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11 May Hybrid Duck and other Photos [] 11 May a few Western Santa Cruz birds ["Bernadette Ramer" ] 11 May Yellow-breasted Chat San Juan Canyon Road [Matthew Dodder ] 11 May Re: Booming Bittern ["Ann H" ] 11 May Baldwin Creek [Alexander Gaguine ] 11 May hummingbird bathing techniques [Steve Rovell ] 11 May Swallows and an overlooked i.d. problem [Don Roberson ] 11 May Adjustments to Birdathon list [Don Roberson ] 11 May Booming Bittern [Rusty Scalf ] 11 May Zayante, Big Basin ["Alex Rinkert" ] 10 May Ruddy Turnstones at Capitola [] 10 May Various Santa Cruz Birds [] 10 May More Phalaropes [Earl ] 10 May Sexing spring pelagic phalaropes [Don Roberson ] 10 May Re: Re: Big Basin,..wrong again! [] 10 May Re: Big Basin, Dusky Flycatcher and Rock Wren [] 9 May MTY highlights updated [Don Roberson ] 9 May Terrace Point Phalaropes ["Phil Brown" ] 9 May Phalarope ["Bill Hill" ] 9 May Phalarope Flood at Moss landing [Richard Carlson ] 9 May more phalaropes ["Bernadette Ramer" ] 9 May Red Phalaropes [Caroline Rodgers ] 9 May Natural Bridges [Alexander Gaguine ] 09 May Friday birds [Todd Newberry ] 9 May Watsonville area ["Jeff Poklen" ] 9 May Gray Whale Ranch ["Scott & Dawn Smithson" ] 09 May Watsonville [Roger Wolfe ] 09 May QH County Park [Jim and Anne Williams ] 9 May more birds from varied spots; Franklin's [] 9 May Big Basin, Dusky Flycatcher and Rock Wren [] 9 May Various Santa Cruz Birds [] 8 May : Elkhorn Slough ["W. Breck Tyler" ] 8 May Moore Creek Preserve [Jeff Wall ] 8 May PIGU at Capitola [Judy Donaldson ] 8 May Terrace Point Seawatch [Kumaran Arul ] 6 May West Cliff [Alexander Gaguine ] 6 May Meder Canyon [Kumaran Arul ] 6 May Re: Pigeon ID [Lois Goldfrank ] 06 May Re: Pigeon ID [Siobhan Ruck ] 06 May Pigeon ID ["Larry Selman" ] 5 May mysteries pigeons [richard lange ] 5 May Dusky Flycatcher, etc. [] 5 May a few on the west side [Lois Goldfrank ] 5 May Wilson's warbler [kathy kuyper ] 4 May SCBS Beginners Walk 5/4/08 ["Phil Brown" ] 4 May Quail Hollow Ranch ["Alex Rinkert" ] 4 May Santa Cruz Co. annual list updated through April [] 3 May Lighthouse Field [Alexander Gaguine ] 3 May Re: Morning at Quail Hollow [Paul Miller ] 03 May Morning at Quail Hollow [Jim and Anne Williams ] 3 May Re: Dippers [Judy Donaldson ] 3 May Dippers [Paul Miller ] Subject: Hybrid Duck and other Photos From: Stephengerow AT aol.com Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:21:17 EDT In case anyone is interested, I have put some photos of the female duck at Natural Bridges that I am presuming is a hybrid Mallard X something else (maybe most likely something else). Again, while the overall appearance is Mallard-like, this bird was smaller than a nearby female Mallard, with a rounder head, thinner neck, slightly shorter wings, and narrower bill that broadened a bit at the tip. The bill was all gray. The legs were orange, similar to a typical Mallard. The face looked plainer than typical for a Mallard, with a weaker dark eye-line, and the plumage was darker overall. The "speculum" on the secondaries was blue bordered with white, like a Mallard, but the upper white border was much wider, and broadened outward (as in CInnamon and Blue-winged Teal males, though the females of these typically have more gray in this area.) Also, this duck's "quack" call was higher pitched and thinner than a typical female Mallard. Anyway, four photos are at the link below, with the fourth picture showing this duck with a pair of Mallards. I would welcome any opinions or comments anyone might have. _http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563381242qQcxKK_ (http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563381242qQcxKK) Also in case anyone is interested, a couple of photos of yesterdays Yellow-breasted Chat and some other recent birds are at the address below: _http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558048393ygbSDm?start=24_ (http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558048393ygbSDm?start=24) Steve Gerow **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: a few Western Santa Cruz birds From: "Bernadette Ramer" <baramer AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 16:42:39 -0700 This morning a quick check of West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow revealed an alternate plumage WANDERING TATTLER on the rocks along with 10 SANDERLINGS (1 alternate). At Natural Bridges there were a male and female WESTERN TANAGER in the eucalyptus near the visitor center along with an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. At Terrace Point we saw 3 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS feeding on the rocks below. B&B Subject: Yellow-breasted Chat San Juan Canyon Road From: Matthew Dodder <mdodder AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 15:57:21 -0700 All, I led my Palo Alto Adult School birding class to Fremont Peak State Park yesterday. WE had good showings of the expected species, including ROCK WREN, LAZULI BUNTING, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE. Probably the best bird of the day was after the field trip as we were leaving the area. About one mile before the junction of San Juan Canyon Road and The Alameda, we stopped to admire two GOLDEN EAGLES soaring overhead. During that time a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT sang from the willows behind us. Despite lots of pishing we could not get the bird to reveal itself, but I expect an early morning effort might be successful. To find the area, take The Alameda turn off of Hwy 156 and head toward Fremont Peak. Go past the "quarry" (a pile of rubble on the right side of the road, and a small maintenance building. Look for a creek on the right and a large meadow on the left. The Chat was singing from deep in the willows. . . . Matthew Dodder http://www.birdguy.net Subject: Re: Booming Bittern From: "Ann H" <explorer227 AT juno.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 21:30:32 GMT I suspect one or a pair live there, at Struve Slough. We saw one skulking around the middle of the waterway intersection on 4/27, two weeks ago. Also, we and others saw two of them back around 10/27 and 11/3/2007. They're great to see and hear, aren't they? Ann Hastings -- Rusty Scalf wrote: This morning I paid a quick visit to Harkin's Slough (is that what locals call it? Harkins Slough Rd & Westridge Dr) and was surprised to hear a booming American Bittern. I soon found the bird. Does this species nest here? Or was the fellow just passing through? Rusty Scalf Berkeley, CA _____________________________________________________________ Free information on Diseases. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2111/fc/Ioyw6iighMNNkQyzf6pl0e2qkKTuv0OxcewMX5mwbwomJcAUSRlX6e/?count=1234567890 ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Baldwin Creek From: Alexander Gaguine <gaguine AT baymoon.