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02 Sep 9/1 Owl Canyon Bodega Bay ["dmfreid" ] 1 Sep Re: Vaux's Swift request [Veronica Bowers ] 1 Sep Vaux's Swift request ["Rusty Scalf" ] 1 Sep Marin Headlands, Aug 31 ["Eddie Bartley" ] 01 Sep Black-necked Stilts ["shenmaker" ] 01 Sep Willowside Road Waxwings and Tanagers ["Scott" ] 31 Aug Red-Necked Phalarope: Rush Creek, Novato [Daniel Edelstein ] 31 Aug Re: A.G. Plover [Jim Yurchenco ] 30 Aug Black-and-white Warbler - Sonoma County - 8/30/10 ["shwand" ] 30 Aug Solano/Napa/Lake misc. 8/29/10 [Dominik Mosur ] 30 Aug SSU Birds [Becky Olsen ] 30 Aug Re: Abbott's Lagoon ["gd4bird" ] 29 Aug Spring Lake birds [Rob ODonnell ] 29 Aug A last (?) note on late fledglings, and bushtit video ["gordon_beebe" ] 29 Aug Baird's sandpiper, Bodega ["Dan" ] 29 Aug Abbott's Lagoon [Maggie Rufo ] 28 Aug Pileated WP ["hnormmoore AT att.net" ] 28 Aug Pacific Golden Plovers at Shollenberger this am ["naturestoc" ] 28 Aug NO - American Golden-Plover [Jennifer Rycenga ] 28 Aug Osprey at Richardson Bay Audubon ["Rick Freeman" ] 27 Aug A.G. Plover (pics) continues + misc. observations of local interest 8/27/10 [Dominik Mosur ] 28 Aug More about babies ["Ctalcroft" ] 27 Aug Re: more fledglings---one more species [Kathleen M ] 27 Aug Re: [CB] American Golden Plover @ nicasio res. 8/27/10UPDATE [Dominik Mosur ] 27 Aug Pacific golden-plovers in Petaluma ["Dan" ] 27 Aug American Golden Plover @ nicasio res. 8/27/10 [Dominik Mosur ] 26 Aug more fleglings ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 25 Aug Elegant Terns ["wilcox_kerry" ] 25 Aug Re: More late Juncos [Marjorie Siegel ] 25 Aug More late Juncos ["Karen Jo Rippens" ] 25 Aug F.O.S. WISN ["Bill Doyle" ] 24 Aug Re: Late breeding Juncos ["Bill Doyle" ] 24 Aug Spring Lake, today... ["Bill Doyle" ] 24 Aug the last few days [Rich Stallcup ] 24 Aug Re: Late breeding Juncos / whales off Bodega Head [Bill Lenarz ] 24 Aug Re: Late breeding Juncos [Maggie Rufo ] 24 Aug Re: Late breeding Juncos / whales off Bodega Head ["gd4bird" ] 24 Aug Late breeding Juncos [Becky Olsen ] 24 Aug Red-necked Phalaropes- Bodega Head ["Scott" ] 23 Aug Swainson's Hawk Photos - Sonoma County - 8/22/10 ["shwand" ] 22 Aug Swainson's Hawks - Sonoma County - 8/22/10 ["shwand" ] 22 Aug Pine Siskins Southern Marin feeder ["masiegel3" ] 22 Aug Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Kenwood ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 21 Aug Muir Beach & Bolinas Lagoon Seasonal Species [Daniel Edelstein ] 22 Aug Red Knot ["kkh195" ] 21 Aug Pacific Golden Plovers at Shollenberger Park ["John G. H. Cant" ] 21 Aug Rodeo Lagoon & Shorebird Marsh - Aug. 21 [] 20 Aug Golden Plover at Shollenberger ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 20 Aug Question about Elegant Terns ["wilcox_kerry" ] 19 Aug Solitary Sandpiper at Nicasio Reservoir ["Bob Battagin" ] 19 Aug (Limited) Local Interest - Corte Madera Yard Update ["nickfromcm" ] 18 Aug Red Breasted Nuthatch [Rebecca Olsen ] 18 Aug Spring Lake today ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 18 Aug Shollenberger Shorebirds -Tuesday afternoon. ["Scott" ] 17 Aug Pileated Woodpeckers ["papacat7577" ] 17 Aug Kenwood local interest ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 16 Aug Napa River Eco.Preserve 8/15-16/10 [Dominik Mosur ] 16 Aug Shollenberger this pm ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 16 Aug the usual unusual [Rich Stallcup ] 16 Aug Bonaparte's Gull at Shollenberger ["David_Assmann" ] 15 Aug Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? [] 15 Aug RE: OK, so what do we have here? [] 15 Aug OK, so what do we have here? [] 15 Aug Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? [Jennifer Rycenga ] 15 Aug Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? [Alice ] 15 Aug Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? ["Doug Shaw" ] 15 Aug Baird's Sandpiper - Rodeo Lagoon [] 15 Aug Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? [JONI JONI ] 15 Aug Swarovski Binos for sale ["buckeyes0268" ] 14 Aug RFI: Ruby-throated Hummingbird [] 14 Aug RFI: Ruby-throated Hummingbird [Jennifer Rycenga ] 13 Aug Re: Eurasian-Collared Dove Sonoma County [Veronica Bowers ] 13 Aug Eurasian-Collared Dove Sonoma County ["Doug Shaw" ] 13 Aug SSU birds/Cowbird fledgling [Becky Olsen ] 12 Aug Re: Ruby-throated hummingbird cont. in Bolinas 8/12/10 [Joseph Morlan ] 12 Aug Re: Semipalmated Sandpiper @ Corte Madera Marsh 8/12/10 [Dominik Mosur ] Subject: 9/1 Owl Canyon Bodega Bay From: "dmfreid" <lemuria AT sonic.net> Date: Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:03:42 -0000 It was too hot to go straight home today after work so I went to Owl Canyon to look for migrants. It was quiet at first but eventually I was able to find an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER. Both birds came out in response to pishing. They were both in the coyote bushes to the left of the large rock marking the path to the canyon. I saw them between 5 and 5:30 PM. The Macgillivray's was quite cooperative, spending time flitting around the tops of the bushes before it dove back down. I believe it was a first fall bird. This morning I also saw a group of 10 Yellowlegs at the entry pond to Doran Park. It's the biggest group I've ever seen there. Dea Freid SebastopolSubject: Re: Vaux's Swift request From: Veronica Bowers <vlbowers AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 16:35:27 -0700 I would like to add that Larry Schwitters has been working on this project for a few years and if you're interested in learning more about his work, please visit the website at www.vauxhappening.org Veronica -- Veronica Bowers, Director The Songbird Hospital of Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue Dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of native passerines www.songbirdhospital.org (707) 484-6502 On Wed, Sep 1, 2010 at 4:14 PM, Rusty ScalfSubject: Vaux's Swift request From: "Rusty Scalf" <rscalf AT sonic.net> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 16:14:11 -0700 I would like to make a request of this group. In the coming weeks, should anyone see Vaux's Swifts in Marin County could you post to NBB? Or if you'd rather, just email me. Rusty Scalf rscalf AT sonic.net For several years there has been a survey of Vaux's Swift migratory roost sites from British Columbia through California, organized by a gentleman from Washington State named Larry Schwitters. One geographic gap in their roost knowledge is the SF Bay Area. These roost sites are usually man made structures, often tubular, often a large chimney. In the past I have seen very large numbers of Vaux's Swift around the Los Gallinas sewage treatment facility. Last weekend I drove along Point San Pedro Rd, out of San Rafael, when I noticed the McNear brick factory with its very tall stacks. I later called them, spoke to a friendly fellow who told me that the stacks are long since unused (though that facility is still active). When I described my interest he responded that some times of the year employees do see good numbers of birds or bats (there's an ongoing debate) going down that chimney at dusk. Should I get a Vaux's report, I plan to go check this out. And, if any of you have seen Vaux's Swifts use that chimney, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks, Rusty Scalf Berkeley, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Marin Headlands, Aug 31 From: "Eddie Bartley" <eddie AT naturetrip.