold out. The deep water trip has 6 slots open. The July deep water trip is sold out. If you would like to register for the deep water, or have questions about reservations, cancellations or anything else, please contact Point Loma Sportfishing. http://socalbirding.com/reservations SAT WIND W 10 TO 15 KT...BECOMING VARIABLE LESS THAN 10 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. MIXED SWELL W 2 TO 4 FT AND S 2 FT. SUN WIND VARIABLE LESS THAN 10 KT...BECOMING W 15 KT IN THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN...BECOMING 10 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT.WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. MIXED SWELL W 2 TO 3 FT AND S 2 FT. See you on board Grande! W. Terry Hunefeld Life is short. Bird often. http://www.SoCalBirding.com Pelagic Seabirding Trips From San Diego to: 9-mile Bank Los Coronados Islands Cortes & Tanner Banks Channel Islands Subject: WILLOW --- HAMMOND'S and GRAY FLYCATCHERS at FRNC From: "joeworley2001" <joeworley AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 03:47:44 -0000 Today's migration on The Point was truly amazing! I counted 80 Western Tanagers-almost all females. 40 Western Kingbirds! 2 Willow, 3 Hammond's and 1 Gray Flycatcher-20+ Wilson's Warblers. 6 or so of all the common migrating warblers. Had 6 Black-headed Grosbeaks in one bino field- also 6 Swainson's Thrushes in one field!! (drinking and bathing) I only birded from the SE corner to the eucalyptus grove and back again. It looked as good as morning at Higbee Beach at Cape May!! Joe Worley Point Loma joeworley AT cox.net Subject: Lewis's Woodpecker From: "chloedad4" <chloedad AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 05:07:50 -0000 It is a late post, but here goes. There was an adult male Lewis's Woodpecker near the "Water Of The Woods" pond in the Laguna Mountains on Saturday May 3rd. It was first obseved at 11:05 for about ten minutes. Also seen at 3:30 in the same place. It was a couple hundred yards down the Big Laguna Trail from where it intersects with the end of the dam forming the water of the woods pond.It was in the top of a large oak tree, just starting to leaf out. John Mitchell Subject: Pyrrhuloxia From: "ynotknit" <ynotknit AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 01:37:41 -0000 I went to the Old Mission Dam yesterday to see the Blue Grosbeaks. I did see one fly over as I started out on the Oak Trail heading towards the grasslands. Just as you start on that trail the hills which are facing North I spotted a large bird sitting in the brush. I recognized it from my bird book as a Pyrrhuloxia and as it flew away it was quite spactacular. I am curious if anyone else has spotted one at Mission Trails. Colleen Southern El Cajon, CA Subject: Very birdy on Upas St.! From: "wlemlin" <wele AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 00:38:16 -0000 Despite the drizzly skies, it was quite birdy today here on Upas St. During two very brief forays (about 15 minutes each) into the woods today I saw the following: Small flock of cedar waxwings large flock of warbling vireos several yellow warblers several Townsend's warblers several Wilson's warblers Hermit warbler common yellowthroat many Pac slope flycatchers Ash throated flycatcher American Robbin Hooded orioles several Western tanagers and the usual assortment of regulars Oh, and one very skinny young coyote. Wendy Lemlin Balboa Park wele AT cox.net Subject: Grasshopper Sparrows at MTRP From: "Eric" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 23:35:43 -0000 Into the drizzle I trekked this morning in search of the grasshopper sparrows reported by Christine Harvey earlier. I didn't have to work very hard to find them exactly as advertised. The Blue Grosbeaks were almost obnoxious. The flat even lighting was good. photos at the usual spot: http://tinyurl.com/ytjbvh Eric Kallen Normal Heights rightnow AT cox.net Subject: La Jolla warblers From: Joe Sweeney <sweeneyfit AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 16:27:08 -0700 (PDT) From 12:35pm to 12:50pm today, Tuesday, behind the UCSD grad housing complex along La Jolla Shores Drive, large numbers of warblers bounced from tree to tree just east of the chain link fence which forms the eastern edge of the parking lot. Unfortunately, I had very little time to stick around, but in only 15 minutes while walking through the parking lot, I may have seen 30+ warblers, plus a few WARBLING VIREOS. Most warblers were WILSON'S, but also seen were TOWNSEND'S, YELLOW, HERMIT, and maybe a MYRTLE'S YELLOW-RUMPED (didn't get a good look at it). Joe Sweeney South Clairemont sweeneyfit AT mac.