Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from San Luis Obispo County > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, March 11 at 08:34 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Vultures,©Tony Disley

12 Mar Continuing Glaucous Gull and Snow Goose 3/11/10 ["Tony Kurz" ] 11 Mar Harliquin Duck [Roger Zachary ] 11 Mar Warbling Vireo [Maggie Smith ] 11 Mar Montana De Oro State Park ["steve schubert" ] 9 Mar Carrizo Plain sightings [Oscar Johnson ] 09 Mar Laguna Lake ["calidridsp" ] 8 Mar San Simeon Birds 3/7 [Maggie Smith ] 08 Mar Northpoint murreletts ["Kaaren Perry" ] 08 Mar Whale Rock Reservoir eagles ["Kaaren Perry" ] 7 Mar North Coast [Jim Royer ] 7 Mar Deer Canyon Ravens, Doves, Migrants ["Brad Schram" ] 6 Mar Rufous Hummer ["cheryl lish" ] 6 Mar Egrets and Ducks [Jim Royer ] 4 Mar Western Kingbird [Maggie Smith ] 4 Mar RUFOUS HUMMER [Alan Schmierer ] 3 Mar Glaucous Gull [] 3 Mar White-throated Sparrow [Maggie Smith ] 3 Mar Re: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds [Calvin French ] 03 Mar Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds ["sharumkathy" ] 3 Mar [ADMIN]: RE: Suggestions on Attaching file ["Mike Stiles" ] 2 Mar Suggestions on Attaching file [Jim Royer ] 2 Mar Fwd: Weird Duck and other recent sightings [Jim Royer ] 2 Mar Weird Duck and other recent sightings [Jim Royer ] 2 Mar Tuesday Birds [Roger Zachary ] 1 Mar Sapsucker [William Bouton ] 1 Mar Golden-crowned Kinglet [Maggie Smith ] 28 Feb North East County and Carrizo Plain Birds 2/28 [Maggie Smith ] 27 Feb Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds ["sharumkathy" ] 26 Feb RE: RE: Drunk birds? ["Nancy Mann" ] 26 Feb RE: Drunk birds? ["Ron Ruppert" ] 25 Feb Re: Glaucous Gull [Alan Schmierer ] 26 Feb Burrowing Owl on the Sand Spit in Morro Bay ["sayers68" ] 25 Feb RE: Glaucous Gull ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 25 Feb Glaucous Gull [] 26 Feb No Subject [Kara Hagedorn ] 25 Feb Atascadero- Rufous Hummingbird [Roger Zachary ] 23 Feb East SLO County [Jim Royer ] 23 Feb North Coast [Roger Zachary ] 22 Feb saw-whet owl ["steve schubert" ] 22 Feb RINGED TURTLE-DOVE [Alan Schmierer ] 21 Feb Glaucous Gull [Jim Royer ] 21 Feb Golden-crowned Kinglets/Oceano Campground [Maggie Smith ] 21 Feb Grace's Warbler-Morro Bay State Park [] 20 Feb Cliff Swallows [Maggie Smith ] 20 Feb PASO ROBLES ["maryann_ambrose" ] 20 Feb Carrizo Plain Natl. Monument Birds ["sharumkathy" ] 19 Feb Atascadero-Selasphorus sp. [Roger Zachary ] 18 Feb North County birds 2/18 [Maggie Smith ] 17 Feb Skimmers [William Bouton ] 16 Feb peregrines [RoserComeau ] 16 Feb North Coast 2/16 [Maggie Smith ] 15 Feb Bird pics ["rebecca" ] 14 Feb poorwill ["steve schubert" ] 14 Feb recent fun stuff ["cheryl lish" ] 13 Feb Black Scoters Continue at Little Pico Creek [] 13 Feb Orchard and Bullocks Orioles and a few continuing winter visitors ["Kaaren Perry" ] 13 Feb Yellow Billed Magpie ["flenchfry" ] 13 Feb Re: Reporting sensitive species [Kathleen Kent ] 13 Feb Reporting sensitive species [Maggie Smith ] 13 Feb CArizo ["maryann_ambrose" ] 12 Feb Surf Ducks and Orioles [] 11 Feb San Luis Obispo Co. [Kathryn Parker ] 11 Feb Laguna Lake Gulls ["Tom Ogren" ] 11 Feb Swainson's [Brian McHugh ] 10 Feb Oceano - Thrush [Brian McHugh ] 8 Feb Monday 2/8 [Maggie Smith ] 08 Feb Sunday in Morro Bay ["aureolin" ] 7 Feb Bluebird kills lizard ["cheryl lish" ] 08 Feb 2/7/10 Cuyama Valley ["Noah" ] 7 Feb misc. sightings ["Guy Tingos" ] 7 Feb 2/7/10 Morro Bay odds and ends [Jim Royer ] 7 Feb Morro Bay 07 Feb ["Michael D. Stiles" ] 3 Feb Lawrence's Goldfinch A.G. Feeder ["Bill Bouton" ] 3 Feb Re: Pac-slope Flycatcher off season ["Brad Schram" ] 3 Feb Pac-slope Flycatcher off season [] 2 Feb Pac- slope FL ["cheryl lish" ] Subject: Continuing Glaucous Gull and Snow Goose 3/11/10 From: "Tony Kurz" <tonyk_71220 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:03:34 -0000 The GLAUCOUS GULL continued just North of San Siemen, but before the Elephant seal observation platform. The bird was asleep with a group of gulls just south of the platform on a sandy beach that is closed to the public. Right out from Turri Road in the Bay was 1 SNOW GOOSE with several Canada geese. That was around 230 this afternoon. Tony Kurz Arcata Humboldt County Subject: Harliquin Duck From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:39:22 -0800 Hello, Ruth and I birded the Estero Bluffs this morning and saw the male Harliquin Duck. It was about 1/4 mile north of San Geronimo Creek. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Warbling Vireo From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:58:20 -0800 (PST) This morning at Cerro Alto, I  had my fos  WARBLING VIREO near the top of the road to the main campground.  It was quite drab and silent. Five MOUNTAIN QUAIL were further up the trail beyond the main campground where the creek crosses the trail.  They were silent too. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Montana De Oro State Park From: "steve schubert" <s_schub1 AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:16:55 -0800 Hello all, Yesterday, 3-10, there were 40 Pigeon Guillemots floating on the surface at Spooner's Cove, the first of the year that I have seen there. On Tuesday a number of widely scattered flocks of up to 50 Brant flew north throughout the day during the gale-forced onshore winds, but I saw no flocks at all yesterday during the same windy afternoon conditions. Bands of California Gulls have also been moving north. Steve Schubert Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Carrizo Plain sightings From: Oscar Johnson <henicorhina AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 08:38:22 -0800 (PST) Passing along a few sightings from Matt Brady, who is out in the Carrizo right now, without internet access. Sage Thrasher - 1 to 3 passing through per day Vesper Sparrow - small flocks Turkey Vulture - a single migrant Ferruginous Hawk - still present in numbers, 10 seen in one day Mountain Plover - 150 still present near Gray Barn off Panorama Road Le Conte's Thrasher - seen in small numbers, including just past the gray barn Good birding, Oscar Johnson Santa Cruz [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Laguna Lake From: "calidridsp" <calidridsp AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:07:28 -0000 On a walk to enjoy the early spring wildflowers at Laguna Lake (chocolate lillies, larkspurs, poppies, lupines, blue dicks, chia, popcorn flower etc...) I heard three singing grasshopper sparrows, saw four rufous -crowned sparrows, heard and saw rock wrens heard and saw one Cassin's kingbird and flushed a common poorwill. Two pied-billed grebes were on the lake. Cheers, Tom Maloney SLO Subject: San Simeon Birds 3/7 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:06:56 -0800 (PST) This morning Doug Stinson and I walked part of  the  San Simeon State Park Trail which starts at the Washburn Day Use Area. At the upstream bridge we saw a female YELLOW-SHAFTED NORTHER FLICKER. In  the marsh area  we heard a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.  