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 14:13:52 -0700 Marin Headlands - The high pressure that is building in produced a nice flow of migrants through and over the scrub yesterday. Noted the following while focusing on a GGRO study Aug. 31: RN Phalaropes - noticed about six on Rodeo Lagoon on the drive to Violet-green, Tree Swallows and WT Swifts moving through in moderate numbers Many more sparrows than we've been seeing including two LINCOLN SPARROWS BG Gnatcatchers: maybe a dozen over the course of the day An uptick in raptor numbers, especially mid-day: PRAIRIE FALCON - one hatch-year bird well seen by our group Red-shouldered Hawks - several (probable) dispersing hatch year birds, one associating with the Prairie Red-tails, Cooper's & Kestrels continue flowing through in good numbers. Fall! Yay!! Eddie Bartley [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Black-necked Stilts From: "shenmaker" <shenmaker AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:35:46 -0000 For the past several days a small group (3 to 6) Black-necked Stilts have been hanging out in the small pond by Best Buy in Marin City. I have not seen them there previously and have been checking out the location more or less regularily for the past 6 years, as it is on my exit ramp. Richard PavekSubject: Willowside Road Waxwings and Tanagers From: "Scott" <corvus8x AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:02:43 -0000 Today ,oops, yesterday -8/31/2010 between 10:45-12:30 I took a walk west along the Santa Rosa Creek trail from the Willowside Road entrance South of Guerneville Road. Among the Chickadee flocks were 5 Western Flycatchers, 3 Cassin's Vireos (2 singing!)4 Yellow Warblers, and Three Wilson's Warblers. Most note-worthy was the 20 fly-over Cedar Waxwings-(early) and 8 calling Western Tanagers in various locals along the creek.At the pond there were 2 Clarks Grebes, with the other 10 grebes to far out to I.D to Species.A Common Moorhen and a male Cinnamon Teal were seen as well. At my residence in Sebastopol in the last few days Western Tanagers have been seen and heard in good numbers as well.A Red-breasted Nuthatches is also making a appearance. I also had a RBNU at Owl Canyon and another RBNU at the Rail ponds on Aug.30.At Bodega Head that same day I spotted 3 Red-necked Phalaropes in the surf. Another was at the Bodega Pond on Bodega Ave. Scott Carey Sebastopol, Ca.Subject: Red-Necked Phalarope: Rush Creek, Novato From: Daniel Edelstein <edelstein AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:34:55 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Rush Creek, Bindord Road (access road parallel to Hwy. 101), San Marin exit, Novato, Marin Co. * Today, I noted one RED-NECKED PHALAROPE individual (~100 yards from the access road.....and across from the American flag that's in front of the landscaping firm at the farthest northern location of standing water). One LESSER YELLOWLEG individual was ~50 yards from Binford Road, approximately midway between the main trail/fire gate (on the south) and the farthest northern standing water. Good birding, Daniel Edelstein Novato, CA (Bay Area) & Ellison Bay, WI * http://www.warblerwatch.com My two blog sites: 1) http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com (devoted to wood-warblers) 2) http://danielsmerrittclasses.blogspot.com (focused on classes I teach at Merritt College in Oakland, CA) 12 Kingfisher Court Novato, CA 94949-6628 USA 415-382-1827 (voice & DSL fax)Subject: Re: A.G. Plover From: Jim Yurchenco <jimy AT ideo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:27:43 -0700 On Saturday, August 28, 2010, an American Golden Plover was found on a private ranch above the Nicasio Reservoir in Marin County. The bird was in juvenile plumage and was easily observed. It flushed from a large grassy meadow, but stopped on a small rock outcropping about six feet or so above the ground, where it spent the next several hours. Photos were obtained clearly showing the primaries extending well beyond the tail as well as 5 or six primary tips visible beyond the tertials. Looking at Dominik Mosur's photos, there is nothing obviously inconsistent with Saturday's bird being the same individual. James Yurchenco Palo Alto, CA jimy AT ideo.comSubject: Black-and-white Warbler - Sonoma County - 8/30/10 From: "shwand" <shwand AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:46:33 -0700 This morning (8/30/10) I found a Black-and-white Warbler along Lynch Creek in eastern Petaluma. It was foraging in the willow patch just northeast of Sonoma Mountain Parkway and was visible from the north side of the creek. I watched it for about a minute before I lost it in the trees. Also present were two Hooded Orioles, a Pacific-slope Flycatcher, a Wilson's Warbler, and a Brown Creeper. Alan Wight Petaluma, CASubject: Solano/Napa/Lake misc. 8/29/10 From: Dominik Mosur <polskatata AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:58:20 -0700 (PDT) Sunday morning at Lake Solano County park, at the day use area, there was a
nice wave of western migrants including :
Western Tanager (4-5)
Yellow Warbler (6+)
BT Gray Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
OC Warbler
In the upland area past the rattlesnake warning sign I had (4) Phainopeplas
fly-over, a Lazuli Bunting and several BG Gnatcatchers.
At Monticello Dam I heard a Canyon Wren. If anyone knows how the county lines
are drawn up at this spot I'd love to hear from you. Right past the dam on the
Napa side, Rufous-crowned Sparrows were present at just about every stop.
At a big pullout along 128 near MM 29.xx I came upon a nice flock of residents
and migrants including:
Hermit warbler
Yellow warblers (several)
Wilson's Warblers
PS/western Flycatcher
W. Tanagers
Hutton's Vireo
WB Nuthatch
At MM 1.25 of Lower Chiles Valley road, across from a farm pond, I had more
Yellow warblers, BG Gnatcatcher, RB Nuthatch, WW Pewee and Common yellowthroat.
