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4 Jul OCTOBER 2009 ANNUAL MCAS PELAGIC TRIP : [Maggie Smith ] 3 Jul Harlequin and W-w Dove 7/3 [] 03 Jul White-Throated Swifts in San Miguel ["songbirdmama16" ] 3 Jul Estero Bluffs [] 2 Jul Harlequin Duck [Maggie Smith ] 1 Jul Help with ID [Teddy Llovet ] 29 Jun Tree Swallows ["songbirdmama16" ] 30 Jun Least Bittern [] 29 Jun Osprey and Bald Eagle [Maggie Smith ] 29 Jun Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cerro Alto ["themrbubby00mjf" ] 28 Jun Cassin's Kingbird [Teddy Llovet ] 27 Jun Morro Bay Shorebirds [] 25 Jun RFI from Ohio irders - CA Condors [Jeffrey Cullen ] 23 Jun White-winged Scoter [Maggie Smith ] 22 Jun MU Ranch birds on the Carrizo ["Kathy Sharum" ] 21 Jun MU Ranch birds on the Carrizo ["Kathy Sharum" ] 20 Jun Blue-winged Teal [Maggie Smith ] 19 Jun Johnson Ranch Lazuli Buntings, etc. ["lmosson" ] 17 Jun Harlequin Duck at Morro Bay Harbor [Maggie Smith ] 17 Jun Atascadero [Roger Zachary ] 16 Jun Re: Yellow-billed Magpies ["David Innis" ] 17 Jun Out of state birder with questions (No Sighting) ["Amar Ayyash" ] 14 Jun Yard Birds 6/14 ["schaeferross" ] 14 Jun Northern Parula/Cerro Alto [Maggie Smith ] 14 Jun San Simeon Cove Gulls ["Brad Schram" ] 14 Jun WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW Race question follow-up ... FYI [Alan Schmierer ] 13 Jun White Pelicans on Morro Bay [Richard Boyd ] 13 Jun Morro Bay Estuary 6/13 [] 12 Jun Least Terns at Oso Flaco Lake [Maggie Smith ] 12 Jun Harlequin Duck and Northern Parula [] 11 Jun Rufous Hummer [Brian McHugh ] 11 Jun Cerro Alto Northern Parula update [Maggie Smith ] 11 Jun WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW race ID [Alan Schmierer ] 10 Jun Hwy. 227 rock outcrops ["steve schubert" ] 10 Jun Turkey Vulture Nesting Den ["Paul G. Rosso" ] 10 Jun Black-chinned Sparrows, etc on TV Tower Road [Alan Schmierer ] 10 Jun Northern Parula, 6/10 ["birderjaime" ] 10 Jun 6/8 and 6/9 Yard Birds ["schaeferross" ] 9 Jun NORTHERN PARULA [Alan Schmierer ] 8 Jun Lopez Ducks, etc. ["Brad Schram" ] 8 Jun Oso Flaco birds [] 8 Jun Female RBGR [Sara Bilsten ] 8 Jun Yellow-billed Magpie observations [Maggie Smith ] 8 Jun magpie results so far [Andrea Jones ] 08 Jun Y-B Magpie ["Linda Tanner" ] 08 Jun Re: Yellow-billed Magpies ["milleniummaggs" ] 7 Jun Re: Yellow-billed Magpies [Calvin French ] 07 Jun Yellow-billed Magpies ["Linda Tanner" ] 7 Jun Huasna Magpies ["Brad Schram" ] 7 Jun Re: first day of magpie count [Calvin French ] 7 Jun Re: Yesterday's Estero Bluffs birds ["Rickand ChrissAustin" ] 7 Jun Re: first day of magpie count [] 7 Jun Re: Edna Valley YB Magpies ["Francis X. Villablanca" ] 6 Jun first day of magpie count [Calvin French ] 6 Jun Cerro Alto Campground and Ridge Field Trip [Alan Schmierer ] 06 Jun Magpies ["Mark Brown" ] 06 Jun 6/6 Birding ["schaeferross" ] 6 Jun Yesterday's birds [] 5 Jun NORTHERN PARULA continues [Alan Schmierer ] 5 Jun Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak - Islay Creek [] 4 Jun Shell Beach Loons ["Brad Schram" ] 3 Jun Morro Bay [] 3 Jun NORTHERN PARULAS at Cerro Alto Rd [Alan Schmierer ] 03 Jun Wood-Pewee at Oceano ["Mark Brown" ] 2 Jun Reminder: Yellow-billed Magpie Survey this weekend! [Andrea Jones ] 2 Jun Re: ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK [] 2 Jun Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak [] 2 Jun Rose-breasted Grosbeak [Sara Bilsten ] 02 Jun Re: What the duck? [Joseph Morlan ] 02 Jun What the duck? ["sayers68" ] 1 Jun Late Golden-crowned Sparrow ["Brad Schram" ] 1 Jun ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK [Alan Schmierer ] 01 Jun Fledging Kestrels in Los Osos ["slobev" ] 31 May recent yard birds 5/31/09 ["cheryl lish" ] 28 May Oso Flaco Lake 3/28 [Maggie Smith ] 27 May Lazuli bunting [Bob and Mary Bishop ] Subject: OCTOBER 2009 ANNUAL MCAS PELAGIC TRIP : From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:32:56 -0700 (PDT) Announcing the MCAS Annual Pelagic Trip When: Sunday, October  4, 2009, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Where: Out of Port San Luis, Avila, CA heading out toward the Santa Lucia Banks, but going wherever the birds are …all within San Luis Obispo County waters.  Expect a good variety of sea mammals also. Boat: The 55 ft “Patriot”.  Food and drinks will not be available. Leaders: Tom Edell and Brad Schram, both expert and experienced pelagic trip leaders. Cost:  per person $75. Applications: There has been a waiting list the last 3 years so sign up early.    For more information and Application Form: contact Maggie Smith at milleniummaggs AT charter.net  or call her at 805-710-4356.   Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Harlequin and W-w Dove 7/3 From: jcadroyer AT aol.com Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 19:31:25 EDT Ross Schaefer and I went over this morning to the Cloister's Pond to look for Least Bittern and play a recording of the species - with no luck. We did see a White-winged Dove fly over and it kept going across Highway 1, landing near the Best Western Motel. At Morro Rock we saw a female Harlequin Duck in the mouth of the harbor near the sandy beach. Ross has photos and will hopefully post them. A hike of Coon Creek turned up nothing unusual. Jim Royer Los Osos **************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: White-Throated Swifts in San Miguel From: "songbirdmama16" <kdgbuck AT pacbell.net> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:23 -0000 A good samaritan brought me a fledgling White-Throated Swift found at 1st pillar under the San Miguel bridge crossing over the Salinas riverbed. Could our birders tell me if these Swifts are commonly seen in that area? Thanks for all your help, Debbie Buckheim Atascadero Pacific Wildlife Care Subject: Estero Bluffs From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:18:46 EDT This evening eight BRANT and two RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS continued in the cove south of Cayucos Point at Estero Bluffs State Park. Two GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were seen along the trail from the parking area by the rock and fig tree to the beach. A year old BONEPARTE'S GULL was north of the Cayucos Creek mouth. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA **************It's raining cats and dogs -- Come to PawNation, a place where pets rule! (http://www.pawnation.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000008) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Harlequin Duck From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 19:24:39 -0700 (PDT) The 1st winter male HARLEQUIN DUCK was on the water just off the left end of the south jetty at Morro Bay harbor this morning.� A female surf Scoter was nearby. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Help with ID From: Teddy Llovet <bluheron AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 09:41:49 -0700 Please help with ID on this bird seen in the Botanical Gardens. Tanager male, hybrid, juvenile? http://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyllovet/3677904984/in/photostream/ fly the bird path ~} ~} ~} Teddy Llovet http://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyllovet/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tree Swallows From: "songbirdmama16" <kdgbuck AT pacbell.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:40:27 -0000 Can anyone tell me if they've recently Tree Swallows in or around Morro Bay State Park? Any other information about where they can be seen would be appreciated. Thanks, Debbie Buckheim 462-2608 Atascadero Subject: Least Bittern From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:07:47 EDT I received word this evening that an injured adult LEAST BITTERN was picked up near Hwy 1 and Yerba Buena Street in Morro Bay. This species bred nearby at the Cloisters Pond in 2005. That's the only place in the vicinity of Hwy 1 and Yerba Buena that I can imagine this bird had been before being hit and wonder if this species is breeding there again. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA **************It's raining cats and dogs -- Come to PawNation, a place where pets rule! (http://www.pawnation.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000008) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Osprey and Bald Eagle From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:19:23 -0700 (PDT) Donna Chance and I birded� the Mabel French Boy Scout Camp area this morning.� An Adult BALD EAGLE flew down the canyon toward Lopez Lake. An OSPREY was flying over the lake.� This is the only one one I've seen for over a month. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cerro Alto From: "themrbubby00mjf" <jonathan.james AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:54:16 -0000 My wife and I were in Paso Robles for a wedding this last weekend, and we dropped by the Cerro Alto campground on our way home Sunday, June 28th. What a wonderful place! Unfortunately, we only had an hour and a half or so to spend there, and we got there around 11:00 am. Anyway, we're southern California birders, so we enjoyed everything. Even the Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Purple Finches were a treat, but we were even more excited to find a singing male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK low in some willows a few hundred yards up the creek from the lower parking lot. We only had brief clear views before it moved deeper into the undergrowth. The other highlight of the day was a Northern Pygmy-Owl distantly tooting from the opposite hillside about half-way between the creek and the campground, though we didn't see it. -Jonathan Rowley Whittier, CA Subject: Cassin's Kingbird From: Teddy Llovet <bluheron AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:00:29 -0700 At least a dozen Cassin's Kingbirds have been loudly and incessantly calling and flying around El Chorro Regional Park the last few days, between the dog run area and the vegetable garden at the Oak Pavillion. I have not seen nesting but fledglings are being fed by adults as they flit about. Proof is in the photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyllovet/sets/72157620564613195/detail/ fly the bird path ~} ~} ~} Teddy Llovet http://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyllovet/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Morro Bay Shorebirds From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:08:41 EDT I checked the Morro Bay Estuary this morning for returning shorebirds. The low tide exposed far to much mud flat for me to check from the Baywood Park shoreline and probably accounted for my missing the summering Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plovers, and likely a few early returning peeps. The only returning shorebirds I noted were WILLETS. Their number has increased with 950 visible from the shoreline along Pasadena Ave in Baywood Park. Most were starting to molt out of breeding plumage and a few, possibly those that summered, showed little breeding plumage. I saw no juveniles. The male Bufflehead I found a couple of weeks ago was feeding in a low tide channel. There were 100+ AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS spread around the estuary and three COMMON LOONS, one of which was in breeding plumage. Eight AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were on Whale Rock Reservoir. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA **************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: RFI from Ohio irders - CA Condors From: Jeffrey Cullen <cullen_jeffrey AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:28:40 -0700 (PDT) On July�6 we are driving north from Ventura to San Luis Obispo, and then to Monterey the following day.� Where is our best chance to see Condors, or who do I need to talk to?� Reply to either my yahoo email, or my primary address, jcullen at bgcs.k12.oh.us.� Thanks in advance. Jeff & Becky Cullen Bowling Greeen, Ohio members of The Toledo Naturalists' Association�� �www.toledonaturalist.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White-winged Scoter From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:21:23 -0700 (PDT) This morning while checking for returning shorebirds at the Pasadena Coastal Access, I saw a female WHITE-WINGED SCOTER.� The tide was low and the bird was standing on the mud flats near a channel where Western grebes were swimming. I think it was a 1st spring female; the white secondaries were visible and it had extensive white lores. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: MU Ranch birds on the Carrizo From: "Kathy Sharum" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:33:44 -0000 The lesser nighthawks put on another spectacular show this evening as my husband and I stood outside while an estimated ten or twelve of them flew around and over us in the yard, most times only a foot or two above the ground. Tonight winds were much calmer than last night and we were able to hear a few of them. As it got darker, the nighthawks were joined by bats and a great-horned owl. To add to the mix were western kingbirds and loggerhead shrikes that always find it difficult to keep quiet. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: MU Ranch birds on the Carrizo From: "Kathy Sharum" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:05:47 -0000 Tonight, well before dark, my husband and I were able to watch four lesser nighthawks hawking for insects in the yard. They stayed roughly in the same area until it was too dark to see, sometimes briefly landing in the driveway. We have been seeing two most nights so maybe this was a family group. We continue to have Western kingbird, Bullock's oriole and Lawrence's goldfinch, all either feeding young in nests or fledglings. We also have an ash-throated flycatcher that has been here possibly since June 1. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: Blue-winged Teal From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:27:12 -0700 (PDT) This morning there was a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Oso Flaco Lake. I also heard a COMMON GROUND-DOVE on Dana Foothill� in Nipomo. http://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/scguide.htm#daforo Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Johnson Ranch Lazuli Buntings, etc. From: "lmosson" <lmosson AT charter.net> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:04:22 -0000 In order to eke out a bit more spring, Pat Wells and I walked the Johnson Ranch trail this morning and were rewarded with LAZULI BUNTINGS and a BLUE GROSBEAK as well as Bullocks Orioles, Western Bluebirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, etc. Additional sightings included a beautiful king snake and Mariposa Lilies. Leslie Mosson Nipomo Subject: Harlequin Duck at Morro Bay Harbor From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:51:04 -0700 (PDT) Mid morning I saw a 1st year male HARLEQUIN DUCK motoring past target rock heading for the rocks at the jetty.� I put up an ID pic on my Flickr site..� He was with a female Surf scoter and when I saw them last, they were� hauled up on the rocks preening. I spent 2 hours at Cerro Alto earlier and did not see or hear the Northern Parula. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Atascadero From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:37:41 -0700 Hello, I decided to check out the Atascadero Wastewater Treatment Facility and walk around the east fenced boundary. Otherwise you have to make arrangements with city staff in order to enter. I was curious about the number of Wood Ducks. I counted at least 30. I believe there is probably more. It was hard to count from outside of the fence. Some were nervous and hidden in the vegetation. Other birds to note were 3 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Mute Swan, and 4 Wilson's Phalaropes. Also, to the east of the wastewater facility along the Salinas River corridor I counted 5 Phainopeplas. Roger Zachary Atascadero www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger Subject: Re: Yellow-billed Magpies From: "David Innis" <dminnis AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:05:14 -0700 Linda, Unfortunately, this past Sunday (6/14), I saw a couple of magpies dead along Pozo Road in the area you described as "2 miles east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd. 'Y' on Pozo Road...... 5". Also I saw a couple of woodpeckers in the weeds here, too. My guess the birds were hit by cars. I only saw a couple of live YBMA in this stretch. I saw these riding a bicycle. -- Dave Atascadero ----- Original Message ----- From: Calvin French To: Linda Tanner Cc: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 4:39 PM Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Yellow-billed Magpies If someone else (Maggie?) decides to post this information, I think he/she should inform this list, so that it is not duplicated. The locations are probably close enough. (EBird takes only a couple of minutes max to join, by the way, and is free) Cal French Adelaida On Sun, Jun 7, 2009 at 16:18, Linda Tanner wrote: > > > Joyce Cory, Randy Ball and I took a drive through some of the east county > to document Yellow-billed Magpies today (Sunday). > > In the residential area of Santa Margarita............21 > 2 miles east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd. 