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7 May Ring-necked Ducks, again... [Will Richardson ] 07 May 30 Apr-6 May 08 S Sierra Observations - Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, etc. [Bob Barnes ] 06 May Looking for Black Swifts in Yosemite ["ericg314" ] 6 May Big Bald Rock birds, Butte Co. ["Brian Williams" ] 5 May Tahoe [Will Richardson ] 2 May Franklin's Gull in Lassen and Modoc [] 29 Apr Windy Tues. in eastern Nevada County ["Rudy Darling" ] 29 Apr Amador County Birds ["Lisa Moraga" ] 28 Apr NEV GT Grackle ["Rudy Darling" ] 28 Apr 26 & 28 Apr 08 Kern Valley Observations [Bob Barnes ] 27 Apr Evening Grosbeak & Black-Headed Grosbeak ["battis AT frontiernet.net" ] 27 Apr Evening Grosbeaks [John Lace ] 25 Apr Tahoe [Will Richardson ] 24 Apr Sierra at Tahoe Resort Wild Turkey ["kngfshr33" ] 19 Apr disp. Anna's ~ 5800' [Will Richardson ] 19 Apr scope found on White Rock Road ["JOHN STERLING" ] 19 Apr scope found on White Rock Road ["JOHN STERLING" ] 18 Apr Mariposa-Tuolumne good birds ["JOHN STERLING" ] 18 Apr Mariposa-Tuolumne good birds ["JOHN STERLING" ] 18 Apr 18 Apr 08 - Oasis 18 to Migrant Corner [Bob Barnes ] 18 Apr 16 Apr 08 - Tillie Creek to Greenhorn Summit [Bob Barnes ] 18 Apr 17 Apr 08 - Canebrake ER to Chimney Peak CG [Bob Barnes ] 18 Apr 15 Apr 08 - Inyokern to Mtn. Mesa [Bob Barnes ] 18 Apr Lake Forest and carpooling ["Zoot121781" ] 16 Apr RE: seeking info on Black-backed Woodpecker in the Sierra Nevada ["wildlightphoto AT earthlink.net" ] 16 Apr Re: seeking info on Black-backed Woodpecker in the Sierra Nevada ["Bruce Webb" ] 16 Apr seeking info on Black-backed Woodpecker in the Sierra Nevada [Rodney Siegel ] 16 Apr FOS Bullocks Orioles ["Summer Brasuel" ] 13 Apr Re:The warblers are arriving ["Diane" ] 13 Apr Spring Arrival Dates ["at_jackson AT sbcglobal.net" ] 13 Apr Spring Arrival Dates ["at_jackson AT sbcglobal.net" ] 13 Apr 1-4 May 08 Kern Birdiest County Effort [Bob Barnes ] 12 Apr The warblers are arriving ["Summer Brasuel" ] 12 Apr Placerville Evening Grosbeaks ["Deren Ross" ] 12 Apr Black Swift Arrival/Migration Dates? [Bob Barnes ] 11 Apr RE: NEV Swift vigil pays off ["JOHN STERLING" ] 11 Apr NEV Swift vigil pays off ["Rudy Darling" ] 12 Apr FOS Black-headed grosbeak, Placerville/Somerset ["ghupp920" ] 08 Apr Re: Placerville Bird Photos Posted (ED) ["Deren Ross" ] 07 Apr Placerville Bird Photos Posted (ED) ["Deren Ross" ] 06 Apr Re: Evening Grosbeaks-Placerville (Eldorado Co.) ["Deren Ross" ] 4 Apr Tahoe [Will Richardson ] 1 Apr Table Mountain Birds ["gary nielsen" ] 01 Apr Evening Grosbeaks-Placerville (Eldorado Co.) ["Deren Ross" ] 31 Mar El Dorado County 3/30 [Steve Glover ] 29 Mar Fwd: John Schmitt Observation Notes on Kern Co./Sierra Nevada Caracara [Bob Barnes ] 27 Mar Siera Nevada Crested Caracara Update [Bob Barnes ] 27 Mar Christmas Valley-Meyers [Ryan Phillips ] 26 Mar Nevada/El Dorado/Alpine/Amador ["John Luther" ] 25 Mar Fwd: Crested Caracara at Kern River Preserve [Bob Barnes ] 24 Mar Pileated Woodpecker & Band-tailed Pigeons ["Frank Severson" ] 24 Mar Western Tanager in March? ["rena_escobedo" ] Subject: Ring-necked Ducks, again... From: Will Richardson <trichard AT unr.nevada.edu> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 17:05:58 -0700 Jon Winter just sent me a big file of notes and correspondence that he used to develop the Tahoe Nat. Forest checklist (THANKS AGAIN JON!!). While it will take me quite some time to fully pore over all the materials, I couldn't help but immediately dig through looking for evidence (or lack thereof) of historic breeding in Ring-necked Ducks in the Tahoe area. For a little background, read this old post: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sierra-nevadabirds/message/1711 . Anyhow, the status of "breeding" in the 1978 Audubon Tahoe basin checklist appears to be based, at least in part, on two pairs nesting successfully on Lake Christopher (now-drained) in 1977; young were seen 15 July of that year by Wally Sumner. Not surprisingly, Wally couldn't remember any record of breeding in email correspondence earlier this winter, but now I have a 31 year-old 3 x 5 " index card to the contrary. Lesson - take good notes, and save them!!!!! Also notable, however, is that Stallcup, Manolis, McCaskie, and others who birded the area in the 1960s did NOT have anything to say about Ring- neckeds breeding. In fact, the earliest drafts of the checklist didn't show them at all during summer, until McCaskie suggested a change to "Vagrant," perhaps based on the Orr and Moffitt record. Anyway, more evidence in favor of a slow but steady increase in breeding in the region over the last 30 years or so. Will Richardson Truckee, CA Subject: 30 Apr-6 May 08 S Sierra Observations - Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, etc. From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 15:05:01 -0700 30 April-6 May 2008 Southern Sierra Nevada Observations MOUNTAIN QUAIL - Butterbredt Spring, Greenhorn Mountains, Kern Plateau (Troy Meadows in Tulare County) ... many observers COMMON LOON 3 in breeding plumage - Isabella Reservoir in Kern County ... John Schmitt, et. al. AMERICAN WHITE-PELICAN c. 70 - Isabella Reservoir in Kern County ... Wes Fritz, Cher Hollingsworth, et. al. WHITE-FACED IBIS c. 70 - Sierra Way in Weldon, Kern County ... many observers BALD EAGLE 1 3rd year ("Osprey" look) on 5 May 08 ... John Schmitt, et. al. SOLITARY SANDPIPER 3 total - Kern River Preserve, Weldon ... Alison Sheehey, Larry Allen, Linda Oberholttzer, et al. FRANKLIN'S GULL 1 Isabella Reservoir's Hanning Flat on 3 May 08... Wes Fritz, Cher Hollingsworth WHITE-WINGED DOVE 1 at both in morning and evening Butterbredt Spring on 3 May 08 ... Kelli Levinson BARN OWL (visual), FLAMMULATED OWL (1 visual, numerous heard), WESTERN SCREECH-OWL (3 visual, others heard), GREAT HORNED OWL (visual, numerous heard), NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL (several visual, others heard only), SPOTTED OWL (3 visual, others heard), NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL (2 visual, numerous heard) ion Breckenridge Mountain and in the vicinity of Greenhorn Summit in the Greenhorn Mountains... Lance Benner, Gary File, Ernie Flores, Mary Freeman, Nick Freeman, Dan Lockshaw, Michael McQuerrey, Steve Sosensky, et. al. VAUX'S SWIFT 1000s during a major flight day on 30 Apr 08 through the South Fork Valley (Kern River) ... Bob Barnes (+/- 500 at Canebrake Ecological Reserve), Frank Gibson & Fresno Audubon Society (1000s in two hours ... "like gnats in the sky" along Migrant Corner Trail), +/-500 along Migrant Corner Trail in the hour after Fresno Audubon visit, hundreds (1000s?) throughout the South Fork Valley all day moving from east to west. The best show in years ... many observers WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER pair at nest hole adjacent to Troy Meadow in southeastern Tulare County ... Bob Barnes, Wes Fritz, et. al. LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER observed at Butterbredt Spring, Frog Spring, Kelso Valley Road, and Oasis 18 (18 miles south along Kelso Valley Road from Hwy. 178 in Weldon) ... many observers PILEATED WOODPECKER 1 on 6 May 08 Old State Road in Alta Sierra in the Greenhorn Mountains at the southern limits of this species range in the western U.S. ... John Schmitt, et. al. BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER 1 along the Nature Trail at Kern River Preserve Headquarters in Weldon on 3 May 08 ... Jim Royer, 1 at Kelso Creek Sanctuary 15.3 miles south on Kelso Valley Road from CA Hwy. 178 in Weldon on 4 May 08 ... Mary Freeman, Nick Freeman SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER 1 at Butterbredt Spring on 3 May 08... Steve Hilbig (from Texas!), Susan Steele, et. al PLUMBEOUS VIREO at least one at nesting area at Chimney Creek Campground in far southeastern Tulare County ... many observers PINYON JAY numerous daily along Kennedy Meadows Road in southeastern Tulare County .. many observers ... Also found in Piute Mountains of Kern County (just south of Isabella Reservoir)...many observers CLARK'S NUTCRACKER in flock of up to fifty individuals daily along Kennedy Meadows Road in southeastern Tulare County and Piute Mountains in Kern County ... many observers PURPLE MARTIN 1 male observed from Fay Ranch Road in Weldon on 30 Apr 08 ... Wes Fritz, Cher Hollingsworth, et. al. WINTER WREN 1 on 3 May 08 at southern limits of its breeding range in the vicinity of Greenhorn Summit in Kern County ... Wes Fritz, Steve Sosensky, et. al. WARBLERS (Orange-crowned, Nashville, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray, Townsend's, Hermit, MacGillivray's, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's, and Yellow-breasted Chat) 7-11 observed virtually daily at several individual locations including Butterbredt Spring, Canebrake Ecological Reserve, Frog Spring, and Kern River Preserve ... many observers SUMMER TANAGER several individuals (11+) in total found at several locations in the South Fork Valley - Kern River Preserve (Fay Ranch Road, Headquarters, Nature Trail, Sierra Way) and Canebrake Ecological Reserve (2-3) ... many observers BREWER'S SPARROW, BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, SAGE SPARROW several locations including Chimney Peak National Backcountry Byway, Frog Spring, Kelso Valley Road, Walker Pass (both sides) ... many observers VESPER SPARROW at least two on territory at Troy Meadows in southeastern Tulare County on 6 May 08 (not found there on visit a few days earlier) ... Wes Fritz, Bob Barnes, et. al. