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04 Jul Re: Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 [Joseph Morlan ] 4 Jul RE: Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 [Jay K ] 4 Jul Skimmers [] 4 Jul RE: Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 ["Guy" ] 03 Jul San Diego Riv and slough ["Jim Pea" ] 3 Jul One more report from IB [phil ] 03 Jul TRV 7-3-09 ["Eric" ] 3 Jul Bishop arrives at TheDrip ["TA Blackman" ] 3 Jul Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 [Jay K ] 3 Jul New ideas for local birding ["Doug Aguillard" ] 2 Jul RE: Tree Swallow fledglings at Dairy Mart Pond (6/29) ["Philip Unitt" ] 03 Jul So... perhaps it wasn't an Ashy... and... announcing NED ["Terry Hunefeld" ] 2 Jul Northern Parula in Tijuana River Valley ["bewickwren" ] 03 Jul Brown Booby ["davpovey" ] 2 Jul Tree Swallow fledglings at Dairy Mart Pond (6/29) [Justyn Stahl ] 02 Jul Fall migration continues ["ploverman3" ] 2 Jul Month Listing [Brennan Mulrooney ] 1 Jul Sorrento Valley Rd, 7/1/09 [Jay K ] 01 Jul Drip 7/1/09 ["joeworley2001" ] 1 Jul RE: CATHARUS THRUSH AT DRIP ["bewickwren" ] 01 Jul CATHARUS THRUSH AT DRIP ["joeworley2001" ] 30 Jun Palomar Mountain highlights ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 30 Jun Reddish Egret ["Peter Ginsburg" ] 29 Jun New Images ["Doug Aguillard" ] 29 Jun North County Notes [Kenneth Weaver ] 28 Jun Ramona Greater Roadrunners ["boryul" ] 28 Jun SD River and Famosa Slough ["Jim Pea" ] 28 Jun TRV birds, 6-28-09 [Jay K ] 28 Jun Yellow-crowned Night-heron ["marjorie hastings" ] 28 Jun Laguna and Palomar Owling ["Bill Thompson" ] 27 Jun Re: Ashy Storm-Petrel new link [Joseph Morlan ] 28 Jun OB street fair birding ["xenozoon7" ] 27 Jun Ramona Common Gallinules (Moorhen) ["boryul" ] 27 Jun Re: No Chairs at Drip Is Hard on Some of Us ["Andrew Mauro" ] 26 Jun Borrego Springs June 24 ["D Weber" ] 27 Jun New file uploaded to SDBIRDS [] 26 Jun No Chairs at Drip Is Hard on Some of Us [] 26 Jun fall landbird migration, and miscellaneous ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 26 Jun Black Tern not seen this morning ["Peter Ginsburg" ] 25 Jun black tern at Batiquitos Lagoon ["Elizabeth Copper" ] 25 Jun Reddish Egret ["Matt Sadowski" ] 25 Jun Altamira Oriole ["enoluvr" ] 25 Jun RE: Altamira Oriole ["Doug Aguillard" ] 25 Jun Altamira Oriole [] 24 Jun Canada Geese breeding in county!! [Jack Daynes ] 24 Jun Bad news for Jay, Paul, and Barbara: PIGU [Stan Walens ] 23 Jun Fwd: Black & White Warbler--Poway Report from 9/23/09 [Michael Evans ] 23 Jun more on tagged Golden Eagles [] 22 Jun Re: The New Drip [John Top ] 22 Jun The New Drip ["TA Blackman" ] 22 Jun Re: Canyon Wrens in Sentenac Canyon ["dorman92093" ] 22 Jun Canyon Wrens in Sentenac Canyon ["dorman92093" ] 21 Jun Request for Borrego BC Flycatcher and LeContes Info ["D Weber" ] 21 Jun Lawrence's GF ["paul jorgensen" ] 21 Jun White-crowned Sparrow, WAP, 6/21/09 ["Kim" ] 21 Jun Lake Hodges Northern Shoveler ["Drew Pallette" ] 21 Jun SAN DIEGO FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS - Meeting -- TUESDAY - June 23rd @ 7 ["Jeanie Anderson" ] 21 Jun Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak (06/21/09) in Mission Hills - new yard bird! [Justyn Stahl ] 21 Jun Rose-breasted Grosbeak (06/21/09) in Mission Hills - new yard bird! ["Eitan Altman" ] 21 Jun Elegant Terns [Lisa Lister ] 21 Jun Nutmeg Mannikins ["f wong" ] 21 Jun Summering Lesser Scaup ["tom meixner" ] 20 Jun Heermann's Gull at Santee Lakes ["jeremiah_stock" ] 20 Jun altamira oriole [] 20 Jun Plaza Bonita crow roost ["garybirder" ] 20 Jun Ovenbird @ Cabrillo [] 20 Jun Re: Merlin ["BJ Stacey" ] 19 Jun Reddish Egret ["tom meixner" ] 19 Jun Pigeon Guillemot ["Peter Ginsburg" ] 19 Jun Cook's Petrels off Baja ["Terry Hunefeld" ] 19 Jun Merlin ["BJ Stacey" ] 18 Jun Birding at Tecolote Canyon [John Walters ] 18 Jun American Bittern at Dairy Mart Pond ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 18 Jun comment on coastal W. Bluebird breeding ["Claude Edwards" ] 18 Jun Coastal W. Bluebird breeding ["plabhart" ] 17 Jun Re: [NHBC] Hanna, S. D. ["Jean" ] Subject: Re: Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 From: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:38:57 -0700 On Sat, 4 Jul 2009 07:27:48 -0700, "Guy" wrote: >Those birds remaining through the summer are invariably in basic-plumage, or >partial alternate-plumage at best. The first of the fall migrants to arrive >are always in worn alternate-plumage. This is an important point. However, the terminology involving molt and plumage may need some clarification. These summering shorebirds are in a plumage which is basic-like, but they are not actually in basic plumage. Basic plumage, by definition is a plumage acquired by a complete molt of all feathers producing a plumage in which all feathers are of the same generation. What is often referred to as "first basic" plumage in these shorebirds (the first winter plumage acquired by a partial molt after juvenal plumage) is not homologous to subsequent basic plumages. It is usually called "formative plumage." Likewise, the basic-like plumage of large shorebirds in their first summer is acquired by another partial molt in the spring. The juvenal flight feathers are retained. Only body feathers are replaced. In this case, the formative body feathers are replaced by new feathers which look just like the old ones. This basic-like summer plumage is homologous to future alternate plumages. It is acquired by the partial first pre-alternate molt and the plumage is usually called first-alternate. I'm probably being overly pedantic, but for those interested I recommend Chapter 13 in Sibley's "Birding Basics." Many of the active young birders I meet today are obsessed with the fine points of molt and molt terminology. I've been forced into learning more about it so I can understand what they are talking about. -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA jmorlan (at) ccsf.edu SF Birding Classes start Sept. 15 http://fog.ccsf.edu/~jmorlan/ California Bird Records Committee http://www.californiabirds.org/ Western Field Ornithologists http://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/ Subject: RE: Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 12:01:38 -0400 (EDT) Guy and All, Guy makes a great point regarding reporting the plumages of shorebirds during migration, and my accidental suggestion that my list of birds were all new arrivals was a result of haste rather than intent. I'll be more careful in the future. Regarding the species I noted, below is some information on each species across all locations: Black-bellied Plover - all basic-plumaged Snowy Plover - local breeder Semipalmated Plover - presumably a fall migrant Killdeer - local breeder Black-necked Stilt - I recall 2 adults with 2 grown chicks at J Street American Avocet - local breeder Greater Yellowlegs - alternate plumage Willet - 123 birds, most in alternate plumage Whimbrel - 3 birds, presumably migrants Long-billed Curlew - 15 birds, most too distant to age, most prob migrants? Marbled Godwit - 80 birds, many in alternate plumage (tho did not keep spec notes with this sp) Least Sandpiper - 6 in alternate plumage Short-billed Dowitcher - 22 birds, a few in alternate plumage Jay Keller, SD, CA -----Original Message----- >From: Guy >Sent: Jul 4, 2009 10:27 AM >To: 'Jay K' , 'SDBIRDS' >Subject: RE: [SDBIRDS] Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 > > > >When reporting shorebirds at this time of the year it is informative to >include the plumage - worn alternate-plumage vs. basic-plumage (breeding >plumage vs. winter > >plumage). Individuals, probably all first-summer birds (one year old birds), >of the larger species (Short-billed Dowitcher and Black-bellied Plover and >larger) regularly > >remain on San Diego Bay through the summer, where as the smaller species >(e.g. Western Sandpiper and Semipalmated Plover) are quite rare in summer >(June). > >Those birds remaining through the summer are invariably in basic-plumage, or >partial alternate-plumage at best. The first of the fall migrants to arrive >are always in > >worn alternate-plumage. > > > >Yes, fall migrant shorebirds are arriving, but it is of interest to try to >differentiate between those that summered locally and those that are >recently arrived fall > >migrants. > > > >While birding at the Salton Sea yesterday I saw: > > > >Black-bellied Plover - 30, all in basic-plumage so presumed to have summered >locally. > >Snowy Plover - 25 (this species breeds locally). > >Killdeer - 30 (this species breeds locally). > >Black-necked Stilt - 3500 (although this species breeds locally, the sheer >number indicates many have arrived from elsewhere). > >American Avocet - 3000 (although this species breeds locally, the sheer >number indicates many have arrived from elsewhere). > >Greater Yellowlegs - 10, all in alternate-plumage. > >Willet - 75, many in alternate-plumage so recently arrived fall migrants, >but a few in basic-plumage presumed to have summered locally. > >Lesser Yellowlegs - 3, all in alternate-plumage. > >Whimbrel - 20, most, if not all, recently arrived fall migrants. > >Long-billed Curlew - 350, most recently arrived fall migrants. > >Marbled Godwit - 100, a few in alternate-plumage so recently arrived fall >migrants, but the majority were birds known present through the summer. > >Western Sandpiper - 2500, all in worn alternate-plumage. > >Least Sandpiper - 150, all in worm alternate-plumage. > >Short-billed Dowitcher - One in worn alternate-plumage. > >Dowitcher sp. - 20, all in worn alternate-plumage, but too distant to >determine species. > >Wilson's Phalarope - 1000, all in alternate-plumage with most being brightly >colored females. > > > >Guy McCaskie > >954 Grove Avenue >Imperial Beach, CA 91932 > > _____ > >From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of >Jay K >Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 11:51 AM >To: SDBIRDS >Subject: [SDBIRDS] Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 > > > > > > > > >SD-Birders, > >I visited several spots with an emphasis on shorebirds this morning, >including (in order) J Street Marina, 7th Street, Tijuana River mouth, Dairy >Mart Pond, Robb Field, and Crown Point. > >Non-shorebird highlights included 2 BRANT, a GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and an >adult REDDISH EGRET at J Street, and 3 more BRANT at the Tijuana River. > >The shorebirds are starting to arrive, with the list and some details below: > >Black-bellied Plover >Snowy Plover >Semipalmated Plover (1 AT Robb Field) >Killdeer >Black-necked Stilt >American Avocet >Greater Yellowlegs (1 AT Robb Field) >Willet >Whimbrel >Long-billed Curlew >Marbled Godwit >Least Sandpiper (6 AT Robb Field) >Short-billed Dowitcher > >Jay Keller, >San Diego > > > Subject: Skimmers From: zostropz AT aol.com Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 01:51:43 EDT Nothing real special except the sight itself but tonight down at San Diego bay, I saw two Skimmers working the water side by side, repeatedly, and I have to tell you, I stopped everything to watch them. Although I have seen Skimmers for years, sometimes 2 or 3 working an area, I have never seen 2 of them, side by side, working an area of water repeatedly, again, side by side. It was great to watch. Mark Stratton San Diego zostropz AT aol.com **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 From: "Guy" <guymcc AT pacbell.net> Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 07:27:48 -0700 When reporting shorebirds at this time of the year it is informative to include the plumage - worn alternate-plumage vs. basic-plumage (breeding plumage vs. winter plumage). Individuals, probably all first-summer birds (one year old birds), of the larger species (Short-billed Dowitcher and Black-bellied Plover and larger) regularly remain on San Diego Bay through the summer, where as the smaller species (e.g. Western Sandpiper and Semipalmated Plover) are quite rare in summer (June). Those birds remaining through the summer are invariably in basic-plumage, or partial alternate-plumage at best. The first of the fall migrants to arrive are always in worn alternate-plumage. Yes, fall migrant shorebirds are arriving, but it is of interest to try to differentiate between those that summered locally and those that are recently arrived fall migrants. While birding at the Salton Sea yesterday I saw: Black-bellied Plover - 30, all in basic-plumage so presumed to have summered locally. Snowy Plover - 25 (this species breeds locally). Killdeer - 30 (this species breeds locally). Black-necked Stilt - 3500 (although this species breeds locally, the sheer number indicates many have arrived from elsewhere). American Avocet - 3000 (although this species breeds locally, the sheer number indicates many have arrived from elsewhere). Greater Yellowlegs - 10, all in alternate-plumage. Willet - 75, many in alternate-plumage so recently arrived fall migrants, but a few in basic-plumage presumed to have summered locally. Lesser Yellowlegs - 3, all in alternate-plumage. Whimbrel - 20, most, if not all, recently arrived fall migrants. Long-billed Curlew - 350, most recently arrived fall migrants. Marbled Godwit - 100, a few in alternate-plumage so recently arrived fall migrants, but the majority were birds known present through the summer. Western Sandpiper - 2500, all in worn alternate-plumage. Least Sandpiper - 150, all in worm alternate-plumage. Short-billed Dowitcher - One in worn alternate-plumage. Dowitcher sp. - 20, all in worn alternate-plumage, but too distant to determine species. Wilson's Phalarope - 1000, all in alternate-plumage with most being brightly colored females. Guy McCaskie 954 Grove Avenue Imperial Beach, CA 91932 _____ From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jay K Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 11:51 AM To: SDBIRDS Subject: [SDBIRDS] Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 SD-Birders, I visited several spots with an emphasis on shorebirds this morning, including (in order) J Street Marina, 7th Street, Tijuana River mouth, Dairy Mart Pond, Robb Field, and Crown Point. Non-shorebird highlights included 2 BRANT, a GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and an adult REDDISH EGRET at J Street, and 3 more BRANT at the Tijuana River. The shorebirds are starting to arrive, with the list and some details below: Black-bellied Plover Snowy Plover Semipalmated Plover (1 AT Robb Field) Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Greater Yellowlegs (1 AT Robb Field) Willet Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew Marbled Godwit Least Sandpiper (6 AT Robb Field) Short-billed Dowitcher Jay Keller, San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: San Diego Riv and slough From: "Jim Pea" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:13:12 -0000 57 willet on the river, a new clutch of mallard and gadwall, 7 least tern, and the normals. Slough had the (probably) yellow-crowned night heron flying over I-8 to the river from the circular apartment building, older and very new Forster tern chicks, the white pelican and the usuals. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: One more report from IB From: phil <PhilPinSD AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:17:14 -0700 Here's a third report for this morning (July 3rd) from the TJ Estuary Visitor Ctr, and 7th St.: The trail into the marsh from the TJ Est. Vis. Ctr. produced a foraging Yellow-crowned Night Heron in the channel west of the footbridge, a juvenile Say's Phoebe w/buff wing bars (also an adult), a Cassin's Kingbird, a fly-over Skimmer, and a perched and singing male Blue Grosbeak. No rails; one fly-over Willet. Nothing out of the ordinary at the 7th St. pond. Lots of Gull-billed Terns at the 8th St. pond (and several Stilts) in with all the Forsters and Elegants. One Eur. Collared-dove on the wires on 7th St. a couple of blocks south of the Bay. Phil Pryde San Diego Subject: TRV 7-3-09 From: "Eric" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:37:12 -0000 Dairy Mart Pond was active with many common species this morning. Brand new cootlets, moorhen chicks, and ruddy ducklings were seen. Green heron yellow warbler Bell's vireo black-headed grosbeak The Bird & Butterfly Garden was loaded with butterflies, especially western tigers, but not too much else. There was one female type selasphorus and one male black-chinned as well as Anna's hummers. http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights Subject: Bishop arrives at TheDrip From: "TA Blackman" <obeach AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 12:52:16 -0700 This AM (10:30) with Diane Johnson, Leroy Dorman we witnessed that TheDrip is a true bird magnet as evidenced by the appearance of a Northern Red Bishop. The arrival of this African species shows that the WDM* does in fact have a far reaching effect to attract birds. http://obeach.smugmug.com/photos/581064297_vkCx5-L.jpg Tom Blackman obeach AT cox.net *Water Drip Machine Subject: Coastal South Co Birds, 7/3/09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:51:09 -0400 (EDT) SD-Birders, I visited several spots with an emphasis on shorebirds this morning, including (in order) J Street Marina, 7th Street, Tijuana River mouth, Dairy Mart Pond, Robb Field, and Crown Point. Non-shorebird highlights included 2 BRANT, a GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and an adult REDDISH EGRET at J Street, and 3 more BRANT at the Tijuana River. The shorebirds are starting to arrive, with the list and some details below: Black-bellied Plover Snowy Plover Semipalmated Plover (1 AT Robb Field) Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Greater Yellowlegs (1 AT Robb Field) Willet Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew Marbled Godwit Least Sandpiper (6 AT Robb Field) Short-billed Dowitcher Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: New ideas for local birding From: "Doug Aguillard" <doug AT basiclink.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 10:12:44 -0700 Breendan Mulrooney expressed an idea the other day of Monthly listing as a change of pace for birding in San Diego County, and I remembered a few people use to keep monthly list a while back. I had another idea which would not only increase our knowledge of the County birding (maybe even pull in a new County bird), but it might even be fun. There is approximately 65 miles of coastline in San Diego County. What if we had a monthly "Sea Watch" day? Teams from "Border Field State Park" up to "San Onofre State Park", sitting on any high ground, counting anything seen out on the ocean. Just a thought! Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA Black Water Photography www.blackwaterphoto.com doug AT basiclink.