Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Santa Barbara County > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, February 9 at 02:39 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Otus Asio,©David Sibley

9 Feb glaucous gull [Don Tate ] 09 Feb Possible new Great Blue Heron rookerie? ["ash34958" ] 9 Feb bald eagle in Lompoc [Don Tate ] 8 Feb Scaup at Goleta Slough photos [Lynn Watson ] 08 Feb Friday Bird Walk at Lake Los Carneros ["Adam" ] 8 Feb birding today in the Santa Ynez Valley ["Joan Lentz" ] 08 Feb Field Trip to Ventura Duck Ponds SUNDAY Feb 12. ["Adam" ] 08 Feb UCSB campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 7 Feb Goleta Slough [Mark Holmgren ] 07 Feb White-Winged Dove in Goleta ["marge" ] 07 Feb Goleta Beach This Morning ["gtk_trout23" ] 06 Feb UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 6 Feb Bird Refuge Mon. 2/6 [] 5 Feb River Park and Jalama Beach, 2012-02-04 [Wim van Dam ] 5 Feb Sage Thrasher location [Wim van Dam ] 5 Feb SYRE Glaucous Gull continues ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 5 Feb Female Williamson's Sapsucker [Dave Compton ] 5 Feb White Throated Swifts [libby lindsay ] 5 Feb Santa Ynez Valley, photos of Vermilion Flycatcher, Sage Thrasher, etc. [Dianna Ricky ] 5 Feb Sage Thrasher back [Wim van Dam ] 05 Feb Grace's Warbler Continues ["justinwatts0" ] 4 Feb Saturday in Goleta [libby lindsay ] 05 Feb Armour Ranch Road: Lewis' Woodpeckers, Mountain Bluebirds ["cdwestmont" ] 04 Feb Sage Thrasher on Armour ["maggiesherriffs" ] 04 Feb Nest Study Opportunities ["Adam" ] 04 Feb Prairie Falcon continues... ["matt v" ] 3 Feb Re: Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline [Kirill Shtengel ] 3 Feb continuing SB waterfront birds [Dave Compton ] 3 Feb possible Summer Tanager [Dave Compton ] 03 Feb White-throated Sparrow Lompoc Southside ["Paul Rosso" ] 03 Feb FW: White-throated Sparrow And Ferruginous Hawk continue on Lompoc Southside in 2012 ["Paul Rosso" ] 02 Feb Baltimore Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler [Hugh Ranson ] 02 Feb Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline ["Paul Rosso" ] 02 Feb UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 02 Feb Re: Roadrunner in Goleta ["justinwatts0" ] 1 Feb La Cumbre Peak, 2012-02-01 [Wim van Dam ] 01 Feb Weekend Birds ["Brad" ] 31 Jan Goleta Beach Park, 2012-01-31 [Wim van Dam ] 31 Jan Valley Birds: Vermillion Flycatchers and Snow Goose [libby lindsay ] 31 Jan Bluebirds [nancy states ] 31 Jan Vermilion Flycatcher Pair still on Baseline Ave. ["alcyone177" ] 31 Jan Roadrunner in Goleta [Mark Holmgren ] 31 Jan Sharp-shinned Hawk upper westside ["Dianna" ] 30 Jan Rail [] 30 Jan interesting yard birds ["Guy Tingos" ] 30 Jan Parrots [Linda Dye ] 30 Jan UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 30 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [Wim van Dam ] 30 Jan Weekend Raptors ["Noah" ] 30 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [Jamie Chavez ] 30 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [] 29 Jan RE: Re: questions about exotic birds ["Wes Fritz" ] 30 Jan Re: questions about exotic birds ["lbvireo" ] 29 Jan Townsend's Solitaire, etc. [Dave Compton ] 29 Jan Re: questions for Dave C, and others [Dave Compton ] 29 Jan Armour Ranch Road ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 29 Jan Baseline Vermilion Flycatcher Pair ["justinwatts0" ] 29 Jan questions for Dave C, and others [Wim van Dam ] 29 Jan Westmont Birding Update: Tanager, Purple Finch ["cdwestmont" ] 29 Jan Least Bittern at LLC ["maggiesherriffs" ] 28 Jan Ocean Park, Lompoc (SYRE) ["Peter Schneekloth" ] 28 Jan January 2012 Slide Show [Lynn Watson ] 25 Jan Ocean Meadows Golf Course [Mark Holmgren ] 25 Jan Devereux shorebirds ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 25 Jan UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 24 Jan Re: Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher [Wes Fritz ] 24 Jan Re: Vermilion FC, breeding potential ["lbvireo" ] 24 Jan Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher ["lainieol" ] 24 Jan UCSB Campus notes [Florence Sanchez ] 24 Jan Goleta slough Goldeneye [David Levasheff ] 23 Jan Vermilion FC ["dbarica" ] 23 Jan Audubon Bird Walk - San Marcos Foothills Jan 27 ["Adam" ] 22 Jan Raptor Study - EITS birds at SBMNH [Lynn Watson ] 23 Jan Audubon-sponsored presentation "Owls in the Family" Wed Jan 25 ["Adam" ] 21 Jan Re: Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. [Dave Compton ] 22 Jan Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. ["las_cruzitas" ] Subject: glaucous gull From: Don Tate <osomocoso AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:51:57 -0800 (PST) BTW, and NOT to steal anyone's rightful glory, but rather as an infinitessimal particle of glaucous gull lore, the glaucous was present halfway between SYR mouth and Surf Station a calendar month before it was first reported.  