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW 1 on Kern River Preserve in Weldon on 6 May 08 ... Alison Sheehey INDIGO BUNTING 1 male found along Kern River Preserve's Migrant Corner Trail on 4 May 08 ... Gary Potter, et. al. BLUE GROSBEAK present in good numbers throughput South Fork Valley (Canebrake Ecological Reserve, Kern River Preserve) ... many observers TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD several small colonies throughout Kern Riv3er Valley ... many observers HOODED ORIOLE pair viewed from Scodie Park in Onyx ... many observers SCOTT'S ORIOLE widespread and found in the following areas ... Chimney Peak National Backcountry Byway in Kern County, Frog Spring, Hwy. 178 on both sides of Walker Pass in Kern County, Kelso Valley Road in Kern County, Nine Mile Canyon Road in Inyo County ... many observers CASSIN'S FINCH still present at several locations in lowlands (non-breeding areas) ... many observers RED CROSSBILL 5-7 at Troy Meadow in southeastern Tulare County ... Bob Barnes, Wes Fritz, et. al. PINE SISKIN still present at several locations in lowlands (non-breeding areas) ... many observers LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH in good numbers from among Butterbredt Spring, Canebrake Ecological Reserve, Frog Spring, Kern River Preserve (East Unit, Fay Ranch Road, Migrant Corner Trail - 20+, west from Headquarters - 20-50), plus individuals and pairs at several locations throughout ... many observers Bob Barnes, Ridgecrest, Kern County, California [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Looking for Black Swifts in Yosemite From: "ericg314" <ericg AT redback.com> Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 20:49:24 -0000 Hi, Some birding friends of mine and I are interested in locating Black Swifts in Yosemite. We've heard they might nest behind Bridalveil Falls. Any advice about time of day, places to look, time of year (are we too early or late?) would be much appreciated. While we're there, any advice for other neat birds we can look for? Good birding, Eric Goodill Menlo Park, CA Subject: Big Bald Rock birds, Butte Co. From: "Brian Williams" <bwcal AT sprynet.com> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 20:19:24 -0700 On Sunday 5/4/08 there were two Say's Phoebes on Big Bald Rock NE of Lake Oroville. I did not see them associating or exhibiting any signs of local nesting, but they were near each other in rocky habitat that is reminiscent of some of their desert nesting habitats. I believe nesting at 3,200 feet on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada would be unprecedented (or anywhere in northern california west of the Sierra), so I hope someone is inspired to check it out. I did not see evidence of breeding, but I was also watching them about 1 PM. Even if they were only migrants, the date and location seem a bit unusual. Regardless, they were eating well. More expected birds included rock and canyon wrens, violet-green swallows, and a golden eagle. Brian Williams Wildlife & Conservation Ecologist Williams Wildland Consulting, Inc. Marysville, CA 95901 530-742-4248; bwcal AT sprynet.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tahoe From: Will Richardson <trichard AT unr.nevada.edu> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 14:30:44 -0700 By noon or thereabouts, yesterday's (5/4) unsettled weather seemed perfect for swifts, so I popped down to Lake Forest to see what was what. With all the thunder rumbling along the crest and squalls periodically soaking or sprinkling various parts of the basin, I was quite happy to have decided against kayaking out on the lake (which had been Plan A yesterday morning). Anyway, despite a few hours of hanging around, I saw no swifts. Also, the dowitchers of a few days ago were long gone. Passage-migrant shorebirds included one Least Sandpiper and one Semipalmated Plover. That was it, although the Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer are definitely back and moving around as well. Also present at Lake Forest were two squabbling Gray Flycatchers and three Caspian Terns. Pomin had my Tahoe FOS Yellow and Wilson's Warblers and a schistacea-type Fox Sparrow. This morning (5/5), I went back to see if the weather had deposited anything of note. I rolled into Commons Beach just in time to see three Am. White Pelicans lift off and start to circle up and out, following the Truckee River downstream. Lake Forest had perfect scoping conditions, revealing heaps and heaps of Aech. grebes, but ZERO loons, which was a bit surprising. Definitely a few goldeneyes still around. Also at Lake Forest were 12 White-face Ibis, one Gray Flycatcher, and several Forster's Terns. Pomin had quite a few singing Wilson's Warblers today, as well as Cassin's Finch, Evening Grosbeak (these have been regular in the Lake Forest/Pomin area for a few weeks - sorry to you PBYers that I hadn't noticed the species was lacking from the cumulative list), and my Tahoe FOS Black-headed Grosbeak. Nothing earth-shattering, but it's definitely feeling like spring. Will Richardson Truckee, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Franklin's Gull in Lassen and Modoc From: ERPfromCA AT aol.com Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 15:52:54 EDT John Ranlett called to tell me he found two Franklin's Gull near Litchfield in Lassen County and two more near Canby in Modoc County. All were using irrigated pasture. Ed Pandolfino **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Windy Tues. in eastern Nevada County From: "Rudy Darling" <rdarling AT sbbmail.com> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:29:36 -0700 The wind made standing difficult and scoping next to impossible. However, a couple of good birds were seen during a quick trip. Best were 6 WHITE-FACED IBIS at the western end of Prosser Reservoir. There were 3 COMMON LOONS on Boca Reservoir along with the usual WESTERN and CLARK'S and EARED GREBES. Rudy Darling Nevada City, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Amador County Birds From: "Lisa Moraga" <ploverlover AT att.net> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:06:23 -0000 This weekend I enjoyed wonderful weather and hard work—brush- clearing/fire season prep. During breaks I birded. Obesrvations included; Black-headed Grosbeak, Chipping Sparrow, Nashville Warbler (This bird responds quickly to pishing) Black-throated Gray Warbler, Brown Creeper, Mountain, and Chestnut-backed (sweet) Chickadee. I played hide and seek with a male Pileated Woodpecker. Hummers included: Anna's, Rufous and a gorgeous Male Calliope. All were vying for the feeder at the same time. What a sight. The Calliope made a couple of U- shaped dips in front of me and took off. I was impressed. In the herp/reptile department… While clearing stumps, I awoke a Coral- bellied Ring-necked Snake. He coiled his tail. Luckily, I did not get smeared with his pungent defense scent! I also witnessed Western Fence Lizards and an adult male Gilbert's skink gobbling up the Termites that hatched in the THOUSANDS on Sunday evening. Where were the bats to take advantage of this massive winged migration? Lisa Moraga Pioneer-Amador County. Elev 4000 ft. Subject: NEV GT Grackle From: "Rudy Darling" <rdarling AT sbbmail.com> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:59:30 -0700 Hello all, Sorry for the late post, but I just realized I had not reported this to the list-serve, only to our Nevada County Big Year Group (we just hit 182 species today). One male Great-tailed Grackle was reported by an operator at the Lake-of-the-Pines WWTP during last week and was confirmed by Brian O'Connor and myself on Friday afternoon. It was not there today (Monday). The on-going construction has wrought havoc with the bird population. The ponds are all very full because of problems with the new plant start-up, so there is not much shorebird habitat. So far, only one Spotted Sandpiper and a Willet that Brian saw on Thursday flying around looking for a suitable place to land. I don't know if it ever found one. I saw a Vaux's Swift there on Wed. evening in amongst a huge swarm of mixed swallow species high above Magnolia Creek, which flows through the plant. Rudy Darling Nevada City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 26 & 28 Apr 08 Kern Valley Observations From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:22:25 -0700 Kern River Valley Observations, Kern County, Southern Sierra Nevada Saturday & Monday, April 26 & 28, 2008 ***Common Loon (2 - in breeding plumage) - 4/26 - Isabella Reservoir off Wofford Heights - John Schmitt ***RED-THROATED LOON (1 - in breeding plumage) - 4/26- Isabella Reservoir off Wofford Heights - John Schmitt ***Solitary Sandpiper - 4/26 - Kern River Preserve - Alison Sheehey ***Wilson's Snipe (winnowing over territory) - 4/26 - Kern River Preserve - Bob Barnes ***Pileated Woodpecker (at southern limits of range in the West) - 4/26- Greenhorn Summit - John Schmitt ***Summer Tanager - 4/26 & 4/28 - Kern River Preserve (Headquarters and Sierra Way Bridge area), Canebrake Ecological Reserve (from Public Access Trail) - Bob Barnes ***Blue Grosbeak - 4/26 & 4/28 - Kern River Preserve (Widespread - East Unit, Fay Ranch Road, Headquarters Entrance, Migrant Corner Trail), Canebrake Ecological Reserve (4 individuals along Public Access Trail) - Bob Barnes ***Tricolored Blackbird - 4/26 & 4/28 - below Isabella Reservoir's Auxiliary Dam, Kern River Preserve (Fay Ranch Road, Headquarters, Headquarters Entrance, Sierra Way), Canebrake Ecological Reserve - Bob Barnes, Bill Bouton ***Lawrence's Goldfinch - 4/26 & 4/28 - Kern River Preserve (Fay Ranch Road, 12 just west of Headquarters, 8-12 along Migrant Corner Trail), Canebrake Ecological Reserve (2 along Public Access Trail) - Bob Barnes Bob Barnes, Ridgecrest Kern County, California [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Evening Grosbeak & Black-Headed Grosbeak From: "battis AT frontiernet.net" <battis@frontiernet.net> Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:58:58 -0700 Today at our feeder and at separate times, one female Evening Grosbeak, one male Black-Headed Grosbeak. 