I the ventured into south Lake county for a bit on HWY 29. A mile up on Western
Mine road was a Pileated Woodpecker. Along the creek at Hillenbrand Rd., more
Yellow warblers, Warbling Vireo, WW Pewee and Chipping Sparrow.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
Sent from my iPhone
Subject: SSU BirdsFrom: Becky Olsen <ryderbird AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:53:48 +0000 (UTC) Today at Sonoma State University I saw 2 Western Tanagers, 1 Cassin's Vireo, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Red-Breasted Nuthatch and lots of chickadees and Brown Creepers moving through. It was also nice to see a Green Heron and Belted Kingfisher at the pond. Becky Olsen Petaluma [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Abbott's Lagoon From: "gd4bird" <magwhls AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:51:13 -0000 Upon further thought, and input (thanks Sharon!). What I must have seen was a snowy egret being consumed by the great blue heron. I saw the "golden slipper" before it went down the hatch. Maggie NovatoSubject: Spring Lake birds From: Rob ODonnell <rob52849 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:24:04 -0700 (PDT) My wife, Anne and I took a walk around Spring Lake this morning. We saw a
total
of 58 species. Highlights included Spotted Sandpiper, Sora, Pileated
Woodpecker, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager and many warblers...10
Wilson's, 2 Orange-crowned, 6 Yellow, 2 Townsend's and 1 Black-throated Gray
and 5 or so each of Cassin's, Hutton's and Warbling Vireos. No better way to
spend a morning!
Good birding
Rob O'Donnell
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: A last (?) note on late fledglings, and bushtit videoFrom: "gordon_beebe" <gdbeebe AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:20:30 -0000 In my yard in Sonoma County, the mockingbirds finally have a fledgling now because the crows flew off with their spring nestlings to feed their own nestlings. The California Towhee, likewise, now has a nestling because a cowbird fooled them earlier this spring. It's a good thing that summer isn't any shorter! The bushtits did fairly well. I took a short video of the flock at my birdbath. You can view it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcd3kpXbqmsSubject: Baird's sandpiper, Bodega From: "Dan" <ropepushercuz AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:49:57 -0000 Hi all. There was one BAIRD's SANDPIPER on the bird walk trail at Bodega Bay yesterday morning. The bird was in a flock of a few hundred western and least sandpipers just west of the footbridge on the way out to Duran Beach. The flock was on the south side of the trail feeding in the mud after the tide had come up out in the bay. Also of note were about 10 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES throughout the walk, and 25 NORTHERN PINTAIL in the sewage pond. Keep it real. Dan Maxwell Calaveras CountySubject: Abbott's Lagoon From: Maggie Rufo <magwhls AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:55:51 -0700 On Saturday morning I went on a walk with Marin County Open Space, led by naturalist David Herlocker, to Abbott's. They have great, free, walks all year round, and David's very knowledgeable and funny, in case anyone isn't aware of this program: marinopenspace.org. Saw a number of juvenile white-crowned sparrows and lots of molting adults. Juvenile white-tailed kite. A falcon flew past at, well, falcon speed but it was probably a peregrine based on size. There's a cooperative American Bittern in the pond by the trail. It is feasting on the many red-legged frogs we could see on the water. Really windy out there and didn't see much in the way of ducks or shorebirds. American white pelicans Juvenile California quail Osprey Lots of TVs Some non-avians: Really long N. CA alligator lizard, garter snake, millipedes, coast rain orchids The ranger who manages the snowy plover docent program gave us a talk about how they did this year. It doesn't seem like they do very well, very few chicks fledged from all the eggs they counted. I walked back from the beach alone, to try and see more without 25 other humans to scare things away....the most interesting sight was a great blue heron, in the field, not far from the pond. When I came upon it there was something really, really large halfway down its throat. I could only get a glimpse of what seemed like all white feathers on the lower part of the prey's body, and one yellow or orange leg hanging out. lt wasn't a shorebird, something bigger. The bird was not very near water, and what it was eating looked too big to have been found in that field. I know great blue herons pretty much eat whatever they want, but this thing was huge and I've never seen a heron carrying food either. Anyway, after it swallowed mystery bird, its throat was at least three times the normal girth and the bird could not bend its neck. It stood there with just its head able to move around, like it had a tree trunk in its throat. Wonder how long it takes to recover from such a meal so that it can bend its neck again and even fly! Maggie Rufo Novato "...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" - EmersonSubject: Pileated WP From: "hnormmoore AT att.net" <hnormmoore@att.net> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:39:25 -0000 Wow! I heard this very loud, maniacal bird call on the West side of Spring Lake for quite some time but couldn't see the bird. Then It flew into some wild grapes. When I put the camera on it, I was surprised and delighted to see a Pileated WP. I also saw (this morning) B. Kingfishers, and Green Herons. The hundreds of joggers scared the WP away. Images of the P. WP is in the So Co Observe Album http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northbaybirds/photos/album/1261241795/pic/list H Norm MooreSubject: Pacific Golden Plovers at Shollenberger this am From: "naturestoc" <Naturestoc AT aol.com> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:14:51 -0000 Hi All, I observed the 4 Pacific Golden Plovers at Shollenberger Park at the previously described location. The birds were about 150 yards (south) from the PRBO parking lot just before you come to the bench, on the east side of the path, 40 yards out near where the mud meets the marsh. They stayed in this area and dissapeared into a small drainage canal near the marsh. Dan Brown, Sacramento, www.naturestoc.smugmug.comSubject: NO - American Golden-Plover From: Jennifer Rycenga <gyrrlfalcon AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:37:09 -0700 I tried for the American Golden-Plover reported yesterday. No luck. At 12:30 pm to almost 1:00, the only birds at the eastern end of Nicosia Reservoir were American Goldfinch, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Black Phoebe, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, and really high winds!! If the bird is still around, I'd guess it is seriously hunkered down. Jennifer Rycenga Half Moon Bay, CA visit http://birding.sequoia-audubon.org/ The San Mateo County Birding GuideSubject: Osprey at Richardson Bay Audubon From: "Rick Freeman" <rick AT weboom.com> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:04:18 -0700 I've been watching an OSPREY fishing all morning in the water just south of Richardson Bay Audubon in Tiburon. I first saw him (her?) this morning accidentally as I was watching a RED-SHOULDERED hawk through binos and he flew right through my field of vision carrying a good sized halibut. I have not been able to see where he is bringing his catch. He flys quite a ways inland, northwest, and I've lost track of him every time I've been lucky enough to see him with a fish. I've yet to seen him dive, but he is circling quite a bit this morning and is very vocal, too. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: A.G. Plover (pics) continues + misc. observations of local interest 8/27/10 From: Dominik Mosur <polskatata AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:45:51 -0700 (PDT) I first observed the AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (first reported on the NorCal
Birdbox 11:15 a.m. 8/27/10, by Tony Briggs sp?, and another birder) from
3:25-3:35 p.m. until it was flushed by a Green Heron flying low over the pond
on the north side of Nicasio Valley Road across from the eastern "arm" of
Nicasio Reservoir.