An immature BALD EAGLE soared over the marsh and across to the ocean side of Hwy 1 http://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/ncguide.htm#sasitr Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande http://www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Northpoint murreletts From: "Kaaren Perry" <surfbird1 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:02:08 -0000 2 Marbled Murrelets were seen directly off shore from the bluff viewing area at Northpoint this morning, 3/8 at 9:00. They were inland from a group of about 50 Clarks and Western Grebes. Kaaren Perry Morro Bay Subject: Whale Rock Reservoir eagles From: "Kaaren Perry" <surfbird1 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:44:13 -0000 On Saturday, 3/7, there were 2 Golden Eagles and one adult and one sub-adult Bald Eagle seen from Whale Rock Reservoir. For a few seconds all of these birds were loosely associating before disappearing over the hills. Also of some interest were 20 Ring-necked Ducks and one female Common Merganser. Kaaren Perry Morro Bay Subject: North Coast From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 17:59:41 -0800 Today I cycled up to the Elephant Seal observation spot just south of Piedras Blancas. The first winter Glaucous Gull was still there. On the way there, I heard my first Grasshopper Sparrow of the year just north of Villa Creek, on the ocean side Highway 1. A Cassin's Kingbird was calling just north of there on the inland side of the highway just before the partially painted-over 4H sign in some eucs. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Deer Canyon Ravens, Doves, Migrants From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:41:57 -0800 I was surprised this morning to hear a raven flying by; close attention found three ravens strung out flying over the canyon and then north over the ridge toward Edna Valley. Although averaging about one raven sighting a year here, three is the largest "count" in ten years at the canyon--and I don't remember any last year. Eurasian Collared Doves nest in Corbett Canyon (off which Deer Canyon is a spur) now, and I suspect them nesting near the mouth of Deer Canyon. Yesterday's thirty (estimate during drive-by) perched together in Corbett Canyon is a historically high total here. The past ten days have produced the occasional migrant going through: an Osprey, the occasional accipiter, a sub-adult Golden Eagle (resident eagles, seen overhead fairly regularly), and now and then a flock of swallows--predominantly Tree thus far. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande, CA http://flickr.com/photos/chaparralbrad/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rufous Hummer From: "cheryl lish" <cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 19:18:01 -0800 I noted an adult male Rufous Hummingbird in my yard - on Fri 3/5. He's frequenting the Chasmanthe patch - have not seen him at my feeders. I've also noticed White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers frequenting the Chasmanthe. I know this plant is not native, and it naturalizes but I feel it's controlable and it's contribution has value. The Broad-billed Hummer that over wintered here rarely came to my feeders after early December. I typically saw him under the oaks at the Chasmanthes - he defended that area. 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: Egrets and Ducks From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 12:04:08 -0800 More than just ticking species off, I like to see bird behavior that is new to me on my daily birding. In the last two weeks I have observed Snowy Egrets feeding with two species of ducks in and near Cuesta Inlet of Morro Bay. On 3/1/10, I observed a Snowy Egret feeding with an adult male Red-breasted Merganser (pictured). The merganser fed by swimming below or mostly below the surface of the shallow water and the egret followed it, apparently looking for animals stirred up by the duck. In turn, when the egret stirred up sediment by moving it's foot around, the merganser came over and appeared to be watching for anything brought up by the egret. Both were clearly following the other and feeding off the efforts of the other species (mutualism). I watched this for about ten to fifteen minutes before walking on. On 2/21/10, and again on 3/3/10, I observed a Snowy Egret (the same one?) standing next to a group of Blue-winged Teal (pictured). It was clearly watching for anything it could eat as the teal moved their bills through the sediment both below and slightly above the water. It was a low tide both times. The teal appeared to ignore the egret both times I observed the egret feeding next to the teal. It appeared to be a very one way relationship (commensalism) as the egret ate things stirred up by the teal, but it contributed nothing and the teal appeared to be oblivious to the egret's presence as they were concentrating on their feeding in the muck. Cattle Egrets feeding on insects stirred up by cattle is well known, but this was the first I had seen or heard of Snowies feeding cooperatively with ducks. I did find an article on Little Blue Herons commensaly feeding with White Ibis (The AUK 95: 667-681, October, 1978). I have posted pictures of such feeding, and the weird duck near Cuesta, on my blog noted below. Jim Royer Los Osos, CA http://greenbirding.blogspot.com/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Western Kingbird From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 13:07:21 -0800 (PST) Slightly before sunrise this morning I heard my fos  COMMON GROUND-DOVE calling from the lemon groves off Dana Foothill in Nipomo http://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/scguide.htm#daforo I then headed up over the grade and found  a WESTERN KINGBIRD on Hwy 58 at mm 29. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande http://www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RUFOUS HUMMER From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 13:14:41 -0800 (PST) We had our first-of-spring male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at our feeder today. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Glaucous Gull From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 20:37:57 EST This afternoon the continuing first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was at the elephant seal rookery located along Hwy 1 just south of Point Piedras Blancas. It was again seen south of the parking lot. Lots of gulls there and at Arroyo Laguna. I didn't have a scope with me, but wish I had to get a better look at a couple of interesting gulls. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White-throated Sparrow From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:47:32 -0800 (PST) This morning Al and I had a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in the lower parking lot at Cerro Alto Campground. It was with a small group of Golden-crowned Sparrows. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande http://www.flickr.com/photos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds From: Calvin French <cal.french AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 14:05:44 -0800 Yesterday, we had 52 LESSER GOLDFINCHES at a feeder and on scattered feed. Cal French 35.68 N; -120.95 W On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 09:58, sharumkathy wrote: > > > Yesterday, Mar. 2, there were three LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH at the Washburn > Ranch and today there are three here at the MU. In a previous post I had > forgotten to mention sighting a LESSER GOLDFINCH in a willow near the > Saucito Ranch on Feb. 25. > > Kathy Sharum > Carrizo Plain National Monument > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds From: "sharumkathy" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:58:33 -0000 Yesterday, Mar. 2, there were three LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH at the Washburn Ranch and today there are three here at the MU. In a previous post I had forgotten to mention sighting a LESSER GOLDFINCH in a willow near the Saucito Ranch on Feb. 25. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: [ADMIN]: RE: Suggestions on Attaching file From: "Mike Stiles" <mstiles AT calpoly.edu> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 07:47:33 -0800 Jim Royer raised the question of why his attachments do not show on his slocobirding posts. I have it set so that Yahoo strips all attachments from posts to avoid viruses. If you want to share photos with the group, it is best done through a personal photo sharing site like Flikr or Picasa, which are available for free and easy to operate. Photos can also be uploaded to the slocobirding photo gallery (but only members who have created a Yahoo account can view the gallery). Mike Stiles Los Osos owner-slocobirding [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Suggestions on Attaching file From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:29:33 -0800 Any ideas on why my attached files sent via gmail are not going through? Jim Royer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fwd: Weird Duck and other recent sightings From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:21:37 -0800 Second try on attachments. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Weird Duck and other recent sightings From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:04:04 -0800 On Sunday, 2/28, I found an immature Bald Eagle and 2 pairs of Ring-necked Ducks at Whale Rock Reservoir and one Great-tailed Grackle at the Cloisters Pond in Morro Bay. Yesterday, 3/1, I had the weird duck (smew hybrid?) which is attached in photos (sorry, it would not let me get close) near Cuesta College along with my season's first Barn, Rough-winged and Cliff Swallows. I photographed the odd duck with a Bufflehead for comparison. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tuesday Birds From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:24:49 -0800 Hello, Just a few birds of interest to report today. At Whale Rock Reservoir (Cottontail Creek area) there were several Violet-green Swallows among numerous Tree Swallows, one Red-throated Loon, and a pair of adult Bald Eagles. In Morro Bay just out from the Coast Guard Pier to the north a breeding plumage Pigeon Guillemot was observed. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sapsucker From: William Bouton <bbouton AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 17:51:55 -0800 Today at Lopez Lake, there were 34 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. I don't know if that is a typical number out there this winter, but is more than I've been used to seeing at that location. In Upper Lopez Canyon, where the stream fords were deeper than usual (twice water rolled up the hood of my Outback as far as my wipers), I observed one male YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. Bill Bouton San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 bbouton AT charter.net www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/sets/ Subject: Golden-crowned Kinglet From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 12:04:06 -0800 (PST) This morning Doug Stinson and I saw a single GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET in the willows at Oso Flaco Lake.  It was silent and with Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Bushtits. The water level is very high on the lake and devoid of  ducks and rails. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North East County and Carrizo Plain Birds 2/28 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:35:00 -0800 (PST) Tom Edell and I  had some good sightings today. Cholame Road was flooded and in fog, but we did see a dark morph FERRUGINOUS  HAWK. No signs of migration yet, but a Cinnamon Teal  smimming in the road was a first for me. Next we headed over Bitterwater Road and stopped to take point counts in a few spots. Most surprising was 4 AMERICAN CROWS  followed by a Common Raven.  Further along we estimated about 450 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS near a seasonal lake that hasn't filled for at least 6 years. Just east of the Twisselman Ranch on Bitterwater Road, we had a GOLDEN EAGLE and an immature BALD EAGLE.  Two more Golden Eagles were seen on Hwy 58 in California Valley. Soda Lake has water and we saw 24 male NORTHERN SHOVELERS and nothing else. We stopped at San Juan Bridge on Hwy 58 and saw a single (fos) NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW. Finally we checked out a private pond on Creston Road in Paso Robles and saw 1 female WOOD DUCK, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE and 1 CACKLING GOOSE. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds From: "sharumkathy" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:54:03 -0000 This post is mostly for those interested in knowing what birds are moving through when. After reporting all LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH gone for the winter, a male-female pair showed up on Jan. 31 and stayed only for that day. Also on that day a HERMIT THRUSH showed up and stayed through Feb. 25. On Feb. 21, we had a flock of est. 230 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD and one AMERICAN ROBIN. The robin is still here. On Feb. 25, one BLACK PHOEBE arrived and stayed for a couple of days. We have received much rain in the last few days so Carrizo birders, be mindful of muddy and slippery conditions. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: RE: RE: Drunk birds? From: "Nancy Mann" <nmann AT cuesta.edu> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:29:09 -0800 They're probably Cedar Waxwings eating fermenting pyracantha berries NJM -----Original Message----- From: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ron Ruppert Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 11:33 AM To: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com Cc: nick powell Subject: [slocobirding] RE: Drunk birds? Nick, There are others who have more specific knowledge of what is happening in downtown SLO with birds. I will forward this to our bird list serve and request that anyone who cares to respond, to respond directly to you nick.powell AT att.net If a member responds please cc me rruppert AT cuesta.edu so I can see if anyone responds. If not I can respond with some general information that I have gleaned over the years. Thanks in advance, Ron Ruppert ________________________________ From: nick powell [mailto:nick.powell AT att.net ] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:35 AM To: Ron Ruppert Subject: Drunk birds? Mr. Ruppert, I was in your Natural Science class a few semesters back and really enjoyed it. I'm currently interning at the New Times and hope you can help me out with an article. I found about 10 dead birds on the sidewalk downtown, and the guy picking them up told me it happens every year when migrating birds come through, get drunk off of special berries, and fly into windows. Have you heard of this? What species of bird does this? They were little gray jobs with a streak of yellow. Do you know what berry gets them drunk and why it might not effect local birds? Thanks for your help. You can call me if you'd like at home: 771-8247, or just reply to the email. -Nick Powell nick.powell AT att.