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Tree Swallow fledglings at Dairy Mart Pond (6/29) From: "Philip Unitt" <unitt AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 19:56:55 -0700 Dear Justyn, The breeding range of the Tree Swallow has spread south conspicuously over the last 30+ years. From the species' current abundance around Old Mission Dam/Kumeyaay Lake you would have no idea they were absent there in the 1970s. The Tijuana River valley represents a new site of the Tree Swallow's pioneering south since our work for the atlas 1997-2002. Next stop: a first nesting record for Mexico! Best wishes, Phil _____ From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Justyn Stahl Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 9:21 AM To: SDbirds Subject: [SDBIRDS] Tree Swallow fledglings at Dairy Mart Pond (6/29) On Monday, 6/29, Shawn Sullivan and I saw a pair of Tree Swallows at Dairy Mart Pond with two apparently dependent young, gapes still visible. Although the juveniles were capable of flight, I don't see why they wouldn't have been born in the immediate area. I notice the SD Bird Atlas lists them as "presumed migrants only" at this location. Thoughts? Additionally on 6/29, there was a Reddish Egret near the mouth of the Tijuana River (near the large pelican/cormorant/gull roost behind the Least Tern/Snowy Plover area). And speaking of Snowy Plovers, the string intended to keep the public out of this area is in really bad shape. There were a few obvious trails into the breeding area, and I fixed the fence as best I could, but someone should really repair it. Best, Justyn Stahl San Clemente Island, CA (no migrants at all out here lately) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: So... perhaps it wasn't an Ashy... and... announcing NED From: "Terry Hunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:13:29 -0000 Greetings In mid-June, I posted a report and photo of what I thought was an Ashy Strom-Petrel in the San Diego harbor mouth. At the time, we thought it to be an Ashy Storm-Petrel, but this is not a species expected near shore and examination of Tom Blackman's photos (color, bill size and shape) coupled with the extreme unlikelihood of finding an Ashy instead of a Black Storm-Petrel in the harbor, has led some authorities to lean towards Black Storm-Petrel and that's where we will leave it. Let the record show that we saw a "spsp" (storm-petrel species). http://www.socalbirding.com/tripreports/sandiegjune162009.html On another note, Ned Brinkley will join Todd McGrath as the Senior Leaders on Searcher this September on the live-aboard's long-range SoCal deep water pelagic trip from San Diego to the Channel Islands and the edge of the Continental Shelf. They will be accompanied by grizzled 40 year pelagic veteran Dave Povey (only human to have seen Cory's Shearwater in San Diego county) and assisted by "Life is short, seabird often" pelagic enthusiast Terry Hunefeld. Ned is the author of the "National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America" and editor of North American Birds, the American Birding Association's quarterly journal of ornithological record. He has authored over 100 articles on the distribution and identification of birds between 1981 and 2009. Ned is an avid pelagic birder who has guided scores of days into Gulf Stream waters as a senior leader for Brian Patteson and five other pelagic birding companies. He recorded the first verifiable sight record of a Bermuda Petrel at sea in July 1993. Todd McGrath is... well... Todd McGrath. http://www.socalbirding.com/leaders/toddmcgrath.html There are four spaces remaining on the nearly-sold-out September trip. What will we see & registration details: http://socalbirding.com/searcherexpeditions.html More about Ned: http://socalbirding.com/leaders/nedbrinkley.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. In memory of Luke Cole. "Come on out with us to see what's out there." www.SoCalBirding.com Southern California Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands, Channel Islands to the Edge of the Continental Shelf Subject: Northern Parula in Tijuana River Valley From: "bewickwren" <bewickwren AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 16:59:14 -0700 SDBirders, Today (2 July) at our MAPS Station banding session we caught and released a female Northern Parula. She did not have a brood patch. Details on this location are below. I have put a photo of the parula in the warblers folder. I also put a picture of last month's Red-eyed Vireo in the vireo folder. The vireo photo was taken by Steve Myers. John Green Riverside, CA -----Original Message----- Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 6:43 PM Subject: [SDBIRDS] Red-eyed Vireo in Tijuana River Valley SDBirders, While conducting a MAPS Station banding today (1 June), we (Steve and Vesta Myers, Jennifer and Michelle Tobin, Chris, and myself) caught, banded, and released a Red-eyed Vireo. The MAPS Station is on publicly accessible lands of the NOLF (Naval Outlying Field) Imperial Beach (also managed by the National Wildlife Refuge). From the 5, take Coronado west to Saturn, Saturn south to Sunset, and Sunset west to the trailhead. The willow/riparian type lands to the south of this trail are where the bird was captured and released. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.49/2149 - Release Date: 06/01/09 17:55:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Brown Booby From: "davpovey" <dpovey AT nethere.com> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:21:12 -0000 I saw a adult Female Brown Booby diving with pelicans about 1 mile east of the the "Whistle" (last S.D.) Bouy, about 2p.m. this afternoon. Position 32d 36.44'N and 117d 13.44'W. I'd like to say I saw lots of other goodies...., but I did catch dinner! Dave Povey Dulzura Subject: Tree Swallow fledglings at Dairy Mart Pond (6/29) From: Justyn Stahl <justyn.stahl AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:21:06 -0700 On Monday, 6/29, Shawn Sullivan and I saw a pair of Tree Swallows at Dairy Mart Pond with two apparently dependent young, gapes still visible. Although the juveniles were capable of flight, I don't see why they wouldn't have been born in the immediate area. I notice the SD Bird Atlas lists them as "presumed migrants only" at this location. Thoughts? Additionally on 6/29, there was a Reddish Egret near the mouth of the Tijuana River (near the large pelican/cormorant/gull roost behind the Least Tern/Snowy Plover area). And speaking of Snowy Plovers, the string intended to keep the public out of this area is in really bad shape. There were a few obvious trails into the breeding area, and I fixed the fence as best I could, but someone should really repair it. Best, Justyn Stahl San Clemente Island, CA (no migrants at all out here lately) Subject: Fall migration continues From: "ploverman3" <dennis.parker AT sdcounty.ca.gov> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:44:39 -0000 To add to Paul's earlier post about fall migrant(s), now the shorebirds are coming. On July 1 I had a semipalmated plover just north of Imperial Beach, in an area where I haven't had any in a couple of weeks. Dennis Parker Tierrasanta Subject: Month Listing From: Brennan Mulrooney <frozentoze AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 01:43:38 -0400 Anybody getting bored with their county list yet? Is 400 in your rear view mirror and you're looking for a new challenge? How about month listing? I don't know if anybody in town is doing this, but it was rather popular with birders in Cape May when I lived there. I hadn't given it much thought until today when I realized that two of the species I saw on the Silver Strand today would be pretty darned good for a July list. First was an adult RED-THROATED LOON in alternate plumage and the second was a one-year-old GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. Three SURF SCOTERS were not quite as unusual as they summer in small numbers most years. A brief review of my records puts my county list for July at 168. I know that there are tons of holes in this list (e.g. no owls), I've just never given it any effort. I wonder how many species are in the county right now. I wonder if July or June would be the worst month for species diversity in the county. Only one way to find out! Brennan MulrooneySpring Valley, CA _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ 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: Sorrento Valley Rd, 7/1/09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:07:05 -0700 (GMT-07:00) SD-Birders, I checked the Sorrento Valley Rd pump station area this afternoon to see what might be lurking. Not much shorebird action yet, but the habitat looks excellent, especially north of the station. A single Greater Yellowlegs in still-strong breeding plumage was foraging along with two Killdeer. Also present was a single White-faced Ibis and the pair of Common Moorhens with two fist-sized chicks in tow, looking like tiny replicas of the adults with their teensy red bills. This would be a great photo-op for you photographers. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Drip 7/1/09 From: "joeworley2001" <joeworley AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:41:51 -0000 Swainson's Thrush seen yesterday, is still there. There was a House Finch (yellow variant) with an Al ring on the right leg. Joeworley AT cox.net Point Loma Subject: RE: CATHARUS THRUSH AT DRIP From: "bewickwren" <bewickwren AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:53:58 -0700 Joe and SDBirders, There has been at least one Swainson's Thrush singing in the Tijuana River Valley in recent weeks (their past presence there known according to the breeding bird atlas). Not too far south of Pt Loma. John Green Riverside, CA -----Original Message----- From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of joeworley2001 Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 9:37 AM To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] CATHARUS THRUSH AT DRIP Glimpsed what appeared to be a Swainson's Thrush at the Drip. What's it doing there at this time??? Joe Worley joeworley AT cox. net Point Loma Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.1/2212 - Release Date: 07/01/09 05:53:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: CATHARUS THRUSH AT DRIP From: "joeworley2001" <joeworley AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:36:35 -0000 Glimpsed what appeared to be a Swainson's Thrush at the Drip. What's it doing there at this time??? Joe Worley joeworley AT cox.net Point Loma Subject: Palomar Mountain highlights From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <oreortyx AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:18:24 -0700 Michelle Matson, Jim