Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from San Diego Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Wednesday, November 4 at 10:06 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Boreal Chickadee,©Barry Kent Mackay

05 Nov Dudley Street 4 November ["daverdsn" ] 4 Nov Re: IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 ["Matt Sadowski" ] 4 Nov IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 ["Matt Sadowski" ] 04 Nov Drip ["bicyclebirder" ] 4 Nov Black-and-white Warbler @ San Diego Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 04 Nov Re: Continuing Sage Thrasher and Raptors ["bjinsd" ] 04 Nov Rangeland Rd. Ramona & Old Julian Hwy. 11-4-09 ["mleesrfr1" ] 3 Nov Jacumba White-winged Doves and misc. ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 04 Nov Continuing Sage Thrasher at Pump Station 65 Peñasquitos Lagoon ["frank" ] 04 Nov Rangeland Road 11-3-09 ["ERIC" ] 03 Nov Re: Mission Bay high tide [Jim Roberts ] 3 Nov Re: Mission Bay high tide [] 03 Nov Mission Bay high tide [Jim Roberts ] 3 Nov Del Mar, Rimini Dr morning birds, 11-3-09 [Jay K ] 2 Nov October 31 "Count" Results [Jay K ] 2 Nov Re: Summer Tanager @ Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 2 Nov Summer Tanager @ Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 02 Nov AQUA DULCE AND BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND ["wngit2" ] 02 Nov 3 Sapsucker day at Guajome ["cortland1970" ] 1 Nov Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 02 Nov Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 - corrected link ["ERIC" ] 02 Nov San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 ["ERIC" ] 1 Nov No Wren today. 11/1/09 [Jay K ] 1 Nov Re: Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon ["Jim Roberts" ] 1 Nov Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon ["Don Adams" ] 01 Nov San Elijo Lagoon Visitor's Center, Eurasian Collared Dove, LBH, & others ["d_lewi" ] 01 Nov Crissal Thrasher + Brewer's Sparrow @ Borrego Sewage Ponds (11/01/09) ["Eitan" ] 01 Nov Roadrunner Club-Borrego Springs ["Doug" ] 1 Nov Good County Coverage Today! [Jay K ] 01 Nov Re: Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs ["ERIC" ] 31 Oct Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs [Barbara Carlson ] 31 Oct University City sightings ["Jim Roberts" ] 31 Oct County Notes (Eastern), 10/31/09 [Jay K ] 01 Nov random east county notes (10/31/09) ["Eitan" ] 31 Oct Laguna and Cuyamaca Mts ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 30 Oct Jacumba to Borrego Springs, Oct 30 ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 30 Oct Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 30 Oct Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["ERIC" ] 30 Oct RE: Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["Claude Edwards" ] 30 Oct Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["Doug" ] 30 Oct Kingbird at Greenwood ["peterginsburg" ] 30 Oct couch's??? kingbird at Greenwood Cemetery [] 30 Oct Nestor ["nikihawk" ] 29 Oct Tierrasanta birds [Jay K ] 29 Oct SD River ["bicyclebirder" ] 29 Oct Pt. Loma area thursday morning ["peterginsburg" ] 29 Oct Chilean Flamingo flying over Ocean Beach flood control channel on 10/06/09 ["swrowell49" ] 29 Oct Gujome Park ["Paul Zucker" ] 29 Oct Da Cove--Zilch; Chiriaco Summit this weekend? ["Walens, Stanley" ] 28 Oct La Jolla Cove, 10-28-09 PM - Black Scoter [Jay K ] 28 Oct Good news bad news ["Terry Sohl" ] 28 Oct Re: La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday ["Eitan" ] 28 Oct La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday ["Walens, Stanley" ] 28 Oct more from La Jolla Cove ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 28 Oct La Jolla Cove on this balmy morning [Stan Walens ] 28 Oct Tom at the Drip ["thunefeld" ] 28 Oct Re: Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB - Black-legged Kittiwake. ["bjinsd" ] 27 Oct Swainson's Hawks ["paul jorgensen" ] 27 Oct Swainson's Hawks ["paul jorgensen" ] 27 Oct late Black-chinned Hummingbird ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 27 Oct A Frabjous Afternoon at La Jolla Cove [Stan Walens ] 27 Oct Re: Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB [Jay K ] 27 Oct Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB ["bjinsd" ] 27 Oct Channel 8 News ["thunefeld" ] 27 Oct La Jolla Cove this morning (Oct. 27) [Sara Baase Mayers ] 27 Oct FRNC (PT Loma) Tuesday morning ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 26 Oct video ["doctoehold" ] 26 Oct Zone-tailed hawk, WAP ["doctoehold" ] 25 Oct Anyone interested in driving to Point Reyes tonight [long-toed stint] from San Diego? [Stan Walens ] 25 Oct RE: Re: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager & Tropical Kingbird ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 25 Oct County Notes, 10-25-09 [Jay K ] 25 Oct Zone-tailed Hawk at WAP, 10/25/09 ["kimmyroth" ] 25 Oct Re: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager & Tropical Kingbird ["bjinsd" ] 25 Oct Loggerhead Shrike and Bald Eagle at Lake Henshaw ["sacarterca60" ] 25 Oct RE: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 25 Oct RE: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager [Jimmy McMorran ] Subject: Dudley Street 4 November From: "daverdsn" <daverdsn AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:52:17 -0000 The Painted Redstart finally showed well on the wires on Albion and Dudley just after the fog lifted at 09:05. Thanks to everyone who helped us see this bird after two trips from the UK! Dave and Malcolm (Derbyshire Ornithological Society). Subject: Re: IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 From: "Matt Sadowski" <matt.sadowski AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:22:31 -0800 Actually the time was 8:30 to 9:00 PST. I was getting the time from my camera which is still on PDT. Matt Sadowski Chula Vista, CA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Sadowski" To: Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:16 PM Subject: [SDBIRDS] IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 > The male Hepatic Tanager at 4th and Caspian Way in Imperial Beach is > back for its fourth (known) winter. It was giving its soft "chuck" > call from the apartments north of Caspian nearly constantly from > around 9:30 to 10:00. It also uttered its Hooded Oriole-like "veet" > flight call several times. It then flew into the apt. parking lot > south of Caspian where I left it. > > photos: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/68911779 AT N00/ > > Matt Sadowski > Chula Vista, CA > > Subject: IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 From: "Matt Sadowski" <matt.sadowski AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:16:45 -0800 The male Hepatic Tanager at 4th and Caspian Way in Imperial Beach is back for its fourth (known) winter. It was giving its soft "chuck" call from the apartments north of Caspian nearly constantly from around 9:30 to 10:00. It also uttered its Hooded Oriole-like "veet" flight call several times. It then flew into the apt. parking lot south of Caspian where I left it. photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/68911779 AT N00/ Matt Sadowski Chula Vista, CA Subject: Drip From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:28 -0000 Regulars included a couple of golden-crowned sparrows. The spotted towhee, CA thrasher and six hermit thrushes were all in one field of view (ignoring the white-crowned sparrows and house finches and CA towhees and jays and such that were also in it). Great Backyard Bird Count is 2/12/10 - 2/15/10. The feeder count starts in 10 days. Go to eBird for updates. Oceanside's CBC is sometime next month. Go to T Hunefeld for updates. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: Black-and-white Warbler @ San Diego Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:56:42 -0800 This afternoon (11/4/2009) I found a Black-and-white Warbler in the lerp infested eucalyptus near my office, SW of the Giant Panda Exhibit. The same area that had a wintering Black-throated Green Warbler last year. It's the 1st BAWW I've ever seen at the Zoo. Someday I'll have to compile a Zoo list... I got one marginal photo of it before I left grounds for the day. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/BAWW Trent -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Subject: Re: Continuing Sage Thrasher and Raptors From: "bjinsd" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:41:57 -0000 I ran over and found the Sage Thrasher over my lunch break today (noon hour). It was up on the fence/railing by the freeway across from the nearly dried pond (maybe 150 yards west of the station). Thanks to everyone for both finding and reporting this bird. While there I was able to see some raptor activity too. A Peregrine Falcon swooped through and a female Northern Harrier were hunting over the marsh. Sitting on one of the poles was a Red-tailed hawk. The best "action" happened when the Harrier passed by the clump of trees on the other side of the railroad tracks. Another raptor-like bird came screaming out of the trees and the two grappled with each other. I watched as long as I have views of the birds, but they kept heading east deeper into the canyon. Best description is the bird was very similar to a Northern Harrier, only slightly smaller-sized overall. I could not tell if the white tail band went all the way around or not. The bird in question had a rounded face like a Harrier. The flight style was not direct - more wavy, but I don't know if this had to do with the on and off battling for which it was engaged. Unfortunately most of this action happened between me and sun so I was watching mostly silhouettes. Could this have been a Short-eared Owl? Or just a smaller Harrier? I'm not sure but wanted to describe it and hopefully get some ideas, and also so that those interested might keep an eye out. BJ Stacey Santee bjinsd AT yahoo.com --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "frank" wrote: > > a very cooperative Sage Thrasher originally reported by Don Adams and Jim Roberts on 11/1/09 was again seen today(11/3)at 10 am between telephone poles 4 and 5 north of the pump station on Sorrento Valley Road,perched on top of the green log fence paralleling the road. After some 5 minutes of good views some bicyclists spooked him and he flew east and was not refound. > Frank Wong > Del Mar,Ca > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rangeland Rd. Ramona & Old Julian Hwy. 11-4-09 From: "mleesrfr1" <marktlee AT juno.