'Y' on Pozo Road...... 5 > 1 mile east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd 'Y' on Hwy 58........... 6 > In & around the town of Pozo (near Pozo Saloon).......10 > On Pozo Road near Sta.Margarita Lk turnoff.............3 > > All were seen while driving. > > None of us has an e-bird account so if anyone is willing to post these for > us, please respond by email. We'd like the information to be of some use. > Let me know if you need more precise location information. Maggie? > > Linda Tanner > Los Osos > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.56/2162 - Release Date: 06/08/09 06:01:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Out of state birder with questions (No Sighting) From: "Amar Ayyash" <amarayyash AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:39:26 -0000 Greetings birders. I'm hoping someone can answer a few questions I have relating to gulls. I've read lists that describe bird status in the region according to seasons, but I'd like to hear from birders that bird the area regularly. 1)What is the status of the following gulls in mid-January in the Morro Bay area: Mew California Western Glaucous-winged Black-legged Kittiwake (bonus!) Heerman's 2) What's the best way to access these birds (land, boat, indoors, etc.)? I'm hoping to do some gulling on the west coast this year (I'm from the Chicago area) and I'd like to make the most of my trips. Any information would be appreciated. Good birding, Amar Ayyash Frankfort IL Will County Subject: Yard Birds 6/14 From: "schaeferross" <schaeferross AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:24:18 -0000 I had the biggest group of Lawrence's Goldfinches I've ever had today. The group consisted of one male, 2 immatures, and 4 adult females. I have pictures of a few birds at http://www.flickr.com/photos/schaeferross Ross Schaefer Atascadero [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Northern Parula/Cerro Alto From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:38:15 -0700 (PDT) The adult male NORTHERN PARULA was singing in its usual area this morning. "200 feet toward Rte 41 from the steel gate on the right (about mid-way up the road). It seems to prefer the largest Douglas fir and the two tall sycamores just upstream from it. " Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: San Simeon Cove Gulls From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:24:30 -0700 While picnicing with friends at San Simeon Pt. yesterday I noticed a couple specimens of unseasonal gulls. A bedraggled, faded (now) year-old GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL begged with local Western Gulls on the lawn. A first year HERRING GULL in yet more bedraggled and faded condition was up the shore toward the bluffs. The latter bird's flight and tail feathers were mosty shafts and faded to medium brown. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande, CA http://flickr.com/photos/chaparralbrad/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW Race question follow-up ... FYI From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:37:49 -0700 (PDT) COMMENTS RECEIVED ON: WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW race ID ORIGINAL MESSAGE: I have had a White-crowned Sparrow at my feeder today that appears to me to be of the nuttalli or pugatensis race. The latter should be well north of us by now, but the local breeders have never reached my somewhat inland feeder either at this time of year. Since I have had a lot of strange and out-of-season zonotrichia sparrows at my location over the years (like Golden-crowned in July!) I am asking, can anyone figure the race of this bird by its molt or other features?? See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets/72157619525065223/ 1) (Greg Smith) I think it was two years ago about this time at Jodi's MAPS banding station that we caught a Hatching Year Nuttall's White-crowned Sparrow (can you verify Jodi?). We were both surprised, but a little less so when it keyed out to be a NWCS. Given these two instances, maybe there is a little post breeding dispersal. I do not think it is a pugetensis as there is no yellow at the bend of the wing (which can usually be seen) and the size and relative body parts look more like a NWCP. 2) (Joe Morlan) The only difference is leg length and weight and you would need to know the sex, so they can really be told only in-hand. But in my area, the nuttalli stay on territory year round while pugetensis come and go in flocks during migration and winter. If your bird is singing, you could compare the song type to see if it matches the local breeders. 3) (Brad Schram) Although not a guru on molt, I think we can assume this is a nuttalli because: a) it's in your yard in mid-june, and b) it's in molt, apparently including primaries. A molting nuttalli right now makes sense, since it has nowhere to go, whereas a pugetensis this far south should be in high plumage ready to go. At least, that makes sense to me. We had a Golden-crown here through the 4th. It was, of course, in glorious high plumage by the time it went. In a monograph some years ago I read that the farthest inland reported nuttalli nest was 1 1/2 miles. A bird from a pair somewhere up Chorro Creek could get to you without much walking. …..My two cents.... 4) (Ron Melcer) What are you thinking on this guy? I don't see any evidence of juvy feathers in the crown; that may not help age a SY in those subspecies, though. Looks like a three or four inner greater coverts 'could' have been replaced, as well as the terts? (leaning towards pugetensis) its hard to tell but they look a bit more dusky in a few shots; it'd be better in the hand. As far as the central rects- they look like they are from last fall, which leans towards the more protracted prealternate of nutalli Its pretty hard to tell between the two subspecies you suggest either way. you ask hard questions. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White Pelicans on Morro Bay From: Richard Boyd <dickboyd AT charter.net> Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:49:11 -0700 The is a followup to Tom Edell's posting about the large number of WHITE-PELICANS on the Bay. At High Tide the birds congregate on Grassy Island and I have been counting them from my house. I come up with about 150 birds. This seems to be consistent with Tom's Low-Tide count of 110 considering the congregation on the island no doubt also collects birds from channels not not visible from the south and east shoreline. Pardon the PERSONIFICATION in what follows. My take on, why the high numbers?, was well ... they are obviously non-breeders and they must be sub-adults from a very successful breeding season last year on the widely spread-out interior fresh water lakes and streams where they breed. Although I can easily count them with the scope from my house they are too far away to reliably separate adults from immatures. Tom finds both are present. So the question remains why should adults want to hang around? Last year there was a lot of water available over much of the interior range which could explain a good year. But how would a wintering adult know what the interior conditions are this year and form an opinion concerning skipping breeding? Thoughts appreciated Dick Boyd Subject: Morro Bay Estuary 6/13 From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:02:59 EDT I checked for shorebirds on Morro Bay this morning. Parking at the 3rd Street access in Los Osos, I walked southwest and around the point scanning the mudflats. The tide was pretty low allowing the few shorebirds summering on the bay a lot of room to roam, so I only covered about a third of the available habitat for shorebirds. Aside from Long-billed Curlew, a group of 14 WHIMBRELS was the only shorebird species worth noting. A male BUFFLEHEAD and a female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER were both late if not summering, while seven BRANT were not too unusual for this date and could still include late migrants. I was surprised to find at least 110 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS spread out over the main estuary channels. Both immature birds showing gray in the wing coverts and adults showing a darker gray on their crown are present. This is the highest total recorded at Morro Bay in June; last year I recorded 55 birds on 6 June. A rough count of the herons and egrets on the mudflat was as follows: Great Blue Heron 19 Great Egret 74 Snowy Egret 35 Black-crowned Night Heron 1 Tom Edell Cayucos, CA **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377049x1201454365/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: Least Terns at Oso Flaco Lake From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:41:28 -0700 (PDT) This morning there were 10 LEAST TERNS� over the lake. Brad Shram and I grabbed the opportunity to take pictures and observe the behavior of these beautiful birds.