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 14:19:22 -0700 Yesterday Baldwin Creek mouth had a WANDERING TATTLER, and a CANADA GOOSE resting on a sea stack. Three more CAGO flew north over Terrace Point this morning. Alexander ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: hummingbird bathing techniques From: Steve Rovell <tapaculo AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 13:14:13 -0700 Hi Birders - I've had a small incursion of migrants in my yard the past two days. Among these were a female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, male WESTERN TANAGER, and a female LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH. In addition, a local female HOODED ORIOLE bathed in my pond/waterfall. Interestingly, I noticed a difference between the way the Rufous and ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS bathe. The Anna's, being larger, bathe directly in the waterfall. They grasp onto a steep rock face where the water flow is shallow and slower and flutter their wings and feathers. I've seen as many as three Anna's doing this at the same time, just inches away from each other. On the other hand, the Rufous Hummer probably couldn't hold on to the rock with the flowing water. Instead, it made use of the water sitting on the leaves of the plants overhanging the lawn (which had just been watered). It would fly from one bunch of leaves to the next, gently settling down and fluttering its wings and feathers. I've never seen a bird use plants this way before. Good birding, Steve Rovell Marina ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Swallows and an overlooked i.d. problem From: Don Roberson <creagrus AT montereybay.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 11:56:24 -0700 "If fate gives you a lemon, make lemonade." It has been pretty wind this spring, which has hampered land-birding but has knocked swallows down to ground level. So I've been somewhat obsessed with trying to get flight photos of swallows. So far there has been only partial success, but I've posted a new portal page on Monterey Swallows at http://montereybay.com/creagrus/MTYswallows00.html It links to another page on an overlooked identification problem: brown Tree Swallows. Do you know what makes Tree Swallow plumages unique among our swallows? I found this out this spring. A full i.d. page on these brown Tree Swallows versus our other brown swallows -- and there are different problems in spring than in fall -- is now at http://montereybay.com/creagrus/MTYswallows01.html or you can simply follow the link from the swallow portal page. Don Roberson MTY bird records compiler ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Adjustments to Birdathon list From: Don Roberson <creagrus AT montereybay.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 09:59:52 -0700 New information has been received that requires adjustments in the 2008 BSOL Birdathon list. Tim Amaral advises that his team did not have Black-chinned Sparrow, which was apparently reported inaccurately at the countdown that Tim missed, but to compensate, Matt Brady did see a migrant Bank Swallow in the lower Salinas Valley after 4 p.m. on 25 April. So the total (241) stays the same. These revisions now appear on the Birdathon web page at http://montereybay.com/creagrus/birdathon08.html Don Roberson ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Booming Bittern From: Rusty Scalf <rfs_berkeley AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 09:40:58 -0700 (PDT) This morning I paid a quick visit to Harkin's Slough (is that what locals call it? Harkins Slough Rd & Westridge Dr) and was surprised to hear a booming American Bittern. I soon found the bird. Does this species nest here? Or was the fellow just passing through? Rusty Scalf Berkeley, CA ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Zayante, Big Basin From: "Alex Rinkert" <arinkert12 AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 07:54:44 -0700 Riding up East Zayante Road yesterday morning, there was a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH at the Zayante Market and another one calling on Upper Zayante Road near Bear Creek Rd. BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were along Skyline Boulevard. After the bird club's Castle Rock trip (which was excellent), I headed down to see the Dusky Flycatcher. A PILEATED WOODPECKER flew across Big Basin Way and there were 4 WESTERN TANAGERS perched at the top of trees through out the road going down. There was no Dusky today at 5:00 but 5 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS flew over Ocean View Summit. Alex Rinkert Ben Lomond Subject: Ruddy Turnstones at Capitola From: DSUDDJIAN AT aol.com Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 21:59:10 EDT 3 RUDDY TURNSTONES flew in to the rock jetty at Capitola Beach this morning, did not stay long, and moved on up the coast. David Suddjian Capitola **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Various Santa Cruz Birds From: Stephengerow AT aol.com Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 20:53:34 EDT This morning a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was in Bethany Curve Park between Plateau and Alta Avenues. It was singing fairly steadily for a while, and even came out in the open several times while singing. As others have been reporting, RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were pretty much everywhere this morning, with a sprinkling of RED PHALAROPES among them. The largest single group of Red-necked was at least 110 in Younger Lagoon. There were 3 Reds in Mitchell's Cove along West Cliff, 2 in lower Moore Creek at Natural Bridges, and 1 at Younger. A WANDERING TATTLER was along West Cliff near Getchell, and another was at Terrace Point. Other shorebirds included a few each SANDERLINGS and WHIMBRELS, 1 WILLET flying up the coast, and a lone DUNLIN at Younger Lagoon. Antonelli Pond had two singing YELLOW WARBLERS, an adult BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, and some Red-necked Phalaropes. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was in the Terrace Point Field. At Moore Creek Preserve this afternoon, there were 3 more WESTERN KINGBIRDS, plus 2 ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS and a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE. A CHIPPING SPARROW singing west of the preserve near the edge of WIlder Creek was a nice surprise (they are regular there, but seem to be getting harder and harder to find each year.) Two GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS and at least a dozen SAVANNAH SPARROWS were in the grasslands. Steve Gerow **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: More Phalaropes From: Earl <hawkowl AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 17:40:38 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, On a quick jaunt along East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz this afternoon I found 2 Red and 1 Red-Necked Phalarope in Sunny Cove and 2 Red and 15 Red-Necked Phalaropes in Corcoran Lagoon. Cheers, Earl Lebow ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Sexing spring pelagic phalaropes From: Don Roberson <creagrus AT montereybay.