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Drunk birds? From: "Ron Ruppert" <rruppert AT cuesta.edu> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:32:35 -0800 Nick, There are others who have more specific knowledge of what is happening in downtown SLO with birds. I will forward this to our bird list serve and request that anyone who cares to respond, to respond directly to you nick.powell AT att.net If a member responds please cc me rruppert AT cuesta.edu so I can see if anyone responds. If not I can respond with some general information that I have gleaned over the years. Thanks in advance, Ron Ruppert ________________________________ From: nick powell [mailto:nick.powell AT att.net] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:35 AM To: Ron Ruppert Subject: Drunk birds? Mr. Ruppert, I was in your Natural Science class a few semesters back and really enjoyed it. I'm currently interning at the New Times and hope you can help me out with an article. I found about 10 dead birds on the sidewalk downtown, and the guy picking them up told me it happens every year when migrating birds come through, get drunk off of special berries, and fly into windows. Have you heard of this? What species of bird does this? They were little gray jobs with a streak of yellow. Do you know what berry gets them drunk and why it might not effect local birds? Thanks for your help. You can call me if you'd like at home: 771-8247, or just reply to the email. -Nick Powell nick.powell AT att.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Glaucous Gull From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:02:29 -0800 (PST) The gulls are eating primarily dead pups. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets ________________________________ From: "Lethaby, Nick" To: "TEdell AT aol.com" ; "slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com" Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 6:32:10 PM Subject: RE: [slocobirding] Glaucous Gull Is this (and other) gull there because of the Elephant Seal after birth still? Or has all that been eaten. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: slocobirding AT yahoogroups. com [mailto:slocobirding AT yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of TEdell AT aol.com Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 5:54 PM To: slocobirding AT yahoogroups. com Subject: [slocobirding] Glaucous Gull The first winter GLAUCOUS GULL continued at the Elephant Seal rookery along Hwy 1 south of Point Piedras Blancas this afternoon around 1 PM. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [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: Burrowing Owl on the Sand Spit in Morro Bay From: "sayers68" <sayers68 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:12:16 -0000 Saw a single burrowing owl on the tip of the sandspit today near Sandals Cove (City property). It was in the exact same area I have seen them in past years. It had (or was using) a small "burrow" under some large rocks. We were putting up plover fencing and flushed it from it's hiding spot. It flew off and we did not see it the rest of the day. I think this is the third year in a row I have seen them in that spot at this time of year. One year it was a pair though. John Sayers Los Osos, CA Subject: RE: Glaucous Gull From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT ti.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:32:10 -0600 Is this (and other) gull there because of the Elephant Seal after birth still? Or has all that been eaten. ________________________________ From: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of TEdell AT aol.com Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 5:54 PM To: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [slocobirding] Glaucous Gull The first winter GLAUCOUS GULL continued at the Elephant Seal rookery along Hwy 1 south of Point Piedras Blancas this afternoon around 1 PM. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Glaucous Gull From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:53:40 EST The first winter GLAUCOUS GULL continued at the Elephant Seal rookery along Hwy 1 south of Point Piedras Blancas this afternoon around 1 PM. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: No Subject From: Kara Hagedorn <naturerulesu2 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:11:41 +0000 I flushed 8 Common Snipe this morning walking through the grass and wetland in my back field. I also saw my first tree swallow of the year sitting on one of my nest boxes. Last Sunday, Feb. 21st, a gorgeous adult Golden Eagle caught thermals over our back yard and on Feb12th, there were 3 male and 5 female Hooded Mergansers in a vernal pool off the Santa Margarita Farms Fire road behind our house. I was just heading out of town and forgot to post it. When I returned a few days later they were gone. Kara Hagedorn Atascadero, CA _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Atascadero- Rufous Hummingbird From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:32:31 -0800 Hello, The hummers are coming. At 1:30 p.m. a beautiful male Rufous Humminbird visited my feeders. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: East SLO County From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:42:33 -0800 Leif Rydell, his 10 year old son Hannis, and I birded from Atascadero out to Carrizo 2/23. We had a Cackling Goose at Atascadero Lake, a male Eurasian Wigeon and an adult Golden Eagle at the pond on the east side of 101 between Santa Margarita and Atascadero, a Phainopepla just east of milepost 16 on Highway 58 in an oak with mistletoe, two Golden Eagles on the Carrizo Plain near 58, 5 or 6 Ferruginous Hawks, 80-100 Tricolored Blackbirds near 58 and Bitterwater Road, 2 Sage Thrashers near the corral on Elkhorn Road north of Panorama, 3 LeConte's Thrashers on Panorama near the gravel quarry, and 41 Mountain Plovers on Panorama near the building on the south side of the road, below the quarry. We approached Panorama and left it via Elkhorn since it was still very muddy below. We had numerous Mt. Bluebirds and Sage Sparrows in many locations along Soda Lake Road. We also saw 2 coyotes, a badger, deer, antelope ground squirrels, hares, and pronghorn antelope. The rain held off until we were just leaving the last dirt road! Thanks to Maggie Smith and Kathy Sharum for their great directions. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North Coast From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:04:16 -0800 Hello, Ruth and I birded the north coast looking for already reported birds. We were pretty lucky at finding our target species. At the north lookout at Leffingwell we saw 2 Marbled Murrelets; Little Pico Creek produced a male Black Scoter ( on our way back we saw a male and a female ); a White-winged Scoter was seen from San Simeon Pier; 18 Canada Geese and 4 Cackling Geese were out in a horse pasture at a ranch just northeast of Hearst Castle; and finally the Glaucous Gull was observed at the Elephant Seal viewing area. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: saw-whet owl From: "steve schubert" <s_schub1 AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:45:14 -0800 Hello all, Late tonight the prolonged, rapidly repeating 'toot toot toot' calls of a Northern Saw-whet Owl were heard from the eucalyptus trees above Camp KEEP in Montana De Oro State Park. Also, this morning a male Western Bluebird was calling and perched on the tether ball pole on the Camp KEEP campus, the first I have ever seen here. Steve Schubert [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RINGED TURTLE-DOVE From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:05:13 -0800 (PST) On route to the North Coast this morning Maggie and I spotted a very pale dove. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/4380307423/in/set-72157603251712155/ I think that it is a (or mostly a) Ringed Turtle-dove. It is considerably smaller than the Eurasian Collared-dove next to it, the primary tips are paler, overall color is much paler, but the under-tail is a bit ambiguous to me. It appears to have less black than a collared-dove, but the black edges to the outer retrices seems to run out past the under tail coverts like a collared. Comments are welcome. Some photos of the Glaucous Gull at the Elephant Seal Overlook are also in that series of photos. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Glaucous Gull From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:51:50 -0800 A first winter Gaucous Gull was at the Elephant Seal viewing site near Piedras Blancas (about 7 miles north of San Simeon) today. Jim Royer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Golden-crowned Kinglets/Oceano Campground From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:50:42 -0800 (PST) Mid morning, I finally found 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS in the pines west of the campground in Oceano. Bushtits were in twos and carrying nesting material. Tree swallows are checking out cavities on the peninsula, and the trail around the lagoon is muddy in places but open again. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Grace's Warbler-Morro Bay State Park From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:53:33 EST A GRACE'S WARBLER was in Monterey pines on the north side of Black Hill in Morro Bay State Park this morning. It was in a loose mixed flock of passerines about 700 feet in from La Loma Street. Take the entrance path at La Loma and Las Tunas. I saw it in a tall pine down slope of the trail, but it could be anywhere on this side of Black Hill. Also with the flock was at least one PYGMY NUTHATCH and a single RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Cliff Swallows From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:43:38 -0800 (PST) Saw my first of season (FOS) CLIFF SWALLOWS (8) at Bitterwater Bridge off Hwy 46. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: PASO ROBLES From: "maryann_ambrose" <ambrose.m AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:35:07 -0000 Jerry & Mary Ann AMbrose have a couple sightings ofinterest fromt his week: The White throated Swifts appear to remainpresent in the vicinity of the Niblick Bridge. The same number (about a dozen) leads me to beleive they are roosting at the bridge and have been around most of the winter versus my original thought that they might be "nomadic" groups who travel around. Jerry saw the 2 Lewis's Woodpeckers off Golden Hills Road across from Lowe's on Thursday. Subject: Carrizo Plain Natl. Monument Birds From: "sharumkathy" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:34:44 -0000 During a raptor survey on Thursday the 18th., there were 64 mountain plover along with a group of 27 long-billed curlew on either side of the Fish and Game buildings on Panorama Road. The lower part of the road is still impassable. Norther harriers are being sighted more frequently and ferruginous hawks common on the Monument. This afternoon around 4:00PM I counted close to 500 avocets in Soda Lake about a mile south of the Overlook. They were visible from Soda Lake Road but much nicer through a scope. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: Atascadero-Selasphorus sp. From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:28:14 -0800 Hello All, This afternoon I saw my first for the season Selasphorus hummingbird at my feeders in Atascadero. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North County birds 2/18 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:05:35 -0800 (PST) As the fog was lifting, I heard a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL on Pozo Road where the national forest starts. Cerro Alto had a calling GREAT-HORNED OWL where we used to have pygmy owls.  Heard and saw 2  Brown Creepers, but no Golden-crowned Kinglets. Saw a stunning male and female WOOD DUCK on a private pond in Atascadero. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Skimmers From: William Bouton <bbouton AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:21:54 -0800 While kayaking near the southeast end of the Morro Bay Estuary this morning (Wednesday 2/17) I noted two BLACK SKIMMERS in flight. Cheers, Bill Bouton San Luis Obsipo, CA bbouton AT charter.net www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: peregrines From: RoserComeau <rosercomeau AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:34:48 -0800 (PST) As I was passing the wetlands on Foothill Rd near Los Osos Valley Rd this afternoon, I noted ducks take flight, shorebirds assume defensive flocking flight, and the geese all take alert posture all at the same time.  As I scanned for a raptor one adult peregrine chased a second adult peregrine along the road beside me.  I don't remember seeing peregrines work that area before.   John Roser Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North Coast 2/16 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:27:07 -0800 (PST) A quick check of north coast spots yielded a few continuing birds of note. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was on the beach with 5 Black Turnstones at San Simeon Creek. The male BLACK SCOTER is still at Little Pico Creek and 6 SURFBIRDS  were at the middle vista point between the town of San san simeon and San Simeon Pier. Four MARBLED MURRELTS were seen from the observation spot at the most northern parking area on Moonstone Drive in Cambria. There were large numbers of gulls at the Elephant Seal viewing area and on Moonstone Drive.  Saw no unusual species and only a few Glaucous-winged Gulls. For directions to most of these spots, check out the bird guide link below. http://morrocoastaudubon.org/publications.php Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bird pics From: "rebecca" <shalvakitty AT tcsn.net> Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:35:46 -0800 Hi birders and photographers; I'm asking for a bit of help; I am giving a short talk on shorebirds and need some good photograghs of the following birds: Gulls, adults only --Heermann's Gull, California Gull, Western Gull and Glaucous-winged Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper Semi-palmated Plover, Killdeer Caspian Tern Brants, Double-crested, and Pelagic Cormorant Brown Pelican If you have good ones of any of these, and will let me use them, I would be much abliged. Please let me know where to find them asap, Thank you very much. Rebecca Fay [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: poorwill From: "steve schubert" <s_schub1 AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:40:05 -0800 Hello all, A Common Poorwill flushed off of Islay Creek Rd. in Montana De Oro State Park this evening at dusk, while I was running by, under clear skies and temp. 52*F. Steve Schubert Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: recent fun stuff From: "cheryl lish" <cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:37:16 -0800 Hawks and such abound: a pair of Red-tailed and a pair of Red-shouldered briefly shared the same area of sky above my house yesterday. The Cooper's is showing up often - they'll likely be nesting in the creek oaks again this year. Last week, had a Sharp-shinned stop by briefly. Adult male Am. Kestrel is also visiting the yard. Have been hearing 3 or 4 Great Horned Owls, also the W. Screech Owl, vocalizing...