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: next San Elijo monthly bird count Mon May 12th From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 21:49:00 -0000 Please spread the word - San Elijo Lagoon monthly bird count Monday May 12th (& 2nd Monday of each month, rain or shine) Meet at the north end of Rios Ave. in Solana Beach at 7:30 a.m. (from I-5, exit on Lomas Santa Fe & head west, turn north on Rios Ave. which is just east of Highway 101 & the railroad tracks). Bring a lunch or pick up one nearby & we'll meet to compile at noon (location yet to be determined due to construction of the new nature center). Thanks! Robert Patton San Diego, CA Subject: Upcoming trip to Twenty Nine Palms & Imperial Valley From: "BJ Stacey" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 04:42:45 -0000 I would like to go out to Twenty Nine Palms for the Scissor Tail Flycatcher that has recently been reported. I would like to get three people to go along so that the gas is split four ways. I'm thinking about leaving SD around 4am and getting there close to 7am. After hopefully finding the bird I am planning on working our way back through the valley to Salton Sea and getting home around 8pm. Please send me an email if you're interested in coming along. BJ Stacey Santee, CA bjinsd AT yahoo.com Subject: Sunday birds From: "Paul Burgers" <paul57 AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 22:18:43 -0500 Checked Great Bear on Sunday, late afternoon and early evening. Wow, was it birdy! It took me the best part of 2 hours to make it along the east side of the pond back as far as the first footbridge, then I turned a came back along the same path. Literally waves of birds. YR warblers and Kinglets (both varieties, more RC) were profuse to say the least, but also multiples of Palm and Nashville warblers, lots of Orange-crowned warblers, a single yellow warbler and one black&white warbler. E towhee and catbird also back. Strangely, once I got past the pond there was little if any bird activity back by the bridges, so I turned around. Oh, I nearly forgot the BG gnatcatchers, there were a good number of them as well. I also saw a BG gnatcatcher at Elmwood earlier in the day, but little else. I didn't hang around there too long, some pretty big picnics in progress and lots of kids running in the woodlot. Paul Burgers SFSD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: MTRP bunting From: "christine harvey" <sdch AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 13:50:35 -0000 ALMOST took a day off of birding. After viewing Mike Evans post and with MTRP being so close, felt it would be a real shame if no one went out and checked the long shot. The only bunting I found on the Oak Canyon Trail was Lazuli plus, the same breeding pair of Blue Grosbeak reported on April 14, 2008. Despite the high weekend traffic, it was a pleasant, cool morning with all the usual breeding riparian birds and a splash of migrants thrown in. For the visiting birders, last week found the Blue Grosbeak numbers building around the Mast Blvd. Grassland trailhead. The majority of Grasshopper Sparrow for the area can be found here as well. CA Gnats can be found W of the MTRP Visitor's Center located on Mission Gorge Rd. They're on the trails at the foot of Deerfield, foot of Jackson and on the trail SW of the center's parking lot. Christine Harvey Santee, CA sdch AT cox.net Subject: Purple martins at Big Laguna Lake From: "jeremiah_stock" <jeremiah_stock AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 03:21:49 -0000 Late Sunday morning, May 4, I saw Purple martins at Big Laguna Lake as described in a previous posting. I first saw two individuals over the middle of the lake. I later saw four individuals (including 1 adult male) flying around and perching in one of the large dead pine trees at the northwest corner of the lake. Jeremiah Stock Santee, CA jscls AT cox.net Subject: Spring migrants, SW Imperial County From: "jeremiah_stock" <jeremiah_stock AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 03:17:50 -0000 I spent a little time birding the "high altitude" southwest corner of Imperial County this morning (Sunday May 4). Specifically, I birded along the road that leads from I-8 to the Desert Tower and the dirt road on the south side of I-8 that leads into the mountains (access to Blue Angels Peak). I didn't see anything unusual, but there was a good variety of spring migrants. List of birds seen follows: Turkey vulture Red-tailed hawk White-throated swift Ash-throated flycatcher Western kingbird Common raven Phainopepla Townsend's warbler Hermit warbler Wilson's warbler Western tanager Callifornia towhee Black-throated sparrow Lazuli bunting House finch Lawrence's goldfinch Jeremiah Stock Santee, CA jscls AT cox.net Subject: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher From: KENNY MILLER <littlebend AT q.com> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 01:31:59 +0000 There was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on Farm Island today; only the 4th time I've seen this species in the Pierre area. Kenny Miller Pierre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 5-4-08 BBG & MTRP From: "Eric" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 00:02:40 -0000 I started his mornng at the Bird & Butterfly Garden about 7:30 a.m. Although it was pretty birdy there was nothing too exciting to see. Yellow Warblers - many Black-headed Grosbeaks Western