15 miles NE of Chilcoot at 4950'. Chris Battis Lassen County Subject: Evening Grosbeaks From: John Lace <jozyme AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:21:43 -0700 Hi all, At 6 pm today there were 5 Evening Grosbeaks at the top of the Ponderosa Pines and Black Oaks at our house in Grass Valley at 2900'. New State, County and Yard bird for me and new species for Jen. John Lace Grass Valley Subject: Tahoe From: Will Richardson <trichard AT unr.nevada.edu> Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:03:44 -0700 I had some meetings in S. Lake yesterday afternoon, so I took the morning to hit the hotspots and see if several days of unsettled weather brought us anything good. Migration is definitely underway, and spring date ranges (for Tahoe) were pushed up a few days for quite a few species. Yellow-rumped Warblers were thick all around the lake, and loons were equally thick on the water (all I saw were Commons). Among all those butterbutts, I did find several Myrtles, including a brilliant adult male at Lake Forest Beach. Juncos and robins were also abundant and widespread, and I was impressed by how many Savannah Sparrows I saw. All the White-crowned Sparrows I saw were still Gambell's, but oriantha should be showing up any day. I also had several Golden-crowned Sparrows at Pomin. Shorebirds are trickling through, with 2 Semipalmated Plovers, 2 Least Sandpipers, 1 Western Sandpiper, and a Willet at Lake Forest Beach, and several Least Sandpipers and 9 American Avocets at the Upper Truckee River delta. Quite a few pipits all around the lake edge as well. Pomin also had a slightly early Dusky Flycatcher. Unexpected at Cove East was a Second- Year harrier plucking what looked like a Sora, but when I looked for the carcass on my way back though the area I was unable to find the feather puddle, so I can't be certain of what it was. Regardless, that's the first record of a harrier in spring that I have for Tahoe. Also good at Cove East was a Loggerhead Shrike. Mountain Bluebirds have been quite reliable there lately. Pope's Marsh is full of water, but still has very little diversity of waterfowl. Nonetheless, Double-crested Cormorants, a single Bonaparte's Gull, and a single Sandhill Crane were nice to see. The crane was the first I'd seen actually stop in the Tahoe basin; usually they just fly right over. He was first seen in the tall grassy field that's somewhat behind and to the left of Venice Dr. as it wraps around from Fifteenth. Then a coyote kicked him up and he flew to the water's edge on the other side of the big, choked stand of lodgepoles. It was nice to get a few photos of this species in the Tahoe basin, and it was great to hear that croaky crane rattle echoing around in that meadow; I couldn't help but wonder if they bred at Rowlands Marsh in historic times. I wonder how much disturbance these birds will tolerate. I have a sister in Florida where the neighborhood pair holds a territory on a little patch of grass next to a Kentucky Fried Chicken!! Something tells me our birds wouldn't go for that. Another surprise was seeing a Black-crowned Night Heron flying low across the road near Chambers Landing (Tahoma); it was just heading up McKinney Creek, but it looked like it was ducking through the woods like a goshawk or something. Will Richardson Truckee, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sierra at Tahoe Resort Wild Turkey From: "kngfshr33" <kngfshr33 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:44:25 -0000 Greetings, Upon leaving work last night, I encountered a rather strange sighting on Sierra at Tahoe road, a lone female Wild Turkey foraging amongst the freshly fallen snow. Perhaps the wind and snow blew her in this direction. Could someone please let me know how unusual this sighting is at 7300'. I know off the hill Wild Turkeys are rather common, but this is the first one I have seen in the Lake Tahoe area. Thanks Andrew Klem South Lake Tahoe Subject: disp. Anna's ~ 5800' From: Will Richardson <trichard AT unr.nevada.edu> Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:23:37 -0700 It's a fair bit cooler and quite windy up here today. Nonetheless, it was really quite birdy where I was rock climbing earlier today (Indian Springs, right off the I-80 Eagle Lakes/Big Bend exit). I was most surprised to see a singing and displaying Anna's Hummingbird. The bird was right around 5800', and there are still several feet of snow covering the ground over half the terrain at this site (and certainly no flowers to be found in the immediate vicinity). I doubt he'll stick around tonight and tomorrow, as it's supposed to deteriorate further. Will Richardson Truckee, CA Subject: scope found on White Rock Road From: "JOHN STERLING" <ani AT cal.net> Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:16:02 -0700 Howdy, A scope was found by a rancher on White Rock Road about a week ago. Please call Scott Cowden at 209 769-2721, and send me an email so that I know that it is recovered by its owner. Thank you, John John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 ani AT cal.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: scope found on White Rock Road From: "JOHN STERLING" <ani AT cal.net> Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:16:02 -0700 Howdy, A scope was found by a rancher on White Rock Road about a week ago. Please call Scott Cowden at 209 769-2721, and send me an email so that I know that it is recovered by its owner. Thank you, John John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 ani AT cal.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Mariposa-Tuolumne good birds From: "JOHN STERLING" <ani AT cal.net> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:58:42 -0700 After surveying birds at the San Joaquin Experimental Range Field Station east of Madera in the foothills where Jim Tietz, Doug Drynan and I have been seeing lots of Gray Flycatchers (up to 7 per day) and Brewer's Sparrows (7 on Wednesday), I spent Thursday poking around the foothills in Mariposa and Tuolumne counties. At the main pond viewable from the White Rock Road there was a Solitary Sandpiper and a singing Brewer's Sparrow. Further up the road there was a Vesper Sparrow and at the small bridge with oaks on the southern side of the road there was a lot of migrants including one Gray Flycatcher. I checked the main pond on LaGrange Road on Tuolumne and the Lesser Yellowlegs (first county record!) that Jim Lomax found there on Wednesday was still there (and still there on Friday as seen again by Lomax). Also, the dark morph Swainson's Hawk was still on the Tuolumne side of the county line along Rock River Road. John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 ani AT cal.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Mariposa-Tuolumne good birds From: "JOHN STERLING" <ani AT cal.net> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:58:42 -0700 After surveying birds at the San Joaquin Experimental Range Field Station east of Madera in the foothills where Jim Tietz, Doug Drynan and I have been seeing lots of Gray Flycatchers (up to 7 per day) and Brewer's Sparrows (7 on Wednesday), I spent Thursday poking around the foothills in Mariposa and Tuolumne counties. At the main pond viewable from the White Rock Road there was a Solitary Sandpiper and a singing Brewer's Sparrow. Further up the road there was a Vesper Sparrow and at the small bridge with oaks on the southern side of the road there was a lot of migrants including one Gray Flycatcher. I checked the main pond on LaGrange Road on Tuolumne and the Lesser Yellowlegs (first county record!) that Jim Lomax found there on Wednesday was still there (and still there on Friday as seen again by Lomax). Also, the dark morph Swainson's Hawk was still on the Tuolumne side of the county line along Rock River Road. John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 ani AT cal.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 18 Apr 08 - Oasis 18 to Migrant Corner From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:52:59 -0700 Hi, Scouting for the April 30-May 6 Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival birding from the oasis located 18 miles south on Kelso Valley Road from CA Hwy. 178 across from the entrance to Audubon California's Kern River Preserve in Weldon, Kern County, Southern Sierra Nevada, then Audubon California's Kelso Creek Sanctuary located on both sides of Kelso Valley Road 15 miles south of Hwy. 178, then Frog Spring located on BLM road SC47 1/4-1/2 mile east of Kelso Valley Road and 14.5 miles south of Hwy. 178, then Rocky Point riparian area located on the west side of Kelso Valley Road about 7 miles south of Hwy. 178, then the Kern River Preserve's Migrant Corner Trail off the east side of Sierra Way 1.2 miles north of Hwy. 178of Onyx of the north side of CA Hwy. 178. Birding conditions were favorable for observing with clear skies, bright sun, and no wind. Clouds started to move in at the end of the observation period. Oasis 18 Highlights: Mountain Quail, California Thrasher, Scott's Oriole,... Kelso Creek Sanctuary Highlights: Mountain Quail, Pinyon Jay, Golden-crowned Sparrow,... Frog Spring Highlights: Migrant diversity - Hammond's Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, 7 warbler species (Orange-crowned, Nashville, Yellow, Yellow-rumped Audubon's, Black-throated Gray Townsend's, Wilson's), Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak; Scott's Oriole,... Rocky Point Highlights: None (10 minute visit) Migrant Corner Highlights: Hermit Warbler, Lawrence's Goldfinch,... Time/Date: 6:30am-11:30am, Friday, April 18, 2008 Coverage Key: E-en route, F-Frog Spring, K-Kelso Creek Sanctuary, M-Migrant Corner Trail, O-Oasis 18, R-Rocky Point