� The males fished while their mates waited on the bridge.� Their was much vocalization when a male with a fish approached his mate..� With the offering accepted, the males raised their wings and lifted their bills skyward and seemed quite pleased with themselves. At least 3 birds were banded and the colors are clearly visible. I put up a slideshow on my Flickr site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie/sets/72157619658983580/show/ Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Harlequin Duck and Northern Parula From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:20:26 EDT The second-year (first-spring) male HARLEQUIN DUCK was resting on a nearshore rock in the cove south of Cayucos Point at Estero Bluffs State Park this morning. The bird appears worn and looked primarily brown in this morning's light, except for the white facial/head and wing marks. Also in the area was a single BRANT, two female plumaged RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, and a female SURF SCOTER. Three COMMON MURRES in breeding plumaged were much farther offshore. SAVANNAH and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were singing along the marine terrace. I did not see any Grasshopper Sparrows - but I did not search for them. I received a phone call reporting that the male NORTHERN PARULA was still singing in the Cerro Alto Campground this morning. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA **************Shop Dell’s full line of Laptops now starting at $349! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221881320x1201406166/aol?redir=http:%2F%2 Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215218036%3B37264217%3Bz) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rufous Hummer From: Brian McHugh <orrock1946 AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:49:57 -0700 I could have sworn I saw a Rufous Hummer in our park two days ago; rufous back and tail, pale chest. Is this possible?? Brian McHugh Santa Maria Brian McHugh orrock1946 AT comcast.net 805.406.6206 (mobile) "It is possible to be morally upright repulsively." (Archbishop William Temple) Subject: Cerro Alto Northern Parula update From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:55:14 -0700 (PDT) Early this morning 6/11 just at sunrise the Northern Parula was singing in the same area it's been in since 6/3. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW race ID From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:51:19 -0700 (PDT) I have had a White-crowned Sparrow at my feeder today that appears to me to be of the nuttalli or pugatensis race. The latter should be well north of us by now, but the local breeders have never reached my somewhat inland feeder either at this time of year. Since I have had a lot of strange and out-of-season zonotrichia sparrows at my location over the years (like Golden-crowned in July!) I am asking , can anyone figure the race of this bird by its molt or other features?? See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets/72157619525065223/ Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Hwy. 227 rock outcrops From: "steve schubert" <s_schub1 AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:56:06 -0700 Hello Dr. 'V'., Yes, nesting peregrine falcons have been monitored at these rock outcrops by myself and a few other observers for some 10 years or more. I call them the Edna Rocks, is that accurate? Until disappearing a few years ago the white (leucistic) male red-tailed hawk also nested there, with a typically-colored female. Dean Thompson told me he once rented and lived in a residence near that site and recalls seeing a white red-tailed hawk back in the early 1980's, so we speculated whether it might have been the same old male white hawk more than 20 years later. The peregrines and red-tails often fly and hunt over the Cold Canyon landfill area, crossing over Hwy. 227 back to these cliff sites. I have always heard or seen a few yellow-billed magpies among the oaks and fenced horse enclosures in this area near the landfill. The landowner of this property with the rock outcrops, a local developer, is appreciative and shows interest for the nesting raptors on these large cliff formations and has several times expressed his intention to protect this site on his property. He once invited a group of birders over for a wine and cheese tasting party while we watched the nearby falcon nesting activity. Steve Schubert Los Osos Sun Jun 7, 2009 12:39 pm I had a flock of at least 5 YELLOW BILLED MAGPIES on HWY 227 (2234 and 3345 Carpinter Canyon Rd) south of Price Canyon Road this morning (June 7th) at about 9:30am. They were acting as is they were quite familiar with the local landscape. Does anyone survey the rock outcrop on Hwy 227 (west of the SLO landfill) for nesting raptors? Francis Villablanca Arroyo Grande [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Turkey Vulture Nesting Den From: "Paul G. Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:41:09 -0700 In Cerro Alto CG, this morning, June 10th, there was a Turkey Vulture guarding a nesting den. About 500 feet up the road, there is a large dead broken off tree with a large hole near the base for entry. It is on the east upslope side of the road. I believe Turkey Vultures like old hollowed out logs for nesting. Lots of poison oak in front of entrance. Birds of note were: Western Wood Pewee and MacGillivray's Warbler. Paul & Rita Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Black-chinned Sparrows, etc on TV Tower Road From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:33:36 -0700 (PDT) Maggie and I ventured up TV Tower Road (http://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/mbsloguide.htm#curiwe) in the fog this morning, thinking that it would be a "slow" day. We were pleasantly surprised to find warm temps and no wind ... but fog more or less all morning ... and lots of birds. In the stretch between where the road first arrives on the ridge proper and the end of the road we counted no less than 12 BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS. This is the first time that I have found more than a few on this section of the ridge. There were at least 4 south of the south towers! These added to the 8 singing birds on our MCAS field trip to the north end of the ridge on 6/6 = at least 20 singing bird on the ridge this year, and likely MANY more undetected. Some pictures of one of today's birds are on my Flickr site. Along the same stretch of the road there were at least 14 LAZULI BUNTINGS, 1 ROADRUNNER (new for the ridge for me), 20+ BELL'S SAGE SPARROWS and many apparent family groups of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. The warblers and the BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS both seemed to be gleaning lots of small, greenish caterpillars from the brush, especially from the chemise (as in this photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/3614401787/ ). For those who have not been up TV Tower Road lately, the road is rapidly getting worse. There are major pot-holes especially on the way up and on the early part of the road. The latter part is much better. I drove it OK in my 1991 Toyota front-wheel drive. You just need to do it slalom style! Beware, however, that there is a rock slide blocking the road about 1.2 miles past the second TV towers, and well short of Cerro Alto and the AT&T trail, with a very small place to turn around! Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Northern Parula, 6/10 From: "birderjaime" <slowoolf AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:44:24 -0000 The Northern Parula reported previously by Alan Schmierer still was hanging around at the same spot near the Cerro Alto Campground today (6/10) between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. It was very active and calling occasionally. Jim Woolf San Luis Obispo Subject: 6/8 and 6/9 Yard Birds From: "schaeferross" <schaeferross AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:45:38 -0000 This is the third year in a row that Lawrence's Goldfinch has come to our yard.So far, I've seen three at a time. They usually stay for a month or two longer. Ross Schaefer Atascadero Subject: NORTHERN PARULA From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 14:57:02 -0700 (PDT) The Cerro Alto Campground Road adult male Northern Parula was still present today at 12:30-1:30pm, mostly about 200 feet toward Rte 41 from the steel gate on the right (about mid-way up the road). It seems to prefer the largest Douglas fir and the two tall sycamores just upstream from it. It called rather infrequently and sometimes from well behind the Doug fir. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lopez Ducks, etc. From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 19:54:30 -0700 While doing a couple local magpie "counts" (one found) this evening (6-8) behind Lopez Lake I had a few interesting things. At the east end of Lopez, by the bridge before Hi Mtn. Rd., I had five WOOD DUCKS and two female COMMON MERGANSERS. Farther up Hi Mtn Rd. GREAT TAILED GRACKLES chortled by the equestrian center office. A PRAIRIE FALCON patrolled the pastures which were overflowing with ground squirrels. A GOLDEN EAGLE patrolled here as well. A lone magpie called in this area. Two male BLUE GROSBEAKS sang within 1/2 mile or so of one another. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande, CA http://flickr.com/photos/chaparralbrad/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Oso Flaco birds From: mctharms AT aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 20:46:28 EDT On a whim and advice from Maggie, Dennis Sheridan and I went to Oso Flaco Lake, hoping to get a good view of Least Terns. We were more successful than we expected. When we first walked part way out the bridge, we could see Least Terns on the railing in the distance. As we approached there were as many as 5 on the railings at one time, with a total of 8 birds visible at once. I did not get good photographs of more than two at a time. You can see what I caught: _http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlinharms/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlinharms/) Some of the other usual characters were there, including Tree Swallows feeding young along the roadway. In the lake we saw a distant male duck that was a scaup or Ring-necked Duck. When I got the scope on it, it had its head tucked onto its back as if sleeping. There was also one White Pelican. Marlin Harms Morro Bay, CA **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585043x1201462775/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: Female RBGR From: Sara Bilsten <sara AT bilsten.net> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:50:11 -0700 I have not seen the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak since the day before Tom saw his at the Coon Creek (I believe that's right?)location. I've wondered, since, if they could have been the same bird. We have, however, positively identified a female RBGR visiting the feeders since Saturday, 6/6. It's unfortunate that I've been unable to capture a good enough photograph to age this bird. If she'll hang around I'll keep trying. -- Sara Knowles Bilsten LivingArts Landscape Design P. 805.748.2325 F. 805.595.2196 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Yellow-billed Magpie observations From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 05:47:37 -0700 (PDT) On Friday I counted 9 YB Magpies at a location across from Cold canyon landfill where I have been aware of them for a few years.� I also found 3 along Moretti Canyon Road off Orcutt Rd. Early Saturday, I counted 13 at one spot along Hwy 58 just outside of Santa Margarita. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA Photos AT www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: magpie results so far From: Andrea Jones <savannarum AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 01:23:00 -0400 Hi everyone - thanks all for so many of you going on magpie searches this weekend - the results already look great. See the map so far at the link below, showing all records entered thus far. Just click the zoom in buttons to view our area. The survey continues thru Monday so still plenty of chance to find a few more birds! We found 8 on Foxen Canyon Road yesterday towards Los Olivos. If you have problems entering in www.ebird.org/california, please send me your results with numbers and detailed location to: ajones AT audubon.org. http://ebird.org/ebird/ca/GuideMe?src=changeDate&speciesCodes=yebmag&getLocations=states&states=US-CA&parentState=US-CA&reportType=species&monthRadio=on&bMonth=06&eMonth=07&bYear=2009&eYear=2009&continue.x=41&continue.y=11&continue=Continue Thanks! Andrea Jones San Luis Obispo, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Y-B Magpie From: "Linda Tanner" <goingslo AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:40:00 -0000 Thank you to Cal French for posting Joyce, Randy and Linda's Sunday Yellow-Billed Magpie count on the e-bird site. Linda Tanner Los Osos Subject: Re: Yellow-billed Magpies From: "milleniummaggs" <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0000 Andrea Jones - ajones AT audubon.org - is the person to contact if you need someone to input your Yellow-billed Magpie survey data. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande --- In slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com, Calvin French wrote: > > If someone else (Maggie?) decides to post this information, I think he/she > should inform this list, so that it is not duplicated. The locations are > probably close enough. (EBird takes only a couple of minutes max to join, by > the way, and is free) > Cal French > Adelaida > > On Sun, Jun 7, 2009 at 16:18, Linda Tanner wrote: > > > > > > > Joyce Cory, Randy Ball and I took a drive through some of the east county > > to document Yellow-billed Magpies today (Sunday). > > > > In the residential area of Santa Margarita............21 > > 2 miles east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd. 'Y' on Pozo Road...... 5 > > 1 mile east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd 'Y' on Hwy 58........... 6 > > In & around the town of Pozo (near Pozo Saloon).......10 > > On Pozo Road near Sta.Margarita Lk turnoff.............3 > > > > All were seen while driving. > > > > None of us has an e-bird account so if anyone is willing to post these for > > us, please respond by email. We'd like the information to be of some use. > > Let me know if you need more precise location information. Maggie? > > > > Linda Tanner > > Los Osos > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Re: Yellow-billed Magpies From: Calvin French <cal.french AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 16:39:43 -0700 If someone else (Maggie?) decides to post this information, I think he/she should inform this list, so that it is not duplicated. The locations are probably close enough. (EBird takes only a couple of minutes max to join, by the way, and is free) Cal French Adelaida On Sun, Jun 7, 2009 at 16:18, Linda Tanner wrote: > > > Joyce Cory, Randy Ball and I took a drive through some of the east county > to document Yellow-billed Magpies today (Sunday). > > In the residential area of Santa Margarita............21 > 2 miles east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd. 'Y' on Pozo Road...... 5 > 1 mile east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd 'Y' on Hwy 58........... 6 > In & around the town of Pozo (near Pozo Saloon).......10 > On Pozo Road near Sta.Margarita Lk turnoff.............3 > > All were seen while driving. > > None of us has an e-bird account so if anyone is willing to post these for > us, please respond by email. We'd like the information to be of some use. > Let me know if you need more precise location information. Maggie? > > Linda Tanner > Los Osos > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Yellow-billed Magpies From: "Linda Tanner" <goingslo AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:18:11 -0000 Joyce Cory, Randy Ball and I took a drive through some of the east county to document Yellow-billed Magpies today (Sunday). In the residential area of Santa Margarita............21 2 miles east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd. 'Y' on Pozo Road...... 5 1 mile east of Hwy 58/Pozo Rd 'Y' on Hwy 58........... 