Wilson, and I just returned from owling on Palomar Mountain and camping at the state park. Last night's (29 June) highlights were Great Horned Owl (one calling near Nate Harrison Grade about 0.75 mile northwest from the park entrance station), Western Screech-Owl (one calling a few tenths of a mile closer to entrance station), Northern Saw-whet Owl (one gave a single "whine" call on Highway S6 [aka Canfield Road]), well south of Observatory Campground, just north of the 49.5 mile marker). Mid-morning today (30 June) we had Spotted Owl (two; one seen well and a second heard just southeast of the upper end of Doane Valley) and Red-breasted Sapsucker (two attending begging nestlings in a black oak on the Thunder Springs Trail). A non-bird highlight was a set of probable Ringtail tracks also along the Thunder Springs Trail. Last night we also tried for Spotted near the previous Great Horned location on Harrison Grade. Two Spotteds were seen there in 1994 but I haven't heard of any since. We tried Fry Creek Campground for Saw-whet and Spotted then checked for Flammulated on Highway S6 at the 50.5 mile marker, where one was reported by Bill Thompson "calling from across the valley in the distance." We tried about 10 more stops heading back south along S6 and then northwest on State Park Road (Highway S7). The only other detection was the Saw-whet mentioned above. Regarding the lack of responses, several things come into play. We had the same bright first quarter moon that Bill did (some think that this may inhibit small owl calling rates late in the nesting season) and being out late evening to past midnight, as we were, put us into a somewhat "dead zone" timewise, when responses can be generally lower. Both Flammulated and Saw-whet may also be preoccupied with nestling young and thus more secretive. We also tried for Great Horned at Bailey Meadow Road and had no response. Geoff Geoffrey L. Rogers San Diego, CA oreortyx AT earthlink.net Subject: Reddish Egret From: "Peter Ginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:59:27 -0000 I just got an phone call from Doug Aguillard reporting a Reddish Egret from the north side of Batiquitos Lagoon just west of I-5. Peter Subject: New Images From: "Doug Aguillard" <doug AT basiclink.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:45:10 -0700 Went to Borrego Springs this morning with warm temps, but overcast skies. I could see rain over the local mountains to the west. I found one of the Brown-crested Flycatchers flying around with a Western Kingbird, and a Black Phoebe near the entrance. I checked out the rest of the property, and found a few common Ground Doves, more Western Kingbirds, Verdins, a Great Blue Heron and Green Heron were at the lake. I could not find any LeConte's Thrashers at Old Springs Road and have failed to do so all year. I then headed over to Palm Canyon where I visited the Desert Pupfish Pond. A little confusion here. There was a school of little blue fish in the algae and honey bee filled pond. Here, there was a group of Black-throated Sparrows, Loggerhead Shrikes, and Cactus Wrens. So for our State Parks people on the list, what are those blue fish? On my way to and from the desert, I found way too many Wild Turkeys. 5 east of Ramona, 3 near Santa Ysabel, 2 adults, 7 young birds near the west shore of Lake Henshaw, 2 Toms on Mesa Grande. Here are some new images Brown-crested Flycatcher http://tinyurl.com/n2wg2b Violet-green Swallow http://tinyurl.com/n2ultd Black-throated Sparrow http://tinyurl.com/kuknm3 Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA Black Water Photography www.blackwaterphoto.com doug AT basiclink.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North County Notes From: Kenneth Weaver <gnatcatcher AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:40:27 -0700 (PDT) A few observations from North County from this past week or so:   Willet, six in alternate plumage at Oceanside Beach, 6/26.  I hadn't seen any at this location since April.  Fall migration does start early among the shorebirds.   Elegant Tern, two in breeding plumage at the mouth of the San Luis Rey River, 6/26.  Did this species nest near the Santa Margarita River this breeding season?   Eurasian Collared-Dove, two pairs regularly visit my backyard feeder in Fallbrook.  One individual is nearly pure white except for buff primaries, a few buff spots on the back, and, of course, the black collar.   Say's Phoebe, Mance Buchanon Park in Oceanside, 6/23.  Not unusual in winter, but certainly scarce in North County in the summer.   Barn Swallow, a pair feeding 3 just-out-of-the-nest fledglings, boat channel jetty, Oceanside, 6/26.   Mountain Chickadee, in my Fallbrook neighborhood, 6/21.  Occasional in winter, but definitely not in summer.   Ken Weaver Fallbrook gnatcatcher AT sbcglobal.net             [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Ramona Greater Roadrunners From: "boryul" <boryul AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:17:52 -0000 Having spent the past 4 years in Arizona, I normally don't have a second thought when I see a Roadrunner. But being back in San Diego County, I should pay closer attention to what is becoming an uncommon bird. Yesterday, Dan Langhoff and I saw two: one on Pamo Rd. (with a lizard in its mouth) and a second on the trail at Luelf Pond Preseve in Ramona. Michael Wienholt San Diego Subject: SD River and Famosa Slough From: "Jim Pea" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:02:10 -0000 The yellow-crowned night heron is the same individual that has been hanging around for about a month now. The Forster's tern chicks at the Slough were not seen today, but two of the black-necked stilt chicks were. Thanks to Mr BJ Stacey (nice lens d00d!) for pointing out the horned larks in the mud I saw that there were at least five fledglings in the ball fields being tended to by parents. If I had not seen the adults I would have had no idea what they were (situation normal). One Heerman's gull at the river and the white pelican at the slough. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: TRV birds, 6-28-09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:47:08 -0400 (EDT) SD-Birders, I visited the TRV for a couple of hours this morning and had some decent birds, though a small mechanical problem with my car prevented me from visiting coastal shorebird locations as planned. I made my second attempt at Geoff Rodgers' American Bittern from June 18 and arrived before sunrise, where one responded twice to vocalizations by calling. After it became light enough to see, I walked over to the pond edge and spooked a bird that was likely the Bittern which quickly flew behind some vegetation not to be seen again. Other birds here included a Green Heron, several adult and young Black-crowned Night-Herons, a Common Moorhen calling from what must be a small pond just south of the main pond, a couple of Bell's Vireos, and an escapee Northern Cardinal. Monument Road had another Cardinal near the feed company, and about 1/2 mile west of Hollister there was a female Phainopepla. The Bird & Butterfly Garden was active, with highlights being a Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird and a lone flyover Great-tailed Grackle. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Yellow-crowned Night-heron From: "marjorie hastings" <mhast27 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:08:09 -0700 Bicycle Birder called he had a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at the South West corner of the Sports Arena Bridge. Marjorie Hastings Spring Valley CA 619-464-7342 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Laguna and Palomar Owling From: "Bill Thompson" <yoshiker AT adelphia.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:56:16 -0000 Saturday night I did a tour of the known owl locations in the Lagunas and never got a response to any of the calls that I played. Possibly the hour (9-11PM) was too early, or the bright quarter moon was an inhibiting factor. Temperature was about 56 and skies were calm and clear. When I got to Palomar Mountain at about midnight the moon had set and it was a bit warmer - 66 degrees. At a turnout on the Observatory Road near mile marker 50.5 a probable Flammulated Owl was calling from across the valley in the distance. Near mile marker 49 at the 5000' sign a pair of Western Screech Owls responded to the tape and came in very close, one swooping right over me. Palomar Mountain State Park was quiet, but a pair of Great Honed Owls were considerately sitting on the wires at the junction of Bailey Meadow Road and the State Park Road. Bill Thompson Carlsbad Subject: Re: Ashy Storm-Petrel new link From: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:27:37 -0700 On Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:13:29 -0700, "TA Blackman" wrote: >Trent pointed out that the original link did not work, try this for the >image: > > >http://tinyurl.com/mc44kc After the SDFO meeting discussion, I checked the Beached Marine Bird and Mammal Guide which has some helpful diagrams of the bills of these storm-petrels. These are features normally only visible in the hand. Black Storm-Petrel has a relatively longer, thicker and more massive bill than other species. The nasal tube is thicker and the front of the tube is perpendicular to the bill. In Ashy Storm-Petrel the opening of the tube is angled back at about a 45 degree angle to the culmen. Leach's has the tube opening more perpendicular, but the tube itself is much thinner, not expanding near the tip as in the other two species. This fine photo shows the nasal tube expanding towards the front and the opening perpendicular to the culmen, consistent with Black Storm-Petrel and unlike the other two. -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA jmorlan (at) ccsf.edu SF Birding Classes start Sept. 15 http://fog.ccsf.edu/~jmorlan/ California Bird Records Committee http://www.californiabirds.org/ Western Field Ornithologists http://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/ Subject: OB street fair birding From: "xenozoon7" <xenozoon AT att.