Observers: Bob Barnes-Ridgecrest, John Denborg-Denmark, Linda Oberholtzer-Whittier KEY: ho - heard only Species List: Mallard 4M; Mountain Quail F, K, O (ho - numerous); California Quail 6F, 1K, M, O, R; Great Blue Heron 2E; Turkey Vulture 2E; Red-tailed Hawk 2O; American Kestrel 2E, 2K; Killdeer 1O; Mourning Dove 10E, 6F, 4K, 8M, 3O, 2R; White-throated Swift 2F; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1M (male); Anna's Hummingbird 1K; Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1F (male); Nuttall's Woodpecker 2K, 2M, 1R; Hairy Woodpecker 1K; Northern Flicker 2K, 1M, 1R; Hammond's Flycatcher 1F; Say's Phoebe 1E; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1F, 4K, 2O, 2M, 1R; Western Kingbird 5E, Cassin's Vireo 1F, 1M; Warbling Vireo 1F; Western Scrub-Jay 1O, 1F, 2K, 1M, 1R; Pinyon Jay 14K; Common Raven 70E, 2F, 2K, 4M, 1O, 1R; Tree Swallow 4E; Oak Titmouse 1K, 1M, 1R; Bushtit 2O, Rock Wren 1K; Bewick's Wren 5F, 4K, 1M, 3O, 1R; House Wren 2F, 2K, 5M, 1O, 2R; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2F, 1K, 1M, 1O; Western Bluebird 4K; Hermit Thrush 1O; American Robin 1F, 1M; California Thrasher 1F, 1O; European Starling 1K, 2M; Orange-crowned Warbler 2F; Nashville Warbler 1F; Yellow Warbler 1F, 4M, Yellow-rumped Audubon's Warbler 10F, 10K, 10M, 7O, 1R; Black-throated Gray Warbler 1F, 1M; Townsend's Warbler 1F; Hermit Warbler 1M; Common Yellowthroat 3M; Wilson's Warbler 10F, 5M; Western Tanager 1F; Spotted Towhee 1F, 1K, 1O, 1R; California Towhee 2K, 1M, 1R; Chipping Sparrow 1F; Brewer's Sparrow 6F; Song Sparrow 2F, 5M; Lincoln's Sparrow 1M; White-crowned Sparrow 15F, 5K, 4M; Golden-crowned Sparrow 4K; Dark-eyed Junco 1F; Black-headed Grosbeak 2F, 4M; Red-winged Blackbird 4F, 2K, 4M; Tricolored Blackbird 40E; Western Meadowlark 1M; Bullock's Oriole 2K, 4M, 1R; Scott's Oriole 1F (male); 1O (ho); Cassin's Finch 1F; House Finch 3F, 4K, 4M, 4O, 2R; Lesser Goldfinch 1F, 2K, 10M; Lawrence's Goldfinch 5M;...c. 66 species. Bob Barnes, Ridgecrest, Kern County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 16 Apr 08 - Tillie Creek to Greenhorn Summit From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:32:22 -0700 Hi, Scouting for the April 30-May 6 Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival birding from Tillie Creek Campground in Wofford Heights up CA Hwy. 178 to 6102' Greenhorn Summit, then back down to Tillie Creek via Old State Road. A quick stop was made in an unsuccessful attempt to find American Dipper along the Kern River below Isabella Reservoir's Main Dam Campground. Birding conditions were favorable with clear skies, bright sun, and no wind. Tillie Creek Campground Highlights: Hammond's Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, & Pacific-slope Flycatcher, six species of warbler, Brewer's Sparrow (visual and singing). Greenhorn Summit Highlights: Northern Goshawk, Pileated Woodpecker (female). Time/Date: 8am-1:30pm, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Coverage: Tillie Creek Campground in Wofford Heights, Greenhorn Summit, Old State Road. Observers: Bob Barnes-Ridgecrest, John Denborg-Denmark, Linda Oberholtzer-Whittier, June Persson-Sacramento Species List: California Quail, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Goshawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Cassin's Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Wrentit, Northern Mockingbird, California Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (all Audubon's), Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, Purple Finch, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow,...c. 63 species. Bob Barnes, Ridgecrest, Kern County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 17 Apr 08 - Canebrake ER to Chimney Peak CG From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:32:51 -0700 Hi, Scouting for the April 30-May 6 Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival birding from Canebrake Ecological Reserve (CER) located 5 miles east of Onyx of the north side of CA Hwy. 178 , then up Chimney Peak National Backcountry Byway to Chimney Creek Campground in far southeastern Tulare County, then back to the CER parking lot. Birding conditions were favorable with clear skies, bright sun, and no wind. However, RESIDENT bird species were noticeably scarce at CER, the least productive birding I have had there in 15 years of actively birding that site in winter (My Christmas Bird Count territory for 15+ years), spring, and early summer.. Canebrake Ecological Reserve Highlight: Virginia Rail - excellent visual of two individuals Chimney Peak National Backcountry Byway (in Kern County) Highlights: Wrentit - excellent visual, Brewer's Sparrow - in abundance. Chimney Creek Campground (in Tulare County) Highlight: Clark's Nutcracker - first record for this well-worked birding site. Time/Date: 7am-12pm, Thursday, April 17, 2008 Coverage: Canebrake Ecological Reserve Public Access Trail, Chimney Peak National Backcountry Byway, Chimney Cree Campground. Observers: Bob Barnes-Ridgecrest, John Denborg-Denmark, Linda Oberholtzer-Whittier, June Persson-Sacramento KEY: * - Chimney Creek Campground in Tulare County only, ho - heard only Species List: Mallard 3, California Quail (ho), Mountain Quail (ho - several), Turkey Vulture 1, Accipiter species 1, Red-shouldered Hawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Virginia Rail 5 (2 visuals), Mourning Dove 4, Greater Roadrunner 1 (ho), Anna's Hummingbird 3, Nuttall's Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 2 (ho), Hammond's Flycatcher 1, Black Phoebe 1, Ash-throated Flycatcher 1, Western Kingbird 5, Cassin's Vireo 1, Steller's Jay 2*, Western Scrub-Jay 3, Clark's Nutcracker 2*, Common Raven 4, Tree Swallow 2, Violet-green Swallow 4, Mountain Chickadee 2*, Oak Titmouse 2, Bushtit 2, Red-breasted Nuthatch 2*, Rock Wren 1, Bewick's Wren 3, House Wren 6, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2, Hermit Thrush 1, American Robin 1, Wrentit 1, European Starling 1, Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (ho), Yellow Warbler 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 20 (all Audubon's), Common Yellowthroat 3, Spotted Towhee 2, California Towhee 3, Brewer's Sparrow 20, Song Sparrow 1, White-crowned Sparrow 15, Dark-eyed Junco 2, Black-headed Grosbeak 2, Red-winged Blackbird 10, Tricolored Blackbird 30, Western Meadowlark 1, Great-tailed Grackle 1, Brown-headed Cowbird 4, Bullock's Oriole 5, House Finch , Lesser Goldfinch 3, House Sparrow 2,...c. 56 species. Bob Barnes, Ridgecrest, Kern County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 15 Apr 08 - Inyokern to Mtn. Mesa From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:31:49 -0700 Hi, Started scouting for the April 30-May 6 Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival birding from Terri Middlemiss's yard north of Inyokern to the Lakeview Motel in Mountain Mesa with John Denborg from Denmark and June Persson from Sacramento. Birding conditions were very unfavorable due to high winds. We had to work hard to find and see birds. Middlemiss Property Highlights: Hammond's, Dusky (whitting), & Pacific-slope (see-ipping) Flycatchers, Cassin's Finches. Scodie Park in Onyx Highlights: Hooded Oriole, Cassin's Finches, Red Crossbills, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. Kern River Preserve Headquarters Highlight: Tricolored Blackbirds Isabella Reservoir Highlight: 30-40 American White Pelicans Time/Date: 6:30am-1:30pm, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Coverage: Middlemiss property north of Inyokern, Scodie Park in Onyx, Fay Ranch Road in Weldon, Kern River Preserve Headquarters in Weldon, Isabella Reservoir at Kissack Cove in Mountain Mesa Observers: Bob Barnes-Ridgecrest, John Denborg-Denmark, June Persson-Sacramento Species List: Mallard, California Quail, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Oak Titmouse, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (all Audubon's), Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Cassin's Finch, House Finch, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow,...c. 53 species. Bob Barnes, Ridgecrest, Kern County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lake Forest and carpooling From: "Zoot121781" <zoot121781 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:17:54 -0000 Hi everyone. I did a quick walk through the campground and down to the pier at Lake Forest yesterday evening. Nothing too unusual, see list: Canada Goose Mallard Common Merganser Killdeer California Gull Norther Flicker Barn Swallow Tree Swallow Stellar's Jay Mountain Chickadee American Robin (a flock of about 60 in the open area between the campground and the pier) Ruby-crowned Kinglet Brewer's Blackbird Dark-eyed Junco White-crowned Sparrow Song Sparrow On another note, and sorry for the short notice, but is anyone going to Godwit Days in Arcata this weekend? If so, would you be interested in carpooling? We are leaving tomorrow around 3pm and returning on Sunday. Please email me if so. Thanks. ~ Sarah Pitzer Incline Village Subject: RE: seeking info on Black-backed Woodpecker in the Sierra Nevada From: "wildlightphoto AT earthlink.net" <wildlightphoto@earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:46:15 -0400 Rodney Siegel wrote: > I need to collect some pilot data for a possible Black-backed > Woodpecker project, and I would be grateful to anyone who could > provide me with detailed information on places anywhere in the Sierra > Nevada where you have seen Black-backed Woodpeckers during the past > couple of years. Yuba Pass campground at the summit of Highway 49 has been good numerous years: http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/picidae/bbwo00.jpg Doug Herr Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft® Exchange - http://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail Subject: Re: seeking info on Black-backed Woodpecker in the Sierra Nevada From: "Bruce Webb" <BruWebb AT surewest.net> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:33:57 -0700 Rodney: In a burn area I found a few years ago near Hwy 267 at Brockway Summit (Truckee to Lake Tahoe highway) I had 5 Black-backs in view at once. Directions and more info can be found half way down on my Lake Tahoe birding page near the only photo (of a female Williamson's Sapsucker) http://www.geocities.com/placerbird/LakeTahoeRegion.htm. The search function on this SierraNevadaBirds Yahoo webpage does not seem to be functioning well of late. But since 2002, there have been over 80 messages discussing Black-backed Woodpeckers. As moderator, I save every e-mail message so I can send some your way if you wish. Or, hopefully, other woodpecker watchers will provide you their information. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sierra-nevadabirds/messages Bruce Webb (list moderator) Granite Bay, California BruWebb AT surewest . net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rodney Siegel" To: Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:02 PM Subject: [SierraNevadaBirds] seeking info on Black-backed Woodpecker in the Sierra Nevada > Hi folks, > > I need to collect some pilot data for a possible Black-backed > Woodpecker project, and I would be grateful to anyone who could > provide me with detailed information on places anywhere in the Sierra > Nevada where you have seen Black-backed Woodpeckers during the past > couple of years. Of particular interest are breeding sites or sites > where multiple birds may have been seen, perhaps on multiple > occasions, but I will be grateful for any detection information you > have. Please email me off-list with any leads, at rsiegel AT birdpop.org. > > Many thanks! > > > As an aside, thanks to everyone on this listserve who answered my > request for information on Willow Flycatcher detections in Yosemite a > couple of years ago; those leads helped me to design a study which > has just been published in Western Birds, and can be viewed at: > http://www.birdpop.org/DownloadDocuments/western_birds_wifl_paper.pdf > > > Rodney Siegel, The Institute for Bird Populations > Marin County > > > ****************************************** > Rodney Siegel, Ph.D. > The Institute for Bird Populations > P.O. Box 1346 > Point Reyes Station, CA 94956-1346 > tel:(415) 663-2051 > fax:(415) 663-9482 > email: rsiegel AT birdpop.org > web: www.birdpop.org > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > Subject: seeking info on Black-backed Woodpecker in the Sierra Nevada From: Rodney Siegel <rsiegel AT birdpop.org> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:02:56 -0700 Hi folks, I need to collect some pilot data for a possible Black-backed Woodpecker project, and I would be grateful to anyone who could provide me with detailed information on places anywhere in the Sierra Nevada where you have seen Black-backed Woodpeckers during the past couple of years. Of particular interest are breeding sites or sites where multiple birds may have been seen, perhaps on multiple occasions, but I will be grateful for any detection information you have. Please email me off-list with any leads, at rsiegel AT birdpop.org. Many thanks! As an aside, thanks to everyone on this listserve who answered my request for information on Willow Flycatcher detections in Yosemite a couple of years ago; those leads helped me to design a study which has just been published in Western Birds, and can be viewed at: http://www.birdpop.org/DownloadDocuments/western_birds_wifl_paper.pdf Rodney Siegel, The Institute for Bird Populations Marin County ****************************************** Rodney Siegel, Ph.D. The Institute for Bird Populations P.O. Box 1346 Point Reyes Station, CA 94956-1346 tel:(415) 663-2051 fax:(415) 663-9482 email: rsiegel AT birdpop.org web: www.birdpop.org Subject: FOS Bullocks Orioles From: "Summer Brasuel" <Delphinus AT starband.net> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:11:04 -0000 The Bullocks Orioles arrived today. I saw 2 bathing in the pond today. Unfortunately, the Brown-headed Cowbirds have been waiting for their arrival, too. I have also had a flock of cedar Waxings hanging around for several days. In the past I have only seen them fly through, but never hang around. Not sure if I have not been observant enough, though. Watching this flock I have learned a few things. One, I didn't know they ate insects and have observed them flycatching. That is what caught my attention in the first place. At first I thought it was an early Olive-sided Flycatcher. Secondly, I learned they sound like Pine Siskens. The only voice I ever heard before was a very small see-see sound. This flock is buzzing like crazy! Robins, robins everywhere. There are a kazilliion! Yes, that is an official count. Happy spring! Summer Brasuel Somerset, CA el 3150 ft. Subject: Re:The warblers are arriving From: "Diane" <dianeb AT wildblue.net> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:37:50 -0700 (Pacific Daylight Time) I saw a pair of Bullock's Orioles in my yard on Friday 4/11. They tried out one of my hummingbird feeders a couple times. Then took off. Many birds nesting here too. Diane Beaulaurier Summer and Ginny's neighbor on Clear Creek in Pleasant Valley at 2500' Subject: Spring Arrival Dates From: "at_jackson AT sbcglobal.net" <at_jackson@sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:12:19 -0700 Some Spring arrival dates for species we've seen in the yard over the last few days: 4/2 - Black-headed Grosbeak 4/11 - Western Kingbird 4/13 - Ash-throated Flycatcher The White-crowned Sparrows are still here. They usually stick around until late April/early May. We've also had a Hermit Thrush and California Thrasher for the last several months. Tim & Angela Jackson Shingle Springs, CA (about 1500 ft elevation) Subject: Spring Arrival Dates From: "at_jackson AT sbcglobal.net" <at_jackson@sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:12:19 -0700 Some Spring arrival dates for species we've seen in the yard over the last few days: 4/2 - Black-headed Grosbeak 4/11 - Western Kingbird 4/13 - Ash-throated Flycatcher The White-crowned Sparrows are still here. They usually stick around until late April/early May. We've also had a Hermit Thrush and California Thrasher for the last several months. Tim & Angela Jackson Shingle Springs, CA (about 1500 ft elevation) Subject: 1-4 May 08 Kern Birdiest County Effort From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:43:23 -0700 Kern County* - America's 2008 Birdiest Inland County bird species count, 7pm, Th, 1 May 08 - 7pm, Su, 4 May 08. (*See information on Los Angeles County's 26-28 April 08 effort at the end of this e-mail.) If you are able to bird Kern County during ANY of the 72 hours period listed above, please submit your sightings via e-mail to: bbarnes AT lightspeed.net. Thank you. BOTTOM LINES: America's Birdiest Inland County: 2003 - Cochise County, AZ - 226 species (individuals 24 hrs. out of 48) 2004 - Kern County, CA - 232 species (24/48) 2005 - Kern County, CA - 226 species (24/48) 2006 - Kern County, CA - 246 species (72 hrs. out of 72 by all individuals) 2007 - Kern County, CA -235 species (72 hrs. out of 72 by all individuals) 2008 - ??????? KERN COUNTY - AMERICA'S BIRDIEST INLAND COUNTY BIRD COUNT... 7PM, THURSDAY, MAY 1 through 7PM, SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008 The 2008 Kern County effort will take place over 72 consecutive hours from 7pm, Thursday, through 7pm, Sunday, May 1-4. All bird species observed by anyone during any of the 72 consecutive hours of may be contributed to the overall list to be submitted ... as long as the sightings are made in Kern County. Please submit your Kern County bird species sightings list to: bbarnes AT lightspeed.net ASAP after May 4. BACKGROUND REVIEW: As usual, the Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival will take place that same time, providing a solid base list. This base list will be sent out to kerncobirding soon after (May) for any of you to respond to by filling in missing species. The Kern River Valley and Butterbredt Spring are usually well-covered, thankfully so. This year, we are not sure how many field trips will make it out to California City and Galileo Hill. Past years efforts have revealed that the areas that require repeated coverage by the same individuals separate individuals (as they keep turning up new species) are Kern National Wildlife Refuge, China Lake ponds, Edwards AFB ponds, Greenhorn Mountains, and Isabella Reservoir. Other areas that need coverage Annette Road & Hwy. 43 at San Luis Obispo County line (possible YB Magpie), Arvin ponds, Bakersfield, East Sierra Canyons, Frazier Park, Piute Mountains, Tehachapi, Wind Wolves Preserve (Common Ground Dove)/Buena Vista Lake/Tule Elk Reserve,... That's it. Regardless of whether or not you plan your May 1-4 birding around the Kern County America's Birdiest Inland County effort, please check over the base list sent out the first week of May and submit any Kern Co. bird sightings made May 1-4 that are missing from that base list. Thank you. *Last year Los Angeles County was the overall America's Birdiest County with 272 species recorded! The 2008 Los Angeles County effort will take place Saturday-Monday, April 26-28. Contact Lance Benner via e-mail at lbenner AT charter.net if you would like to help Los Angeles County in this year's effort. Happy & Productive Birding, Bob Barnes Kern River Valley Birding 1009 Las Cruces Avenue Ridgecrest, California 93555 P: 760-382-1260 E: bbarnes AT lightspeed.