And there was a likely golden plover species hanging out with kildeers at 4 AM on A St just N of McCoy in Sta Maria about 6 weeks ago. I went back with binocs a couple of times, but didn't re-find it. Its call was shrill and unbroken, and when I flushed it, it flew tight circles at streetlamp level, very unkildeer-like. But its bobbing on the ground was very kildeer-like. Sodium vapor streetlamps (weak) didn't help matters. Don Tate, Lompoc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Possible new Great Blue Heron rookerie? From: "ash34958" <ash34958 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:58:29 -0000 Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Thu., Feb.9, 7:00 AM: During the breeding seasons of 2010 and 2011 a single pair of GREAT BLUE HERONS nested in a tall cypress between the Marsh Park and the county beach (possibly displaced when a previously-used tree was cut down at the mouth of the Santa Monica Creek). This morning, there was a flock of TWELVE GBHs circling in that area and roosting in the cypress's (cypresss? cypri?) and eucs. Will the Carp Salt Marsh become the new Goleta Slough? I'll keep and eye out for nests in the next few weeks. Rob Denholtz Carp ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: bald eagle in Lompoc From: Don Tate <osomocoso AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:33:27 -0800 (PST) Weds a bit after 5 PM, an immature bald eagle high (ca. 1000') over residential NW Lompoc. About two weeks ago, same location, an immature baldy flew over at ca. 100', escorted by 1 pr ravens, one of which was croaking. Eagle(s) was not observed in satisfying detail, but it looked distinctly too beaky and rather wingy for a golden. I saw a pair of ravens ca. 2 days before first eagle sighting, at gravel yard at N end V St, near SYR. Had seen a pair of ravens there on two previous occasions in the past year. Don Tate, Lompoc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Scaup at Goleta Slough photos From: Lynn Watson <nature.shutterbug AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:54:18 -0800 (PST) Lesser or Greater, that is the question. http://www.flickr.com/photos/deinandra/6839155103/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/deinandra/6839155325/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/deinandra/6839155211/ Lynn Watson SB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Friday Bird Walk at Lake Los Carneros From: "Adam" <aj.lewis AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:37:04 -0000 Where: Lake Los Carneros Park When: Friday February 10, 2012 8:30am-10:30am Target Birds: Waterfowl and winter song birds Sponsor: SB Audubon Society Bird walk leader: Jack Sanford (jacksanford AT hotmail.com) Directions: From Hwy 101 take the Los Carneros exit off ramp and head towards the mountains. Turn into the driveway between the fire station and the park. We will meet in the parking lot behind the fire station. Adam Lewis www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: birding today in the Santa Ynez Valley From: "Joan Lentz" <joanlentz AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 15:27:02 -0800 Hi All: Trip to Rancho Santa Barbara was uneventful. No eagles and very few ducks and grebes on Lake Cachuma. Not sure what's going on there. Gorgeous day and we did have a Barn Owl roosting in one of the big palm trees near the bunk house. Also, two Ospreys perched at a distance on the lake. At 4175 Baseline Rd. it took awhile, but we finally saw both the male and female Vermillion Flycatchers -- gorgeous views at a spot where a prominent Barn Owl house sits on the south side of the road in amongst the vineyard there. The birds were first spotted in the vineyard, then came close to the road in a large Valley Oak and perched. All on the south side of the road and about 150 yds. east of the mailbox at 4175. Then to the north fork of Armour Ranch Rd. just west of Happy Canyon Rd. intersection at "the paddock" where we missed any Sage Thrasher, but had great views of Mountain Bluebirds and a couple of Vesper Sparrows foraging on the ground. Mark Holmgren then took part of the group to look for longspurs further west on Armour Ranch Rd., where he told me he eventually had good views of a Lapland Longspur. My group returned to the southern branch of Armour Ranch Rd., where we found a single cooperative Lewis's Woodpecker in the Valley Oaks south of the gate at 5200 Armour Ranch Rd. It was a beautiful day to be out birding! Joan Lentz Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Field Trip to Ventura Duck Ponds SUNDAY Feb 12. From: "Adam" <aj.lewis AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:29:05 -0000 Where: Duck Ponds/Wetlands (next to Pt Mugu Naval Air Station) When: Sunday: February 12, 2012 7:00am (car pool time) 8am - 12noon Target Birds: Waterfowl, Virginia Rail, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, American Bittern, White-faced Ibis, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Vermilion Flycatcher, etc Trip Leaders: Peggy Kearns, Jeff Hanson We will car pool from the Andree Clark Bird Refuge at 7am ($8.00 gas money to drivers). If you want to meet us at the Duck Ponds/Wetlands at 8am take Hwy 101 to Oxnard. Due to construction take the Rose Ave exit towards the ocean. Turn left on Hwy 34 and right on Rice Ave to Hwy 1 (south) to the Hueneme Rd turnoff. Head west of Huenume Rd and turn left on Casper Rd. Proceed about a mile to the end of Casper Rd. Turn left into the Duck Ponds/Wetlands. Please park on the paved road near the drainage ditch. We will bird the area on foot and it will be approximately a 3 mile walk and we must remain as a group. This is a private area and a wonderful opportunity has been offered to us to bird the Duck Ponds/Wetlands. Thanks to Peggy Kearns and Jeff Hanson for making the necessary arrangements. (No reservation is needed for this trip.) Adam Lewis www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:25:08 -0800 I found an immature Nashville Warbler in the old gym wetlands on campus at noon today. This is the first even mildly interesting bird in this location for several months. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Goleta Slough From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 21:09:21 -0800 (PST) This morning at 11:30 three Greater Scaup (1 male, 2 female) and a female Goldeneye were near the junction of Atascadero Creek and the main slough channel.  Yesterday, but not today, an American Avocet was in Area K (N34.42138 W119.84972). Mark Holmgren Goleta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: White-Winged Dove in Goleta From: "marge" <thorntonmlt AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:25:40 -0000 In a way, this is probably a somewhat belated post, but reading the CBC results just reminded me that WHITE-WINGED DOVEs are unusual here. We have had one in our back yard at the feeder since 10 December. This is probably the same one we had last year. Anyway, he is still comes on occasion as does the RINGED TURTLE-DOVE. We have posted some photos on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dd_thornton/sets/72157629219637761/ Marge and Don Thornton Goleta ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Goleta Beach This Morning From: "gtk_trout23" <glenn AT gntnz.com> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:57:14 -0000 About 10AM the water birds in the slough were enjoying the very high water from the king tide. Among them were a COMMON MERGANSER and several RING-NECKED DUCKS, including a very handsome drake. Glenn Kincaid San Marcos Pass ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:19:48 -0800 At noon today, there was a large gull flock at the base of the UCSB bluffs near the "waterfall." It contained mostly California and Mew Gulls, with a few Ring-billed Gulls as well. With them were about 40 Royal Terns. In years past, the February Gull flocks in this general location have yielded Franklin's Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake, so it's worth checking the flock carefully. The UCSB Lagoon has close to 100 Dowitchers hanging around various places on the north shore. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Bird Refuge Mon. 2/6 From: <georger244 AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 11:39:01 -0800 All: The trail along the viewing platforms at the Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara is open again after a few-week closure. Many reeds have been cleared from around the platforms, allowing for a much wider field of view of the water. Of note this morning was a small flock of about half a dozen male and female-type Ring-necked Ducks and a pair of Hooded Mergansers. One of the Yellow-rumped Warblers around the parking lot was Myrtle Warbler. Bird on...g George Roland, Montecito ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: River Park and Jalama Beach, 2012-02-04 From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 19:02:34 -0800 Yesterday, Peter Schneekloth and I decided to do some gulling at the North Coast. At River Park, after some feather fondling, we extracted a 1st winter THAYER'S GULL from the handful of RING-BILLED, WESTERN, and HERRING GULLs. Also present was a 1st winter GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (although I can't say that it was a 'pure' one). This park does not always have many gulls, but at least you can get very close to them. At Jalama beach we had ~50 CALIFORNIA GULLS, with a few MEW and WESTERN GULLS, 1 ROYAL TERN, and again one 1st year THAYER'S GULL. More interesting was the activity at sea though. Undoubtedly our best sighting was a group of 8 or 9 Sea Otters. Of note bird-wise were: 1 