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:04:26 -0000 Had a bit of bird action at the Ocean Beach Street Fair this afternoon. As we walked among the tie-dyed mob along Abbot Street, all the gulls on the lifeguard building got up at once. I looked around to see what was bugging them, and there was a peregrine, just ripping up the beach from the north. She passed under and past the gull flock at high speed, pulled straight up and over, turned around and came back through the flock northbound, scattering the gulls again. The bird made a couple more such high-speed passes before pumping steadily away to the east. My wife and I were oohing and aahing and pointing.... Unfortunately the people around us, with no birding experience and only a few seconds notice, paid more attention to the bird-watchers than the bird. Only one guy seemed to actually notice that one of the birds swirling overhead was flying a lot faster than the local gulls usually do, and made the connection between us saying "Peregrine!" and this extremely fast bird. It was a pretty good show, right over the heads of a few thousand mostly oblivious people. John Martin Ocean Beach Subject: Ramona Common Gallinules (Moorhen) From: "boryul" <boryul AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:44:52 -0000 I don't see many reports of this species away from the coastal lagoons and river valleys, but I am recently returned from Arizona and out of the loop, so to speak, and so this may not be of particular note. This morning, Dan Langhoff and I saw two individuals at the Ramona Pond on Hwy. 78 east of Ramona and another pair on Luelf Pond Preserve in Ramona. Michael Wienholt Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego Subject: Re: No Chairs at Drip Is Hard on Some of Us From: "Andrew Mauro" <akamauro AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:02:08 -0700 Dear Birders, As part of the Cabrillo National Monument management plan, park staff has been attempting to restore native plant habitat throughout the park. This includes the area where the old Drip was located, and was one of the reasons originally cited for removing the old Drip. In our discussions with park staff over the possibility of installing a new water feature for birds at Cabrillo, one of their concerns was that a very visible bird attraction would draw the general public in large numbers and the habitat in that area would be overrun. Consequently, the new water feature, the designated observation area, and the various protocols that have been laid out for birders to follow are all designed to minimize any potential impact. Unfortunately for some of us with bad knees, it was felt that the use of portable chairs would cause undue public attention being drawn to the site, and would prove to be an intrusive presence in what is hoped to become a natural setting. The new Drip is perhaps best suited for frequent visits of relatively short duration by a number of individual observers, rather than a long stake out by a few intrepid souls. Perhaps as the Drip and the birding community proves itself over the coming months, more accommodations will be possible in the future. --Andy Mauro Encinitas ----- Original Message ----- From: KMitzner AT aol.com To: sdbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 2:11 PM Subject: [SDBIRDS] No Chairs at Drip Is Hard on Some of Us I'm 71 and, though not certified as handicapped, back and knee troubles make it difficult for me to stand unsupported for long periods. I was in somewhat better shape in the days of the old drip but still had to lean on the trees quite a bit. Not being able to bring a chair effectively means I can't bird the new drip. And there are probably lots of others with similar problems. Can something be done to ease the "No Chairs" rule?! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Borrego Springs June 24 From: "D Weber" <dwbirdster AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:21:42 -0700 Hi Birders- Thanks to all who provided me with directions to LeConte's Thrashers and Brown-crested Flycatchers. Results on June 24 were: one or more LeConte's Thrashers near the north end of Old Springs Rd, and a Brown-crested Flycatcher calling and flying around near the kiosk on the entrance road at the Roadrunner Club. Both sightings were early morning. At the state park visitor center, notable (to me) birds were a family of Black-throated Sparrows at the artificial pond and a Scott's Oriole. Dave Weber, Milpitas Subject: New file uploaded to SDBIRDS From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com Date: 27 Jun 2009 04:46:23 -0000 Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the SDBIRDS group. File : /San Diego Enhanced Booklet as of June 2009.pdf Uploaded by : aguillard2469 Description : San Diego County Checklist 06/2009 You can access this file at the URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SDBIRDS/files/San%20Diego%20Enhanced%20Booklet%20as%20of%20June%202009.pdf To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.htmlfiles Regards, aguillard2469 Subject: No Chairs at Drip Is Hard on Some of Us From: KMitzner AT aol.com Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:11:41 EDT I'm 71 and, though not certified as handicapped, back and knee troubles make it difficult for me to stand unsupported for long periods. I was in somewhat better shape in the days of the old drip but still had to lean on the trees quite a bit. Not being able to bring a chair effectively means I can't bird the new drip. And there are probably lots of others with similar problems. Can something be done to ease the "No Chairs" rule?! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: fall landbird migration, and miscellaneous From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:18:17 -0400 SDBirds: For me, fall landbird migration started yesterday evening, June 25, with the appearance of a southbound selasphorus (Rufous/Allen's) hummingbird at a neighbor's feeder where I live in Tierrasanta. This morning's--Friday's--seawatch at La Jolla was again slow, with just a worn, basic, summering-type Pacific Loon swimming around the rocks, and only 4 Sooty Shearwaters and 6 Black Storm-Petrels offshore. At the San Dieguito wetlands in Del Mar today there were 2 continuing American Wigeon, 84 Gadwall (including two family groups), 15 White-faced Ibis (including recently-fledged juveniles that were likely raised somewhere in or very close to the county), and an active White-tailed Kite nest (which seem to be few and far between in recent years). --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – What can On Demand Business Solutions do for you? http://link.mail2web.com/Business/SharePoint Subject: Black Tern not seen this morning From: "Peter Ginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:17:29 -0000 I looked at the tern colony this morning (Friday) and saw no Black Tern. A large percentage of the Least adults was foraging out to sea and perhaps it was with them. Peter Subject: black tern at Batiquitos Lagoon From: "Elizabeth Copper" <ecopper AT san.rr.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:16:44 -0700 Alexandra Copper reported seen a breeding-plumaged black tern today in the west basin of Batiquitos Lagoon. Elizabeth Copper Coronado [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Reddish Egret From: "Matt Sadowski" <matt.sadowski AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:24:49 -0700 Today (6/25) an (the?) adult Reddish Egret was at the Tijuana River mouth. On Monday (6/22) an adult Reddish Egret was at Delta Beach on San Diego Bay. Matt Sadowski Chula Vista, CA Subject: Altamira Oriole From: "enoluvr" <enoluvr AT ca.rr.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:15:56 -0000 My 2 cents worth: We all live with the philosophy that any bird could (not should) end up anywhere. There are lots of examples of this and that's why we have the RBA. However, the Altamira oriole's closest point of normal residency is the Rio Grande Valley in extreme South Texas at the Mexican border. I know, big deal. Also, it's non-migratory. Well this may decrease the chances, but not eliminate the possibility. Then there is the global warming debate and range spreading. I would be curious to know how many records there are of this bird north of its normal range. That would be an indication of normal range spreading. Not McAllen, TX to San Diego or Ojai. There are a couple of records from El Paso and San Antonio, but from over 50 years ago when numbers were most likely higher. Does not really sound like a wanderer to me. In conclusion, any sightings of this bird beyond South Texas without photos would be suspect at best in my opinion. Gary Edelman Santa Clarita, CA Subject: RE: Altamira Oriole From: "Doug Aguillard" <doug AT basiclink.