I returned to the spot at approximately 5:40 p.m. After not seeing it initially
I had it flyover my car as I was driving away so I flipped a quick U-turn
(dangerous!) and went back out for more looks. It landed on the south side of
the road this time (north side of main reservoir) and I managed to sneak up on
it to get a couple of photos as it roosted in some rocks. I watched it at
fairly close range before for about 5 more minutes before it eventually flew
onto the far(south) shore of the east arm of the reservoir.
Description: At first glance the bird looked different a Pacific Golden. It
was a dull brown/buff above, less brightly colored than Pacific Golden plover.
It lacked a pacific-golden's long-legged profile and had a larger, blockier
head. The bill appeared shorter. When the bird was flushed it showed GRAY
underwings, which eliminates a bright Black-bellied plover or an European
Golden Plover (darn!). In flight the bird called several times. The call was
higher pitched than black-bellied and in my notes I wrote that the bird sounded
sort of "choked up." Viewed at long distance the bird showed primaries
projecting past the tertials but I wasn't in close enough to see whether three
or four were projecting. Viewed in close I only saw the bird's face/head/neck
before it flew off,it had a bold supercilium giving a capped appearance. Here's
a link to three photos including a cropped one, not the highest quality but you
get the picture :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33576979 AT N02/
Observations made from 30-200 feet away using Pentax 10X42 binoculars/Kowa 30X
wide angle scope. Camera is a compact Canon Supershot.
In between the two sessions with the AGPL I drove out to RCA towers (now NDOC)
where the only migrants were a female Townsend's and a Yellow Warbler. Also a
Great Horned Bubo being mobbed by Crows. At the G Ranch pond there were (9)
Red-necked Phalaropes and the next pond down before the Oyster farm (2) more RN
Phalaropes and a single Least Sandpiper.
I also stopped at Las Gallinas sewage ponds, checking Ponds 1 and 2.
Ducks of note included presumed recent arrivals: (3) Northern Pintail, (2)
Green-winged Teal, (2) Northern Shoveler all in female/eclipse type plumage.
Among the hundreds of mallards there were also (12) Cinammon Teal including (9)
almost full grown juveniles, (2) Gadwall and a male Ruddy Duck.
Shorebirds seen: (~40) Black-necked Stilt, (7) Least Sandpipers, Greater
Yellowlegs, Killdeer, American Avocet. Also (12) American White Pelicans,(120+,
mostly adult) Ring-billed Gulls, fly-over Northern Harrier and Cooper's Hawk.
(2) White-tailed Kites were hunting the fields along the entrance road.
Fly-over, presumed migrant swallows included (6-8) Violet-greens and a couple
of calling Northern Rough-winged.
As I was walking back along the north side of Pond 1 I saw a passerine overhead
giving a familiar flight call that took me a couple of seconds to process as I
hadn't heard it since April, a first-of-fall AMERICAN PIPIT. It landed on the
mud at the west edge of pond 1 but I could never get a look.
Subject: More about babiesFrom: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:28:37 -0000 As everyone seems to be talking about baby birds recently, I thought I'd mention that on August 21 I watched Western Gulls at Bodega Head flying in and regurgitating food for young birds on the rocks right below the fence. These were not downy chicks, but recently enough fledged to have been still getting food from the parents. Later in the day, I watched a Caspian tern adult and juvenile at the north end of the bay (by the rail ponds) flying in formation with the adult occasionally breaking away to dive. I saw it catch at least two fish which it then fed to the begging juvenile. So, it seems that birds of many species are parenting later in the season than seems normal. As for human food, I had clam chowder for lunch at the Sandpiper's new location. The Spud Point Crab Co. chowder is much better. Colin Talcroft Santa RosaSubject: Re: more fledglings---one more species From: Kathleen M <kamnick AT sonic.net> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:21:04 -0700 I have been feeding horses up at the very top of Hill Rd in Glen
Ellen. There are still 2 active nests of Barn Swallows---still
babies in the nest, although I think they are almost ready to get
out. One of the nests is inside the tackroom area...the door has to
be left open for the parents to go in and out---it is dark in there
unless the light is turned on, but everyone seems to be managing ok.
Kathleen Mugele
Sonoma, Ca
more fleglings
Posted by: "Ruth Rudesill" ruthier AT sonic.net bmdruthie
Date: Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:28 pm ((PDT))
Everyone was discussing baby birds last week.
This afternoon I have two very young Cal Towhees, with some down left
on them, were being fed by a parent under the feeders.
Later, two very young W Scrub-Jays showed up.
So we're still finishing up raising the babies here in Kenwood.
Ruth Rudesill
Kenwood CA
Subject: Re: [CB] American Golden Plover @ nicasio res. 8/27/10UPDATEFrom: Dominik Mosur <polskatata AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:59:45 -0700 (PDT) Flushed around 335 pm, flying in the direction of main reservoir south of the road. Hasn't come back yet (25 minutes waiting so far) I can post link to photo when I get home if anyone's interested. Dominik Sent from my iPhone On Aug 27, 2010, at 3:27 PM, Dominik MosurSubject: Pacific golden-plovers in Petaluma From: "Dan" <ropepushercuz AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:37:25 -0000 There were 4 Pacific golden-plovers at Shollenberger Park outside of the PRBO office in Petaluma (3820 Cypress Drive). The birds were with approximately 20 black bellied plovers right next to the trail about 100 meters north of the PRBO parking lot. Look for the first spit of land that shoots out from the trailside. Keep it real. Dan Maxwell Calaveras CountySubject: American Golden Plover @ nicasio res. 8/27/10 From: Dominik Mosur <polskatata AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:27:23 -0700 (PDT) Reported by Tony Briggs(sp?) on birdbox (415-681-7422) this a.m., still present
AT 3:25p.m. On the pond , north side of of road where res. first starts just
outside Nicasio.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
Sent from my iPhone
Subject: more fleglingsFrom: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:27:51 -0700 Everyone was discussing baby birds last week. This afternoon I have two very young Cal Towhees, with some down left on them, were being fed by a parent under the feeders. Later, two very young W Scrub-Jays showed up. So we're still finishing up raising the babies here in Kenwood. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Elegant Terns From: "wilcox_kerry" <kwilcox AT audubon.org> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:45:41 -0000 If you're jonesin' for them, there still are a good number of ELEGANT TERNS to be spotted easily from the shore of the Audubon Center. Come at about a 2-3' rising tide and scan W/SW towards Strawberry. They are mostly hanging out on Pickleweed Island which is the northernmost one. Best looks are in the morning with the sun on them. This morning there were at least 150, plus FORSTER'S and shorebirds. Kerry Wilcox Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary TiburonSubject: Re: More late Juncos From: Marjorie Siegel <masiegel3 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:24:06 -0700 (PDT) I had a couple of fledgling Juncos at my feeder on May 12, then a few more in June/July, & since last Saturday, another one or two being fed by adult.  Marjorie Siegel  Mill Valley --- On Wed, 8/25/10, Karen Jo RippensSubject: More late Juncos From: "Karen Jo Rippens" <krippens AT sonic.net> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:17:58 -0700 I saw Juncos nesting in my next door neighbor's tree at the usual time earlier this spring. Just this morning as I went out to get the paper, I saw two adult Juncos and 3 juvies still showing down, scavenging for insects on the sidewalk and driveway. Don't know if the same pair triple-clutched or if this is a different family, but it does seem late. Karen Jo Rippens Terra Linda [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: F.O.S. WISN From: "Bill Doyle" <bill.doyle AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:08:26 -0700 There was a pair of very early Wilson's Snipe circling over the east end of Delta Pond this am. Also, lots of Yellow Warblers along the Willowside Trail all of a sudden. Most appeared to be adult birds. Bill Doyle Santa Rosa [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Late breeding Juncos From: "Bill Doyle" <bill.doyle AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:19:42 -0700 This morning, at Spring Lake, there were just-fledged birds of many species,
including juncos. It was striking...made me wonder if there was a lot of
triple-clutching going on.