RED-THROATED LOON, a few COMMON and PACIFIC LOONs, a few HORNED GREBE, 15+ PELAGIC CORMORANT, 4 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, 20+ SURF SCOTER, 40+ SNOWY PLOVER, at least 30 COMMON MURRE, and a few RHINOCEROS AUKLET. Our views were far from perfect so many potential goodies had to remain unidentified... - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Sage Thrasher location From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:08:59 -0800 As this bird seems to be quite faithful to its location, let me add to Diana's description that the (decimal) GPS coordinates of this spot are: (N 34.610367, W 120.040741). Just before noon I saw the bird sitting on the barbed wire to the north of Armour Ranch Road. It quickly flew away westwards to the dry ditch with the Valley Oaks and disappeared for quite a while. At around 1:15 pm Peter Schneekloth refound the Sage Thrasher sitting in the top of one of the oak trees; after 15 minutes it returned for a few minutes to the original barbed wire location, after which it flew away to one of the oak trees far away from the road. Peter, Matt V and Alex A all managed to get photos. - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: SYRE Glaucous Gull continues From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:34:06 +0000 All: Ken Hollinga saw the continuing 1Y Glaucous Gull at Ocean Park today. There were 30 Herring and 3 Thayer's present as well. Nick ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Female Williamson's Sapsucker From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:30:56 -0800 This morning, I was able to see this bird in the previously reported location at La Cumbre Oeak, with some patience. Surprisingly, I saw no Townsend's Solitaires, despite Making an effort to find them. Dave Compton Santa Barbara Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: White Throated Swifts From: libby lindsay <glassolives AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:11:41 -0800 (PST) Six putting on a show this morning at Refugio Road and Santa Ynez River crossing.  Two Red Shouldered hawks, a Sharp Shinned and a Merlin along with a Cinnamon Teal who believes it is a coot, call this home. Libby Lindsay Lompoc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Santa Ynez Valley, photos of Vermilion Flycatcher, Sage Thrasher, etc. From: Dianna Ricky <proscript.inc AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:07:16 -0800 Yesterday Maggie Sherriffs, Liz Muraoka, Don, and I had a fantastic day of birding in the Santa Ynez Valley. Here are a few photos of the male Vermilion Flycatcher, a distant one of the female Vermilion, a Grasshopper Sparrow on the fence near our parked car, the very cooperative Sage Thrasher, Mountain Bluebirds, and a couple distant shots of Canada Geese at the Lone Star Ranch pond. The Sage Thrasher location is at a barbed-wire, fenced-in paddock about a half mile from the northernmost entrance to Armour Ranch Road, not too far from the longspur location, which is at about the first dip, and the paddock is past the second dip on the flat land. Here is the link to my Picasa album. https://picasaweb.google.com/115113316129195644383/Feb42012SantaYnez Dianna Ricky Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Sage Thrasher back From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:54:26 -0800 At yesterday's location. Now. Wim --- sent from a phone ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Grace's Warbler Continues From: "justinwatts0" <justinwatts0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:17:16 -0000 The Grace's Warbler in Bella Vista park gave a great show today and decided to come down to eye level. Annabelle was finally able to get a photo - http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyxcCE2 Justin Watts Goleta ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Saturday in Goleta From: libby lindsay <glassolives AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 20:22:01 -0800 (PST) 3 WOOD DUCKS at LLC: from Stowe House cross over bridge and follow path to right until reaching  point where Eucs begin (just before path turns down a little hill).  