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:38:13 -0700 Sidney, Well, I read the posting that you pointed to, and what point are you trying to make? The guy in the article clearly knew nothing about the local orioles in his area. Many people have believed that they have seen an Altamira in California, but they never have any photographs (image in article was from Google), nor have any experienced birders ever refound these birds. Of course things happen, but you have to look at the known facts. Altamira's barely make it into Southern Texas. Their native range is nowhere near California, and if one was to show up, it would clearly be an escapee from the Tijuana bird trade/markets. You are not the first one this year to report an Altamira, and after that person looked at my images of Altamira and Hooded, they agreed that they had seen a Hooded. Here are my images: Altamira Oriole http://tinyurl.com/lsz8n4 Hooded Oriole http://tinyurl.com/lj2grh Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA Black Water Photography www.blackwaterphoto.com doug AT basiclink.com -----Original Message----- From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of beewoo AT aol.com Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 9:51 AM To: SDBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] Altamira Oriole For all who doubt an Altamira Oriole can be seen in CA you might want to check out this website and read the comments: _www.ojaipost.com/2008/06/altamira-oriole.shtml_ (http://www.ojaipost.com/2008/06/altamira-oriole.shtml) Thank you Sidney Bagley La Jolla **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000006) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links Subject: Altamira Oriole From: beewoo AT aol.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:50:35 EDT For all who doubt an Altamira Oriole can be seen in CA you might want to check out this website and read the comments: _www.ojaipost.com/2008/06/altamira-oriole.shtml_ (http://www.ojaipost.com/2008/06/altamira-oriole.shtml) Thank you Sidney Bagley La Jolla **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000006) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Canada Geese breeding in county!! From: Jack Daynes <jc_daynes AT spamcop.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:58:46 -0700 Greetings, See if you don't agree. This morning I got images that convinced me that this was the case. (see link) -- Jack -- ================================= http://www.shadeTree-Imaging.com *See "PicSets" link for new stuff Jack Daynes Poway, California. N32° 57' W117° 4' ================================= Subject: Bad news for Jay, Paul, and Barbara: PIGU From: Stan Walens <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:34:35 -0700 I went to the Cove this morning to meet Jay Keller because he wrote to me that Paul and Barbara were going to be there, too, and I wanted a chance to see if I liked Paul's angled scope for seawatching, or was going to be one of those old annoying fuddy-duddies who are, as Robbie Fisher said at Joe Morlan's wonderful SDFO talk last night, hopelessly married to their straight scope. Well, Jay was there at 5:30, and I arrived at 6:00, and the ocean was d-e-a-d. He had to leave at 6:30 to do this thing called "work," a concept with which I am not familiar, for which he is paid in some mythical substance I've never seen called "money." It's all strange to me. In any case, things really began to pick up as soon as he left, and with 15 minutes I'd seen a whole 3, count 'em 3, sooty shearwaters, all at Lehman Distance. Could barely sit still for all the excitement. Then at 6:55, a small black potbellied bird with large white wing patches on its upper wings went whirring by over the outer edge of the kelp, headed north. It disappeared out of sight somewhere off Del Mar. Stan Walens San Diego swalens AT ucsd.ed u P.S.: 'Twas a pigeon guillemot, a mythical bird seen only by people who don't "work" and who have never seen any of that thing called "money" Subject: Fwd: Black & White Warbler--Poway Report from 9/23/09 From: Michael Evans <aves AT mac.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:36:24 -0700 Begin forwarded message: From: "Gloria Bond" Date: June 23, 2009 9:41:15 AM PDT To: "Michael Evans" Subject: Black & White Warbler Bird Sighted: Black & White Warbler, Female. Date and time of sighting: June 23, 2009, approx. 7:30 am. Seen by Allen and Gloria Bond, long-time ABA and Aububon members. Location of sighting: Old Poway Park, near Aubrey Street entrance. In grove of large old-growth trees. Seen foraging up and down trunks and large limbs of large California Pepper Trees. Very active. Had distinctive white stripe on top of head. It remained there for at least 20 minutes. Allen & Gloria Bond 858-487-2126 Michael U. Evans San Diego, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: more on tagged Golden Eagles From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:54:31 -0700 SDBirders: Keeping with my recent theme of making your bird observations count in more ways than one, and following up on the post regarding Golden Eagles with patagial tags, I have the following to relay from Dave Bittner of the Wildlife Research Institute : < and we will give them the feedback as we know it. >> As for reporting any field observation (regardless of the recipient), answering Who?, What?, Where?, When?, and How? will cover the basics. Good birding! And good "citizen science researching". 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 post by the USFWS Subject: Re: The New Drip From: John Top <jjtop AT fastmail.us> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:48:59 -0700 First, thanks for getting our drip open again. But, I have studied the regulations and don't see a dress code What are the uniform requirements? ;-} >RE: TheDrip > >It has been over 1.5 years since 'TheDrip" at Cabrillo National Monument >(CNM) was in operation. With the assistance of the CNM personnel a Bird >Monitoring Station (TheDrip) has been assembled and put in place at the >approximate location of the old Drip. It is of importance to note that >TheDrip is there on a trial basis through the fall migration. In December >an analysis of the impact and data acquired will be made with an anticipated >result of making the TheDrip a permanent part of the natural experience of >birding at CNM that we have all experienced over the years. > >Here is some information and protocols you should be aware of in birding The >Drip: > >ENTRANCE TO THE VIEWING AREA: As the mechanism as been moved slightly t >the East of the original position, you should approach from the East side >service road, Humphries Rd. (see Google map Link: >http://obeach.smugmug.com/photos/571000320_cvjJc-M.jpg >). Park in the usual >designated spots. Do not use the old entrance by the military exhibit. The >old entrance area is being replanted and the native plants would appreciate >not being stepped on. The new East entrance will give a very clear view of >The Drip and you will see an improvement with the light as it will be at >your back for the majority of the year. > >VIEWING AREA: Will be marked with several pavers, so stay in that area. No >chairs. > >DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING: TheDrip is for the enjoyment of the >public/birding community. We would endeavor to collect data for a interim >report to CNM in December. This data will be compared with other data >collected by various prior and continuing efforts at CNM. > >REPORTING OF SIGHTINGS: We ask that you send an email to >thedrip AT cox.net to >report the species, number of individuals, date, time, your name and >contact information. > >MAINTAINANCE OF TheDrip: We are looking for individuals to assist in >maintaining TheDrip. At this time it appears that this will be done on a >weekly basis. The plan is for an individual to take on the task one month, >performing the maintance each Friday. We will train you, but there is >nothing to it. > >THE SOLAR DRIP: Mel Hinton's clever devise runs on its own and needs no >priming. There are times in the morning during heavy overcast that the >solar pump may not be in operation. It will start up when enough sunlight >hits the collector. If you notice that the water is not flowing when the >solar collector is in full sun, please contact a member of TheDrip team. > >Please remember TheDrip is for the public and birding community. If you >have questions or comments call one of the TheDrip team. If you think >TheDrip has enhanced your CNM visit, please pass that on to the park >personnel. > >Regards, > >Tom Blackman (obeach AT cox.net), Mel Hinton >(melhinton AT sbcglobal.net), > >David Kimball (kimballd AT cox.net), Andy >Mauro (akamauro AT cox.net) -- John Top San Diego jjtop AT fastmail.us [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: The New Drip From: "TA Blackman" <obeach AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:39:28 -0700 RE: TheDrip It has been over 1.5 years since 'TheDrip" at Cabrillo National Monument (CNM) was in operation. With the assistance of the CNM personnel a Bird Monitoring Station (TheDrip) has been assembled and put in place at the approximate location of the old Drip. It is of importance to note that TheDrip is there on a trial basis through the fall migration. In December an analysis of the impact and data acquired will be made with an anticipated result of making the TheDrip a permanent part of the natural experience of birding at CNM that we have all experienced over the years. Here is some information and protocols you should be aware of in birding The Drip: ENTRANCE TO THE VIEWING AREA: As the mechanism as been moved slightly to the East of the original position, you should approach from the East side service road, Humphries Rd. (see Google map Link: http://obeach.smugmug.com/photos/571000320_cvjJc-M.jpg ). Park in the usual designated spots. Do not use the old entrance by the military exhibit. The old entrance area is being replanted and the native plants would appreciate not being stepped on. The new East entrance will give a very clear view of The Drip and you will see an improvement with the light as it will be at your back for the majority of the year. VIEWING AREA: Will be marked with several pavers, so stay in that area. No chairs. DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING: TheDrip is for the enjoyment of the public/birding community. We would endeavor to collect data for a interim report to CNM in December. This data will be compared with other data collected by various prior and continuing efforts at CNM. REPORTING OF SIGHTINGS: We ask that you send an email to thedrip AT cox.net to report the species, number of