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: The warblers are arriving From: "Summer Brasuel" <Delphinus AT starband.net> Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:40:10 -0000 Friday 4/11 I saw/heard my FOS Nashville Warbler. Today I saw more plus I saw one Wilsons Warbler and heard many more. Other arrivals today are Lark Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow. I have found nesting Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Sapsucker. Many other birds nesting now, too. Ginny, I had an Evening Grosbeak pass through last fall. Brown-headed Cowbirds arrived 4/3. I have not heard any Bullocks Orioles to date here. Summer Brasuel Sometset, CA el 3150 ft. Subject: Placerville Evening Grosbeaks From: "Deren Ross" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:46:22 -0000 Dear Birders, Just off the phone with my mom in Placerville and I have an update on the Evening Grosbeaks and an interesting observation to share. The number of Evening Grosbeaks has grown to 18. The first group had 4 or 5 males and one female. The female had a tough time at the feeder due to the males always running her out but today,that all changed. When the new arrivals, mostly males and another female, came to the feeder this morning, all the males stayed to the outide and let the females feed from center of the tray. If you're in the Placerville area and want to see these bold and beautiful birds, feel free to stop by. The address is 3208 Gerle Avenue (Main st. to Cedar Ravine to Darlington to Gerle). The feeder is along the fence on the up-hill side of the house and can be viewed from a vacant lot. There's parking spot in the lot as well. I passed on Ginny's report of Black-headed Grosbeaks arriving Placerville to my folks (Thanks Ginny). They always look forward to seeing the B.H. Grobeaks family at the feeders. We're wondering if they'll join the Evening Grosbeaks or wait for them to leave. Deren Ross Auburn, Ca (Reporting for Grace Ross in Placerville). Subject: Black Swift Arrival/Migration Dates? From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:03:04 -0700 John, At 09:50 PM 4/11/2008, JOHN STERLING wrote: >This would be exceptionally early for Black Swift in California. This species usually arrives/migrates through the Kern River Valley in late May/early June. The earliest record I know of from the Kern River Valley (Migrant Corner) is May 15th. There may have been reports as early as May 10th. According to Matt Heindel's on-line East Kern book (accessed via the Kern County section on the outstanding Joe Morlan's California Birding Pages web site), the earliest record for east Kern desert oases (Butterbredt Spring, California City, Galileo Hill, etc.) is May 17th. Do you know of the earliest date for California? And, do coastal Black Swifts arrive earlier than Sierra birds on average? FYI: John Schmitt and Alison Sheehey carefully studied and identified an exceptionally early WILLOW FLYCATCHER at Butterbredt Spring this past Monday, April 7th. This species (endangered Southwestern subspecies - extimus - in the case of Kern River Valley nesting grounds) usually first arrives on the nesting grounds in the Kern River Valley May 10-15. There are some earlier reports ... as early as late April. So, Alison's and John's report is for an individual passing through over a month earlier than expected and c. three weeks earlier than any prior likely record. I guess my thought is it will be interesting to see if there are any other reports of record early dates by a wide margin for other bird species in California this spring. Bob Barnes Ridgecrest, Kern County, CA >John Sterling > >VVVVVVVVVV > >26 Palm Ave > >Woodland, CA 95695 > >cell 530 908-3836 > >ani AT cal.net > >From: >sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com >[mailto:sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rudy Darling >Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 9:42 PM >To: >sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com >Subject: [SierraNevadaBirds] NEV Swift vigil pays off > >Greetings from Nevada County, > >As part of our Nevada County Big Year effort, Brian O'Connor and I have been >trying to find White-throated Swifts in the county by watching at >Englebright Lake dam. Today (Friday) our efforts paid off big-time. Brian >saw one WT Swift heading down-river AND one Black Swift heading up-river >over the dam about 11:30. I got there around 12:10. He hadn't seen any since >he had called me. After he left, I saw one (the same one?) WT Swift heading >up-river over the dam and over my head (firmly in Nevada County - the other >side of the river is in Yuba County) at about 12:50. It appears that it is >working the river canyon, passing by every hour or so, giving about a minute >of viewing. Patience is required. > >I don't know what the Black Swift was up to. Migrating? Foraging? Does >anyone know of any waterfalls in Nevada County that might be suitable >habitat for Black Swifts? > >On a personal note, the WT Swift was NEV life species #221 (#216 NIB) for me >and #153 for the NEV Big Year. The total for our NEV Big Year group is 165 >species so far this year. > >Rudy Darling >Nevada City > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: NEV Swift vigil pays off From: "JOHN STERLING" <ani AT cal.net> Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:50:36 -0700 This would be exceptionally early for Black Swift in California. John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 ani AT cal.net From: sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rudy Darling Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 9:42 PM To: sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SierraNevadaBirds] NEV Swift vigil pays off Greetings from Nevada County, As part of our Nevada County Big Year effort, Brian O'Connor and I have been trying to find White-throated Swifts in the county by watching at Englebright Lake dam. Today (Friday) our efforts paid off big-time. Brian saw one WT Swift heading down-river AND one Black Swift heading up-river over the dam about 11:30. I got there around 12:10. He hadn't seen any since he had called me. After he left, I saw one (the same one?) WT Swift heading up-river over the dam and over my head (firmly in Nevada County - the other side of the river is in Yuba County) at about 12:50. It appears that it is working the river canyon, passing by every hour or so, giving about a minute of viewing. Patience is required. I don't know what the Black Swift was up to. Migrating? Foraging? Does anyone know of any waterfalls in Nevada County that might be suitable habitat for Black Swifts? On a personal note, the WT Swift was NEV life species #221 (#216 NIB) for me and #153 for the NEV Big Year. The total for our NEV Big Year group is 165 species so far this year. Rudy Darling Nevada City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NEV Swift vigil pays off From: "Rudy Darling" <rdarling AT sbbmail.com> Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:42:23 -0700 Greetings from Nevada County, As part of our Nevada County Big Year effort, Brian O'Connor and I have been trying to find White-throated Swifts in the county by watching at Englebright Lake dam. Today (Friday) our efforts paid off big-time. Brian saw one WT Swift heading down-river AND one Black Swift heading up-river over the dam about 11:30. I got there around 12:10. He hadn't seen any since he had called me. After he left, I saw one (the same one?) WT Swift heading up-river over the dam and over my head (firmly in Nevada County - the other side of the river is in Yuba County) at about 12:50. It appears that it is working the river canyon, passing by every hour or so, giving about a minute of viewing. Patience is required. I don't know what the Black Swift was up to. Migrating? Foraging? Does anyone know of any waterfalls in Nevada County that might be suitable habitat for Black Swifts? On a personal note, the WT Swift was NEV life species #221 (#216 NIB) for me and #153 for the NEV Big Year. The total for our NEV Big Year group is 165 species so far this year. Rudy Darling Nevada City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FOS Black-headed grosbeak, Placerville/Somerset From: "ghupp920" <ghupp AT directcon.net> Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:10:21 -0000 Hi all, I decided to work on the deck on this lovely day. A few minutes ago, to my delight, I heard the "chip" I've been waiting for, and found a male black-headed grosbeak eyeing me, and the feeder. We are at 2400 feet. Deren, thanks for posting the evening grosbeak photos. It's great to know they are still to be found in the area. We had them visit our feeder in spring of 2000, but have never seen them since. Ginny Hupp Placerville, CA Subject: Re: Placerville Bird Photos Posted (ED) From: "Deren Ross" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:01:37 -0000 Dear Birders, To view the Grosbeak photo, you'll need to go to the Grosbeak album in the photo section which is located on the sidebar. You have the option for a small or large view. It did not show up in the New Photo section on the home page. Deren Ross Auburn,Ca --- In sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Deren Ross" wrote: > > Dear Birders, > > I've posted a photo of the Evening Grosbeaks and Cassin's Finches seen > at my folks place in Placerville(Gerle Ave). Elevation: 1970 ft. > Upon approval, each photo can be found in their respective albums > (Grosbeaks and Finches). > > I saw four Evening Grosbeaks at the feeder but I think there were a > few more close by. A few minutes after the Grosbeaks flew, 8-10 > Cassin's Finches came to the feeder. As if seeing Evening Grosbeaks > were not enough of a suprise. > > Also, a possible Red-naped/Yellow-bellied Sapsucker came to the feeder > before I arrived. > > Deren Ross > Auburn,Ca > Subject: Placerville Bird Photos Posted (ED) From: "Deren