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:27:57 -0000 Around 11:30 am a beautiful light Ferruginous Hawk slowly soared low over the the road, also many Mountain Bluebirds. At Old Julian Hwy at the turnoff at 941, there were about 10 Collard Doves and 8 Turkeys. Mark T. Lee Chula Vista Subject: Jacumba White-winged Doves and misc. From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 20:54:30 -0500 SDBirds: This afternoon--Tues--I stopped for an hour at Jacumba on my way home from the desert and saw a few things of some interest. Tops on the list were the FIVE WHITE-WINGED DOVES at the southeast corner of town. This many birds strongly suggests that they are wintering there, I would assume. The species is known to winter in moderate numbers, of course, at lower elevation in the Anza Borrego/Borrego Springs area, but this might be the first hint that they would do so at this site up around 3000 feet. Also in town was a single American Crow, which is slightly east of its normal range. And lastly, a "Myrtle" Warbler there is a subspecies decidedly scarce on the dry east slope. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://link.mail2web.com/mail2web Subject: Continuing Sage Thrasher at Pump Station 65 Peñasquitos Lagoon From: "frank" <fmwongmd AT san.rr.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:19:57 -0000 a very cooperative Sage Thrasher originally reported by Don Adams and Jim Roberts on 11/1/09 was again seen today(11/3)at 10 am between telephone poles 4 and 5 north of the pump station on Sorrento Valley Road,perched on top of the green log fence paralleling the road. After some 5 minutes of good views some bicyclists spooked him and he flew east and was not refound. Frank Wong Del Mar,Ca Subject: Rangeland Road 11-3-09 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:11:45 -0000 Mountain Bluebirds were out in decent numbers this morning on both sides of Rangeland Road in Ramona. The best spot seemed to be at the corral on the west side of the road. The birds would perch on the fences, pipes, and posts allowing for good views. A few western meadowlarks, no FEHA. The cattle farm up the road had lots of blackbirds,cowbirds, starlings and two WF ibis, but I could not find any yellow-headed among the crowd. A few pics of the bluebirds posted at: http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights Subject: Re: Mission Bay high tide From: Jim Roberts <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:56:10 -0800 Gjon, Thanks for the information. The fact that the rails were up against the fence may not be that big of a problem. I made several passes through the area before I even saw them. The pickleweed is thick enough even outside the fence (west of the fence where one of the rails was seen) to successfully hide the birds. One of the birds eventually moved east along the edges of the pickleweed foraging and even swimming for short stretches across the water as it moved back out into the marsh. I never did see the other one leave the area. Jim Roberts University City Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov wrote: > > > All: > > A recent SDBIRDS report noted: > > < (western edge of the marsh, near the wooden overlook deck). The only > one of the two which was completely visible had a band on both legs. > The bands didn't appear to be colored or prominently labeled with > numbers or letters. They appeared to be dull-finished metal, probably > aluminum. Does anyone know of this specific banding having been done.>> > > Brian Collins, the biologist at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife > Refuge, > informs me that the banded clapper rail is most likely one of the > captive-raised birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Chula Vista > Nature Center, and Sea World (along with the help of other dedicated > souls) > has been augmenting populations of the endangered light-footed clapper > rail > with individuals raised in captivity. Released birds have one standard > (dull aluminium) Bird Banding Laboratory band on one leg, and a yearly > "cohort" band on the other leg. This year, the cohort bands are kind of a > brushed, pale, brassy-looking aluminum. The bands are numbered, but > they're generally not readable under field conditions. Seven birds have > recently been released into Kendall-Frost. > > It is unfortunate to hear that the observed birds were up against the > fence. As many of you know, high tides force rails and other secretive > salt-marsh animals out of their usual haunts and into the periphery. This > allows birders a chance to observe these seldom-seen birds, but it also > allows for predators to see them, too. Development and other changes in > the landscape have encroached on coastal salt marshes, limiting the > availability of safe upland areas. Sea-level rise may be contributing or > may contribute in the future to a reduction in the amount of area that is > not inundated. > > Additional information may be found at: > > > > > PDF > > > > > > Cheers, > -Gj > > ============ ========= ========= ====== > Gjon C. Hazard > Fish and Wildlife Biologist > Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office > 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101 > Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA > Voice: 760/431-9440x287 > FAX: 760/918-0638 > E-mail: Gjon_Hazard< .at.>fws. gov > http://carlsbad. fws.gov/ > ============ ========= ========= ====== > not an official USFWS email > > Subject: Re: Mission Bay high tide From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:28:16 -0800 All: A recent SDBIRDS report noted: <> Brian Collins, the biologist at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, informs me that the banded clapper rail is most likely one of the captive-raised birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Chula Vista Nature Center, and Sea World (along with the help of other dedicated souls) has been augmenting populations of the endangered light-footed clapper rail with individuals raised in captivity. Released birds have one standard (dull aluminium) Bird Banding Laboratory band on one leg, and a yearly "cohort" band on the other leg. This year, the cohort bands are kind of a brushed, pale, brassy-looking aluminum. The bands are numbered, but they're generally not readable under field conditions. Seven birds have recently been released into Kendall-Frost. It is unfortunate to hear that the observed birds were up against the fence. As many of you know, high tides force rails and other secretive salt-marsh animals out of their usual haunts and into the periphery. This allows birders a chance to observe these seldom-seen birds, but it also allows for predators to see them, too. Development and other changes in the landscape have encroached on coastal salt marshes, limiting the availability of safe upland areas. Sea-level rise may be contributing or may contribute in the future to a reduction in the amount of area that is not inundated. Additional information may be found at: PDF Cheers, -Gj ==================================== Gjon C. Hazard Fish and Wildlife Biologist Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101 Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA Voice: 760/431-9440x287 FAX: 760/918-0638 E-mail: Gjon_Hazard<.at.>fws.gov http://carlsbad.fws.gov/ ==================================== not an official USFWS email Subject: Mission Bay high tide From: Jim Roberts <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:58:18 -0800 I checked out the marsh (it used to be called Kendall Frost, now it has a sign with another name) this morning (11/3/09) in Mission Bay (north of Crown Point). I couldn't dig out any sharp-tailed sparrows (or the green-tailed towhee I saw a couple weeks ago) but there was one bird of interest. There were two Clapper rails along the chain-link fence (western edge of the marsh, near the wooden overlook deck). The only one of the two which was completely visible had a band on both legs. The bands didn't appear to be colored or prominently labeled with numbers or letters. They appeared to be dull-finished metal, probably aluminum. Does anyone know of this specific banding having been done. I know a number of Clapper rails were released in San Elijo Lagoon within the last year; were they banded in this manner? Jim Roberts University City Subject: Del Mar, Rimini Dr morning birds, 11-3-09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:36:23 -0500 (EST) Early this morning I made a 45-minute visit to the Rimini Drive area in Del Mar and found a substantial amount of activity including warblers such as Townsend's (several) and at least a dozen Selasphorus (presumably Allen's) hummingbirds. The highlight was a MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE at Umatilla St & Via Alta, which seems to be a regular winter visitor to this particular area. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: October 31 "Count" Results From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:54:56 -0500 (EST) SD-Birders, Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for sightings of the "impromptu" San Deigo Fall Count from October 31. There were about 25 respondents, virtually all of which contributed to the count. Including all reports I received, 161 species were recorded in the county on that day. Add to that the 45 species which we know were there or were unreported to me, there should have been about 206 species recorded on the day. If you believe you had additional species beyond what I might have been made aware of, please let me know. We were benefited by a pelagic trip offshore which netted a Jaeger, Rhino Auklet, and other birds, as well as a few swallows in a mixed flock. Unreported birds included rails, various likely shorebirds, terns, and assorted passerines. With a slightly earlier date, we could have added a number of additional species. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Re: Summer Tanager @ Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:12:21 -0800 I went back later in the morning and got a picture of it. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/SUTA -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com On Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 7:09 AM, Trent R. Stanley wrote: > Just found a Summer Tanager (Mon., 11/2) at the old Elephant Mesa area > (now Urban Jungle) in the fig tree by the Giraffe Experience. Tried to > get photos but the leaf blowers and a pressure washer arrived making > it impossible to re-find with all the noise. It was making a call > similar to Nuttall's Woodpecker, like this recording: > http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/XRABICUARW/R09_0486-Summer-Tanager.mp3 > > The Camphor tree above Meerkat's is starting to fruit. Hopefully it'll > attract some good birds again, like a Scarlet Tanager... > > -- > Trent R. Stanley > PO BOX 3666 > SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 > trent AT sdbirder.com > http://www.sdbirder.com > Subject: Summer Tanager @ Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:09:21 -0800 Just found a Summer Tanager (Mon., 11/2) at the old Elephant Mesa area (now Urban Jungle) in the fig tree by the Giraffe Experience. Tried to get photos but the leaf blowers and a pressure washer arrived making it impossible to re-find with all the noise. It was making a call similar to Nuttall's Woodpecker, like this recording: http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/XRABICUARW/R09_0486-Summer-Tanager.mp3 The Camphor tree above Meerkat's is starting to fruit. Hopefully it'll attract some good birds again, like a Scarlet Tanager... -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Subject: AQUA DULCE AND BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND From: "wngit2" <wngit2 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:07:16 -0000 Today (November 1), Barbara Carlson and I searched for the elusive Winter Wren reported at Aqua Dulce. We were soon joined by Marcie Mason and Mike McClintock. Although the Winter Wren eluded us, we had 2 consolation Townsend's Solitaire (1 at the pump house seen by all, 1 on the road NW of the pump house, Mike McClintock). At Burnt Rancherita campground, there was an additional Townsend's Solitaire bellying up to the water trough w/ a Cassin's Finch and numerous Purple Finches. Mike McClintock reported a Red-breasted Sapsucker which made its appearance at the trough soon after we parted. On the way out of the campground, near the entrance, a Red-naped Sapsucker called us over for a peek just above eye level. It was a nice male. Christine Harvey Santee, CA sdch AT cox.net Subject: 3 Sapsucker day at Guajome From: "cortland1970" <reilanne AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:30:35 -0000 Today, Sunday, Nov. 1 I had the pleasure of viewing a Red-breasted Sapsucker, a Red-naped Sapsucker and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Guajome County Park. The 3 birds were in different areas. The Red-breasted was in a tree down by the lake and the Red-naped flew from the tree just beside the restroom to the trees across the street near the east entrance. A birder named David showed me where the Yellow-bellied was in the pepper trees near the wedding gazebo. Anne Reilly La Jolla Subject: Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:56:13 -0800 Here's the pictures I got today. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/Grasslands Trent -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Subject: Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 - corrected link From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:49:38 -0000 http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos > Eric Kallen > Normal Heights > Subject: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:43:59 -0000 Trent & I birded the San Pasqual Valley and the Rangeland Road area of Ramona this afternoon. At the WAP we had one fly-over of the zone-tailed hawk. From the south side of the valley we spied what appeared to be a ferruginous hawk. Along Rangeland Road we found a ferruginous hawk and mountain bluebirds in groups of 2 or three which Eitan reported yesterday. Jay Keller joined us at this point. We wandered to the horse farm to the north-east and found a mixed flock of blackbirds and starlings, at least 500 birds. The best birds in the flock that we could find were three yellow-headed and a decent number of tricolored. A few pics of the blackbirds posted. http://tinyurl.com/ericsphtos Eric Kallen Normal Heights Subject: No Wren today. 11/1/09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:49:11 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Despite three hours of searching and recording-playing, I could not locate the Winter Wren at Agua Dulce today. The consolation prize was the CASSIN'S FINCH that flew over me twice uttering its very distinctive call. Due to my lack of significant experience with the species, at first I wondered if it was the call of some vireo, then considered a Siskin on steroids. The second time I heard it is was with 2-3 Purple Finches giving their pik notes, and after listening to the audio of the Cassin's call, can without much doubt call this a Cassin's. I also visited Rangeland Road and found Eric and Trent already at the MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD flock. Farther along the road we located at least three YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS among the other Icterids and Starlings at the cow farm. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Re: Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon From: "Jim Roberts" <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:35:23 -0800 (PST) At 3 PM (11/1/09) I refound Don's Sage Thrasher in the same general area. I found it first at the fourth power pole north of the pump station. It foraged mostly from the wooden rail fence, sitting atop the poles, running along the rails and flying off (down) to forage. It finally flew into the bushes east of the paved road and was more difficult to see. I watched is for at least 30 minutes. Speaking of rails...there was a Virginia rail in the marsh immediately south of the pump station. Jim ROberts University City > At 8:30 AM, Sunday, 11/1/2009 there was a Sage Thrasher at Penasquitos > Lagoon. It was along the fence along the closed part of Sorrento Valley > Road near the 3rd power pole north of pump station 65. > > Don Adams > San Diego, CA > DKAdams AT prodigy.net > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > Subject: Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon From: "Don Adams" <DKAdams AT prodigy.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 13:27:30 -0800 At 8:30 AM, Sunday, 11/1/2009 there was a Sage Thrasher at Penasquitos Lagoon. It was along the fence along the closed part of Sorrento Valley Road near the 3rd power pole north of pump station 65. Don Adams San Diego, CA DKAdams AT prodigy.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: San Elijo Lagoon Visitor's Center, Eurasian Collared Dove, LBH, & others From: "d_lewi" <d_lewi AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:07:45 -0000 I stopped by the San Elijo Lagoon visitor's center this morning. Saw a Little Blue Heron there for the second day in a row sitting on a post. As I followed the trail just west of the visitor's centerdown, just past the bend that curves left, there was a Eurasian Collared Dove sitting on a sign. It allowed very close approach and stayed there until I left. As I was leaving, I also saw a Western Grebe in the water by the trail entrance near the visitor's center. Additional Birds: Willets Western Sandpipers Black Phoebe Dowitchers Song Sparrows House Finchs Mocking Birds Mallards Dave Lewis Carmel Valley Subject: Crissal Thrasher + Brewer's Sparrow @ Borrego Sewage Ponds (11/01/09) From: "Eitan" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:10:36 -0000 Inspired by Eric's photos and guided by his directions, I marched myself out to the old borrego sewage ponds this morning, arriving at about 5:50am (15 minutes before official sunrise). In retrospect that was probably still a bit too late (I would recommend showing up 30 minutes before sunrise while it is still mostly dark), as the desert was already fully lit... Fortunately, however, I finally conquered my #1 county nemesis bird as a CRISSAL THRASHER darted out from the bushes along the dirt road for a few diagnostic but tantalizingly brief looks. The bird was quite skittish, making a few brief sallies from cover before 6am, and then disappearing for the rest of the morning. Other birds seen at the ponds included: 2 BREWER'S SPARROWS many SAGE SPARROWS ("desert" flavor) SAVANNAH SPARROWS WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW HORNED LARK AMERICAN PIPIT NORTHERN HARRIER VERDIN PHAINOPEPLA NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER ROADRUNNER The only interesting bird on the drive home was a long PINE SISKIN mixed in with the goldfinches at the Julian Birdwatcher's Store feeders. Eitan Altman Mission Hills Subject: Roadrunner Club-Borrego Springs From: "Doug" <dwaguillard AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:38:29 -0000 I was not an invitee to the group who was doing the Borrego Springs run yesterday, but ran into them at the Roadrunner Club as I was there chasing the Yellow-shafted Flicker that Paul Lehman had found the day before. The Roadrunner Club should be San Diego's "Galileo Hill", but for some reason, it doesn't seem to get that much coverage during migration. I'll have to change that this coming spring. While there, I observed the following: Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, American Wigeons, Pied-billed Grebe, Belted Kingfisher, Eurasian Collared Doves, Red-shafted Flickers, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Northern Flicker intergrade, American Robin, Western Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, Western Meadowlarks, Audubon's Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers, Starlings, House Finches, White-crowned Sparrows, House Sparrows. The roving group had other species, that they have already reported. Yellow-shafted Flicker http://tinyurl.com/yb3cznw Douglas Aguillard San Diego, CA doug AT basiclink.com Subject: Good County Coverage Today! From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:03:45 -0400 (EDT) Hi Everyone, It looks like significant portions of the county were covered today by a lot of people. I'm curious as to what a snapshot of the species diversity would be like on a day in late October. If you birded today, whether a significant outing or just at your backyard feeders, could you reply to me directly (not the list) with your species lists? I'll post the results in a few days as an FYI. Also, I'll not make public any names or locations of species seen, especially if they are sensitive for any reason. Just indicate that to me in your email. I'm kicking around the idea in my mind of putting together a County Fall Count for next year during the height of migration (as a compliment to the America's Birdiest County Spring Count perhaps), and this data would be a decent, albeit a bit late indicator of what we might expect next year. Thanks! Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Re: Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:10:00 -0000 I've posted a few pics of todays birds at the usual spot: Note: Sage Sparrow at the old sewage ponds..... http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, Barbara Carlson wrote: > > Seven of us joined Paul E. Lehman this morning in Borrego Springs.  At De Anza Country Club, we saw two American Crow (rare in Borrego Springs), White-breasted Nuthatch, two Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a Merlin.  > > The male Yellow-shafted Flicker continues at the Roadrunner Golf & Country Club.  Also seen at this location were a  Plumbeous Vireo, two Lawrence's Goldfinch, another Merlin and a Red-shouldered Hawk. > > Eric Kallen started his morning at the Borrego sewage ponds, where he saw and photographed two Crissal Thrashers, a Sage Thrasher, and more Lawrence's Goldfinch.  > > On > our way home, we stopped off at Mesa Grande Road and saw the two Lewis's Woodpeckers (found by Jay Keller on 10 October 2009).  In the same vicinity was a small flock of Vesper and Savannah Sparrows. > > Barbara Carlson > San Diego > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs From: Barbara Carlson <barbarac2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:30:29 -0700 (PDT) Seven of us joined Paul E. Lehman this morning in Borrego Springs.  At De Anza Country Club, we saw two American Crow (rare in Borrego Springs), White-breasted Nuthatch, two Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a Merlin.  The male Yellow-shafted Flicker continues at the Roadrunner Golf & Country Club.  Also seen at this location were a  Plumbeous Vireo, two Lawrence's Goldfinch, another Merlin and a Red-shouldered Hawk. Eric Kallen started his morning at the Borrego sewage ponds, where he saw and photographed two Crissal Thrashers, a Sage Thrasher, and more Lawrence's Goldfinch.  On our way home, we stopped off at Mesa Grande Road and saw the two Lewis's Woodpeckers (found by Jay Keller on 10 October 2009).  In the same vicinity was a small flock of Vesper and Savannah Sparrows. Barbara Carlson San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: University City sightings From: "Jim Roberts" <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:28:15 -0700 (PDT) I didn't see any western county reports today; so, I'll chime in. This afternoon (11/31/09) a latish WARBLING VIREO was seen in residential University City (Shenley and Bothe streets). A DOWNY WOODPECKER was seen in the western end of Rose Canyon. Yesterday a pair of PEREGRINE FALCONS were soaring over San Clemente Canyon near Clairemont Mesa Blvd. A NORTHERN HARRIER was seen in western Rose Canyon yesterday as well. Jim Roberts University City Subject: County Notes (Eastern), 10/31/09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:18:04 -0400 (EDT) Several birders ventured out to the Borrego Springs area today and had some nice birds, though nothing exceptional. I'll let others describe those results, and pick up where I departed the group. At Tamarisk Grove a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was cooperative for photos near the entry kiosk. Later at Paso Picacho, a heard-only Sapsucker (Red-naped or Red-breasted) was at campsite 34, and while I was standng at campsite #80, and adult male WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER flew into a tree less than 10 feet away from me where it remained for at least 15 minutes, cooperating for photos. The lady at the entrance kiosk seemed to be knowledgeable about birds and reported that a Mountain Bluebird has been hanging with a flock of Westerns in the area. I could not locate the flock. Earlier in Borrego Springs, while driving north along Borrego Valley Road just south of Palm Canyon Dr, two owls overflew my car in tandem about 15 feet off the ground, the flat faces and big-headed shape with fairly wide wings were easily observed. Since it was just getting light, the only field mark I could pull out was dark wingtips and other dark markings under the wings. I believe this rules out Barn Owls and points to either Short-eared or Long-eared Owls, perhaps likely Long-eareds because of the habitat? Take Care, Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: random east county notes (10/31/09) From: "Eitan" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:46:13 -0000 No rarities but some interesting finds as Lisa and I roamed around east-ish... LINDO LAKE - 1 continuing GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (resident bird) with the greylags 1 bright adult male YELLOW WARBLER ~10 TRI-COLORED BLACKBIRDS mixed in with the great-tails and brewer's at the far west end 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES plenty of great inland shorebird habitat on the east side, which is now half mud... nothing rare but there were 8 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 25 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, plus some stilts and avocets in with the puddle ducks. ~10 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES no sapsuckers, no vermilion flycatcher RANGELAND ROAD - 1 adult light-morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK 2 VESPER SPARROWS mixed in with the savannahs a small flock of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS RAMONA POND - 2 TREE SWALLOWS circling over the pond seemed a little late LAKE HENSHAW - viewed from the bald eagle turnout (not at home) at the south end of the lake were ~150 WHITE PELICANS, 78 CANADA GEESE, and 6 GREATER-WHITE FRONTED GEESE feeding or roosting along the shore along with hundreds of coots and wigeon. Eitan Altman Mission Hills Subject: Laguna and Cuyamaca Mts From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <oreortyx AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:22:35 -0700 Today (31 October), Hank Ingersoll and I birded several areas in the Laguna and Cuyamaca mountains. Our best bird was a Winter Wren near Agua Dulce Creek, which still has a small trickle of water. The bird was seen along the old dirt road northwest of the pumphouse. We first saw it foraging in wild rose near some cut sections of a downed tree but soon it flew east toward the creek. This is the same road that makes a hairpin turn where the creek crosses under it. North of the Al Bahr Shrine Camp, at Oasis Spring was a Townsend's Solitaire along with a small number of common species, including two Purple Finches. Earlier we had stopped at Morris Ranch Road and found nothing of note and then the same around the empty-looking feeder at the Forest Service Visitor's Center. In the Cuyamacas, we covered part of the Stonewall Mine area and Paso Picacho Campground and found nothing of note. Geoff Geoffrey L. Rogers San Diego, CA oreortyx AT earthlink.net Subject: Jacumba to Borrego Springs, Oct 30 From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:20:24 -0400 SDBirds: Birded my way from Jacumba via Anza Borrego to Borrego Springs on Friday. "Best" bird was the pure, male "Yellow-shafted" Flicker at the RoadRunner Club in Borrego Springs. First hanging around the clubhouse/office/medical clinic building, later it moved a couple blocks farther in and to the right at the corner of "Wedgie Drive" (I kid you not!!). Also near the entrance