individuals, date, time, your name and contact information. MAINTAINANCE OF TheDrip: We are looking for individuals to assist in maintaining TheDrip. At this time it appears that this will be done on a weekly basis. The plan is for an individual to take on the task one month, performing the maintance each Friday. We will train you, but there is nothing to it. THE SOLAR DRIP: Mel Hinton's clever devise runs on its own and needs no priming. There are times in the morning during heavy overcast that the solar pump may not be in operation. It will start up when enough sunlight hits the collector. If you notice that the water is not flowing when the solar collector is in full sun, please contact a member of TheDrip team. Please remember TheDrip is for the public and birding community. If you have questions or comments call one of the TheDrip team. If you think TheDrip has enhanced your CNM visit, please pass that on to the park personnel. Regards, Tom Blackman (obeach AT cox.net), Mel Hinton (melhinton AT sbcglobal.net), David Kimball (kimballd AT cox.net), Andy Mauro (akamauro AT cox.net) Subject: Re: Canyon Wrens in Sentenac Canyon From: "dorman92093" <dorman92093 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:48:33 -0000 Sentenac Canyon is on CA hwy 78 about 10 miles east of Julian and about 2 miles east of Scissors Crossing (the S2). The bridge was recently rebuilt and is marked 2006 or so. There is a capacious turnout on the N side of the highway just W of the bridge. BE CAREFUL ON THIS ROAD! It is utilized by heavy trucks hauling hay and cement and they are familiar with the road and are always in a hurry. lmd --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "dorman92093" wrote: > > At 0756 this morning 22 June, I had 2 or 3 Canyon Wrens at the bridge in Sentenac Canyon. They did not vocalize. I first espied a small flying rufous bird. When it alit 12X bins confirmed the ID. The birds were on the sunlit NW wall of the canyon, but then flew to the shadowed SE wall. > > LeRoy Dorman > San Diego > Subject: Canyon Wrens in Sentenac Canyon From: "dorman92093" <dorman92093 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:38:03 -0000 At 0756 this morning 22 June, I had 2 or 3 Canyon Wrens at the bridge in Sentenac Canyon. They did not vocalize. I first espied a small flying rufous bird. When it alit 12X bins confirmed the ID. The birds were on the sunlit NW wall of the canyon, but then flew to the shadowed SE wall. LeRoy Dorman San Diego Subject: Request for Borrego BC Flycatcher and LeContes Info From: "D Weber" <dwbirdster AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:29:09 -0700 Hi SD Birders- I may have a chance to visit Borrego Springs this month. If so, I want to see the Brown-crested Flycatchers at the Roadrunner Club and try for LeConte's Thrashers. Are the flycatchers likely to remain or do they disperse? And can someone give detailed directions to the LeConte's Thrasher location on Old Springs Rd? Replies can be offline. Thanks, Dave Weber Milpitas, CA Subject: Lawrence's GF From: "paul jorgensen" <jorgy AT cableusa.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:41:47 -0700 Blooming thistle at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is attracting flocks of Lawrence's Goldfinch. I saw the largest flock I've ever seen (~70) on the road into Los Vaqueros horse camp June 18. There were well in excess of 100 seen in the nearby grasslands that early morning. This area is SE of the Stonewall Mine area off Hwy 79. Paul Jorgensen Borrego Springs, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White-crowned Sparrow, WAP, 6/21/09 From: "Kim" <kimmyroth AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:49:59 -0000 I saw a lone adult male White-crowned Sparrow at the Wild Animal Park this morning. Am I correct in believing that this is a very late record for this species? Thanks, Kim Roth Ocean Beach Subject: Lake Hodges Northern Shoveler From: "Drew Pallette" <dpallette AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:41:54 -0000 There was an out of season male and female Northern Shoveler today (6/21) at the east end of Lake Hodges in an area of shallow ponds/mudflat under I-15 near the north side bike path. Drew Pallette Encinitas Subject: SAN DIEGO FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS - Meeting -- TUESDAY - June 23rd @ 7 From: "Jeanie Anderson" <jeanie.anderson AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:34:11 -0000 Greetings SD Birders! The SAN DIEGO FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS will have their monthly meeting this TUESDAY, June 23rd at the Tecolote Canyon Nature Center. The Nature Center is at the east end of Tecolote Road, a few blocks east of I-5, near the Tecolote Road/Sea World Drive exit. Our speaker this month will be Joe Morlan from San Francisco. Joe Morlan is to Northern California birding as Guy McCaskie is to Southern California birding. The second part of the meeting will be a discussion of recent rare bird sightings and member photos. The meeting begins at 7 PM and is over by 9 PM. All are invited to attend. Best birding... Jeanie Anderson SDFO Membership Chair Rancho Penasquitos Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak (06/21/09) in Mission Hills - new yard bird! From: Justyn Stahl <justyn.stahl AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:27:00 -0700 Coincidentally (or not), there was a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak out here near our office on San Clemente Island today (21 June) as well. Justyn Stahl San Clemente Island, CA On Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 11:15 AM, Eitan Altman wrote: > > > My wife Lisa glanced out the window this morning and was shocked to see a > beautiful, adult male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK munching away in our tray > feeder. I noticed this (June 21st) is a pretty late date according to the > Atlas, so I snapped a few documentary photos. > > Haven't had much time to get out and bird lately so this new yard bird was a > nice treat... > > Eitan Altman > Mission Hills > > Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak (06/21/09) in Mission Hills - new yard bird! From: "Eitan Altman" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:15:49 -0000 My wife Lisa glanced out the window this morning and was shocked to see a beautiful, adult male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK munching away in our tray feeder. I noticed this (June 21st) is a pretty late date according to the Atlas, so I snapped a few documentary photos. Haven't had much time to get out and bird lately so this new yard bird was a nice treat... Eitan Altman Mission Hills Subject: Elegant Terns From: Lisa Lister <lister39 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:35:23 -0700 (PDT) RFI:  I am taking a very short trip to San Diego mid-July for a navy command ceremony and would like to pick up Elegant Terns. Where would be the best place to go at that time for them? I have only a few hours to bird andthat would be the main lifer I could get at this time of year there. Thanks in advance for your help. Lisa Lister Poplar, MT [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Nutmeg Mannikins From: "f wong" <fmwongmd AT san.rr.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:59:37 -0000 Among the American Goldfinches and Western Bluebirds, I saw two Nutmeg Mannikins at Kit Carson Park today(6/20/09) at about 9 am in the bushes beyond the west end of the duck pond. Photos of them by Toni Wong are posted here in photos section. Frank Wong Del Mar Subject: Summering Lesser Scaup From: "tom meixner" <tlmeixner AT att.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:40:38 -0000 I took a walk at Lake Miramar this afternoon with my wife and and for those of you who might have some sort of passing interest I found both the Cackling Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose remaining for the summer. What is this their 4th year? The much bigger surprise was finding 2 Lesser Scaup also summering with the riff-raff near the Concessionaire Shack and boat ramp area. Tom "Mt. Goat" Meixner Mira Mesa Subject: Heermann's Gull at Santee Lakes From: "jeremiah_stock" <jeremiah_stock AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:17:47 -0000 On Saturday morning at about 0900, there was one adult, breeding-plumaged Heermann's Gull sitting on the water at the southeast corner of Santee Lake #1 right next to the car entrance to the park. Jeremiah Stock Santee, CA jscls AT cox.net Subject: altamira oriole From: beewoo AT aol.com Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:56:09 EDT I think we just had an Altamira Oriole in our backyard, it sat on our large myacopa(SP) bush for a long time. I noticed it first because it was larger than the Hooded Orioles we have in our yard regularly. It had more black on the face, a thicker bill and a black band across the back, it was a Brillant Yellow. It looked exactly like the picture in Sibley"s 2000 edition. I am a rank amatuer birder so I could very easily be wrong and do not know if it will return. I am interested in all comments. Thank you Sidney Bagley La Jolla **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585064x1201462784/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd= JunestepsfooterNO62) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Plaza Bonita crow roost From: "garybirder" <garybirder AT aol.