The wood ducks were at water level in the reeds. GEESE at Ocean Meadows Golf Course:  120+ CANADIAN, 8 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED, and 2 ROSS. Libby Lindsay Lompoc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Armour Ranch Road: Lewis' Woodpeckers, Mountain Bluebirds From: "cdwestmont" <csteingruber AT westmont.edu> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:32:52 -0000 No luck on the longspurs, but both LEWIS' WOODPECKERS and a small mixed flock of Western & MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were in the valley oaks just south of 5200 around 4:30 this afternoon. Carrie Steingruber Westmont ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Sage Thrasher on Armour From: "maggiesherriffs" <maggiesherriffs AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:35:30 -0000 Sage thrasher today (now) on Armour Ranch Rd, in "paddock" east of longspur spot. Also got a Grasshopper Sparrow here today w Liz Muraoka and the Rickys Maggie Sherriffs Goleta ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Nest Study Opportunities From: "Adam" <aj.lewis AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:23:48 -0000 Santa Barbara Audubon offers volunteer opportunities to learn techniques of nest monitoring for two species(1) Tree Swallows in nest boxes at Lake Los Carneros and Coal Oil Point, and (2) Black Phoebe nests at Arroyo Hondo Preserve (off Hwy 101 past Refugio State Park). The Tree Swallow Nest Box Project orientation/training meeting is Feb. 7, 2012 at 7 pm.at the Goleta Valley Community Center, Rm 5B (the SBAS office). Contact Sean Herron at Science AT SantaBarbaraAudubon.org for more information. The Black Phoebe orientation/training meeting is Feb. 27, 2012 Monday at 10 a.m. at the Arroyo Hondo Preserve. Contact Don Schroeder at ScienceAdvisor AT SantaBarbaraAudubon.org for more information. Monitoring is limited to the nesting season. Adam Lewis www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Prairie Falcon continues... From: "matt v" <fickity AT netscape.net> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:30:34 -0000 In my yard just now, I noticed the PRAIRIE FALCON fly in and perch atop a snag. It is the same petite male I obtained photos of previously. I went for the camera, but a murder of Crows ushered him off and away. I'm looking forward to better pics one day soon! -- Matt Victoria Mattei Rd Santa Ynez, CA 93460 webpage: http://www.fickity.net http://picasaweb.google.com/fickity.net ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline From: Kirill Shtengel <kshtengel AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:13:56 -0800 Feb 3, around noon: both male and female Vermilion Flycatchers continue at that location. The male showed up within 5 minutes of my arrival and continued on both sides of the entrance to 4175 Baseline, in between spending time in the vineyard on the south side of Baseline, quite close to the road. It was quite approachable and was singing. The female was harder to locate, but it showed up twice on the east side of the entrance to 4175 in the low tree brunches. Also active there: a pair of Nuttall's woodpeckers (male and femail) and a White-brested Nuthatch. A Red-shouldered Hawk was hanging out near Baseline about a mile to the east. Kirill Shtengel > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: continuing SB waterfront birds From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:15:33 -0800 (PST) Laguna Creek outfall: 3 CACKLING GEESE, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Garden St just north of the RR: PALM WARBLER   Dave Compton Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: possible Summer Tanager From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:11:16 -0800 (PST) A female Summer Tanager was reported to eBird on January 30 at the end of Coronado in Elwood, but we have minimal details at present. I'd be interested in updates of this bird, if anyone refinds it.   Dave Compton Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: White-throated Sparrow Lompoc Southside From: "Paul Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:35:56 -0800 At 8:00 am today, Feb 3rd, the White-throated Sparrow continued on the Lompoc southside. The best place to see it is in the Old LaPurisima Mission Park. It can be reached via S. G St. crossing the RR tracks. Paul Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: FW: White-throated Sparrow And Ferruginous Hawk continue on Lompoc Southside in 2012 From: "Paul Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:34:15 -0800 At 8:00 am today, Feb 3rd, the White-throated Sparrow continued on the Lompoc southside. The best place to see it is in the Old LaPurisima Mission Park. It can be reached via S. G St. crossing the RR tracks. Paul Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Baltimore Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler From: Hugh Ranson <zonetail AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:57:47 -0800 Both females. Presumably continuing birds just to the east of Pine avenue and across the street from the UPS building in Goleta. Both in a nearly leafless sycamore along the creek, 50 yards in from the road, and both frequently in the same binocular view. Hugh Ranson Santa Barbara Sent from my iPad ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline From: "Paul Rosso" <prrosso AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:23:56 -0800 Today, Feb 2nd, the male Vermilion Flycatcher continued on Baseline in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was