kiosk at RoadRunner was a Yellow-shafted X Red-shafted intergrade (pure brown face but pinkish-red underwing and undertail). Otherwise, single White-br Nuthatches had wandered to Jacumba and to the Stagecoach Trails Resort (south of Scissors Crossing) where there was also a Golden-crowned Sparrow. Agua Caliente Park and Tamarisk Grove were very quiet. --Paul Lehman, San diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com - Microsoft® Exchange solutions from a leading provider - http://link.mail2web.com/Business/Exchange Subject: Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:03:30 -0700 Here's the audio recording I made when the bird FINALLY spoke again, and we were all able to correctly identify it. http://members.cox.net/stealth/TRKI.mp3 (1.72 MB (1,814,483 bytes) -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Recording setup (good but already outdated): Microphone: Audio-Technica AT822 STEREO DAT MICROPHONE http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/1c54579c9c613753/at822_english.pdf Recorder: Sharp MD-MT821 Portable MiniDisc Recorder http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sharp_MD-MT821.html Editing software: Adobe Audition 3.0 http://www.adobe.com/products/audition/ Subject: Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:52:03 -0000 Its still a gorgeous bird and worth the trip and time spent with friends.... http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "Doug" wrote: > > My apologies folks for the confusion on my part in calling out a Couch's Kingbird. I want to thank all of you who came out and waited for this bird to call again. > > I do not know if I heard one of the several Cassin's Kingbirds call at the same time that I thought the Tropical was calling, but it's very apparent now that I screwed up. > > Again, I'm sorry for taking up your time and gas to come down to see a Tropical Kingbird. > > Doug Aguillard > San Diego, CA > doug AT ... > Subject: RE: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "Claude Edwards" <keps1 AT flite-tours.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:09 -0700 On the contrary, Doug, I for one very much appreciate that you got thr word out - via Gjon Hazard - to get SDBIRDers who were paying attention the possibility of its presence! Those birders who went and tried for it still enjoyed seeing a Tropical Kingbird, but as you often say to other tardy reporters, it is better to get interested people into the field then hash out its ID afterwards, common or unusual or not. Good going and keep up your own high standards for reporting. Claude Edwards West of Kensington -----Original Message----- From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Doug Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 2:15 PM To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] Couch's No, Tropical Yes My apologies folks for the confusion on my part in calling out a Couch's Kingbird. I want to thank all of you who came out and waited for this bird to call again. I do not know if I heard one of the several Cassin's Kingbirds call at the same time that I thought the Tropical was calling, but it's very apparent now that I screwed up. Again, I'm sorry for taking up your time and gas to come down to see a Tropical Kingbird. Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA doug AT basiclink. com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "Doug" <dwaguillard AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:15:05 -0000 My apologies folks for the confusion on my part in calling out a Couch's Kingbird. I want to thank all of you who came out and waited for this bird to call again. I do not know if I heard one of the several Cassin's Kingbirds call at the same time that I thought the Tropical was calling, but it's very apparent now that I screwed up. Again, I'm sorry for taking up your time and gas to come down to see a Tropical Kingbird. Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA doug AT basiclink.com Subject: Kingbird at Greenwood From: "peterginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:47:51 -0000 I just got a call from Doug Aguillard and he said the bird just called again and it seems to be a Tropical and not a Couch's. Peter Subject: couch's??? kingbird at Greenwood Cemetery From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:43:34 -0700 Passing the message along... Doug Aguillard is reporting via text messages a kingbird that might be a Couch's at Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego. It is in the western-most section in the circular section north of the "closet" (closest?) building. He is there now (10:30, 10/30/09). Cheers, -Gj ==================================== Gjon C. Hazard Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA ==================================== not an official post of the USFWS Subject: Nestor From: "nikihawk" <nikihawk AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:59:09 -0000 I saw my first "Black" Merlin, F.c. suckleyi, of the season yesterday and saw it again today, in the field behind Home Depot, Palm and Saturn. I could determine it was a male by size, shape, and flight style, but could not determine if it was an immature or adult, as it was flying too fast to see any blue sheen to the black dorsal area, or lack thereof. This recent storm from the north has brought a lot of raptor migrants to the area. Nicole Perretta Nestor Subject: Tierrasanta birds From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:48:36 -0400 (EDT) This afternoon at a nice little patch of neighborhood trees (mostly pines and eucs) I frequently check here in Tierrasanta, there was a first winter Golden-crowned Sparrow, my first of Fall, consorting with the numerous White-crowned Sparrows. Also present was a possible first-year male black-backed Lesser Goldfinch that I saw only briefly that will take additional looks to confirm. It had a very dark-looking back and much white on the secondaries, so I think it has a good shot at being one of this race. This spot is on Seda Drive between Calle de Vida and Clairemont Mesa Blvd, and frequently hosts the two expected species of Sapsuckers in winter, which I have not seen there yet this Fall. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: SD River From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:40:34 -0000 First five bufflehead showed today along with the first three lesser scaup. A pair of peregrine falcon were chasing one another. Christine Harvey pointed out two Bonnies that must have flown in while my back was turned. Greenwing teal made a big showing today along with the ruddy ducks. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: Pt. Loma area thursday morning From: "peterginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:03:55 -0000 No new birds to report. The Painted Redstart was in trees near 711 Silvergate. Ay Ballast Point there were 8 oystercatchers visible with one at least American/hybrid (limited views and glaring sun precluded ID). Peter Subject: Chilean Flamingo flying over Ocean Beach flood control channel on 10/06/09 From: "swrowell49" <swrowell AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:32:14 -0000 On 10/06/09 at 9:34am I spotted a Chilean Flamingo flying very rapidly from East to West over the Ocean Beach flood control channel behind Robb Field. I took four shots of the flamingo as it passed by and I posted these shots on 10/08/09. Sorry for the delay on posting this message. I am rather new to web groups and posting messages. Did anyone else spot this bird? Subject: Gujome Park From: "Paul Zucker" <PZUCKER AT roadrunner.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:23:17 -0700 Birded the park Thurs morning looking for the Yellow Bellied Sapsucker that Pete Ginsberg saw several days ago or last week. Didn't get that but instead got a Red Breasted Sapsucker who wasn't shy at all .He was low down and 15 feet away for as long as we wanted. Adjacent to the lake near the east park entrance, not up by the kiosk and gazebo area. My bird of the day tho' was a Cassin's Vireo, same area as the sapsucker, but in small tree next to restrooms near the east entrance to the park. No clay colored sparrow at Buddy Todd. Observers Frank Wong and Paul Zucker Encinitas pzucker AT roadrunner.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Da Cove--Zilch; Chiriaco Summit this weekend? From: "Walens, Stanley" <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:49:11 -0700 The weather was beautiful, the seas calm, the wind 5 mph from the east. There were virtually no birds of any kind at the Cove this morning. Only thing of note: a FOS group of 4 red-breasted mergansers. I'm going to go up to Chiriaco Summit to look for the curve-billed thrasher this Saturday or Sunday. As always, have room in the car for others. Stan Walens San Diego swalens AT ucsd.edu [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: La Jolla Cove, 10-28-09 PM - Black Scoter From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:45:37 -0700 (GMT-07:00) SD-Birders, A few of us visited La Jolla Cove this afternoon and while bird diversity was a bit less than the morning stint, there were still some nice birds around. The top bird was the surprising female BLACK SCOTER that was with a flock of Surf Scoters thankfully just offshore perhaps 100-150 feet from our vantage point. It had a totally white and unbroken cheek patch behind the bill extending back to the nape, forming an obvious capped appearance in flight. The bill was thin and compressed meeting the crown of the head at a sharp fairly vertical angle, the head shape itself similar to dabbling ducks. Other notable birds while I was there included an adult close-in Black-legged Kittiwake which we then scoped for a long period of time as it continued north and a Parasitic Jaeger. Prior to my arrival, Stan Walens reports 6 White-winged Scoters with 5 in one group. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Good news bad news From: "Terry Sohl" <tlsohl AT alliancecom.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:38:11 -0500 The bad news (for me anyway).I saw my first good-sized flocks of Lapland Longspurs on the way home today. Boo, winter. The good news.only 190 days or so until the Hummingbirds are back at my feeders. Terry Sohl [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday From: "Eitan" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:19:07 -0000 As an FYI to the group, I stopped by for an hour at lunch today and the winds were blowing HARD from basically due west, 20mph for sure with stronger gusts. However, all that wind (plus beautiful light) produced few birds, just a pair of COMMON MURRES, a handful of PACIFIC LOONS, and scattered ducks flying in slow motion fighting the winds. Good luck this afternoon! Stuck behind my desk, I will keep my eyes fixed on the trees blowing outside the window. Eitan Altman Mission Hills --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "Walens, Stanley" wrote: > > Jay and I are going to go back to the Cove after work today. > Winds are allegedly 20 mph from the N. > Feel free to join us. > > Stan Walens > swalens AT ... > San Diego > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday From: "Walens, Stanley" <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:06:53 -0700 Jay and I are going to go back to the Cove after work today. Winds are allegedly 20 mph from the N. Feel free to join us. Stan Walens swalens AT alcatraz.edu San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: more from La Jolla Cove From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:57 -0400 SDBirds: I spent a little over three hours at La Jolla Cove from dawn until 10AM (Weds). The north wind picked up and shifted to the northwest as the time went on. I was "off to the side" with Barbara, Guy, Matt, and Pete--trying to stay a bit more sheltered than the die-hards sitting on Stan's Bench. Our highlights were: many flocks of assorted waterfowl heading south, with G-w Teal being by far the most numerous, and numbers of puddle ducks regularly mixing with the Surf Scoters 1 Greater Scaup (arrival) 1 White-winged Scoter (arrival) ca. 20 Pacific and 2 Common Loons 1 Northern Fulmar several hundred Black-vented Shearwaters ca. 15 Bonaparte's Gulls (arrivals) 2 Pomarine, 1 Parasitic, and 3 jaeger sp. 9 Common Murres 2 Rhinoceros Auklets --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting Subject: La Jolla Cove on this balmy morning From: Stan Walens <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:52:54 -0700 More birders than birds at the Cove this morning. Wind was 10-15K but from the NE, not the NW as the weatherman promised. Sea was choppy and roiling. Light was perfect. Most of the birds were at Lehman Distance, but luckily Paul was there and could I.D. them for us. 4-5 jaegers 9 common murres 1 ancient murrelet, in sight for about 10 seconds before disappearing into a trough never to be seen again 1 rhinoceros auklet 1 white-winged scoter 1 nothern fulmar maybe 200 black-vented shearwaters, nearly all at LD. a couple clumps of loons some other usual stuff; nothing special Stan Walens San Diego swalens AT ucsd.edu Subject: Tom at the Drip From: "thunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:58:29 -0000 Hey, that's Tom Blackman and David Kimball at the drip at Cabrillo on Channel 8 news! http://tinyurl.com/yzxy466 The Oceanside Christmas Bird Count needs you! Please visit: http://www.socalbirding.com/christmasbirdcount/2009cbc.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas The Oceanside Christmas Bird Count needs you! Please visit: http://www.socalbirding.com/christmasbirdcount/2009cbc.html Subject: Re: Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB - Black-legged Kittiwake. From: "bjinsd" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:44:19 -0000 I received an email from Joe Morlan that suggest I might have found a Kittiwake. I quick look in my fieldguide ruled that because it show the bird should have a yellow bill. Upon going home I looked in "Gulls of the Americas." Image 8.15 on page 78 is exactly what I saw - a first-cycle Black-legged Kittiwake. Thanks Joe for the suggestion as I would not have thought to think of a Kittiwake. The book states that usually November is the time of year they show here so this may be a bit on the early side. It continues that during storms or strong winds they can be found even slightly inland and seem to favor beaches or rivermouths. BJ Stacey Santee --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "bjinsd" wrote: > > > I went to Torrey Pines Beach this afternoon for lunch and came across a > gull that has me perplexed. I saw the gull in question 4 times over a > span of 30-40 minutes. It was seen flying with some Westerns (size made > it pop out to me first). I was flying up and down the beach crossing > the channel to the marsh. I did not see it feeding nor resting, always > flying. > > I didn't have my camera with me (I know, it actually happens during the > work week) so there are no photos at this time of the bird. Other gulls > along the beach north of the park entrance and south of the marsh > channel were Westerns, Californias, Heermann's and 2 Ring-billed. > > > > Below are the notes that I made of the odd gull: > > > > * Smaller than Western, maybe Heermann's size. Did not have > direct comparison to Heermann's but I would think probably a bit > smaller, definitely not larger. > * Gray wings, lighter than an adult Western. > * Black wing tips. > * Dark bill. Lighting did not allow me to tell if black or dark > brown. > * Crescent shaped black mark on back of head, almost like the letter > "C." It was not an ear patch, but larger in size. > > > > I made a few phone calls and Jay Keller arrived but we had not refound > the bird before I had to leave for the office about 1:45. If he refinds > it he said he would post. > > It did not strike me as a winter Laughing, but other than that I don't > know which hooded (taking a guess here) gull it would be. > > > > BJ Stacey > Santee > bjinsd AT ... > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Swainson's Hawks From: "paul jorgensen" <jorgy AT cableusa.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:34:39 -0700 This morning, October 27, at 0930, 8 SWAINSON'S HAWKS departed the Date Farm in Borrego Valley, headed SE. One showed pale plumage on the face and back, characteristic of a juvenile. Paul Jorgensen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Swainson's Hawks From: "paul jorgensen" <jorgy AT cableusa.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:34:39 -0700 This morning, October 27, at 0930, 8 SWAINSON'S HAWKS departed the Date Farm in Borrego Valley, headed SE. One showed pale plumage on the face and back, characteristic of a juvenile. Paul Jorgensen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: late Black-chinned Hummingbird From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:07:31 -0400 SDBirds: A neighbor of ours here in the Tierrasanta neighborhood of San Diego has several hummer feeders with swarms of Anna's, three Costa's, at least one Selasphorus sp., and a very late BLACK-CHINNED. This species is normally gone by early October. Just so you don't hope that this bird might be a Ruby-throated, it has a distinctly broad, curved, club-shaped outer primary (and is relatively dull and a bit worn-looking overall), so that takes care of that... --Paul Lehman -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting Subject: A Frabjous Afternoon at La Jolla Cove From: Stan Walens <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:47:02 -0700 I have only microseconds before I have to leave for a concert of the Bach solo violin sonatas and partitas, so there's no time for sesquipedalian words, and besides I'm not feeling all that contumacious right now, anyway. Went to the Cove after work at 3:00. Strong SW winds. Within the first minute I'd gotten there, I saw 5 jaegers and 300+ black-vented shearwaters. Birds were streaming by constantly from 3:00-5:00. At 3:30 a Brown Booby [adult female] flew by less than 100 yards offshore. Jay Keller arrived fortuitously moments later and he was able to pick it up briefly as it flew out to sea. Highights: 2300+ black-vented shearwaters 1 northern fulmar 1 sooty shearwater 2 Buller's shearwaters 9 pink-footed shearwaters 1 flesh-footed shearwater!!! 