Ross" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:29:09 -0000 Dear Birders, I've posted a photo of the Evening Grosbeaks and Cassin's Finches seen at my folks place in Placerville(Gerle Ave). Elevation: 1970 ft. Upon approval, each photo can be found in their respective albums (Grosbeaks and Finches). I saw four Evening Grosbeaks at the feeder but I think there were a few more close by. A few minutes after the Grosbeaks flew, 8-10 Cassin's Finches came to the feeder. As if seeing Evening Grosbeaks were not enough of a suprise. Also, a possible Red-naped/Yellow-bellied Sapsucker came to the feeder before I arrived. Deren Ross Auburn,Ca Subject: Re: Evening Grosbeaks-Placerville (Eldorado Co.) From: "Deren Ross" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:37:27 -0000 Dear Birders, Dear Birders, It's Sunday afternoon and I writing from my folks computer in Placerville. I arrived at the house about an hour ago (12:30 PM) and as soon as I stepped out of the truck, I could hear the calls of several evening Grosbeaks. I immediately went to the back door, left it ajar, and left my camera ready to go on the kitchen table. Within minutes of my arrival, four beautiful Evening Grosbeaks were at the tray feeder. I got some good photos and will post one or two when I return home this evening. If interested in seeing these birds, which have been around for about weeks, you can view the tray feeder from the vacant lot at the upper- side of 3208 Gerle Way, Placerville. Also, there were three Cassin's Finches at feeder with the Grosbeaks Red-breasted was heard calling. Interesting stuff! Deren Ross Auburn,Ca Auburn,Ca --- In sierra-nevadabirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Deren Ross" wrote: > > Dear Birders, > > Today and yesterday, five to seven Evening Grosbeaks were feeding from > the seed tray at my folks house in Placerville. It was about a week > ago, that ten or so first appeared at their feeder. My folks had not > seen them since moving from Renton, Washington. Needless to say, they > were excited to see them again. The location is Gerle Way (off Cedar > Ravine). > > Deren Ross > Auburn, Ca > Subject: Tahoe From: Will Richardson <trichard AT unr.nevada.edu> Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 21:34:25 -0700 I did a real quick tour of some of the Tahoe hotspots late this afternoon, and managed to find some interesting stuff, despite the WIND(!!). Best, by far, was a 1st cycle Glaucous-winged Gull at the Upper Truckee River delta. My first for Tahoe and the first spring record! Others have been Nov-Jan. He was out on the western tip of the sandbar with lots of California and few Herring Gulls and even gave chase to a young Herring for a while. Nice, stout bird. Also notable was a raven in the Upper Truckee Marsh with a vole in its bill; not something you see every day. Other stuff: small, mixed herd of scaup in their usual spot near the bridge along Venice Dr. my first of spring (FOS) Tahoe Osprey FOS Barn (1) and Northern Rough-winged (2) Swallows (Cove East); still haven't seen a Tree yet - very strange Say's Phoebe at Cove East - first April record that I know of Handful of Mountain Bluebirds at Cove East; males looking brilliant Western Scrub-Jay at the corner of Venice and Tahoe Keys Blvd. - earliest spring record? Pope's Marsh is full, and was replete with Cal. Gulls feeding on something, but poor waterfowl numbers/diversity. Disappointing. Most of the stuff was far from the Venice Dr. side. A few Gambel's White-crowneds, Audubon's Warblers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets here and there, several Killdeer at the Upper Truckee R. delta, plus some half-hearted Song Sparrow and Red-winged Blackbird songs, all made it feel like winter is on its way out. A stop at Lake Forest Beach was lackluster, but did provide the only Ring-billed Gull. I'll have to start getting out more, now that stuff is moving around. Will Richardson Truckee, CA Subject: Table Mountain Birds From: "gary nielsen" <jgnielsen AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 21:47:55 -0700 On Table Mt. this morning, in Butte County ,I saw 2 Ravens carrying nesting material. I also saw at least 25 Tricolored Blackbirds in a mixed flock of blackbirds. Gsry Nielsen Oroville [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Evening Grosbeaks-Placerville (Eldorado Co.) From: "Deren Ross" <derenross AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:43:07 -0000 Dear Birders, Today and yesterday, five to seven Evening Grosbeaks were feeding from the seed tray at my folks house in Placerville. It was about a week ago, that ten or so first appeared at their feeder. My folks had not seen them since moving from Renton, Washington. Needless to say, they were excited to see them again. The location is Gerle Way (off Cedar Ravine). Deren Ross Auburn, Ca Subject: El Dorado County 3/30 From: Steve Glover <countylines AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:50:47 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, Yesterday, 3/30, Frances Oliver and I birded El Dorado County from 8 am until dusk. We started at the Summer Tanager spot but had no luck in the 45 minutes we were there. The White-throated Sparrow continued at the previously described spot off of Serrano Parkway. Bass Lake was almost bird-less except for a male Great-tailed Grackle and lots of Violet-green Swallows. Incidentally, we had large numbers of this swallow pretty much everywhere we went. Up around Jenkinson Lake/Sly Park Rd. we saw typical birds like Mountain Chickadee, Hairy Woodpecker, Winter Wren, etc. We also had a Northern Pygmy-Owl just up the hill from the lake but i'm not exactly sure where. On Latrobe Road at the Amador County line we had a singing Rufous-crowned Sparrow at the exact spot where Easterla, Sterling and I had it on 11/23/97, the first time I birded with them. Heading back toward El Dorado Hills we walked the abandoned railroad tracks starting from the spot where the tracks head west away from Latrobe Rd. The tracks pass some nice riparian woodlands along Deer Creek. Along here we had another Rufous-crowned Sparrow, a single Cassin's Vireo, a singing Bullock's Oriole and a Prairie Falcon. At the Folsom Lake Dam we had another singing Rufous-crowned Sparrow but very little on the water. At the end of the day we headed to Rattlesnake Bar near the northeast corner of Folsom Lake. At the Peninsula boat Launch facility we had a pair of flyover Lawrence's Goldfinches. As we were about to head back, Frances picked out a distant flock of geese which, quite fortunately, was working its way in our direction. As they went over us we could tell that all 140 of them were white geese, most of which appeared to be Snow Geese but at least 7 of which were Ross's. Oh, the birds were flying northeast. Working out way back out we stopped in some chaparral to try for roadrunner. At one point I thought I heard one but couldn't be sure. As we were about to leave we were startled to hear the very loud call of a Whimbrel! Looking up we saw two birds but heard more. We watched the two birds join another group of 7 birds and continue on to the northeast. We ended the day with 104 species. Viva Cesar, Steve Glover Subject: Fwd: John Schmitt Observation Notes on Kern Co./Sierra Nevada Caracara From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:54:12 -0700 Sierra Nevada Birders: Alison Sheehey posted this 28 Mar 08 John Schmitt observation note on the Weldon, Kern River Valley, Kern County, Southern Sierra Nevada CRESTED CARACARA. The note following includes behavioral and plumage observations which you might find of interest, as I did. Bob Barnes, Ridgecrest, Kern County. >From: "Alison Sheehey" >Sender: kerncobirding AT yahoogroups.com >Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:40:52 -0700 >Subject: [kerncobirding] FW: Schmitt report on Kern KRP Caracara > >John Schmitt sent this report and I am passing this on. > >28 MAR 2008, Wofford Heights, CA > >As a follow-up to my phone report to you yesterday, here is a summary of >my rediscovery of the Crested Caracara shortly after my parting company with >you guys at about 1130 hrs. > >As you remember, the Caracara appeared to be going in the direction of >the Kelso Valley when we lost sight of it. So based on that I drove about a >mile up the Kelso Valley Rd. and looked for livestock and ground foraging >Ravens which the Caracara might seek out to forage along side. At 1205 hrs I >rediscovered the Caracara in the vicinity of a small heard of horses and >ground foraging Ravens that are foraging opposite an isolated open stand of >Cottonwood and a low, very straight dike, topped with blond dead weeds, that >runs roughly north and south and bisects the very green pastures. > >For a period of 37 min. (1205 to 1243 hrs) I have the Caracara under >observation. During this time the bird engaged in various activities, i.e.: >foraging both alone and in the company of Common Ravens (which often >pestered the Caracara by making cautious lunges or shallow dives as they >flew past), infrequently engaged in reciprocal lunges at the Ravens, bathed >(a very thorough sopping bath naturally followed-up with a long period of >preening and shaking-off), loafed and preened (either in company of Ravens >or alone), and engaged in several short, low, rather hurried flights around >the same general area. It never perched anywhere other than on the open >ground. During its loafing periods it occasionally would draw one foot up. I >mention this as merely another measure of its well being. This, along with >the other activities, especially the bathing and preening, are things that a >birds in ill health would not be apt to engage in. This Caracara always >appeared keenly alert throughout the observation period. It flew well and >strongly and, with the exception of broken tips to a primary remex or two in >the outer wing, showed few flaws in wing or tail silhouette. On the ground >it strode and scampered about without any impairment. > >I judged the Caracara to be in a subadult/basic I plumage when we >observed it soaring overhead off Fay Ranch Rd. This was based on the lack of >streaking in the lower throat/chest region (but I could not detect any >transverse barring or spots either); very black sides and belly with some >obscure pale streaking in the mid belly; a black terminal tail band (not >muted brown as in the juvenile); and the very bleached brown of the wings >dorsal surface. > >Further observations of the Caracara in the lower Kelso Valley pastures >revealed that it was quite brown through the upper parts, appearing quite >bleached on the wings with paler mottlings in the elbow region. The >scapulars and interscapulars are a darker brown and contrast a bit with the >wings, indicating some recent molt has occurred producing fresher, darker >feathers. The bare skin of the face appeared pink to red. As noted before >during the first observation of >it in flight, no streaking is detected in the chest area or lower hind >neck/upper back, which all support it classified as a basic I/subadult. > >I finally had to tear myself away at about 1245 hrs. When I departed, the >Caracara was perched alone and on one leg out in the wide open. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Siera Nevada Crested Caracara Update From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:09:57 -0700 Hi, I just received a phone call from Alison Sheehey. Kern County's first CRESTED CARACARA (and the Sierra Nevada's?) was observed again this morning on Audubon California Kern River Preserve land off the west side of Fay Ranch Road in Weldon, north-central Kern County at 2650"+ in the southern Sierra Nevada. This time the observation was made by Walter Meachem (sp?) and his son. Later this morning Alison Sheehey and John Schmitt observed this bird. Alison got photos of the bird in flight. She will post them on Kerncobirding when she gets back to her computer. Since his first observation, John Schmitt has been able to track the Crested Caracara out to a location off Kelso Valley Road about one mile south of CA Hwy. 178. He found it settled on the ground with Ravens about. Although John has not completely settled in on the age of this bird, he believes it to be a sub-adult, being neither a juvenile, nor a full adult. Stayed tuned for Alison's posting later today. Bob Barnes [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Christmas Valley-Meyers From: Ryan Phillips <harpiabz AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:21:46 -0700 (PDT) Hi All- The last few days in Christmas Valley produced a very bright male SLATE-COLORED JUNCO in my backyard and a very vocal RED-SHOULDERED HAWK along North Upper Truckee River. Good Birding, Ryan Phillips San Jose/Meyers, CA ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Nevada/El Dorado/Alpine/Amador From: "John Luther" <aplomado-falcon AT worldnet.att.net> Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:20:40 -0800 Hey Birders, Long COOL day today. Cool Long-eared Owl in Nevada Co, drove through town of Cool (between Auburn and Placerville), very cool (cold!) at Tahoe and Alpine Co and listened to Sacramento Cool Oldies 92.1 FM on way home. Guess you have to be an Oldie to appreciate the cool oldies. Left Oakland at 3 AM to get to Perimeter Rd in Nevada Co to try for Long-eared Owl reported by Rudy Darling. Brian O'Conner was there when I arrived at 5:30 and he had already heard it. I heard it a short time later. Looking and listening for Short-eared and Burrowing Owls further west on Perimeter, White Oak and Long Ravine Roads produced no owls except Great Horned. This area can be reached by driving west from Highway 49 on Wolf Rd to Lime Kiln to McCourtney to Perimeter. Poorwills can also be heard in this area. After a quick coffee pick-me-up I drove down 49 to Auburn and continued south on 49 through Cool, past Coloma (think Marshall's gold discovery) to Placerville on Highway 50. Then east to Ice House Rd about 24 miles from Placerville. About 5 miles up Ice House Rd on the hill opposite the USFS information stop (still closed) I saw a Black-chinned Sparrow (seems very early) , DE Junco, Robin, Purple Finch, Band-tailed Pigeon and others. Back to 50 and east to Tahoe Keys at the south shore of Lake Tahoe. It was cold and windy here with the usual Black-billed Magpies, over a hundred Canada Geese with a single minima Cackling Goose for contrast, Hooded and Common Mergansers and other ducks as well on the walk near the river and restored area to the lake shore. Then over Luther Pass to Alpine Co where it was even colder with stronger gusting winds from the south. North Indian Creek Reservoir was calm, but south reservoir had white caps along with 2 White Pelicans. On the two reservoirs were lots of ducks including Pintail, Mallard, Gadwall, GW Teal, an Am Wigeon, Bufflehead, Lesser and Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Com Merganser and Ruddy Duck along with a single Eared Grebe, about 40 Canada Geese and 30 DC Cormorants. Lots of Pinyon Jays were vocalizing and flying around the east side of the south reservoir. On the west side of Carson pass I encountered a few flakes of falling snow and a bit of hail from the dark clouds above. Kirkwood was about 38 degrees when I left at about 4 PM, but I did manage to find 16 hardy species there including Mt Chickadee, GC Kinglet, Br Creeper, Townsend's Solitaire, Robin, Raven, Brewer's and RW Blackbirds, BH Cowbird, Cassin's Finch, Clark's Nutcracker, Steller's Jay, RB and WB Nuthatches, and a Red-tailed Hawk. It was still light when I reached Ione in Amador Co so I quickly checked the sewage ponds which produced a nice Green Heron and a few ducks. Still enough light to check some fields north of Ione so I went north on highway 104 and then north on Michigan Bar Rd and then north on Carbondale to Maxwell Rd which goes west off Carbondale. No Burrowing Owls which I was hoping to find, but I did see two Long-billed Curlews flying over the field north of Maxwell and then landing. Standing on the door entrance of my jeep I was high enough to see a pond that I did not know existed. The curlews took a bath and perhaps settled in for the night. This is only the second time that I have seen Long-billed Curlew in Amador Co. The first time was only 3 weeks ago on Mar 5. That time they were flying into San Joaquin Co. This time they were only about a quarter mile from Sacramento Co. Shorebirds are tough to find in Amador. This pond also had a single G Yellowlegs and about 25 Am Wigeon. To see the pond drive .2 miles from Carbondale Rd and get high (that is step up onto something like your car, other ways of getting high might get you in trouble). I could not see the pond at all when I was on the road or ground. So I got high. Home by about 10 PM. What a great state - from San Francisco Bay to beautiful green foothills with spring flowers covering the green fields to over 10' of snow and ice-covered lakes to the Great Basin!! Go Birding!! John Luther Oakland Subject: Fwd: Crested Caracara at Kern River Preserve From: Bob Barnes <bbarnes AT lightspeed.net> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:21:20 -0700 Hi, Forward of a message from Alison Sheehey of a report of a Crested Caracara sighting and photo taken this morning at Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve at 2650'+ elevation in the southern Sierra Nevada of north-central Kern County. Bob Barnes >From: "Alison Sheehey" >Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:20:47 -0700 >Subject: [kerncobirding] Crested Caracara at Kern River Preserve > >This morning at 11:17 a.m. Bill Foster identified an adult Crested Caracara >near the river on the Kern River Preserve along Fay Ranch Road. It was being >harassed by several ravens. It flew and searches have failed to relocate the >bird. > >I have posted a blurry yet identifiable photo in the Kern County birding >photo folders taken by Darrell Barnes. The caracara was viewed by Bill >Foster, Darrell Barnes, Chris & Gordon Hancock. I will continue to try to >monitor the area as time permits and let people know if the bird is >relocated. > >All Kern County birders should keep their eyes out for this bird in case it >is here only transiently. > >Thanks, > >Ali > >Alison Sheehey - Outreach Program Coordinator >Audubon California Kern River Preserve >P.O. Box 153 >Weldon, CA 93283 > >760-378-2029 >***************************** >http://kern.audubon.org - "Protecting the >South Fork Kern River riparian forest and the wildlife that calls it home." > >P.S. Join us for the 14th Annual Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival - >April 30th through May 6th. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Pileated Woodpecker & Band-tailed Pigeons From: "Frank Severson" <frankseverson AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:57:09 -0000 The pileated woodpecker returned at 12:45. He drummed on the same large snag. I went to look. He preened for a minute or two. Then he flew to a small, living Ponderosa and called, perhaps prompted by my presence. Also, flocks of band-tailed pigeons are arriving regularly. Frank J. Severson Placerville CA 95667 11 miles north of Placerville, at 3000 feet elevation, in the Ponderosa Pine Belt Home: (530) 642-1787 Work: (916) 341-6259 Subject: Western Tanager in March? From: "rena_escobedo" <rena_escobedo AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:57:50 -0000 Last week just after sunrise, I heard a clear call from a western tanager. Is this possible? i was in the big meadows area at roughly 7600 ft. Is there any other mimic bird this could have been? Happy Birding!