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 16:44:09 -0700 The tremendous landfall of Red & Red-necked Phalaropes this weekend permitted prolonged study and many photos, and I learned something I'd never paid attention to before: how to sex these species in breeding plumage. You probably already know how to do this, but should you be interested in a page on the topic, please see http://montereybay.com/creagrus/MTYspringPhalaropes.html The Brown Booby was still at Bird Rock in Pebble Beach, so I've added a distant shot of it to the highlight page at http://montereybay.com/creagrus/MTY_2008.html Don Roberson always learning, never bored ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Re: Re: Big Basin,..wrong again! From: DSUDDJIAN AT aol.com Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 01:47:13 EDT In a message dated 5/9/2008 10:42:41 PM Pacific Daylight Time, DSUDDJIAN AT aol.com writes: Correction: that field trip is Wed., June 3. Sorry. I can't believe it, but I was wrong again...The field trip is June 4! See the SCBC web page for details. Time for sleep. David **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Re: Big Basin, Dusky Flycatcher and Rock Wren From: DSUDDJIAN AT aol.com Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 01:41:48 EDT In a message dated 5/9/2008 1:28:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time, DSUDDJIAN writes: The Santa Cruz Bird Club has a field trip on June 9 that will specifically seek this bird at this spot. Correction: that field trip is Wed., June 3. Sorry. David **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: MTY highlights updated From: Don Roberson <creagrus AT montereybay.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 22:08:48 -0700 New photos of interesting birds from early May are now featured on the Monterey County highlights page at http://montereybay.com/creagrus/MTY_2008.html Don Roberson Pacific Grove CA ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Terrace Point Phalaropes From: "Phil Brown" <pdpbrown AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 21:51:56 -0700 A Seawatch at Terrace point this late afternoon yielded some common sightings, and some rarities. RED PHALAROPES in breeding plumage were foraging over the kelp beds (at least 8, maybe more). Numbers of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen closer to shore, and 2 dozen BRANT GEESE flew north. 3 WHIMBREL flew past, and one RHINOCEROUS AUKLET trailed a flock of SURF SCOTERS. A male RED-BREASTED MEGANSER confirmed this species is doing well this year. Lots of PACIFIC LOONS, a few RED-THROATED, and a couple of COMMON were the expected trifecta. 3 BONAPARTES GULLS were the only interesting gulls. Alcids included a COMMOM MURRE close to shore, and a few PIGEON GUILLEMOTS. I malso had about 20 CASPIAN, and 5 FORSTER'S TERNS. Other common species included OYSTERCATCHERS, WESTERN and GLAUCOUS WINGED GULLS, CLARKE'S and WESTERN GREBES and the expected BIRDING RAMERS (the female of this species seems to appear every time I go birding nowadays). This is a great time to see RED PHALAROPES. One came close enough for me to see the yellow bill and dark tip. They are beautiful in alternate, and should not be missed. They are being reported all over the place, don't miss your chance! Phil Brown Subject: Phalarope From: "Bill Hill" <billhill AT redshift.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 21:36:12 -0700 Seems like there are Phalarope everywhere so I thought a few pictures might be in order. I shot these Red Phalarope at the pond near Point Joe in Pebble Beach today. Enjoy. http://fp2k.redshift.com/billhill/Red%20Phalarope/index.htm ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Phalarope Flood at Moss landing From: Richard Carlson <rccarl AT pacbell.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 21:03:12 -0700 (PDT) Moss landing State park had at least a dozen full summer plumage Red Phalaropes in with 100's of Red-neckeds. It also had a breeding plumage Pacific Loon and Sanderlings with breeding plumage red heads. Finally, there was this strange Murre swimming around with its head pulled in and white flecking on a black throat. Sibley shows this as a juvie Thick-billed, which is way early and out of range etc., but that's what the bird looked like. Dick PS yes I know its now called alternate plumage, but breeding plumage is a much more communicative term. Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965 ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: more phalaropes From: "Bernadette Ramer" <baramer AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 20:21:26 -0700 A walk from Woodrow to Terrace Point this morning was rewarded with many great looks of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES feeding close to shore and even some feeding in the kelp and rocks along the shoreline. I had been looking for the Wandering Tattler but somehow this bird is always somewhere else! Pacific Loons were streaming up the coast in small groups. Many other previously reported birds were also seen. At Younger Lagoon this evening there were about 120 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE AND 2 RED PHALAROPES. One lone DUNLIN was feeding along the near shore showing it's partially black belly Bernadette Subject: Red Phalaropes From: Caroline Rodgers <caro414 AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 17:47:18 -0700 Pajaro Dunes: at the river/slough area this afternoon were 2 RED PHALAROPES in with a group of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, all in alternate plumage for a nice comparison. Also 1 BRANT, several GADWALL & PINTAIL, WHITE PELICANS, a dozen WHIMBREL & a BONAPARTE"S GULL in with the usual suspects. A male NORTHERN HARRIER cruised over too. Caroline Rodgers ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Natural Bridges From: Alexander Gaguine <gaguine AT baymoon.