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:09:29 -0000 Crows from the Plaza Bonita crow roost have been flying past my house every morning and evening for several years. I have noticed that they have been absent for the past several weeks. Did something happen to the roost? Gary Smith San Diego garybirder AT aol.com Subject: Ovenbird @ Cabrillo From: barbarac2003 AT yahoo.com Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:42:11 +0000 Christine Harvey called. They caught an Ovenbird this morning. Upon release from the parking lot, the bird flew towards the drip and lighthouse. Remembern the gates to area open AT 9 am. Good luck! Barbara Carlson San Diego Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Subject: Re: Merlin From: "BJ Stacey" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:09:04 -0000 Just found out that there are no SoCal records of Merlin in June. I was probably within 30 yards of this bird so I got quite a good look for roughly 10 minutes. Quite obviously it wasn't a wild bird. Does anyone know if falconers use Merlins? Just for curiosity sake I'd like to know. BJ Stacey Santee --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "BJ Stacey" wrote: > > A little late, but my message last night didn't go out. > > While parked on 52 East at 4:55pm yesterday because of a traffic accident I was able to get the best naked eye views of Merlin I've ever had. I was parked (literally for about 10 minutes) perhaps 200 yards from where 52 splits onto 805 south. The bird was to my south sitting in a tree that borders what I believe is the eastern edge of Marion Bear Park. > > Had never been so happy to be stuck in traffic! > > BJ Stacey > Santee > Subject: Reddish Egret From: "tom meixner" <tlmeixner AT att.net> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:09:07 -0000 Birded South Bay today and the only thing of note was an adult Reddish Egret at the mouth of the Tijuana River. Tom "Mt. Goat" Meixner Mira mesa Subject: Pigeon Guillemot From: "Peter Ginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:08:04 -0000 Seeing very little other than two semi-distant Black Storm-Petrels directly outboard from Stan's Bench, I scanned to the south and picked up a Pigeon Guillemot in flight toward Children's (Smelly Seal) Pool. It landed northwest of the pool and slightly beyond the kelp line but when I walked down that direction I lost it and never re-found the bird. There was a fair number of Sooty Shearwaters slowly working their way north. Upon return to Stan's Bench area I was able to see an additional two Black S-P (for math minors--total four). Probably most interesting (in my point of view) was seeing four or more consecutive, vertical leaps from the water by a small Thresher Shark. Pardon my off-topic sighting. Peter Subject: Cook's Petrels off Baja From: "Terry Hunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:37:33 -0000 Greetings, Just received word from Art Taylor, captain of SEARCHER that they saw three COOK'S PETRELS about 80 nautical miles offshore Baja, about 170 nautical miles south of San Diego. There have already been reports this year of Cook's Petrel well into Northern California, and we saw three on our May 9-10 48-hour trip from San Diego aboard Grande. This could be the year for some good sightings on our monthly deep-water trips from San Diego and Santa Barbara. As Oprah would say, "Woooo-hooooo!" Upcoming SoCal Pelagic Trips: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. In memory of Luke Cole "Come on out with us to see what's out there." 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: Merlin From: "BJ Stacey" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:28:15 -0000 A little late, but my message last night didn't go out. While parked on 52 East at 4:55pm yesterday because of a traffic accident I was able to get the best naked eye views of Merlin I've ever had. I was parked (literally for about 10 minutes) perhaps 200 yards from where 52 splits onto 805 south. The bird was to my south sitting in a tree that borders what I believe is the eastern edge of Marion Bear Park. Had never been so happy to be stuck in traffic! BJ Stacey Santee Subject: Birding at Tecolote Canyon From: John Walters <john-walters AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:44:19 -0700 The San Diego Field Ornithologists will be holding their monthly meeting this coming Tuesday evening, June 23 (a week later than usual), at 7:00 p.m., at the Tecolote Nature Center. I'll be birding the trail behind the Tecolote Nature Center starting at around 5:30 or so until the start of the meeting. I'd enjoy having company. If I'm a bit late, start birding slowly up the trail, and I'll catch up with you. John Walters Bonita, CA john-walters AT cox.net Subject: American Bittern at Dairy Mart Pond From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <oreortyx AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:16:10 -0700 Today (18 June) while doing a Willow Flycatcher survey at Dairy Mart Pond, an American Bittern flew out from the pond, circled over me and returned. The small number of individuals found in summer suggest breeding but there are only two confirmed records for the county according to the atlas. I have had no Willow Flycatchers at Dairy Mart but did have two sightings of presumed migrants (non-extimus) last month elsewhere in the Tijuana River valley. Geoff Geoffrey L. Rogers San Diego, CA oreortyx AT earthlink.net Subject: comment on coastal W. Bluebird breeding From: "Claude Edwards" <keps1 AT flite-tours.com> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:59:49 -0700 Good morning, At least 10 years ago I found a family of western bluebirds on the south side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon just west of El Camino Real crossing it, which at the time I thought was rather coastal for that species nesting. As it turned out, I also encountered species like oak titmouse and American crow and white-breasted nuthatch - again, at that time - also occurred and nested closer to the coast in northwest San Diego County. This was in contrast with coastal plain locations within the City of SD and vicinity such as Penasquitos Canyon, Rose Canyon, Old Mission Dam, and the Sweetwater River Valley east of I-805, where I was also familiar with the habitats and bird life. It is abundantly clear that significant changes have taken place in the past 5-plus years with the range and occurrence of American crow and western bluebird into areas of coastal southwestern SD County. In my experience during the early-to-mid1970's, there were NO crows south of Del Mar and Escondido, west of the El Cajon Valley and into Bonita, none at Penasquitos Canyon, Rose Canyon, and Old Mission Dam, none on Point Loma and Balboa Park, none down to the Tijuana River Valley and Silver Strand. Can you imagine that? In the past 5 or so years an apparently similar expansion phenomenon has taken place with western bluebird, at roughly the same locations I listed above. I still, and may forever, turn my head and focus in on a western bluebird at now-familiar places such as Old Mission Dam, Balboa Park, Point Loma, and as pointed out by Paul Lehman a month or so ago, west to Sunset Cliffs - yikes! Your observations and comments about the bluebirds, and other seemingly out-of-place species, may indicate new and continual changes in their presence, adaptions and behaviors. References such as the SD County Bird Atlas serve as a basis by which to note, compare and add to our awareness of our local avifauna. For example, my finding a singing Virginia rail up on Palomar Mountain this week. I have no certain idea what that bird is doing there other than the obvious, it was there and behaving in a territorial manner heretofore unprecedented as far as I know. Maybe there are other such situations to discover and understand better. Thanks for sharing and keeping posted n the bluebirds you have found. Claude Edwards West of Kensington -----Original Message----- From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of plabhart Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 8:12 PM To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] Coastal W. Bluebird breeding Today I could confirm successful breeding of a pair of Western Bluebirds when I refound a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 juveniles) in Carmel Grove Park, about 1.2 miles from the coast (NE of I-5/SR-56). The pair first showed up on our patio fence beginning of April (new yard bird), and when I observed them carrying food a month later, I located the nest in an opening under the tile roof of one of my neighbor's house. This seems to be consistent with recent reports of an expansion in breeding range of this species. Paul Labhart Carmel Valley [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Coastal W. Bluebird breeding From: "plabhart" <plabhart AT pacbell.net> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:12:25 -0000 Today I could confirm successful breeding of a pair of Western Bluebirds when I refound a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 juveniles) in Carmel Grove Park, about 1.2 miles from the coast (NE of I-5/SR-56). The pair first showed up on our patio fence beginning of April (new yard bird), and when I observed them carrying food a month later, I located the nest in an opening under the tile roof of one of my neighbor's house. This seems to be consistent with recent reports of an expansion in breeding range of this species. Paul Labhart Carmel Valley Subject: Re: [NHBC] Hanna, S. D. From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:04:09 -0700 In my report on the birds seen yesterday at Hanna I meant a Three-toed Woodpecker, not a Black-backed. Jean, sundance, Wy. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jean To: sdbirds ; NHBC Group Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 8:08 PM Subject: [NHBC] Hanna, S. D. Birds found at Hanna today: Great blue Heron Mallard Turkey Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Black-backed woodpecker Tree swallow A. Dipper(Adult feeding a fledging on a log at Hanna campground) Ruby -crowned Kinglet Swainson's Thrush Warbling Vier Yellow-rumped Warbler, song sparrow Grackle Pine siskin Jean, sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]