46 pomarine jaegers 46 parasitic jaegers [yes, exactly the same number of each] 1 ancient murrelet 1 rhinoceros auklet 200 surf scoters 1 white-winged scoter 1 greater scaup plenty of green-winged teal, and some pintails and shovelers 40 common loons 65 Pacific loons lots of gulls streaming past, including FOS herring gull, a mew gull, and one large gull with a completely hooded head; I have no idea what it was, or if it was just oiled; it was one weird animal. Winds are supposed to remain strong through the night [if we can trust the weather report], so I'll be there at first light tomorrow-- bundled up, because it will be quite chilly. Stan Walens San Diego swalens AT ucsd.edu [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:14 -0400 (EDT) Unfortunately I did not find the bird, but the winds have really kicked up and seabird watching frm La Jolla is probably excellent right now. I will be thinking of that during my conference call in a few. :-( Jay Keller, San Diego -----Original Message----- >From: bjinsd >Sent: Oct 27, 2009 4:50 PM >To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com >Subject: [SDBIRDS] Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB > > >I went to Torrey Pines Beach this afternoon for lunch and came across a >gull that has me perplexed. I saw the gull in question 4 times over a >span of 30-40 minutes. It was seen flying with some Westerns (size made >it pop out to me first). I was flying up and down the beach crossing >the channel to the marsh. I did not see it feeding nor resting, always >flying. > >I didn't have my camera with me (I know, it actually happens during the >work week) so there are no photos at this time of the bird. Other gulls >along the beach north of the park entrance and south of the marsh >channel were Westerns, Californias, Heermann's and 2 Ring-billed. > > > >Below are the notes that I made of the odd gull: > > > > * Smaller than Western, maybe Heermann's size. Did not have >direct comparison to Heermann's but I would think probably a bit >smaller, definitely not larger. > * Gray wings, lighter than an adult Western. > * Black wing tips. > * Dark bill. Lighting did not allow me to tell if black or dark >brown. > * Crescent shaped black mark on back of head, almost like the letter >"C." It was not an ear patch, but larger in size. > > > >I made a few phone calls and Jay Keller arrived but we had not refound >the bird before I had to leave for the office about 1:45. If he refinds >it he said he would post. > >It did not strike me as a winter Laughing, but other than that I don't >know which hooded (taking a guess here) gull it would be. > > > >BJ Stacey >Santee >bjinsd AT yahoo.com > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB From: "bjinsd" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:50:18 -0000 I went to Torrey Pines Beach this afternoon for lunch and came across a gull that has me perplexed. I saw the gull in question 4 times over a span of 30-40 minutes. It was seen flying with some Westerns (size made it pop out to me first). I was flying up and down the beach crossing the channel to the marsh. I did not see it feeding nor resting, always flying. I didn't have my camera with me (I know, it actually happens during the work week) so there are no photos at this time of the bird. Other gulls along the beach north of the park entrance and south of the marsh channel were Westerns, Californias, Heermann's and 2 Ring-billed. Below are the notes that I made of the odd gull: * Smaller than Western, maybe Heermann's size. Did not have direct comparison to Heermann's but I would think probably a bit smaller, definitely not larger. * Gray wings, lighter than an adult Western. * Black wing tips. * Dark bill. Lighting did not allow me to tell if black or dark brown. * Crescent shaped black mark on back of head, almost like the letter "C." It was not an ear patch, but larger in size. I made a few phone calls and Jay Keller arrived but we had not refound the bird before I had to leave for the office about 1:45. If he refinds it he said he would post. It did not strike me as a winter Laughing, but other than that I don't know which hooded (taking a guess here) gull it would be. BJ Stacey Santee bjinsd AT yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Channel 8 News From: "thunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:01:14 -0000 Greetings, A little birdie just told me that the channel 8 news cameras were at the drip at Cabrillo National Monument this morning for nearly 3 hours and that there may be a big "spread" about birdies and the drip on the 5 p.m. news. W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. "Come on out with us to see what's out there." The Oceanside Christmas Bird Count needs you! http://www.socalbirding.com/christmasbirdcount/2009cbc.html Southern California Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands, Channel Islands to the Edge of the Continental Shelf Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoCalBirding Subject: La Jolla Cove this morning (Oct. 27) From: Sara Baase Mayers <baase AT cs.sdsu.edu> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:01:43 -0700 (PDT) With the National Weather Service's "promise" of wind from the south and west, Keith and I went to the cove and found a slight breeze. No unusual birds, but good activity. We arrived late, around 9AM, and stayed an hour and a half. All the birds listed below, except the grebes, were flying south. Surf Scoters, in groups of size 4 to 60, for a total of roughly 204 Loons, 24 in total, mostly Common I think Brant, 2 A few big flocks of ducks toward the horizon, too far for us to ID Grebes, 7 Horned or Eared in a tight group on the water, east, toward the coast. (We couldn't see them well enough to distinguish. Would Horned Grebes be in a group? Are Eared Grebes seen on the ocean?) Black-vented Shearwaters, small numbers, far out near the horizon ====================== Sara Mayers Point Loma, San Diego baase AT cs.sdsu.edu ====================== Subject: FRNC (PT Loma) Tuesday morning From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:26:41 -0400 SDBirds: Still not too many migrants out at Point Loma (FRNC) Tuesday AM, but near "the dip" on the west side there was a female-plumaged VARIED THRUSH, and the Dark-eyed Junco flock there contains one "GRAY-HEADED" X "PINK-SIDED" intergrade. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web LIVE – Free email based on Microsoft® Exchange technology - http://link.mail2web.com/LIVE Subject: video From: "doctoehold" <paulatheo AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:43:39 -0000 Video link posted for Zone Tailed hawk is bad. It sometimes takes awhile for youtube to process so try again later. Link to my channel also didn't work but search on doctoehold on youtube to find the videos. Paula Theobald Oceanside Subject: Zone-tailed hawk, WAP From: "doctoehold" <paulatheo AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:10:45 -0000 Zone-tailed hawk was seen today, Oct. 26 by Sandy Morrison and I at about 10 am near Condor Ridge and again at about 11 am from the cactus garden above Condor Ridge. Video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TciDBQ6pMM. Also see my "Searcher" video and other birds from around the county at http://www.youtube.com/doctoehold. Paula Theobald Oceanside Subject: Anyone interested in driving to Point Reyes tonight [long-toed stint] from San Diego? From: Stan Walens <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:09:42 -0700 I know it's late, but I was hoping to go to Pt Reyes for the long- toed stint, and am looking for passengers/co-drivers. Can leave anytime. Stan Walens San Diego swalens AT ucsd.edu Subject: RE: Re: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager & Tropical Kingbird From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <oreortyx AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:04:09 -0700 Thanks to B. J. for his photos. In the interest of shedding light and not belaboring identification issues, I feel compelled to say that of the seven Scarlet Tanagers I've seen locally in the last 21 years (no males in breeding plumage) and 30 Summer Tanagers (both admittedly not vast resources to draw on), this one has the palest wings of the Scarlets. Although last night two other birders besides me felt bill coloration (from photos) suggested Summer, better looks today confirmed the correct identification. I'm sure that some do but I would hope that all who expressed opinions below have much more experience with the two species than I do. The more detailed comments are most helpful. Geoff Geoffrey L. Rogers San Diego, CA oreortyx AT earthlink.net > [Original Message] > From: bjinsd > To: > Date: 10/25/2009 12:43:30 PM > Subject: [SDBIRDS] Re: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager & Tropical Kingbird > > Thank you to everyone who replied. Here are the replies that were sent > directly to me in regards to the Tanager. I've removed the names since > I'm posting their words without asking first. Seems most are leaning > towards Scarlet, just as one of my more knowledgeable friends originally > told me. > > > * Its an obvious Scarlet with black/dusky wings and short bill. Even > has the "tooth" on the cutting edge of the upper mandible that Summer > doesn't really show. > * The wings of that tanager look awfully dark to me…. > * Scarlet Tanager based on dark wings, short tail, gray underside of > tail (Summer has the ground color of the reast of the bird in the > undertail- yellow, orange or red, depending), short bill and eye ring. > * No doubt. Scarlet for sure. > Not only are the wings lacking yellow fringing, but the underside of the > tail is a nice dark gray with no yellow or orange. > I went back out this morning and was joined by Guy and a handful of > other birds. The bird in question was refound and immediately > indentified as a Scarlet by Guy. The bird was picking the small fruits > off a "fig" tree and flying back intot he taller tree by the monument > and and eating them. > > BJ Stacey > > > --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "bjinsd" wrote: > > > > > > Fort Rosecrantz this morning wasn't overly birdy, though some nice > > birds were there. Dave Povey and Gary Grantham and one other person > > who's name I've forgotten (sorry) pointed out two nice birds. One was > a > > Tropical Kingbird sitting out in the open on a wire. Also there was a > > mystery Tanager. When I left we were all comfortable calling it a > > Summer, but after looking at the photos and having some doubts I > > forwarded the photo to a few people. Some are considering it a > Scarlet. > > > > Photos can be seen here: > > > http://www.finatic-photography.com/SDB/10-23-09/Postings/10078599_Bhtzt/\ > \ > > 1/691477239_EBuKh > > > \ > > /1/691477239_EBuKh> > > > > Both birds were near the Bennington Monument. I'm very interested in > > input on the Tanager in question. > > > > > > BJ Stacey > > bjinsd AT ... > > Santee > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SDBIRDS/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SDBIRDS/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:SDBIRDS-digest AT yahoogroups.com mailto:SDBIRDS-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: SDBIRDS-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: County Notes, 10-25-09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:38:37 -0400 (EDT) SD-Birders, Today my family and I visited both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park - first time ever for that move. The Zoo was actualy rather un-birdy at 10 AM in the reptile area, so we left after only an hour. We then drove up toward the Wild Animal Park and before arriving there scoped the pond just west of the park entrance along San Pasqual Valley Rd and found two dowitchers, presumably Long-billed, working the fairly extensive edge it currently has. In the WAP itself, I excitedly found the ZONE-TAILED HAWK flying over the Heart of Africa area, which I later discovered that Kim Roth had already found! The park was quite birdy, with other interesting birds being 5 American White Pelicans overflying the HoA area, and a Common Moorhen and a hybrid Eurasian/American Wigeon at the Mombasa Lagoon. I don't think either of those are collection birds, but please correct me if so. Afterward along Old Milky Way, the dairy farm had a nice collection of blackbirds but nothing rare could be pulled out of the mix. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Zone-tailed Hawk at WAP, 10/25/09 From: "kimmyroth" <kimmyroth AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:01:02 -0000 At 1230 today, I observed an adult Zone-tailed flying around the vicinity of Condor Ridge at Wild Animal Park. I've been looking for this bird for a very long time, so this was very exciting for me. Also of note, Mike Grue and I birded Robb Field on Saturday afternoon, and spotted a FOS female Red-breasted Merganser amongst all of the regulars. Kim Roth Ocean Beach Subject: Re: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager & Tropical Kingbird From: "bjinsd" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:43:27 -0000 Thank you to everyone who replied. Here are the replies that were sent directly to me in regards to the Tanager. I've removed the names since I'm posting their words without asking first. Seems most are leaning towards Scarlet, just as one of my more knowledgeable friends originally told me. * Its an obvious Scarlet with black/dusky wings and short bill. Even has the "tooth" on the cutting edge of the upper mandible that Summer doesn't really show. * The wings of that tanager look awfully dark to me…. * Scarlet Tanager based on dark wings, short tail, gray underside of tail (Summer has the ground color of the reast of the bird in the undertail- yellow, orange or red, depending), short bill and eye ring. * No doubt. Scarlet for sure. Not only are the wings lacking yellow fringing, but the underside of the tail is a nice dark gray with no yellow or orange. I went back out this morning and was joined by Guy and a handful of other birds. The bird in question was refound and immediately indentified as a Scarlet by Guy. The bird was picking the small fruits off a "fig" tree and flying back intot he taller tree by the monument and and eating them. BJ Stacey --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "bjinsd" wrote: > > > Fort Rosecrantz this morning wasn't overly birdy, though some nice > birds were there. Dave Povey and Gary Grantham and one other person > who's name I've forgotten (sorry) pointed out two nice birds. One was a > Tropical Kingbird sitting out in the open on a wire. Also there was a > mystery Tanager. When I left we were all comfortable calling it a > Summer, but after looking at the photos and having some doubts I > forwarded the photo to a few people. Some are considering it a Scarlet. > > Photos can be seen here: > http://www.finatic-photography.com/SDB/10-23-09/Postings/10078599_Bhtzt/\ \ > 1/691477239_EBuKh > /1/691477239_EBuKh> > > Both birds were near the Bennington Monument. I'm very interested in > input on the Tanager in question. > > > BJ Stacey > bjinsd AT ... > Santee > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Loggerhead Shrike and Bald Eagle at Lake Henshaw From: "sacarterca60" <susan AT qinsight.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:22:37 -0000 On Saturday Oct 24 we saw a loggerhead shrike (possibly 2) at Lake Henshaw. We were out there to look for the bald eagle. The bald eagle was very effectively camouflaged in the branches of the tree under the nest. We only spotted it after we set up the scope. When we turned our scope 180 degrees from that site looking toward Lake Henshaw, we saw a bird perched on a tall weedy twig. It was about 100 yards away from us. It would leave the twig periodically and jump around on the ground before flying back to the twig. It was clearly a shrike, grey, with distinctive black eye bar and black wingbars. Would appreciate confirmation from someone more experienced, because I initially thought it was a Northern Shrike, based on the look of the bill. Also saw beautiful Coopers Hawk and American Kestrel. Subject: RE: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <oreortyx AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:23:36 -0700 Jimmy and all, We went through this same situation two years ago with a Scarlet and a Summer in these same trees and Paul L. sorted them out by photos later, so I should have known. I checked my notes from then (after I posted yesterday) and I have that both birds showed distressingly similar bills (to me) in size and color. However, the Summer showed some reddish wash to the vent and on the head while the Scarlet had a smaller, more rounded head, noticeably darker wings and colder yellow body color. Obvious as this all seems, it was not readily apparent in the field as the birds moved constantly and evaded detailed looks. Fortunately, Tom Blackman was there, took a lot of photos and we based our conclusions on them. As in that situation, the current bird did not vocalize. I agree, again with the help of photos on my computer screen, that it could be a Scarlet. In the field, the images in B. J.'s viewfinder were not as easy for me to make out. Geoff Geoffrey L. Rogers San Diego, CA oreortyx AT earthlink.net > [Original Message] > From: Jimmy McMorran > To: > Date: 10/24/2009 10:43:59 PM > Subject: RE: [SDBIRDS] Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager > > > To me that looks like a damn good bird! Why isn't that a scarlet? Those are some dark wings, etc. If i'm wrong, I'd love to be schooled. Nice images! > Jimmy McMorran > Cardiff, CA > > > > > To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com > From: bjinsd AT yahoo.com > Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:30:58 +0000 > Subject: [SDBIRDS] Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager & Tropical Kingbird > > > > > > > Fort Rosecrantz this morning wasn't overly birdy, though some nice > birds were there. Dave Povey and Gary Grantham and one other person > who's name I've forgotten (sorry) pointed out two nice birds. One was a > Tropical Kingbird sitting out in the open on a wire. Also there was a > mystery Tanager. When I left we were all comfortable calling it a > Summer, but after looking at the photos and having some doubts I > forwarded the photo to a few people. Some are considering it a Scarlet. > > Photos can be seen here: > http://www.finatic-photography.com/SDB/10-23-09/Postings/10078599_Bhtzt/\ > 1/691477239_EBuKh > /1/691477239_EBuKh> > > Both birds were near the Bennington Monument. I'm very interested in > input on the Tanager in question. > > BJ Stacey > bjinsd AT yahoo.com > Santee > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows 7: I wanted more reliable, now it's more reliable. Wow! > http://microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default-ga.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID2472 7::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:102009 > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > Subject: RE: Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager From: Jimmy McMorran <bigshell53 AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:33:53 -0500 To me that looks like a damn good bird! Why isn't that a scarlet? Those are some dark wings, etc. If i'm wrong, I'd love to be schooled. Nice images! Jimmy McMorran Cardiff, CA To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com From: bjinsd AT yahoo.com Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:30:58 +0000 Subject: [SDBIRDS] Fort Rosecranz Mystery Tanager & Tropical Kingbird Fort Rosecrantz this morning wasn't overly birdy, though some nice birds were there. Dave Povey and Gary Grantham and one other person who's name I've forgotten (sorry) pointed out two nice birds. One was a Tropical Kingbird sitting out in the open on a wire. Also there was a mystery Tanager. When I left we were all comfortable calling it a Summer, but after looking at the photos and having some doubts I forwarded the photo to a few people. Some are considering it a Scarlet. Photos can be seen here: http://www.finatic-photography.com/SDB/10-23-09/Postings/10078599_Bhtzt/\ 1/691477239_EBuKh Both birds were near the Bennington Monument. I'm very interested in input on the Tanager in question. BJ Stacey bjinsd AT yahoo.com Santee [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: I wanted more reliable, now it's more reliable. Wow! http://microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default-ga.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:102009 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]