Tanagers Hooded Oriole -pair Bullock's Oriole - female Cooper's Hawk Yellow-breasted chat - heard American Goldfinches I saw the post about the mystery bunting at Mission Trails Regional Park so I stopped off there about noon. Ran Into Christine Harvey, who had been looking for the mystery bird also. I hiked out to the spot where I saw the Blue Grosbeaks last week along the Oak Canyon trail and saw more of them. I continued north along the trail and played the Indigo Bunting tape without any response except for one Lazuli who was interested. I got some fresh photos of a singing Lazuli Bunting which I've posted at the usual spot. http://tinyurl.com/ytjbvh Eric Kallen Normal Heights rightnow AT cox.net Subject: Pacific Golden- Plover and Black Turnstone at San Elijo From: Andrew Brumbaugh <andybbirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 15:04:40 -0700 (PDT) At noon today today Char Glacy and I observed a Black Turnstone and both Black-bellied and Pacific Golden Plovers feedng along the channel arcoss from M.A. Mofflett bench on the Nature Center trail. Andy Brumbaugh Carlsbad --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: misc. late lingerers From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 14:03:54 -0400 Today, Sunday May 3, we had a late, worn, first-winter (first-cycle) Mew Gull at J Street in Chula Vista (ties late spring date listed in Unitt), as well as 2 lingering Greater (with 1 Lesser) Scaup. There is still one White-winged Scoter in the Surf Scoter flock off the Imperial Beach Pier. Yesterday there was still a pair of Blue-winged Teal in the SD Flood Control Channel and a bright male "Myrtle" Warbler along the SD River. Paul Lehman San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting Subject: owls in balboa From: "inqbusotter" <inqbusotter AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 04 May 2008 03:56:31 -0000 i dont know if it has been posted yet or not but there is a great horned owl nest that is clearly visible from the north eastern side of the cabrillo bridge in balboa park. there is still at least one chick in the nest Mike Wenzel University City Subject: Mystery Bunting{?}, Mission Trails Regional Park From: Michael Evans <muevans AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 08:06:32 -0700 SDBirders: An out of town birder reported a possible Varied Bunting in Oak Canyon of Mission Trails Regional Park, seen yesterday. I suspect this was a Indigo Bunting and his report did not eliminate an Indigo, but he noted a "velvety" back and the all dark look of the bird. He did not note the red nape or brick-colored throat typically seen on Varied Buntings. Knowing how rare this bird would be in San Diego, it is unlikely a Varied, however, if any one is birding in this area today, keep an eye out for this bird. Mike Evans SDFO Rare Bird Coord. The following description of the Oak Canyon trail is from the park web page: Following a seasonal creek (wet in winter, mostly dry in summer) , Oak Canyon trail is one of the most pleasant in the park, especially in spring when wildflowers are in bloom. To get to the trail, walk west (downstream) through the Old Mission Dam parking lot. Pass the the picnic tables and Old Mission Dam ruins approximately 150 yards furtheralong the trail to a steel foot bridge crossing the San Diego River. The trail starts at the trail sign againts the hill on the river's far side, heading upstream along the San Diego River for .2 miles. At this point, notice the timbered stars heading up to a knoll on you right. This little "side trip" will take you to super overlook of the Old Mission Dam. Back down to the trail, the Oak Canyon Creek section, begins shortly after its confluence with the San Diego River. The trail follows the canyon and creek .8 miles (1 mile from the trail's beginning) to its intersection with a service road. Turn left onto the service and hike approximately 170 paces to an "Oak Canyon Trail" sign on your right. This continuance of the Oak Canyon Trail also referred to as "Upper Oak Canyon Trail" continues to follow the creek up to Hwy 52. See other San Diego Birding Locations Web Pages at: [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Western Sandpiper From: KENNY MILLER <littlebend AT q.com> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 02:38:18 +0000 Ricky Olson and I had a Western Sandpiper an the wetland just north of Onida today. Also our first Stilt Sandpipers of the spring. We looked but were unable to find any Snowy Plovers at Stone Lake. Kenny Miller Pierre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Agua Hedionda From: Bob Chaddock <bobchaddock AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 15:35:07 -0700 (PDT) Birded Agua Hedionda Lagoon from kayak between 6:30 and 8:30 this morning. Fair number of least terns fishing the area, but best sighting was flock of 20-25 skimmers seen flying early, and then found later settled down on a narrow beach on the north shore and east of the Bayshore Drive access point. Also several spotted sandpipers at various locations along the south shore, as well as a female harrier, and a green heron. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), a kayak is a necessity to see the skimmers up close. Bob Chaddock Carlsbad ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Spotted Owls at historic locations From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <oreortyx AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 12:38:22 -0700 Two Spotted Owls were heard in separate locations about two miles apart Thursday night (1 May). The first was within the Santa Ysabel County Open Space Preserve west of Farmer Road, north of Julian. The second was on Wynola Road approximately 1.3 miles east of Highway 78/79. These are both previously documented locations for the species. The first was heard while doing a contracted survey for the species on the preserve. It was south of Santa Ysabel Creek at considerable distance from the trail through the preserve. Interestingly, a Great Horned Owl was calling at the same time probably less than 200 feet from the Spotted. Note that the preserve is currently open only two days a week, Saturday and Sunday, and only during daylight hours. The other was heard in a well known location along Jim Green Creek below Wynola Road. There are scattered rural residences here. Geoff Geoffrey L. Rogers San Diego, CA oreortyx AT earthlink.net Subject: GRAY FLYCATCHER From: "joeworley2001" <joeworley AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 03 May 2008 15:10:57 -0000 There was a Gray Flycatcher at the eucalyptus grove Friday. PLNU at the Alumni house- Usually 6-8 of each of the common migrants in a 1/2 hour of birding any time of the day- Even in the afternoon. Joe Worley Point Loma joeworley AT cox.net Subject: La Jolla, Tricolored Heron From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 08:23:43 -0400 SDBirds: Numbers of shearwaters off La Jolla on Friday morning, 2 May, were way down from the large numbers last weekend, with only about a dozen Black-venteds and 35 Sooties seen in about an hour. Two Black Oystercatchers landed briefly and then continued north, and unusual for the site was a northward-flying Gull-billed Tern--though I gather there have been more than the usual number of northward-dispersing Gull-billeds the past couple weeks or so, with multiples as far north as Orange County. Barbara Carlson saw the continuing Tricolored Heron in the Flood Control Channel from Robb Field on 29 April--getting quite late for a wintering bird to still be around. Paul Lehman San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – What can On Demand Business Solutions do for you? http://link.mail2web.com/Business/SharePoint Subject: BBG 5-2-08 From: "Eric" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sat, 03 May 2008 00:43:34 -0000 I visited the bird & butterfly garden this morning between 7:00 a.m. and 9 a.m. Black-throated Magpie Jay Yellow Warbler- most common warbler this morning Wilson's Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Nashville Warbler Townsend's Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Hooded Oriole pair Warbling Vireo Very few hummingbirds -only Anna's Some photos of the BT Magpie Jay at the usual spot; http://tinyurl.com/ytjbvh PS - I had a meeting in Borrego Springs yesterday evening and managed to get out to Clark Dry lake by 6:30 to look for thrashers. No luck... only birds seen were ravens & loggerhead shrikes. It was a pleasant break from the local planning group, though. Eric Kallen Normal Heights rightnow AT cox.net Subject: Point Loma From: "christine harvey" <sdch AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 02 May 2008 22:01:09 -0000 Today at FRNC, there was a male Calliope Hummingbird feeding on the red flowering Eucalyptus tree, E of the Committal Shelter. The only other bird of note was a Hammond's Flycatcher on the W side of FRNC, section X. Had the pleasure of running into Joe Worley afterwards and he was kind enough to suggest the PLNU Alumni House. After birding CNM and FRNC, must say that the trees to the W side of the Alumni House were the birdiest between the 3 areas. However, the only bird species at the Alumni House that was missing from CNM and FRNC was 2-3 Hermit Warblers. Christine Harvey Santee, CA sdch AT cox.net Subject: Am. Robin pair in Oceanside From: "smorrison1729" <smorrison17 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 02 May 2008 14:21:23 -0000 I have had a pair of Am. Robins in my yard on and off for the last 2-3 weeks. (Just east of Guajome Park, G7/G8) This am. saw one gathering nesting material. They seem to be attracted by my attempt to grow new grass! Very wet, lots of worms. Sandy Morrison Oceanside smorrison17 AT sbcglobal.net Subject: Old Mission Dam 4-30-08 From: "Eric" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:28:25 -0000 I got out to Old Mission Dam this morning at 7:30 a.m. and as luck would have it, the rangers were just opening the gate. I was looking for Blue Grosbeaks and after at short hike north up the westerly