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 17:31:17 -0700 A lovely 65 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and 3 RED PHALAROPES were on the pond behind the beach at Natural Bridges this afternoon. More than a dozen BRANT flew north. A WANDERING TATTLER landed on a shelf below Terrace Point. Alexander ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Friday birds From: Todd Newberry <taxa AT biology.ucsc.edu> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 16:20:19 -0700 Several WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS mingled with swallows along the west ridge at Rancho del Oso this morning, and a splendid male MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER was active along Sapsucker Alley there. Fifteen RED-NECKED and two RED PHALAROPES swam in a farm pond at Hwy 1 & Dimeo (county dump) Rd. Todd Newberry Santa Cruz ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Watsonville area From: "Jeff Poklen" <jpkln AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 16:09:31 -0700 This morning (9 May) Lois and Wally Goldfrank and I birded the Sunset State Beach entrance area and campground searching for the Lawrence's Goldfinch ..to no avail at which point Wally left for work. Lois and I continued on, checking out Watsonville Slough (from the overlook off Lee Road) where we met Jeff Wahl who had just seen an American Bittern which we all re-found. Our last stop was College Lake (or what's left of it!). Highlights: Slough Sunset State Beach.........WESTERN TANAGER, female Watsonville Slough at Lee Rd.......AMERICAN BITTERN 2 CASPIAN TERNs 1 CLARK'S GREBE ~6 GREAT-TAILED GRACKLEs College Lake..............................1 alternate SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER with 4 dowitcher sp in prealternate molt. ~8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS 1 alternate WILSON'S PHALAROPE 3 alternate RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Jeff Poklen Santa Cruz, CA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lois Goldfrank" To: "Jeff Poklen" Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 1:18 PM Subject: reporting > Hi, > I realize, I'm not going to have time to report today, have to meet > someone soon, then cook and bring food to a party tonight. So if you > want to, go ahead. > > In my "spare time" I have to call American Airlines again, oh joy! > > See you Monday, > thanks again for driving today , > Lois Subject: Gray Whale Ranch From: "Scott & Dawn Smithson" <scottndawn AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 15:29:31 -0700 Hello birders, Yesterday's SCBC field trip to Gray Whale Ranch started with misty fog and little visibility but ended with the sun peeking out and waking up the birds a bit. We enjoyed a great walk through some great "edge habitat." Although we did not hear or see Lark or Chipping Sparrows, we did enjoy many other birds, including LAZULI BUNTING, WILSON'S & ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, ALLEN'S HUMMER, HERMIT & SWAINSON'S THRUSH, AND OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. We heard a few WILD TURKEYS gobbling in a ravine late morning. Surprise birds of the day were two BLACK SWIFTS and at least two WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS with some swallows, allowing great comparisons. The swifts were above Empire Grade Road near the double fence entrance to the Chinquapin Trail just before noon. Good birding, Scott & Selva Smithson Subject: Watsonville From: Roger Wolfe <rogwolfe AT cruzio.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 15:17:18 -0700 This morning at Watsonville Slough near Lee Rd. in addition to a dozen Red-necked Phalaropes there was a single RED PHALAROPE present. In the very back of the slough there was a WHITE-FACED IBIS. Lingering waterfowl included a single female BUFFLEHEAD and a drake NORTHERN SHOVELER. At the confluence of Watsonville Slough and the Pajaro River there were 2 pair of NORTHERN PINTAIL that eventually paddled into MTY county waters. On the opposite bank of the river (MTY) I was surprised to see a single GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE and a BRANT. Roger over and out ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: QH County Park From: Jim and Anne Williams <jimanne AT cruzio.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 13:47:21 -0700 Observed a KILLDEER at pond's edge and a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE in willows above pond this AM at Quail Hollow County Park. jim w. ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: more birds from varied spots; Franklin's From: DSUDDJIAN AT aol.com Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 16:38:49 EDT On May 8, after the Big Basin trip, I went up to Locatelli Ranch at the upper end of Empire Grade. This is the area near Eagle Rock up past Jamison Creek Road, with grassland on both sides of the road, just before the public access ends at the entry into the Lockheed facility. I recommend it as an interesting place to visit this time of year, but you have to stay on the road. The site is mentioned at the end of this description of birding along upper Empire Grade: _http://scbirdingguide.org/The%20Mountains/Upper%20Empire%20Grade.htm_ (http://scbirdingguide.org/The%20Mountains/Upper%20Empire%20Grade.htm) Birds in the trees at the road edge included a few cooperative BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, 1 CASSIN'S VIREO, 1 ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, 2 WESTERN TANAGERS, and a LAZULI BUNTING. A male BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD feeding with cows and some blackbirds was of some interest, as that species seems to be sparse on largely forested Ben Lomond Mountain. Heading back southeast of Empire Grade I stopped near the big viewshed (3.0 miles up from Alba Road), and had nice looks at three singing LAZULI BUNTINGS. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE was at the nice viewshed near the top of Alba Road. The remains of Davenport Pier sported 8 active BRANDT'S CORMORANT NESTS with incubating birds, and 6 other nest starts. Swanton Pond (at the Swanton Berry Farm) had 1 RED PHALAROPE and 11 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, all in gorgeous plumage. And a PINE SISKIN was in the willows there. This morning (May 9) an adult FRANKLIN'S GULL paused at Waddell Creek Beach. It was not there when I arrived for a brief scan, then I looked again and there it was. But within 10 min. it took off continued up the coast. I checked Last Chance Road to see what was going on with the TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS. There were about 220 Trikes present at Last Chance Lagoon and the surrounding grasslands, with females carrying food to nests in the marsh, confirming nesting. As far as I can tell, Trikes failed to nest there the last 2-3 years, so it was nice to have them back, even if the count was low. There is only one other location (Soda Lake) where they have been found nesting in recent years in Santa Cruz County, but it is on private land with no access so I'm not sure of the status of that colony. A pair