Bill Doyle
Santa Rosa
----- Original Message -----
From: Becky Olsen
To: Northbaybirds
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 8:04 AM
Subject: [NBB] Late breeding Juncos
Yesterday as I was leaving the SSU campus, I saw two Dark-eyed Juncos feeding
several newly fledged, frantically begging, babies. Seemed late to me.
Becky Olsen
Petaluma
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Spring Lake, today...From: "Bill Doyle" <bill.doyle AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:14:49 -0700 Spring Lake was jumping today in the early morning sunshine Went around with Rob O'Donnell in about 2.5 hrs...birds everywhere, and very active, with all expected species in abundance. Highlights were Willow Flycatcher (1), f.o.s.; Townsend's Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (1), and Black-throated Gray Warbler (2). Also had the first Lazuli Bunting I have seen at Spring Lake. Bill Doyle Santa Rosa [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: the last few days From: Rich Stallcup <rstallcup AT prbo.org> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:42:06 -0700 GOOD MORNING NORTHBAY BIRDERS-
Summer Duck Stuff-
Last Friday 8/20 there was a pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS on the rocks at the east
end
of the Elephant Seal beach near the Fish Docks on outer Point Reyes. Sunday,
8/22
they swam right below us along the trail. They are doubtless the same pair we
saw in courtship
display off Drake's Beach in May.
There was a female BLACK SCOTER with Surf Scoters Friday off Drake's Beach to
the NE of
the visitor's center and at Abbott's Lagoon, on Sunday, there were three female
BUFFLEHEADS and a basic HOODED MERGANSER, all summering birds, not arrivals.
Arrivals were three alternate RED-NECKED GREBES off Drake's Beach and tens each
of
pintails, shoveler's and Green-winged Teal at ABBOTT's.
There were two LESSER YELLOWLEGS at the Mendoza pond and friends found a young
PECTORAL SANDPIPER at the Teal Pond.
A LONG-TAILED WEASEL was zinging around in one of the small pines at the
Fish Docks searching for ventriloquial Nuttall's White-crowned Sparrows.
Over the three days we found only a few western passerine migrants including a
couple of
Hermit and Townsend's Warblers. If the weather is "right" there should be much
more
including a few vagrants on the Labor Day Wave.
THANKS, RICH
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Subject: Re: Late breeding Juncos / whales off Bodega HeadFrom: Bill Lenarz <blenarz AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:55:50 -0700 I just thought that I would mention that there also is a very large population of small rodents in the Folsom area of the Sierra foothills this year. Small rodent populations are known for boom and bust cycles. The boom may not be due to our wet spring and relatively cool early summer. The populations are likely to crash within a year. It would be nice if the boom last into winter so we can enjoy a good rapter season. Bill Lenarz KentfieldSubject: Re: Late breeding Juncos From: Maggie Rufo <magwhls AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:45:26 +0000 (UTC) Thanks to my generous friend Veronica Bowers I now know that the CA Towhee fledglings I am seeing are not unusual for this time of year. Maggie ***************** Evening with Owls, October 29, 2010 www.hungryowl.orgSubject: Re: Late breeding Juncos / whales off Bodega Head From: "gd4bird" <magwhls AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:47:32 -0000 I've got late CA Towhee chicks following parents around and begging at my house in Novato. Seemed late to me as well. Also, there are some pairs of barn owls working on second clutches, which isn't all that common here, in my experience volunteering with the Hungry Owl Project monitoring barn owls nest boxes. I would love to know more about what's going on this year - I know I've read, and experienced, that the rains went on longer than normal and it seems to me there's a really high rodent population this year, which explains the barn owls. They also had smaller than usual clutches this year and started nesting earlier. By the time we went out to monitor our boxes, at the usual time of year, a lot of barn owls had already fledged chicks. Clearly the late rains have a trickle down effect on the local ecosytem for rodents, and probably for insects as well, and then there's the plants that produce the seeds the ground foraging birds eat. Could the juncos and towhees also be working on second clutches? Or could they have started later because the rains went on so long? Any experts in the room who want to weigh in on this? AT Scott, thanks for that wonderful update from Bodega Head! I hope I can get out there this weekend and still see the whales, and of course the birds too! Maggie Rufo Novato --- In northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com, Becky OlsenSubject: Late breeding Juncos From: Becky Olsen <ryderbird AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:04:44 +0000 (UTC) Yesterday as I was leaving the SSU campus, I saw two Dark-eyed Juncos feeding several newly fledged, frantically begging, babies. Seemed late to me. Becky Olsen Petaluma [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Red-necked Phalaropes- Bodega Head From: "Scott" <corvus8x AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:45:47 -0000 This afternoon between 4-5 I had a rough count of 175-200 or more? Red-necked Phalaropes West and Northwest off Bodega Head.They were constantly moving and feeding so it was tough to get a accurate count on them. They were in very close in the foam line 300 meters off the shoreline. A dozen California Grey whales were also off the head feeding in very shallow water. They have been feeding in this location for at least three weeks.I had 1 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Elegant Terns and 60 Pidgeon Guillemots scoping off the head. Bodega Bay was alive with activity as well.The tidal flats were filled with 1000's of Western Sandpipers, At least 100 Short-billed Dowitchers and other expected species.. Great afternoon viewing and lighting! On the way back to Sebastopol on Bodega Ave at the pond just East of the town of Bodega, there was a Green Heron and a marauding Adult Pergrene Facon. No shorebirds to be seen there......... Scott Carey Sebastopol, Ca.Subject: Swainson's Hawk Photos - Sonoma County - 8/22/10 From: "shwand" <shwand AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:45:15 -0700 Here are some photos of the two Swainson's Hawks that I saw yesterday (8/22/10) in southern Sonoma County at the intersection of Ramal and Skaggs Island Roads: http://www.sonic.net/~shwand/birds/swainsons_hawk_082210.htm Alan Wight Petaluma, CASubject: Swainson's Hawks - Sonoma County - 8/22/10 From: "shwand" <shwand AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:45:27 -0700 Around 5 p.m. today (8/22/10), I saw two Swainson's Hawks soaring together near the intersection of Ramal Road and Skaggs Island Road in southern Sonoma County. This is the same location where Ruth Rudesill reported two dark juveniles on 8/4/10. The birds today were both adults, one light and one dark. Alan Wight Petaluma, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Pine Siskins Southern Marin feeder From: "masiegel3" <masiegel3 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:50:43 -0000 3 Pine Siskins, Strawberry, Mill Valley. Marjorie SiegelSubject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Kenwood From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:58:38 -0700 This morning, during my walk with Mac the collie, I had a Rose-breasted Grosbeak fly low over my head! For years, I have dreamed of one visiting my feeders. But this one was about a half mile from my home on Warm Springs Road, near the Kenwood Depot.... It was an immature male- not an adult male. It had red pink, not yellow, underwings which caught my eye. Where did he come from? I know there has been reports of local breeding birds in Marin in the past few years... I came home and filled my feeders in hopes he'll stick around. Also we had many (7-9) Selasphorus hummers in town this morning fighting over every feeder, bottlebrush and silk tree. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood Sonoma Valley [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Muir Beach & Bolinas Lagoon Seasonal Species From: Daniel Edelstein <edelstein AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:40:36 -0400 (EDT) Today, 8/21/10, I noted: - 1 PIGEON GUILLEMOT off Muir Beach - 9 ELEGANT TERN in the central portion of Bolinas Lagoon Regards and good birding, Daniel Edelstein Novato, CA (Bay Area) & Ellison Bay, WI * http://www.warblerwatch.com My two blog sites: 1) http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com (devoted to wood-warblers) 2) http://danielsmerrittclasses.blogspot.com (focused on classes I teach at Merritt College in Oakland, CA) 12 Kingfisher Court Novato, CA 94949-6628 USA 415-382-1827 (voice & DSL fax)Subject: Red Knot From: "kkh195" <kkh195 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:39:49 -0000 A Red Knot was spotted near the UC Lab mudflats this afternoon in Bodega Bay.Subject: Pacific Golden Plovers at Shollenberger Park From: "John G. H. Cant" <jgcant AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:35:04 -0700 Between 12:20 and 12:55 today I observed three Pacific Golden Plovers, on the 2nd peninsula to the left (looking toward the west) of the one mentioned by Scott Carey that has some red flags on it. Bird #1 had an unremarkable supercilium and no dark blotches on its underside, #2 had very marked supercilium and a couple of smallish dark blotches, and #3 had extensive black below. There was one Black-bellied Plover in proximity to them but the mob was on the small island off the end of the 1st peninsula to the left of the red-flagged one. There were also about 6 Red-Necked Phalarope well out in the pond, and one Semipalmated Plover on a sand bar. To the north, in the mammal department, I saw a coyote trotting around, at one point showing interest in a harrier that had landed. If, or more hopefully when, someone sees the golden plovers again I would be interested in an interpretation of age and sex - I would guess that # 2 was a female, #3 a male, and I don't know plumages well enough to say anything about #1. John G. H. Cant Fremont [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Rodeo Lagoon & Shorebird Marsh - Aug. 21 From: WGDLegge AT aol.com Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2010 17:32:59 -0400 Reasonably good selection of migrants on show at Rodeo Lagoon this morning despite the brisk NW wind, drizzle etc. Highlight sightings as follows: 1 Northern Pintail (female-type) - visiting both lagoons (FOF) 6 Green-winged Teal - western end of the main lagoon. This is the earliest return date I've had for this species at the Lagoon by far 2 Wild Turkey - near the Headlands Visitor Center 1 Green Heron - juvenile 2 Semipalmated Plovers - flyovers 1 Long-billed Curlew - beach dunes, but left out to sea 14+ Western Sandpipers - perhaps many more as they were very mobile and small groups seemed to be coming and going in off the ocean early on. 3+ Least Sandpiper 1 Red-necked Phalarope - flighty but it finally settled in the outlet channel of the main lagoon 4 Caspian Tern - including a juvenile 1 Belted Kingfisher - a female and only my 2nd record of the year at the lagoon 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher - in the willows/scrub adjoining Lagoon Trail at the Headlands Visitor Center Car Park 1 Hutton's Vireo 1 Swainson's Thrush - heard only 5+ Western Bluebirds - beach dunes 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 8+ Wilson's Warbler 2 Savannah Sparrow - beach dunes Notable by their complete absence this morning were any blackbirds or starlings..... Then dropped into look at Shorebird Marsh, Corte Madera (next to Nordstroms) - all the usuals present plus 1 Lesser Yellowlegs. Good birding, William Legge Mill Valley, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Golden Plover at Shollenberger From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:14:29 -0700 This afternoon there was a Pacific Golden-Plover at Shollenberger Park in southern Petaluma, Sonoma County. (access from S McDowell Blvd Ext.) The bird was on an island in the main pond, on the eastern side. It was by itself, but near some Black-bellied Plovers. There were some bright juvenile Black-bellieds. It was a good comparison. But the Golden-Plover is a little smaller, slimmer and really golden bright. The Bonaparte's Gull continues as do the molting Scaup. If you want to get really close to and study Dowitchers, they are hanging by the drain on the east side. There weren't too many peeps around today. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Question about Elegant Terns From: "wilcox_kerry" <kwilcox AT audubon.org> Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:01:13 -0000 I'm hoping to draw on the expertise and many eyes of NBB birders: can you let me know what particular substrate (sand, gravel, mud, etc) you normally see Elegant Terns on when you've spotted them roosting in the Bay Area? Please respond to my work email, kwilcox AT audubon.org, so it doesn't clutter up the message board. I will try to summarize your responses in a separate post in case anyone in interested. Thanks! Kerry Wilcox Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary TiburonSubject: Solitary Sandpiper at Nicasio Reservoir From: "Bob Battagin" <bigfootbob AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:13:58 -0700 Hi NBBers, This afternoon at 4:40PM there was a Solitary Sandpiper at Nicasio Reservoir. Approaching the reservoir on Nicasio Valley Road from the town of Nicasio, the main body of the reservoir is on the left and a finger juts out to the right of the road. There is some nice muddy shoreline on the right and the Solitary Sandpiper was resting and feeding there. Good birding, Bob Battagin WoodacreSubject: (Limited) Local Interest - Corte Madera Yard Update From: "nickfromcm" <eurohobby AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:32:31 -0000 Observations from my yard, 400 block of Montecito Drive, Corte Madera, Marin
Co.=
First of Season:
Red-breasted Nuthatch, August 10
Yellow Warbler, August 15
Townsend's Warbler, August 17
White-breasted Nuthatch, August 18
Pine Siskins daily, from 1 to 8 birds
Thank you.