(possibly 2 - I'll have to spend more time listening). A female Anna's Hummingbird has been frequenting my porch to collect spider webs and fluff from an old chair. The Titmice have been using fiber from this chair for a few years. Selasphorus hummers seem to be passing through. An Orange-crowned Warbler has been frequinting the Chasmanthe flowers (popular with hummingbirds) . A couple of weeks ago I had a Yellow-rumped Warbler foraging aphids from my succulents on the porch and drinking sugar water from the dish of an open hummingbird feeder. I left the lower portion of the feeder open for bees. At this point the bird and most of the bees have gone. Some of the Ca. Towhees that hang around close to the house have discovered that Bluebirds are being fed mealworms, and will attempt to grab a couple. Just a few days ago some of the Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows also joined in, but if I want them to get any mealworms I have to first toss to the Bluebird in one direction and then toss worms close to the Sparrows and Towhees. 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: Black Scoters Continue at Little Pico Creek From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:56:39 EST An adult male and two female BLACK SCOTERS were off Little Pico Creek this morning. I looked for Marbled Murrelet from the vista point south of San Simeon Cove and the north end Leffingwell Point without luck. The high surf hindered the search for the murrelets. There was a large flock of 1,000-1,500 gulls stretching for the vista point into San Simeon Cove that appeared to be mostly California and Western Gulls. Mixed with the flock was an estimated 400 COMMON MURRES. I managed to pick out four RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and suspect more were mixed in with the flock. A single BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER worked back and forth over the birds. I forgot to mention in yesterday's post that I saw the dorsal fins of at least four Risso's Dolphins well offshore of the south end of Cayucos. I don't recall seeing them from shore before this deep into Estero Bay. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Orchard and Bullocks Orioles and a few continuing winter visitors From: "Kaaren Perry" <surfbird1 AT att.net> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:09:20 -0000 An Orchard Oriole, probable female, has been visiting my yard, seen first on 2/9/2010. Photos have been taken and circulated and it has now been confirmed to be an Orchard and not the very similar female Hooded Oriole. The Bullocks Oriole first reported on 1/27 as a female is now showing a faint, restricted black throat stripe consistent with a first winter male's plumage for February. The previously reported Nashville and a Black-throated Gray Warbler and an Allen's Hummingbird continue to to be seen. Kaaren Perry Morro Bay Subject: Yellow Billed Magpie From: "flenchfry" <marybfrench AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:58:11 -0000 I am a very amateur birdwatcher but think I saw a yellow billed magpie on Chorro Street in SLO. Is this possible? Mary French San Luis Obispo Subject: Re: Reporting sensitive species From: Kathleen Kent <kikapoo AT charter.net> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:43:22 -0800 Hi Maggie, Thanks for posting this article. I think all of us need to take stock of our birding techniques and ethics and assess the impact they have on the 'objects of our affection'. Frequent reminders might prevent us from wandering over the boundaries of 'good' behavior "just this once" in order to get that once in a lifetime picture or rare bird for our all important list! I'm as guilty as the next person and don't mind being reminded from time to time! Thanks, Kathleen Kent On Feb 13, 2010, at 6:38 AM, Maggie Smith wrote: > This article on eBird has a lot of good information and guidelines > for birders in our county. > > http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/sensitive_species > > Maggie Smith > Arroyo Grande, CA > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Reporting sensitive species From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:38:47 -0800 (PST) This article on eBird has a lot of good information and guidelines for birders in our county. http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/sensitive_species Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: CArizo From: "maryann_ambrose" <ambrose.m AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:48:33 -0000 Jerry and Mary Ann Ambrose toured Bitterwater Rd - Soda Lake Rd - Elkhorn Rd today. Of interest: Panorama road has a middle patch that still is not traversable without 4-wheel drive. Elkhorn Rd has patches of wet, but is doable. I had never seen soda Lake with water in it before. Three were what appeared to be perhaps be Western GRebes on the lake from the OVerlook, but somebody (and it wasn't Jerry) actually forgot to put the scope in the car, so it is truly a guess! Birds: -A mature Bald Eagle in the same tree at the Bitterwater turn by the old general store as we found one the first week of January.Was there in the morning, but no where to be found as we headed home late afternoon. -Many Ravens mostly in pairs- one pair "kissing" on a utility pole (sorry- easiest way to describe it!); another one we watched pulling twigs from a shrub and flying off - looks like their breeding activities are started. -Two Perigrines, 3 Ferruginous Hawks, Many redtails and kestrels. -Several Shrikes. -Two large (100ish) flocks of American Pipits. -Many goupings of Mountain Bluebirds, Horned Larks, and Lark Sparrows (coloring up). -Sage Sparrows along Elkhorn Road. - a large mixed flock of blackbird spp AT 7 mile road (Red Wing, Tricolored and Brewers) -We ended our birding highlights with a mature Godlen Eagle on a hill on Bitterwater Rd feeding on something we could not see! Subject: Surf Ducks and Orioles From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:04:01 EST I worked my way along the coast from Cayucos to Morro Rock this morning searching for a Harlequin or Long-tailed Duck without luck. I tallied 643 SURF SCOTERS and 12 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (4 adult and 8 immature males; where are the females?). The White-winged Scoters were seen from Northpoint and off the south end of the Morro Strand State Beach campground. A total of 1700 mostly distant CLARK'S/WESTERN GREBES were estimated along the way and there could easily be more present. An OSPREY was seen offshore of the south end of Studio Drive in Cayucos and another (same?) was perched on a utility pole inland of Hwy 1 at Northpoint. I later saw the continuing first winter male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE in Kaaren Perry's neighborhood, but missed an ORCHARD ORIOLE she photographed there today. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: San Luis Obispo Co. From: Kathryn Parker <jandkparker AT mindspring.com> Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:32:49 -0800 Just got back from a long day in San Luis Obispo. Started at dawn at the Morro Bay SP Marina where I saw the flock of SAVANNAH SPARROWS, but not the Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Across the street at the campground, the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW finally joined the Zono flock after an hour and a half of searching. There was also a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER in a very scrawny pepper tree. Near Cuesta College on O'Connor, a BURROWING OWL was reveling in the sun. Finally caught up with BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS at where else? - the CalPolyDairy. Looked through lots of blackbirds, but no yellow heads. At Cambria Pines north of Cambria there was a pair of BROWN CREEPERS, 2 silent PYGMY NUTHATCHES and 3 HAIRY WOODPECKERS. These were all around the intersection with Kathryn - glad they spelled that right! On the drive up Hwy 1 from Morro Bay, there was a juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE at Harmony. By this time it was mid-afternoon and the wind and waves had kicked up on the coast. The best I could do was a small flock of COMMON MURRES off Little Pico Creek and 1 juvenile THAYER'S GULL on Moonstone Beach. 6 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 1 female HOODED MERGANSER were at the pedestrian bridge over San Luis Obispo Creek in Avila Beach. The day ended with a SHORT-EARED OWL coursing over the hills north of Turri Rd. just as it became too dark to see. Many thanks to Maggie Smith and Jim Royer for their directions and help. Kathy Parker Los Gatos Subject: Laguna Lake Gulls From: "Tom Ogren" <tloallergyfree AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:30:50 -0800 Shelby Stover and I attended the highly interesting Gull class yesterday at Laguna Lake, and learned a great deal. Karen is an excellent teacher and she certainly knows her gulls! And, among the Western, California and Ring-billed Gulls, we were all delighted to discover a 2nd year Glaucous-winged Gull, almost right under our collective noses. Tom Ogren SLO [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Swainson's From: Brian McHugh <orrock1946 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:31:19 -0800 Morning all! I was delighted to get and very much appreciated an email from Brad Schram this morning re my post about the Swainson's Hawk. He said "Regarding the hawk: double- & triple-check that sighting because there are only a couple legitimate records of Swainson's in winter in CA history. Further, they're quite uncommon to rare on the coast when they migrate north in spring. Imm. Red-tails used to get reported on Xmas bird counts regularly as Swainson's until it became widely known that Swainson's don't occur in CA in winter." It's great to get feedback like that. I responded to him "I have to admit I'm not "good" at raptors. I based my sighting on Sibley; the view from below was almost exactly as Sibley has it, and there isn't another very like it. And it shows Swainson's in western CA in migration. But I don't know "mature", "young", etc. So I most certainly could be wrong!! Thanks to this group. I have lots to learn and have met some good teachers since I got here! Brian McHugh Santa Maria Brian McHugh orrock1946 AT gmail.com 805.406.6206 (mobile) http://briansalmostdailyreflections.blogspot.com/ http://briansgayblog.blogspot.com/ http://sermonsbybrian.blogspot.com/ "It is possible to be morally upright repulsively." (Archbishop William Temple) "Zen is simple, simple simple.Have infinite gratitude for all that is past. Infinite service for all that is present and infinite responsibility for all that is future." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Oceano - Thrush From: Brian McHugh <orrock1946 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:50:10 -0800 In Oceano today (beautiful sunshine!) I met Elden, who saw a Peregrin Falcon. I was delighted to see a Hermit Thrush - he was very cooperative! And I think (from studying Sibley) that I saw a Swainson's Hawk. Cheers! Brian McHugh Santa Maria Brian McHugh orrock1946 AT gmail.com 805.406.6206 (mobile) http://briansalmostdailyreflections.blogspot.com/ http://briansgayblog.blogspot.com/ http://sermonsbybrian.blogspot.com/ "It is possible to be morally upright repulsively." (Archbishop William Temple) "Zen is simple, simple simple.Have infinite gratitude for all that is past. Infinite service for all that is present and infinite responsibility for all that is future." Subject: Monday 2/8 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:53:24 -0800 (PST) Just after sunrise, I tried for the Nelson's Sparrow out on the spit at the Morro Bay SP Marina. I watched as several Savannah Sparrows came up into the sun and then flew out to the salicornia.  I didn't see the Nelson's Sparrow. I had better luck with the tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. It was among White and Golden-crowned Sparrows in the Morro Bay SP campground around site 22. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sunday in Morro Bay From: "aureolin" <bluemoonsailor AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:18:48 -0000 There was a flock of 7 MEW GULLS on Morro Strand beach and 6 SURFBIRDS in the mixed Surfbird - Black Turnstone flock that's been wintering at North Point. I also saw a beached Pacific Loon. The tide was quite low and it apparently misjudged how far out the water would go. After a few moments of struggling, it managed to fly back out into the surf zone. There were few birds of note at Morro Rock; a quick flyby of 4 LONG TAILED DUCKS was the only thing of any real interest. Steve G. Morro Bay Subject: Bluebird kills lizard From: "cheryl lish" <cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 22:17:32 -0800 It's probably not all that unusual...but it's the first time I've seen a Bluebird kill a lizard. It was a baby lizard and I'm assuming the bluebird ate the lizard, although the bird flew off to a tree when I approached so I didn't actually see the lizard get eaten. The bird was knocking it around like an insect. Does anyone know if this is common? 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: 2/7/10 Cuyama Valley From: "Noah" <skater_ako1 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:48:59 -0000 2/7/09 Wes Fritz and I birded the Cuyama Valley today. We started at 7:30am and ended at 5:30pm. The weather was fairly miserable with intermittent cold showers throughout the day. However, we still had a fun and productive day. We made a rough clockwise loop around the valley: 166 (E) to 33 (S) to Foothill (W) to Bell (N). We did take many detours down muddy farm roads that were barely passable. We also stopped by several private residences that Wes has access to only because he has taken time to cultivate friendships with the landowners. This route took us through both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties although the majority of the birds were seen in Santa Barbara county. Birds seen in SLO and not SBA will be noted. Birds of Regional Interest in District V. Common Merganser: 16 in the pond W of 33 opposite Quatal Canyon Rd. Double-crested Cormorant: 1. Same as above. American Wigeon: 2. Pond off of 33 just south of 166. Female wigeon sp. 1. Shallow pond along 166 W of Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Cinnamon Teal: 3. Same pond as above. Long-billed Dowicher: 8. Same ponds as above Wilson's Snipe: 11. Same as above. Great Blue Heron: 2. Ponds off of 33. Mountain Chickadee: 1. At a private residence off Quatal Canyon Rd. Raptors: Red-tailed Hawk: 43. Including 1 fuertes ssp. Ferruginous Hawk: 15 total including 4 dark morphs. 