of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS was also present at Last Chance, with the female seen entering a nest box. Also 16 PINE SISKINS and 1 GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. Seven tardy GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS were in scrub habitat along Swanton Road near Molino Creek. On May 6 I saw two EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES at 711 Graham Hill Road, near the entry to the Santa Cruz Water Dept. facility. One of them was carrying a twig, confirming nesting there. At home in Capitola I was surprised to have a PINE SISKIN fly over, as I do not have them in the nesting season. On May 7 I stopped at Sycamore Grove on the San Lorenzo River. There were 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES, and a few WARBLING VIREOS, but no Yellow Warblers. A PILEATED WOODPECKER was calling from just upstream of the grove, sounding like it was in trees right along the river. David Suddjian Capitola **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Big Basin, Dusky Flycatcher and Rock Wren From: DSUDDJIAN AT aol.com Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 16:28:01 EDT A survey at Big Basin on May 7 was not too eventful, as it was cloudy, cool and a bit breezy, but I was pleased to have a decent level of activity by MARBLED MURRELETS, with 39 detections recorded during the dawn flight. (A detection being a visual or auditory encounter with one or more birds...some detections are of the same individuals detected more than once as they fly over the area during a period of time.) A NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL was in the Huckleberry Campground tent cabins area, and another was in the western 1/4 of Blooms Creek Campground. I was back again on May 8, when conditions were similar, but no wind and the birds were more active. Even more MARBLED MURRELET activity this morning, with 58 detections in the dawn flight. This is some of the best activity I've had there over the last 6 years, so this is good stuff. Several other highlights in the Basin itself...A VARIED THRUSH was singing along Hihn-Hammond Road between Blooms Creek Campground and the Pine Mountain Service Road. I flushed a recently fledged juvenile NOR. SAW-WHET OWL in the day use picnic area, about 0.3 mile from the junction with Gazos Creek Road. It still had several down feathers. Great looks as it stared at me from an eyelevel perch just 15 feet way! A RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was just west of the south end of the picnic area. A PINE SISKIN was in the same place...only the second time I've had this species in the interior region of this park in the nesting season in the last 8 years or so, although they were formerly regular breeders there. Single VAUX'S SWIFTS (same bird twice?) were near the park store and over the Father of the Forest tree. NOR. PYGMY-OWLS were at the south end of the day use picnic area, in the vicinity of the campfire center, at the Father of the Forest, and at the west edge of Blooms Campground. I think these were actually just three individuals in these four areas, but it was hard to sort out. The owl at the Father of the Forest was cool as it was flying back and forth between the Father and the Mother of the Forest...a cool little owl way up at the tops of the biggest trees. Later on May 8 I went up to Ocean View Summit to see if the DUSKY FLYCATCHER was back. One was present in the breeding season in 2006 and 2007, with a May - August stay documented in 2007. Sure enough, he was back on some of his favorite perched, singing away. He was in the shallow swale that is just north of the summit itself. Once I walked as far as the sign for the summit I could hear him right away. He was frequenting some slender pine snags, a tanoak with dead limbs and the top of a youthful Douglas-fir. I've appended directions from last year at the end of this post. The Santa Cruz Bird Club has a field trip on June 9 that will specifically seek this bird at this spot. Later I ended up on North Escape Road and was surprised to find a ROCK WREN on the road and its rocky margin! This was about 0.4 mile down from the north (upper) end of the road, at its junction with Hwy 236 in an area of knobcone pine and chaparral (with rocks). Rock Wren does not reside in that area, so this was surely a migrant. David Suddjian Capitola & The Forest Directions to Dusky Flycatcher: The spot is not hard to get to, but will require a 1.8 mile hike or bike ride. From park HQ (day use fee), take the road (North Escape Road) that leads north from the entrance kiosk, across from the park office & visitor center. Go 0.25 mile, turn left onto Gazos Creek Road, cross the creek and park in the picnic area somewhere near the gate that is a short way ahead. Walk for 1 mile up Gazos Creek Road, then turn right (north) onto Middle Ridge Road. Continue for 0.7 miles on Middle Ridge. The walk is steady uphill, but easy except for a few hundred moderately strenuous yards after you start up Middle Ridge. The road eventually enters a sizable open area of chaparral and knobcone pines, and atop a low ridge in this open area there is a new trail signpost indicating you are at Ocean View Summit (not truly a summit, as the ridge that road is following continues to climb, but there is a view). The bird was close to that sign and just over the low ridge on its north side. It does get warm up there, so an early visit would be wise, and you get to sort through Hermit and Black-throated Gray Warblers on the walk up Middle Ridge. **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Various Santa Cruz Birds From: Stephengerow AT aol.com Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 01:07:56 EDT Today a flock of 4 female RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were flying up the coast off West Cliff Drive, getting a little late. Also on the late side was an alternate-plumaged EARED GREBE swimming off West Cliff near Chico Avenue. RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were here and there--about 15 in the Moore Creek lagoon at Natural Bridges Beach, others off the coast, and one at Antonelli Pond. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was in the brushy meadow in the north central part of Natural Bridges. About 10 VAUX'S SWIFTS were over the eastern part of the park. A female duck with eleven young in Moore Creek just up from the lagoon was interesting. It appeared to be some sort of hybrid, though almost certainly part Mallard. It basically looked like a Mallard, but was smaller, darker, all-gray billed, and showed some differences in face and wing patterns, etc. It also had a higher-pitched quack than the familiar female Mallard call. There was a male duck in this area last year that showed features of a Mallard X Cinnamon Teal, and I think this bird may be either an offspring or a sibling of that duck (I'll post some photos and analysis later.) An OSPREY flew over Antonelli Pond. Yesterday (May 7) a TREE SWALLOW entered one of the nest boxes at Neary Lagoon, remaining there, suggesting it might be incubating eggs now. A flock of 14 WHIMBRELS flew over the lagoon. Tuesday (May 6) there was a flock of about 55 WHIMBRELS flying up the coast off Lighthouse Field, the largest flock I have seen this spring. An alternate plumaged WANDERING TATTLER was east of Woodrow, the only spring migrant I have seen so far this year. A faded first-cycle HERRING GULL was on the rocks near Columbia Street, with a group of mostly Western Gulls. Steve Gerow **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: : Elkhorn Slough From: "W. Breck Tyler" <ospr AT ucsc.edu> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:36:39 -0700 This morning a group of us paddled upper-middle Elkhorn Slough and found quite a good variety of waterbirds, 33 species, many in exquisite breeding plumage. Highlights were 10+ COMMON LOONS (2 in full alternate plumage), 12 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS feeding, 1 OSPREY, 2 RUDDY TURNSTONES (full alternate plumage), 2 RED KNOTS (1 alternate, 1 basic), and 2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES (alternate). Full list below. Breck Tyler and Martha Brown Santa Cruz Common Loon 10+ Pacific Loon 1-2 Clark's Grebe 3 ( and 10+ unidentified grebe) American White Pelican 12 Double-crested Cormorant 20+ Pelagic Cormorant 4 Brandt's Cormorant 1 Snowy Egret 5+ Great Egret 15+ Great Blue Heron 3 Canada Goose 10+ Mallard 8 Surf Scoter 3 (females) Turkey Vulture 8 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Northern Harrier 1 male Osprey 1 Killdeer 3 Semipalmated Plover 2 Black-bellied Plover 5 American Avocet 4 Black-necked Stilt 6 Long-billed Curlew 1 Whimbrel 15 Marbled Godwit 100+ Willet 25+ Ruddy Turnstone 2 Dunlin 30+ Western Sandpiper 40+ Least Sandpiper 1 Red Knot 2 Short-billed Dowitcher 2 Red-necked Phalarope 2 Western Gull 10 Caspian Tern 10 Forster's Tern 6 Barn Swallow 100+ ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Moore Creek Preserve From: Jeff Wall <jhwall AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:06:22 +0000 After oversleeping the start of the SCBC Gray Whale trip I drove up to Moore Creek Preserve. Despite the heavy overcast and poor light I had a pretty good morning. 2 Grasshopper Sparrows 2 Savannah Sparrows 2 Cassin's Vireos 2 Hutton's Vireos 3 Western Wood Pewees 4 Western Kingbirds 2 Hutton's Vireos 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher 3 Pacific-slope Flycatchers plus lots of more common birds. At Younger Lagoon there was a pair of Gadwall, a Bonaparte's Gull, and 75-100 Red-necked Phalaropes. From Terrace Point there was a steady trickle of Pacific Loons, and 2 small flocks of Brant in about 15 minutes of fighting the wind. Didn't have my scope. Jeff Wall Soquel ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: PIGU at Capitola From: Judy Donaldson <calqua AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:35:50 -0700 (PDT) Yesterday morning was the first time I'd seen a PIGEON GUILLEMOT (1 adult) near the Capitola Wharf. A COMMON LOON in breeding plumage is hanging around the same area. The young Bushtits have fledged from a nest that was (and still is) hanging above the path along Soquel Creek upstream from the trestle. I saw them out one morning last week with the adults. Hard to count them, as they moved around so fast, but I'd say there were 3-4 youngsters, at the most. Judy Donaldson ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Terrace Point Seawatch From: Kumaran Arul <kumaranarul AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:01:59 -0700 The winds the last days had me itching to get out to the ocean. I finally got out to Terrace Point at 5pm yesterday and as in the past, I've found late afternoon/evening to be surprisingly productive when the winds pick up. The little shed at the overlook was an adequate wind break. Birds were all over the ocean--too many things to look at (!), but the wind made it a bit difficult. Seawatch, 5-7pm from Terrace Point, Santa Cruz, Wednesday 5/7/08: -Loons (95% were Pacific about 85% of these in alternate plumage-- they were flying by in fairly regular medium sized groups--- as the wind died down towards the end, the Pacifics were flying high above the water like Commons often are--beautiful sight). -SOOTY SHEARWATER (small groups flying around fairly far out, with occasional stragglers closer in--some *nice* arcing flight--no large masses seen---some show worn or molting feathers with white visible on top of wing (like Fulmar)). -Surf Scoters (a few stragglers flying and a flock of (40) on water near the point) -BRANT (one flock of 13 high above water) -BLACK LEGGED KITTIWAKE (loose flock of 5 birds passed by mid way out--one 1st year) -Bonaparte's Gull (11) -California Gulls (were passing by in occasional large groups close to the point--large proportion of young birds) -Glaucous Winged Gull (4) -Herring Gull (2) -Forster's Tern (9) -Caspian Tern (3) -Common Murre (small flocks were steadily flying by the whole time I was there, with others sitting on the water--all were in alternate plumage). -Rhino Auklet (2) -CASSIN'S AUKLET (1) (this bird I saw quite close in as it flew and then landed-- I watched it in the swells for about five minutes-- relatively slower wingbeats, very rounded shape with very little head projection and small size--in moderate light appeared all dark). -RED NECKED PHALAROPE (large movement today (see bayside reports in the last days, too). They were streaming by almost constantly close to the water in mobile (flexible looking) flocks mid way and further out--up to 150 in flock. A few flew closer in and were on the water. At YOUNGER LAGOON just after the seawatch, about (50) were bobbing around (with (2) GADWALL). -RUDDY TURNSTONE (I caught a nice flock of 5 birds close in for beautiful views of the black on the neck and the striking back pattern and colors.) First time I've seen more than one at a time in SCZ (!) -Dowitcher (flock of 13 birds) -Peeps (flock of 7--didn't get a good look). -Black Oystercatcher (3) flying up coast. -Harbor Porpoise (2) Also singing coastal White Crowned Sparrow and Cowbird were heard at the point. (4) VAUX'S SWIFTS were flying around Westlake Pond earlier in the day. Kumaran Arul ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: West Cliff From: Alexander Gaguine <gaguine AT baymoon.com> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 23:10:06 -0700 Five SANDERLINGS and a WESTERN SANDPIPER were foraging on a small pocket beach near Swift St. yesterday, and a tight flock of 50 SURF SCOTERS were resting on