trail to the confluence of the two small streams I heard the BLGRs singing. They posed for a nice series of photos which I've posted at the usual spot. Also seen were black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock's orioles, lazuli Buntings, house wrens all over the place, ash-throated flycatchers. http://tinyurl.com/ytjbvh Eric Kallen Normal Heights rightnow AT cox.net Subject: Famosa Slough avocets From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:04:35 -0000 The pair nesting on the island abandoned their nest and I thought for sure they were disturbed. Turns out mom is out showing off her four chicks with dad hanging around. They spread out for 15 or 20 minutes then all gather-up under mom for 15 minutes or so as she stands there on one leg then they head back out after food. They're soooo cute! And the first loggerhead shrike I've seen at the slough in quite awhile. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: Black Crowned Night Herons at San Elijo Lagoon From: "calbirderrr" <calbirderrr AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:55:58 -0000 On Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at about 4:00 p.m. I observed two Black Crowned Night Herons at San Elijo Lagoon. An adult was in a tree at the fresh water pond. A juvenile was moving here and there around the site of the old nature center. Subject: Urban grosbeak From: phil <PhilPinSD AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:27:28 -0700 Had an unusual sighting of a male Black-headed Grosbeak last night, location-wise, at a friends house in the middle of downtown San Diego, at the corner of Kettner and G Street. It is visiting a seed feeder he hangs out in a tree about ten feet above the sidewalk, which is otherwise visited mostly by House Finches. Both the trolley line and the railroad tracks are only about 50 yards away. It wasn't a one-time thing; my friend says it has been coming regularly to the feeder for the past 2-3 weeks. Are there any records of BHGR breeding in downtown San Diego? Phil Pryde, reporting from the San Diego urban jungle Subject: Green Heron at San Elijo Lagoon From: "calbirderrr" <calbirderrr AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:03:31 -0000 On Monday, April 28, 2008 at about 4:00 p.m. I observed a Green Heron in the fresh water pond near the nature center. There was also a Black- Headed Grosbeak proclaiming his territory just east of the wooden walkway. Subject: purple martins at laguna From: Bill Mittendorff <wmittend AT san.rr.com> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:26:15 -0700 Among the usual suspects around Big Laguna meadow, I saw five purple martins assessing a huge dead pine at the NW corner of the lake. Bill Mittendorff Subject: San Elijo Lagoon Day May 10 From: "Ralph Achenbach" <ralph.achenbach AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:58:26 -0000 Dear SDBirders, All of you are invited to celebrate this year's Lagoon Day at San Elijo Lagoon on Saturday, May 10th. This will be a great opportunity for novice and expert birders alike to learn more about this fascinating reserve and its diverse avifauna. Below is an excerpt from the press release. For more information, contact Debby Strauss at debbys AT sanelijo.org. Ralph Achenbach San Diego, North Park ralph.achenbach AT gmail.com Participants will enjoy timely, informative and fun-filled activities for adults and children, designed to increase awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural resources of this valuable ecological reserve. Both trailheads will feature special displays and exhibits. Activities will include a 5-K run with conservancy Executive Director Doug Gibson at 8:30 a.m., a docent-led public walk from the Rios Ave. trailhead from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and children's story times near the Santa Carina trailhead at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Additional features will include an archaeology and Native American display, a bird watching station with a spotting scope, and a doggy welcome table (dogs, please have your owner on a leash). There will be free gifts for children and free goldfinch feeders to the first fifty people or families attending. Subject: request elegant tern sighting info From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:14:20 -0000 The elegant tern colonies in Orange County & South San Diego Bay appear to have had incidents of significant nest abandonments over the past two weeks. In an effort to determine where these breeding pairs may have gone, we're requesting information from birders on sightings of elegant terns along coastal Southern California from Apr 16 through Apr 28, 2008. Please email me directly with date, location, & number of elegant terns (please indicate if you actually counted birds or just made a rough estimate). I would also appreciate info on any sightings of gull-billed terns along the Caifornia coast other than around San Diego Bay & Tijuana Estuary & adjacent beaches. Thanks, Robert Patton San Diego, CA