2 dark and 1 light in SLO. Golden Eagle: 2 Adults seen well while 1 was eating a Jackrabbit off of Quatal Canyon rd. Northern Harrier: A male along Santa Barbara Canyon Rd. Merlin: A possible suckleyi along Santa Barbara Canyon Rd. I will check photos later. American Kestrel: 6. A rather low count. Burrowing Owl: 2 in a burrow together on the W side of Perkins, south of 166. Barn Owl: 1 on private property along Santa Barbara Canyon rd. Another hunting along 166 in SLO. Great Horned Owl: 1 flying at dusk along 166 in SLO. Other birds of note: Greater Roadrunner: 1 (finally) where Perkins goes through a ditch. Loggerhead Shrike: 7 Northern Flicker: Red/yellow shafted integrade on private property off of 166. Red-breasted Sapsucker: 3 in one private yard. Nuttall's Woodpecker: 2 in one private yard and 1 in another. American Pipit: A large flock of 450 in an alfalfa field off of Foothill. Mountain Bluebird: 1 off foothill, 24 in a group along Santa Barbara Canyon Rd. Lawrence's Goldfinches: Several heard flying over near water and tall trees throughout. Tricolored Blackbird: ~25 at the dairy on Kirschenmann. Noah Gaines Santa Barbara, CA Subject: misc. sightings From: "Guy Tingos" <guy.tingos AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 19:24:27 -0800 A group of birders from Santa Barbara did an overnight trip to the SLO coast this weekend. On Saturday, Oso Flaco and the trail around the Oceano Campground lagoon were flooded and closed to entry. We did have an impressive flock of 55 Blue-winged Teal at Sweetsprings. On Sunday, we were able to pick out the male Black Scoter at the mouth of Little Pico Creek, but the strong winds and high surf made it impossible to see much else along the coast. Guy Tingos Santa Barbara, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 2/7/10 Morro Bay odds and ends From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:06:03 -0800 I left early this morning on my bike and got to the peninsula next to the Morro Bay State Park Marina at just after 7:30. The tide was not super high, but a number of birds were perched in the sunlight in the bushes around the mugwort patch. I played a recording of a Nelson's Sparrow and heard a response of a very similar song. A Nelson's popped up very briefly and all of the birds flew out to the salicornia flats in the bay. I next went to the campground and followed a sparrow flock around - between campsite 2 and the bathroom/shower building. It was mainly Golden-crowned Sparrows, but one tan striped White-throated Sparrow was in with them. Next, I went to the museum overlooks and had the skimmer near Grassy Island. I looked for the Red-necked Grebe and the Long-tailed Duck near the Rock without success, but had 2 Rock Wrens on the rock. Last, I looked for the Red-breasted Nuthatch at Black Hill, but had no luck despite hiking from the golf course to the mobile home park. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Morro Bay 07 Feb From: "Michael D. Stiles" <mstiles AT calpoly.edu> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 11:35:48 -0800 (PST) I took a walk to the Audubon Overlook and Pasadena Point in Los Osos for my walking big year and had a few birds of note. I found the BLACK SKIMMER sitting on the mud across the bay off the marina. A nice male GREATER SCAUP was close in to study, and I had four COMMON GOLDENEYES (two males, two females), the first for me on the bay this winter. Mike Stiles Los Osos Subject: Lawrence's Goldfinch A.G. Feeder From: "Bill Bouton" <bbouton AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:26:26 -0800 Hi All, A male Lawrence's Goldfinch has been frequenting Patricia Price's feeders at her residence on Whiteley St. in Oldtown Arroyo Grande. She first reported it feeding on the ground under the feeders on Tuesday, but by today it seemed to have "learned the ropes" and was frequenting several of the hanging and platform feeders. Unlike the other two goldfinch species found commonly at those feeders, the Lawrence's seems to prefer the black oil sunflower to the nyjer / niger. Cheers, Bill Bouton San Luis Obispo, CA bbouton AT charter.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/sets/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Pac-slope Flycatcher off season From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:49:22 -0800 ...and further, Lesser Goldfinches locally also do a passable imitation of both Cassin's Kingbird and White-breasted Nuthatch. I haven't noticed Pac-slope in the local's vocabulary however. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 7:40 AM Subject: [slocobirding] Pac-slope Flycatcher off season >I frequently hear what sounds like Pac-slope vocalizations in my yard and >for years that's what I thought it was, though I could never spot one. I >finally figured out that goldfinches can do a great imitation of a >Pac-slopes, and Lesser Goldfinches in particular are known for their >mimicry. > > Guy Tingos > Santa Barbara > > > ------------------------------------ > > 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 > > > Subject: Pac-slope Flycatcher off season From: <guy.tingos AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 7:40:19 -0800 I frequently hear what sounds like Pac-slope vocalizations in my yard and for years that's what I thought it was, though I could never spot one. I finally figured out that goldfinches can do a great imitation of a Pac-slopes, and Lesser Goldfinches in particular are known for their mimicry. Guy Tingos Santa Barbara Subject: Pac- slope FL From: "cheryl lish" <cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 21:51:56 -0800 I think that unless/until I can VISUALLY verify what I believed to be a vocalizing Pacific-slope Flycatcher it's best to withdraw my statement of it's presence. See Tom Edell's report below - Thanks Tom Cheryl Lish Arroyo Grande cheryl lish cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. ----- Original Message ----- From: To: cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net Sent: 2/1/2010 8:54:27 PM Subject: Re: Pac- slope Hi Cheryl, I read your post on the Pac-slope with interest. The dashed line in the SLO Booklet indicates the species is casual which means less than ten records at the given time of year. Pac- slope is casual anywhere in California during winter. There are four winter records for the county, only one of which has documentation supporting the ID. I mention the documentation because other species of Empidonax flycatcher are more likely based on the number of winter records in California. The one documented record was of a bird at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove Butterfly Preserve that Curtis Marantz and I saw on 13 Jan 2006. The other reports are from Los Osos, Arroyo Grande, and Morro Bay State Park in the early 1980's. Checking other sources I see that there is one winter record mentioned in the Birds of the Salton Sea, one winter record mentioned in the San Diego County Bird Atlas, nine in The Birds of Orange County, an amazing 24 winter records are reported in the Birds of Santa Barbara County, and nine winter records in Monterey Birds. This bird is rare enough that its worth getting a look at to confirm what you heard. If you see it, I'd appreciate at least a brief description to document the bird. A photo would be great too. BTW, which call did your hear? [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]