the water. Alexander ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Meder Canyon From: Kumaran Arul <kumaranarul AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 22:19:04 -0700 A MERLIN flew around and then perched in a Doug fir in Meder Canyon this morning. Some returning breeders and migrants were in evidence. A Western Tanager was singing, Wilson's and Orange Crowned Warblers were in various spots. My first Meder Canyon Swainson's Thrush of the year was singing. Other birds included Olive Sided and Pacific Slope Flycatchers, Hooded Orioles in usual palms, Ca. Thrasher nesting, Black Headed Grosbeak and Allen's Hummer nests were seen. Band Tailed Pigeons have been rather numerous recently. Three belated reports: I saw (5) Caspian Terns fly over at Broadway and Ocean in the city of Santa Cruz last Friday. Earlier that day a neat sight was a large flock of Cedar Waxwings in the area around Escalona and Bay taking off together (~300). Also a Yellow Warbler was at Quail Hollow pond on Sunday. Kumaran Arul ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Re: Pigeon ID From: Lois Goldfrank <loisg AT cruzio.com> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 21:04:53 -0700 I think they may be Roller Pigeons , a breed of domestic pigeon. I remembered there was a parent at my school that raised them, and when I googled them , I came up with several photos that looked like what we saw today at NB. Lois Goldfrank On May 6, 2008, at 6:13 PM, Larry Selman wrote: > Here is a photo of one Richards pigeons taken with a point and > shoot. Very friendly birds. > > http://Mostlybirds.com/archive%20recent%202008/ > > Any ideas? > > "Does anyone have information about the small flock of > PIGEONS that have been hanging around the stand of > pines just to the west of the back entrance of Natural > Bridges? They vaguely resemble ROCK DOVES, but have a > wide pale orange eye ring and lighter beaks than any > ROCK DOVES I've ever seen. They also show a > reluctance to settle on the ground, seeming to prefer > the pine branches, which seems rather un-ROCK-DOVE > like. Thanks. Richard." > Subject: Re: Pigeon ID From: Siobhan Ruck <siobhanruck AT mindspring.com> Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 20:26:17 -0700 It's a variation of rock dove. Don't know if it's a specific breed, or if it's a hybrid between the normal wild ones and a special breed, but it is a rock dove. It looks like it might be a young bird. The short bill is reminiscent of owl pigeons, and I think they have big eye rings, too. Try googling images of "owl pigeons" Siobhan Ruck, SF Larry Selman wrote: > Here is a photo of one Richards pigeons taken with a point and shoot. > Very friendly birds. > > http://Mostlybirds.com/archive%20recent%202008/ > > Any ideas? > > "Does anyone have information about the small flock of > PIGEONS that have been hanging around the stand of > pines just to the west of the back entrance of Natural > Bridges? They vaguely resemble ROCK DOVES, but have a > wide pale orange eye ring and lighter beaks than any > ROCK DOVES I've ever seen. They also show a > reluctance to settle on the ground, seeming to prefer > the pine branches, which seems rather un-ROCK-DOVE > like. Thanks. Richard." > s ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Pigeon ID From: "Larry Selman" <lselman AT got.net> Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 18:13:45 -0700 Here is a photo of one Richards pigeons taken with a point and shoot. Very friendly birds. http://Mostlybirds.com/archive%20recent%202008/ Any ideas? "Does anyone have information about the small flock of PIGEONS that have been hanging around the stand of pines just to the west of the back entrance of Natural Bridges? They vaguely resemble ROCK DOVES, but have a wide pale orange eye ring and lighter beaks than any ROCK DOVES I've ever seen. They also show a reluctance to settle on the ground, seeming to prefer the pine branches, which seems rather un-ROCK-DOVE like. Thanks. Richard." Subject: mysteries pigeons From: richard lange <richardmlange AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 23:04:06 -0700 (PDT) Does anyone have information about the small flock of PIGEONS that have been hanging around the stand of pines just to the west of the back entrance of Natural Bridges? They vaguely resemble ROCK DOVES, but have a wide pale orange eye ring and lighter beaks than any ROCK DOVES I've ever seen. They also show a reluctance to settle on the ground, seeming to prefer the pine branches, which seems rather un-ROCK-DOVE like. Thanks. Richard. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Dusky Flycatcher, etc. From: Stephengerow AT aol.com Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 22:33:53 EDT A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was at Natural Bridges today, working through the small trees and scrub in the southwest portion of the brushy meadow north of the park headquarters buildings (north and a bit east of the compost area). It was mostly foraging around an area that has a small coast live oak and a small pine growing among coffeeberries and coyote brush, and seemed to prefer the oak, though it was wandering around the area. It was giving "whit" calls fairly regularly, but getting clear views was not easy, but I was finally able to see it well enough to confirm the identification (narrow bill with a lower mandible that was over half dark, long-tailed and smallish headed proportions, fairly short primary projection, light gray throat that didn't contrast much with the medium gray face, more pronounced white loral spot than most empids, upward tail flicking, etc.) I did manage to get one photo, not great but it shows the lower mandible and the face and throat, etc: _http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2986201900077220537xfxdLw_ (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2986201900077220537xfxdLw) The Dusky several times got into conflicts with one of the local pairs of PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, which have a territory near the compost area. A migrant WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE was also in the area, as well as a couple of WESTERN TANAGERS, etc. Two WESTERN KINGBIRDS stopped briefly at Terrace Point. Younger Lagoon had a pair of GADWALLS and 6 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. Natural Bridges Beach had 7 SANDERLINGS (more or less in alternate plumage) and a WHIMBREL. More BRANDT'S CORMORANT nests were underway at the Natural Bridges colony, with a total of 25 nests under construction (22 on the ledge by the entrance gate, 1 on the narrow ledge to the east of the small beach there, and 2 on the natural bridge). A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was lingering along West Cliff Near Woodrow. Steve