6 In & around the town of Pozo (near Pozo Saloon).......10 On Pozo Road near Sta.Margarita Lk turnoff.............3 All were seen while driving. None of us has an e-bird account so if anyone is willing to post these for us, please respond by email. We'd like the information to be of some use. Let me know if you need more precise location information. Maggie? Linda Tanner Los Osos Subject: Huasna Magpies From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 15:05:03 -0700 I surveyed the Huasna Valley, from the paved road only, for the YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE census this morning. In a three-mile stretch of the valley I found forty (40)magpies, including at least six juveniles. Having been in the Huasna Valley many times I note that a part of the valley where they are usually abundant only produced seven--but as I birded from the road only I suspect it was just a question of their being in a ranch yard or stock pen area out of sight. The population in Huasna Valley seems to be thriving. As does the EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE population there. An adult with a streaky juvenile CHIPPING SPARROW in the valley at roadside were notable. A male BLUE GROSBEAK on Huasna Road before getting to the valley proper was also noteworhy. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE circling above a small valley was said by a local rancher I met to be a pair that nested locally. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande, CA http://flickr.com/photos/chaparralbrad/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: first day of magpie count From: Calvin French <cal.french AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:29:26 -0700 10 maggies here this morning. no pitures. I leave bird pictures to others who are so good at them, except dead acorn woodpeckers. On Sun, Jun 7, 2009 at 10:11, wrote: > Pictures? > > > ---- Calvin French wrote: > > Eight yb magpies here this evening with youngsters begging adults for > food. > > Cal French > > Adelaida > > 35.41.09.72 N; 120.56..57.20 W > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Yesterday's Estero Bluffs birds From: "Rickand ChrissAustin" <rcaustin AT charter.net> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:18:35 -0700 Yesterday morning, a 1st spring/summer, male Harlequin Duck rested ~ 50-80 yards (depending on the height of the high tide) off-shore in the bay due west of the fig tree parking area. It was on the lee side of an 8' high, offshore rock, approximately 150 yards southeast of another rock that is completely covered with guano. None of the rufous-coloration was present, but most of its white-patterning was visible. Only 2 shorebirds were along the bluffs walk--2 Killdeer and 7-10 Black Oystercatchers. Large numbers of harbor seals were hauled-out and the surfers off Cayucos Point caught extensive rides. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: first day of magpie count From: <chuckfrench AT charter.net> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 10:11:08 -0700 Pictures? ---- Calvin French wrote: > Eight yb magpies here this evening with youngsters begging adults for food. > Cal French > Adelaida > 35.41.09.72 N; 120.56..57.20 W > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Re: Edna Valley YB Magpies From: "Francis X. Villablanca" <fvillabl AT calpoly.edu> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 12:39:39 -0700 (PDT) I had a flock of at least 5 YELLOW BILLED MAGPIES on HWY 227 (2234 and 3345 Carpinter Canyon Rd) south of Price Canyon Road this morning (June 7th) at about 9:30am. They were acting as is they were quite familiar with the local landscape. Does anyone survey the rock outcrop on Hwy 227 (west of the SLO landfill) for nesting raptors? Francis Villablanca Arroyo Grande Subject: first day of magpie count From: Calvin French <cal.french AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 20:35:01 -0700 Eight yb magpies here this evening with youngsters begging adults for food. Cal French Adelaida 35.41.09.72 N; 120.56..57.20 W [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Cerro Alto Campground and Ridge Field Trip From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 18:07:38 -0700 (PDT) Nine of us made the full 5+ mile trek up the Cerro Alto Campground Road, up the AT&T trail to TV Tower Road and along the ridge to the Boy Scout Trail and down for our annual MCAS field trip to the ridge. Along the campground road and riparian part we saw / heard 5 MAC GILLIVRAY'S WARBLERS. The male NORTHERN PARULA was seen and heard by all. We saw a total of 5 WESTERN TANAGERS. On the ridge-top there was 1 singing BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW just south of the AT&T / TV Tower Road junction, one just before the eucalyptus grove on the west side of the road, and 6 more on the north end of the ridge, in the last mile befor the Boy Scout Trail. BELL'S SAGE SPARROWS were common from the AT&T ? TV Tower Road junction to the Boy Scout Trail. Unusual for this location were two COMMON RAVENS at the eucalyptus grove. They stayed in that area in the whole time that we were around the area. If anyone goes up there, keep an eye out for them and look for any signs of nesting there. A photo of the Black-chinned Sparrow carrying food is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/3601280263/ Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Magpies From: "Mark Brown" <lawoffmarkbrown AT verizon.net> Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:21:03 -0000 All: I went to Suey Road off Highway 166 on Friday evening 6/5/09 and saw a small flock of Yellow-billed Magpies. I wanted to get a picture of one to put on my Flickr account deal and so I could tweet about it later, face book maybe too but the Friday evening traffic was quite high. I did send in my sightings to ebird. http://ebird.org/content/ca . Thursday evening I went to the SM river mouth and saw three basic plumaged Marbled Murrelets flying quite far out. The storm was just coming in. App. 20 White-pelicans where in the estuary. I also went to Oso Flaco and saw a brand new baby Cliff Swallow. It was the only Cliff Swallow I saw. Also there was a White-throated Swift. Not a rare bird but I have never seen one at Oso Flaco, do they breed somewhere close by? There were a few White-Pelicans here also. Friday I also went to Oso Flaco and I saw a miracle involving a Raccoon. (O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?) I also went Friday to the SMRE and saw a Royal Tern. Birds of SLO says latest spring record May 12. Earliest Fall record Jul 3. I know there are June Santa Barbara County records. Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33835670 AT N00 . Mark Brown Santa Maria Subject: 6/6 Birding From: "schaeferross" <schaeferross AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:00:42 -0000 Birding was slow at Oso Flaco today. Three Yellow Warblers, lots of Marsh Wrens, and 3 Least Terns were the best out of everything there. I went over to Morro Bay as well. At Morro Rock, there seemed to be a Albino Herring Gull. I have pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/schaeferross/?saved=1 Good Birding. Ross Schaefer Atascadero [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Yesterday's birds From: mctharms AT aol.com Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 01:37:33 EDT Thursday morning I saw 3 Brant at Estero Bluffs. I stopped in Cayucos and on the beach I saw a flock of shorebirds, which flew, combined with another group, then the whole flock landed on the shore again. There were about 220 Marbled Godwits, 11 Whimbrel, and 1 dowitcher, which will go unnamed. All those numbers seemed big to me for this date. I have posted the dowitcher on my flickr site: _www.flickr.com/photos/marlinharms_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlinharms) . It appeared to be in the process of molting into breeding plumage, so in a very in-between plumage. Anyone with identification experience with such a bird is welcome to shed some light for me. Marlin Harms Morro Bay, CA **************Stay connected and tighten your budget with a great mobile device for under $50. Take a Peek! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100122638x1221845911x1201401556/aol?redir=http://www.getpeek.com/aol) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NORTHERN PARULA continues From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 17:22:15 -0700 (PDT) Early this afternoon Maggie Smith and I re-found the adult male Northern Parula that she had found on Wednesday along the Cerro Alto Campground Road, . It stayed around until we left at about 3:30PM. The bird sang rather regularly, moving around mostly high in the treetops (toward the sun!) and was frustratingly hard to phtograph. I added 2 new photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/3593573944/in/set-72157619124568189/ to the set that I started Wednesday. The sightings both days were from the concrete mix bags that are along the right roadside about 1/4 to 1/3 mile up the road from Rte 41, to about 100 feet past the locked steel gate on the right (that used to go to a picnic area); about a 300-400 foot stretch of the road. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak - Islay Creek From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 16:44:51 EDT I found first spring male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK along Islay Creek in Montana de Oro State Park today. The bird was about 0.6 mile along the trail out of the back of the campground, or where that trail intersects with the upper tail. I first heard the bird singing before locating it. This makes the seventh male, along with one female, recorded in the county since May 20; certainly a banner year. Nothing else of particular interest was seen. The most numerous bird heard (singing and calling) was SWAINSON'S THRUSH with 26 recorded between the mouth of Islay Creek and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak location. **************Mortgage rates drop to record lows. $200,000 for $1,029/mo Fixed. LendingTree� (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222653866x1201461148/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.lendingtree.com%2Fborrower%2Falliance%2Ffrom.as p%3Fwhereto%3Dpromopagev3%26promo%3D00279%26loan%5Ftype%3D2%26source%3D28895 60%26esourceid%3D2889560%26800num%3D1%2D800%2D289%2D3915%26AdType%3D2) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Shell Beach Loons From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 10:34:45 -0700 A brief bit of scoping from the cliffs at Shell Beach by the tennis courts this morning produced four RED-THROATED LOONS and three PACIFIC LOONS. Two of the Red-throateds were near breeding plumage, with red throats showing; one of the Pacifics was in full breeding plumage. The usual suite of breeding birds were out in force, including a few score PIGEON GUILLEMOTS, while a few hundred "Western" Grebes rafted well offshore. Mammals possibly upstaged the birds. A Humpback Whale cruised offshore while two Common Bottlenose Dolphins engaged in display behavior close inshore. I counted 112 Sea Otters from one vantage point, a large pod of California Sea Lions was moving north well offshore, and the usual gaggle of Harbor Seals loafed on rocks below. A fourty minute walk through Oceano produced no migrants and very few breeding species. I did note a female BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD working the willows, looking for nests to parasitize. At Deer Canyon, Arroyo Grande, the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW last appeared yesterday June 3, but the day is young. Last night was the first clear night in weeks, however, so yesterday may be the last sighting of this bird. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande, CA http://flickr.com/photos/chaparralbrad/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Morro Bay From: mctharms AT aol.com Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2009 21:20:32 EDT A brief look around the mouth of Morro Bay this afternoon revealed: A Pacific Loon in breeding plumage near the south jetty (probably a stop-over by a straggler from the masses noted by Richard Rowlett), A Red-throated Loon in probably first summer plumage, 3 Brant near the south jetty, At least 3 Peregrine Falcons flying and maybe another heard from the Rock, Quite a few (10-15, I did not count) Pigeon Guillemots in the water, Two fly-bys of a pair of very vocal Black Oystercatchers. A good show. Marlin Harms Morro Bay, CA **************Shop Inspiron, Studio and XPS Laptops at Dell.com (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222616459x1201464730/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fad.d oubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215218145%3B37264238%3Bd) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NORTHERN PARULAS at Cerro Alto Rd From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:42:23 -0700 (PDT) Around noon time today the Morro Coast Audubon field trip found two Northern Parulas, one an apparent adult male and the other an apparent 1st year female. See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets/72157619124568189/ The last pic is the only image that I got of the 1st year bird. The male was singing. They were together, within a few feet of each other, about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way up thr road from Route 41. One of the observers correctly mentioned that Parulas are very partial to the hanging "moss" ... the stuff that looks like Spanish moss ... and these birds were going in and out of clumps of it in a sycamore. Other highlights were an adult male and female Western Tanager mid-way up the road, and a probable female Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The latter was all but colorless and the bill appeared all pale, but we saw it too short a time to be absolutely sure of the ID. A great group this morning!! Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Wood-Pewee at Oceano From: "Mark Brown" <lawoffmarkbrown AT verizon.net> Date: Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:23:35 -0000 All: Monday June 1, 2009 I saw, but did not photograph a Wood-Pewee at Oceano. I was walking on the path and frightened a Green Heron who flew straight up into the willows which dislodged an American Crow who flew wildly about and irritated a Pewee. The bird flew to a bare branch and sounded off about its unhappiness with the heron and crow. This was unlike any Western Wood-Pewee vocalizations I had ever heard. It sounded like this: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/song.htm . Please click on the sonogram at the bottom right. In my fevered brain, it sounded like Wheep- koow! Once whilst hearing an Eastern Phoebe I thought it said Dick-Weed. Which of course says more about me than the bird. June 1, would be two days early for Cali. Moreover, there are only 11 records for the state, and I did not have the bird in hand and measure it. Rare Birds of Cali. says that Western Wood-Pewee sometimes offers clear whistled notes. So that is probably what it was. Unanimously people thought my Oceano Myiarchus was an Ash-throated Flycatcher. I think with the recent south-eastern bird storm the bird may have been a cooperi subspecies of Brown-crested Flycatcher, but we will never know. http://losbird.org/los_news_193_00dec3.htm . I live in the eastern Santa Maria Valley and see Ash-throateds all the time but it may have been seeing a bird I did not expect in a place where I have seen a Cerulean Warbler, and other great vagrants??? If anyone sees any Kentucky Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Yellow-throated Vireos etc this weekend while looking for Yellow-billed Magpies please report them promptly unlike this report. I want to party like its 1992! http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Auk/v113n04/p0911-p0923.pdf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC7iIttp6cY . Mark Brown Santa Maria Subject: Reminder: Yellow-billed Magpie Survey this weekend! From: Andrea Jones <savannarum AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 14:15:07 -0400 Do you recall hearing about the fast approaching Yellow-Billed Magpie survey taking place June 5th-8th? This is an ideal opportunity to count a species that is only seen in our state. Of course, they're a crowd favorite--and as social birds they're easy to see and follow. Below are links on how to participate: Audubon California info and instructions http://ca.audubon.org/birds/magpie.php Submit your data to eBird!: http://ebird.org/content/ca Want to know where to look for magpies? Here�s a map showing where all magpies have previously been observed throughout the state, in eBird: http://ebird.org/ebird/ca/GuideMe?cmd=quickPick&speciesCode=&bMonth=01&bYear=2005&eMonth=12&eYear=2009&getLocations=states&states=US-CA&parentState=US-CA&reportType=species&speciesCodes=yebmag&continue.x=42&continue.y=8&continue=Continue If you have questions before or after the survey, please contact: Andrea Jones, ajones AT audubon.org or Gary Langham, glangham AT audubon.org Thank you for your participation and Good Luck!! Andrea Jones San Luis Obispo, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ To Post a message, send it to: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com To Unsubscribe, send a blank message to: slocobirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Message archives and group home page can be found