Nick Whelan
Corte Madera, CA
Subject: Red Breasted NuthatchFrom: Rebecca Olsen <ryderbird AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:13:44 -0700 Today while walking into town on Keoke (NW Petaluma) I heard the distinct yank of a red-breasted nuthatch coming from a big redwood tree in the neighborhood. First of the fall season for me. Becky Olsen PetalumaSubject: Spring Lake today From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:38:28 -0700 Had the first of fall Townsend's Warblers today at Spring Lake - one was on the eastern side on the lakeshore trail, the other was by the Braille Bridge. Also many calling Hutton's Vireos. A female Wood Duck was on the lake on the eastern side too. Lots of grown babies - Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard, Black Phoebe, Dark-eyed Junco, Western Bluebird, Red-winged Blackbirds and coolest of all, was a young Belted Kingfisher. The shows the importance of Spring Lake as a natural area. Spring Lake Regional Park in eastern Santa Rosa accessed from several locations. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood - still in the fog- Sonoma Valley [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Shollenberger Shorebirds -Tuesday afternoon. From: "Scott" <corvus8x AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:34:46 -0000 Tonight between 5:45-7:25 P.M I checked out the activity at Shollenberger marsh. With the high tides most shorebirds were roosting and feeding around the impoundment. The two highlights were a Semipalmated Sandpiper (look to me to be a juv.), loosely associating with some Western Sandpipers and a single Pacific Golden Plover- ( warm golden back ,smaller billed and bold supercillium) in with the large roosting flock of Black-bellieds. Both of these shorebirds were scoped from the PRBO side and were on the 2nd prominant penisula (with the small red flag markers), as you walk west from the PRBO parking lot. Long-billed Dowitcher numbers were down from last week and the Bonaparte's Gull and 2 Lesser Yellowleggs were present as well. Good Birding, Scott Carey Sebastopol, Ca.Subject: Pileated Woodpeckers From: "papacat7577" <papacat7577 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:14:44 -0000 Can anyone tell me where I might find some Pileated Woodpeckers in Marin County? I would very much like to photograph one of these large, beautiful birds. Thank you. Robert GreenbraeSubject: Kenwood local interest From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:33:53 -0700 While I was getting ready to head out birding in another county, there was a loud chorus of calling birds in my own yard! A migrant/moving flock of: several Western Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, several Black-headed Grosbeaks, Hutton's Vireo, Pacific -sloped Flycatcher, Lesser Goldfinches, Bushtits, Downy Woodpecker and a Selasphorus sp imm that was feeding along the bark of a live oak. My usual yard birds - Chestnut-backed Chickadees, W Scrub-Jays, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, and Oak Titmice were then calling too, so it very loud, for few minutes until the loose flock moved on towards Sonoma Creek. Of course, not sure who was traveling with who, but it had been very quiet here for the last couple weeks until this morning. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood in overcast Sonoma Valley [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Napa River Eco.Preserve 8/15-16/10 From: Dominik Mosur <polskatata AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:16:34 -0700 (PDT) Spent yesterday evening and this morning birding Napa River Ecological Preserve
(north of Yountville Crossroad, between the town of Yountville and Silverado
Trail) and surrounding areas, while staying with family.
The evening produced several BARN OWLS flying over the preserve and neighboring
orchards as well as a calling WESTERN SCREECH OWL. Both owls species could be
heard well into the night out the window of the house on nearby State Lane
where we spent the night.
In the morning I birded the preserve again from 6:50-8:15 a.m. Migrants noted
in the riparian (and interestingly enough foraging mostly in the only
eucalyptus in the vicinity) included (4) WESTERN TANAGERS and (2) YELLOW
WARBLERS.
Other birds of local interest: (4) species of woodpecker (ACORN, NUTTALL'S,
DOWNY, N.FLICKER), WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BEWICK'S WREN, HUTTON'S VIREO,
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, both TOWHEES and AMERICAN/LESSER
GOLDFINCHES. Anna's and Selasphorus sp. hummingbirds kept up a running battle
in the tops of the oaks. A juvenile WHITE-TAILED KITE flew over and there were
Microtes voles all over the place.
Another notable was a GREEN HERON that flew in to perch on some wires at an
intersection at the east end of Yountville Crossroad, as I drove toward the
preserve after grabbing my morning coffee.
There's more to this place than grapes/wine and the preserve looks like it has
lots of potential once migration starts to pick so get out there if you can.
Good birding,
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
Subject: Shollenberger this pmFrom: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:21:33 -0700 This afternoon, Don Reinberg and I observed six! Lesser Yellowlegs at the south end of Shollenberger Park, in Petaluma, near where Rich Stallcup reported a Semi-palmated Sandpiper. I, too, saw the Bonaparte's Gull near the molting Scaup on the west side. There were lots of peeps near the north end too. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood but works in Petaluma [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: the usual unusual From: Rich Stallcup <rstallcup AT prbo.org> Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:24:01 -0700 GOOD AFTERNOON, NORTHBAY BIRDERS-
Last Friday there was another Semipalmated Sandpiper, this one 188 steps
south of the bend in the Shollenberger trail at the P.R.B.O. corner (it was
a youngster) and Saturday there were 2 young Lesser Yellowlegs at the farm pond
about ¼ mile east if Adobe Road on Sonoma Mountain Road. LEYEs continue
at the RUSH Creek Ponds but they are now way out on the mud and moguls.
These two species are regular and predictable in small numbers during early in
fall
wader migration... just incase anyone new was wondering.
The Bonaparte's Gull and 14 scaup (both species) have been at Shollenberger
since spring.