Gerow **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: a few on the west side From: Lois Goldfrank <loisg AT cruzio.com> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 17:52:08 -0700 Back from a couple of weeks on grandma duty, I checked out a few places to see what was around. First, yesterday, Wally and I tried unsuccessfully for the Solitary Sandpiper along the San Lorenzo . One lingering adult MEW GULL was with a couple of Westerns at the river mouth , a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE was at the other end near the Water St. bridge. Otherwise we saw many of the same birds that Steve reported Friday including a very spotted SPOTTED SANDPIPER and one in basic plumage - quite a contrast. Today Younger Lagoon had 4 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES , and a VAUX'S SWIFT among three types of swallows. At the Arboretum, the best find was a gorgeous, big muscular BOBCAT dragging a ground squirrel by its nape across the big field in the back. Two WANDERING TATTLERS were on the cliffs near Woodrow this afternoon. At least 250 loons passed by in small groups as I was walking with a friend, mostly Pacific as far as I could tell without actually stopping to look each time. The only other shorebirds I noticed were one Sanderling and one Black Oystercatcher. Lois Goldfrank ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Wilson's warbler From: kathy kuyper <chswift AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 15:01:08 +0000 Thanks to our fearless and patient leaders on the Saturday bird club hike, it only took a couple of seconds for me to recognize by sound the Wilson's warbler working its way down Soquel Creek this morning! Thanks again to Wally, Todd & Phil (for waiting, especially). Kathy Kuyper _________________________________________________________________ Make Windows Vista more reliable and secure with Windows Vista Service Pack 1. http://www.windowsvista.com/SP1?WT.mc_id=hotmailvistasp1banner Subject: SCBS Beginners Walk 5/4/08 From: "Phil Brown" <pdpbrown AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 19:49:22 -0700 A small group of birders met at Natural Bridges this morning. We went down the boardwalk on the North side hoping for migrants but found a huge flock of Cedar Waxwings instead. Over the pond at Moore Creek was another large flock, this time Swallows, which was mostly Cliff, with a few Barn and Violet Green thrown in. They were all flying within a few feet of us, a mesmerizing spectacle that was hard to tear ourselves away from. Mixed in were at least half a dozen Vaux's Swifts, twinkling amongst the swallows. Activity was generally very good, with Nuthatches, Allen's Hummers and Chickadees all appearing to be nesting. We got good looks at an Oak Titmouse, a Common Yellowthroat, A Wilson's Warbler, a Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, an Olive-Sided Flycatcher, a Downy Woodpecker, and heard Western Tanager and Hooded Oriole. We had a complete beginner with us, who's delight in the Hummingbirds alone made the walk worthwhile. Thanks to Emeline, and all who joined us for a very enjoyable morning. We had over 50 species by my count. Phil Brown Subject: Quail Hollow Ranch From: "Alex Rinkert" <arinkert12 AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 15:55:35 -0700 I went to Quail Hollow Ranch this morning to look for the Spotted Sandpiper, but disappointingly , it wasn't there. On the Sunset Trail, there was a WESTERN TANAGER and farther up the trail was a female COOPER'S HAWK (holding a small mouse) perched on a limb. Walking back down, I saw a HUTTON'S VIREO feeding it's begging young and heard a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER. Later, on the Discovery Loop, 13 CALIFORNIA GULLS flew by and closely behind them were 23 COMMON RAVENS and an AMERICAN CROW. Alex Rinkert Ben Lomond Subject: Santa Cruz Co. annual list updated through April From: DSUDDJIAN AT aol.com Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 10:56:06 EDT The collective annual list for Santa Cruz County has been updated through April 30: _http://santacruzbirdclub.org/annual%20list.html_ (http://santacruzbirdclub.org/annual%20list.html) Thank you Barry for posting the update. David Suddjian **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Lighthouse Field From: Alexander Gaguine <gaguine AT baymoon.com> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 21:10:39 -0700 This afternoon in the interior of Lighthouse Field a CASPIAN TERN flew directly over a perched OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER - I liked that combo! A WESTERN WOOD-PEEWEE was nearby. Alexander ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Re: Morning at Quail Hollow From: Paul Miller <paulbug AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 19:49:04 -0700 (PDT) Before going to Mount Hermon, my son and I stopped at Quail Hollow. I pulled over to show him the WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. They were both there. This was at about 330 pm. Paul Miller Jim and Anne Williams wrote: Pond at Quail Hollow County Park hard a SPOTTED SANDPIPER and a RING-NECKED DUCK this AM. WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were on the fence line at the lower meadow at 7:30. County worker decided to mow the meadow later in the AM. Did not see bluebirds after the mowing. ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Subject: Morning at Quail Hollow From: Jim and Anne Williams <jimanne AT cruzio.com> Date: Sat, 03 May 2008 19:25:57 -0700 Pond at Quail Hollow County Park hard a SPOTTED SANDPIPER and a RING-NECKED DUCK this AM. WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were on the fence line at the lower meadow at 7:30. County worker decided to mow the meadow later in the AM. Did not see bluebirds after the mowing. ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Re: Dippers From: Judy Donaldson <calqua AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 19:30:08 -0700 (PDT) --- Paul Miller wrote: > ...They all started bobbing in sync when I began playing Credence Clearwater Revival at max > volume on my Ipod. Um...what iPod speaker system do you carry when birding? Judy Donaldson ((To unsubscribe MBB, send the command UNSUBSCRIBE MBB to .)) Subject: Dippers From: Paul Miller <paulbug AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 18:55:03 -0700 (PDT) While showing my son a good time at the creek, I noted 2 fledgling AMERICAN DIPPERS being fed by mom/dad at the confluence of Zayante and Bean Creeks in Mount Hermon. Quite entertaining were their constant bobbing gyrations. They all started bobbing in sync when I began playing Credence Clearwater Revival at max volume on my Ipod. Paul Miller Scotts Valley --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.