at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slocobirdingYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slocobirding/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slocobirding/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:slocobirding-digest AT yahoogroups.com mailto:slocobirding-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: slocobirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Re: ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 23:49:39 EDT Hi Al, I am trying to figure out the age of the female grosbeak. Pyle indicates that females with worn outer coverts are second-year birds and that after hatching year/after second year females breasts should be relatively white and without pink. Your female seems to show worn coverts and color (pink?) across the breast and at the shoulder. What features are you using to age the bird? Tom In a message dated 6/1/2009 7:51:15 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, aaschmierer AT yahoo.com writes: We have a sub-adult male and an adult female ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visiting our feeder south of Morro Bay. They were around regularly all day yesterday, and appear to be coming regularly today. Alan Schmierer 805-772-2026 Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585042x1201462767/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 23:10:44 EDT Hi Sara, Your feeders certainly have attracted this species over the years. I show records for 2001 (spring), 2002 (fall), 2004 (spring), 2008 (spring), and now 2009 (spring). This certainly shows that a feeder in the Irish Hills has a good chance of attracting this species during spring migration. I've heard rumors that several more of this species besides those already reported to the list have been seen at coastal feeders. So far I am aware of your bird, a male seen at Coon Creek, and two males and a female at Alan Schmierer's home below Hollister Peak (Chorro Valley). Many (most?) of the males are first spring birds (born last year) showing brown rather than black primaries and secondaries and overall less crisp plumage (see Alan's flicker sites for a good example of a first-spring male _http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/3586553957/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/3586553957/) . Everyone is encouraged to age birds when possible. I'd appreciate hearing about all observations of this species through this forum or emailed directly to me if preferred. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA _tedell AT aol.com_ (mailto:tedell AT aol.com) In a message dated 6/2/2009 6:34:23 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, sara AT bilsten.net writes: This evening, I was gratified to see a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak eating black oil sunflower seeds in company with the Black-headed Grosbeaks--of which we have had a large showing. I will continue to monitor for possible females, and sub-adults; believing this is our forth seasonal visit of RBGR (non-consecutive), but might be third. Tom? -- Sara Knowles Bilsten See Canyon, SLO **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585042x1201462767/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak From: Sara Bilsten <sara AT bilsten.net> Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 18:33:00 -0700 This evening, I was gratified to see a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak eating black oil sunflower seeds in company with the Black-headed Grosbeaks--of which we have had a large showing. I will continue to monitor for possible females, and sub-adults; believing this is our forth seasonal visit of RBGR (non-consecutive), but might be third. Tom? -- Sara Knowles Bilsten See Canyon, SLO [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: What the duck? From: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:07:18 -0700 On Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:20:41 -0000, "sayers68" wrote: >So my question is what is it? A hybrid? This may help: http://10000birds.com/manky-mallards-domestic-feral-or-just-plain-odd-mallards.htm -- 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: What the duck? From: "sayers68" <sayers68 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:20:41 -0000 I was up at San Simeon yesterday and there was this large dark duck mixed in with the mallards. I posted a picture to the waterfowl folder in photos and labeled it Unknown Duck. There's also a picture of it on http://sanluiscoastal.blogspot.com/ that you can click on to enlarge it a bit. Very dark with dark legs and much larger than the mallards. Sorry the photo is backlit a bit. Maybe someone else got a better look at it and can chime in. So my question is what is it? A hybrid? John Sayers Los Osos Subject: Late Golden-crowned Sparrow From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 20:10:01 -0700 A very late GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW showed up in the garden at Deer Canyon, Arroyo Grande today June 1 after a week's absence. It's really quite astonishing to see it on this date. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande, CA http://flickr.com/photos/chaparralbrad/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 07:49:59 -0700 (PDT) We have a sub-adult male and an adult female ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visiting our feeder south of Morro Bay. They were around regularly all day yesterday, and appear to be coming regularly today. Alan Schmierer 805-772-2026 Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fledging Kestrels in Los Osos From: "slobev" <beverly_cohen23 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:37:29 -0000 HI, These birds had left the nest about two days before I saw them on the roof of the Thai restaurant in Los Osos on Friday. The nest was a hole in the stucco wall. The Red shouldered hawks flew over as we finished the walk in Atascadero with Roger Zachary on Saturday morning. Beverly Cohen San Luis Obispo www.flickr.com/photos/slobev/ Subject: recent yard birds 5/31/09 From: "cheryl lish" <cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 14:25:11 -0700 On 5/29/09 there was an adult male Rufous Hummingbird (99.99% rufous back/head) controlling 3 feeders. He appeared old or not well, but still very fierce. I have not seen him again. The Coopers Hawks that have nested in the creek E of my yard the past few years have at least 1 fledge. Unfortuantely the Bluebirds have not faired well - 1 brood of 4 or 5 was lost to the Coopers as soon as they left the box. :( Educational opportunity side note...my cat has been an "inside kitty" (not that she's very happy about it but...) since January and I must say it's a HUGH reliefe! I don't have to worry about the birds (more are in the yard, and closer to the house) and I don't have to worry about her safety...and It will save me a lot of $$$. :) Over winter I usually have 40 - 70 Lark Sparrows - the past 3 years all but a couple leave. On 5/24, I saw an adult with 1 offspring. This was not directly in the yard - but up the hill from my house... on 5/11 while checking on nest boxes I happened upon 2 adult and 2 immature Blue-grey Gnatcatchers. I believe there was another BGGN nest in the creek E of the yard - but it may have been lost to Scrub Jays. Cheryl Lish Arroyo Grande cheryl lish cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Oso Flaco Lake 3/28 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 16:04:11 -0700 This morning I photographed a banded LEAST TERN. The two bands are identical to a tern I photoed 9 July 2008. There was also a latish male LESSER SCAUP on the lake. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande Photos AT http://www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie Subject: Lazuli bunting From: Bob and Mary Bishop <agbishops AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 21:59:06 -0700 Bob and I walked the 2 mile loop at the new Johnson Ranch park at the south end of South Higuera on Saturday afternoon. As we crossed the creek, we heard the lovely call of the Lazuli Bunting and then we watched it fly around for quite a while. Bob got a couple of good pictures. It's a first for us in this county, so we were excited! There was also a nesting wren and a wood pewee (we think). Very nice walk. Mary Bishop Arroyo Grande _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail� has a new way to see what's up with your friends. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/WhatsNew?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_WhatsNew1_052009 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]