THANKS, RICH
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Bonaparte's Gull at ShollenbergerFrom: "David_Assmann" <david_assmann AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:46:24 -0000 Found one BONAPARTE'S GULL in with the group of the gulls near the parking lot yesterday morning - I posted a couple of pictures.Subject: Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? From: WGDLegge AT aol.com Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:44:03 -0400 While related to Eurasian Collared Dove posts, but not the North Bay, I just returned from six days near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico and was very surprised to see several Eurasian Collared Dove while out birding there, often associating with White-winged Dove. My Sibley (and none of the Mexican guides), shows Eurasian Collared Dove anywhere near PV, and I've birded near there quite a lot over the last few years, and never seen this species before, so its obviously spreading southward too. Interestingly however, eBird listed Eurasian Collared Dove as possible for the Nayarit State, so they're obviously now part of the local birding scene. William Legge Mill Valley, CA -----Original Message----- From: Jennifer RycengaSubject: RE: OK, so what do we have here? From: braitman AT mindspring.com Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:04:20 -0700 Michael: That may be a great call! I never even considered the quite-different (mature) Grosbeak. But here's one Web photo that seems close to what I got: http://www.calacademy.org/teachers/upload/docs/black_headed_grosbeak_f.jpg Thanks! Stephen At 1:51 PM -0700 8/15/10, Michael Feighner wrote: >immature Black-headed Grosbeak? > >-- >Michael Feighner, Livermore, CA, Alameda County > > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com >> [mailto:northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of >> braitman AT mindspring.com >> Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 1:48 PM >> To: northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com >> Subject: [NBB] OK, so what do we have here? >> >> Folks: >> >> Just showed up today at our feeder in San Anselmo. It's larger than the >> many house finches crowding the scene. It's not a White-Crowned, too >> much striping. AND it has the very vivid rusty/yellow bottom. It seems >> too large for a Yellow Belly Tit (and it has somewhat different >> striping). Anyone have any suggestions? (Sorry the photos are terrible >> - shot through a window about 25 yards away on "digital" >> zoom.) Thanks! >> >> >> StephenSubject: OK, so what do we have here? From: braitman AT mindspring.com Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:48:19 -0700 Folks: Just showed up today at our feeder in San Anselmo. It's larger than the many house finches crowding the scene. It's not a White-Crowned, too much striping. AND it has the very vivid rusty/yellow bottom. It seems too large for a Yellow Belly Tit (and it has somewhat different striping). Anyone have any suggestions? (Sorry the photos are terrible - shot through a window about 25 yards away on "digital" zoom.) Thanks! Stephen -- Stephen M.H. Braitman COMPLETE MUSIC APPRAISAL, ARCHIVAL, AND DISBURSEMENT SERVICES The WEB SITE: http://www.MusicAppraisals.com /////////////////////////////////// CONTACT INFO *** NEW Address: 35 Salinas Avenue San Anselmo, CA 94960 *** The Land Line Phone Number: 415-446-7208 *** The Electronic Mail Address: braitman AT mindspring.com /////////////////////////////////// [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? From: Jennifer Rycenga <gyrrlfalcon AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:39:27 -0700 Here in Half Moon Bay, the ECDoves have definitely displaced MoDos in our neighborhood. I can document this through my eBird records, but nowadays we see MoDo at our feeder maybe 2-3 times/month, while we have multiple ECDoves every day, even every hour. Jennifer Rycenga Half Moon Bay, CA visit http://birding.sequoia-audubon.org/ The San Mateo County Birding Guide On Aug 15, 2010, at 11:32 AM, Alice wrote: > My nephew lives in Dixon, CA and has commented that the Eurasian > doves have significantly displaced the Mourning doves in their area. > > Alice Goyhenetche > Petaluma, CA > > > --- On Sun, 8/15/10, Doug ShawSubject: Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? From: Alice <gonecamping25 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:32:41 -0700 (PDT) My nephew lives in Dixon, CA and has commented that the Eurasian doves have significantly displaced the Mourning doves in their area. Â Alice Goyhenetche Petaluma, CA Â --- On Sun, 8/15/10, Doug ShawSubject: Re: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? From: "Doug Shaw" <dougshaw09 AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:19:52 -0700 Hi All, Here in northern Santa Rosa I have noticed the same possible displacement in my neighborhhod ever since the Eurasian Collared Doves arrived about a year ago. Doug Shaw Santa Rosa, CA ----- Original Message ----- From: "JONI JONI"Subject: Baird's Sandpiper - Rodeo Lagoon From: WGDLegge AT aol.com Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:06:16 -0400 Located a juvenile Baird's Sandpiper feeding in the outlet channel at the main lagoon at Rodeo Lagoon (Marin Headlands) this morning (Sunday). The first Baird's I've seen at this site for a couple of years. Also present (and much rarer at the lagoon) was an American Avocet that arrived at 8.40am and landed on the western shore of the main lagoon. Other notables included: 1 Black-crowned Night Heron 1 Green Heron 1 Whimbrel flew N offshore 3 Least Sandpiper 1 Spotted Sandpiper 50+ Elegant Terns feeding offshore 4 Parasitic Jaegers pursing Elegant Terns well offshore 1 White-throated Swift 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallow Good birding. William Legge Mill Valley, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Eurasian's Displacing Mourning Doves? From: JONI JONI <joni-joni AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:26:46 -0700 (PDT) Here in West Petaluma as the Eurasian Collared-Dove population has rapidly grown, I am seeing less and less Mourning Doves. The Mourning Doves used to come to my platform feeder. I'm not seeing them anymore. Occassionally adult or juvenile Eurasian Collared-Doves will feed from it. Do you know of anyone taking a look at the impact of the rapid colonization of the Eurasian Collared-Dove on our native species? Joni Gardner Petaluma [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Swarovski Binos for sale From: "buckeyes0268" <buckeyes0268 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:45:33 -0000 Birders, Getting ready to upgrade my binos and sell my current pair and thought I would offer them to the group. They are Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42 and are used but in good shape. If you or someone you know is interested give me a call at (530)933-9622. Cheers Jim Laughlin Yuba CitySubject: RFI: Ruby-throated Hummingbird From: Naturestoc AT aol.com Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:57:20 EDT Hi all, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird has NOT been seen for two days! I tried for it this am and Keith Hansen informed me that it was gone! Dan Brown Dan Brown, Sacramento. www.naturestoc.smugmug.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: RFI: Ruby-throated Hummingbird From: Jennifer Rycenga <gyrrlfalcon AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2010 08:27:51 -0700 Does anyone know if the Ruby-throated Hummingbird was seen yesterday or today? Thanks. Jennifer Rycenga Half Moon Bay, CA visit http://birding.sequoia-audubon.org/ The San Mateo County Birding GuideSubject: Re: Eurasian-Collared Dove Sonoma County From: Veronica Bowers <vlbowers AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:18:14 -0700 Hi Doug and NBBers, Didn't know these birds were noteworthy as I thought they were already known to be established in the area, but since you brought it up ... we have received several Eurasian Collared Doves, nestlings and adults, at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue this summer. Most of them came from Sebastopol and Petaluma, but an adult and a juvenile came from as far as Lake County. Veronica -- Veronica Bowers, Director The Songbird Hospital of Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue Dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of native passerines www.songbirdhospital.org (707) 484-6502 On Fri, Aug 13, 2010 at 3:49 PM, Doug ShawSubject: Eurasian-Collared Dove Sonoma County From: "Doug Shaw" <dougshaw09 AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:49:57 -0700 Hi All, This afternoon I heard an Eurasian -Collared Dove calling in the town of Fulton. The bird was calling from somewhere south of C St and Somers Road probably at the south dead end of Somers Rd on private property. Doug Shaw Santa Rosa, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: SSU birds/Cowbird fledgling From: Becky Olsen <ryderbird AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:37:40 +0000 (UTC) Today at noon I watched a Pacific-slope Flycatcher feeding a frantic cowbird on the Sonoma State University campus. Better sightings included an immature green heron and a male Western Tanager with just a hint of orange on the head. Becky Olsen Petaluma [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Ruby-throated hummingbird cont. in Bolinas 8/12/10 From: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:12:44 -0700 On Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:24:08 -0700 (PDT), Dominik MosurSubject: Re: Semipalmated Sandpiper @ Corte Madera Marsh 8/12/10 From: Dominik Mosur <polskatata AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:06:30 -0700 (PDT) Just to clarify the location, the SESA was in the northeast corner of the main pond. DM Sent from my iPhone On Aug 12, 2010, at 2:55 PM, Bill Lenarz |