seen at 9:40 am west of the entrance to 4175 Baseline. It flew from the vineyard on the southside of Baseline to a large oak and then to a tree on the northside. It was singing. On Armour Rd, there was a pair of Mountain Bluebirds in the longspur field on the northside. The field was being patrolled by an adult Ferruginous Hawk which took a ground squirrel. Paul Rosso Lompoc, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:20:21 -0800 The most interesting bird I spotted on my beach walk at noon today was a large loon in Goleta Bay just east of the bluffs. It was presumably a Common Loon, but I wished I had my scope. The head angle and bill shape through binoculars were intriguing, though the coloration appeared spot on for Common Loon. I also found a fresh corpse of a Common Murre on the beaches. Florence ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Roadrunner in Goleta From: "justinwatts0" <justinwatts0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:45:10 -0000 Roadrunner continues. Seen at the northern dead end of camino vista. A red tailed hawk was hoping after it through the bushes as I watched, not quite as fast as the roadrunner though. -Justin Watts Goleta --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, Mark Holmgren wrote: > > Adrian O'Loghlen tells me that he and his friend Steve McKeon from Seattle saw a Greater Roadrunner yesterday in Goleta N of Goleta Sloughat the junction of Calle Koral and Camino Vista (the roads leading into the Willow Springs Housing E of Los Carneros Rd).  It crossed Camino Vista road and went into the area between the houses and the wetlands. > > Mark Holmgren for Adrian O'Loghlen > Goleta > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: La Cumbre Peak, 2012-02-01 From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:38:27 -0800 This morning at a quick stop at La Cumbre Peak I finally got the (continuing) female Williamson's Sapsucker. Also present were at least 3 Townsend's Solitaires. - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Weekend Birds From: "Brad" <bcsinger AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:13:12 -0000 Sorry for the late post; a group of us from San Bernardino Audubon spent Saturday night and Sunday morning birding with Wes Fritz. Birds of note were 2 Spotted Owls and a Saw-whet in the Santa Ynez Valley Saturday night. Sunday morning both McCown's and Lapland Longspurs were along Armour Ranch Road and as Nick Lethaby pointed out, a few of the Laplands were coming into beautiful breeding plumage. We saw both the Vermilion Flycatcher and Eurasian Wigeon off Baseline Road, the Lewis Woodpecker off Happy Canyon and a "Red" Fox Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow nearby. The Grace's Warbler showed briefly at Belle Vista, and a Western Tanager (could not find the Summer) was spotted at the Stow House. Finally, (out of the area), the Red-necked Grebe continued in the Ventura Harbor. Brad Singer Lake Arrowhead ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Goleta Beach Park, 2012-01-31 From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:40:11 -0800 This evening at Goleta Beach Park there was a nice roost of, by my best estimate, 40 Whimbrels, 70 Long-billed Curlews, and 70 Marbled Godwits. - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Valley Birds: Vermillion Flycatchers and Snow Goose From: libby lindsay <glassolives AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:09:19 -0800 (PST) Thank you to Justin for reporting the flycatchers presence in the vineyard.  My third try, but this time I looked across the street and there they both were springing up from the wires in the vineyard.  The red on the male was just beautiful.  At the Alisal's River Crossing Golf Course, there is a little SNOW GOOSE keeping company with the ring-necked ducks--- visible from Alisal Road. Libby Lindsay Lompoc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Bluebirds From: nancy states <bnstates AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:49:56 -0800 Debbie Konkel, Gayle Hackamack and I went out to Armour Ranch Rd. this morning. We saw both of the Lewis' Woodpeckers. Then we tried for the Longspurs. No luck. The Horned Lark flock was way out. But there were so many Savannah Sparrows and Meadow Larks singing. It was Spring out there. We also had 3 Mt.Bluebirds sitting on the fence right by the car. We went to Baseline Rd. and quickly found the brilliant male Vermilion Flycatcher and the female we had seen yesterday. A Cooper's Hawk flew right by the tree the male was sitting in. I am glad he didn't see the flycatcher. It was a beautiful day in the valley. Nancy States Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermilion Flycatcher Pair still on Baseline Ave. From: "alcyone177" <alcyone175 AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:33:35 -0000 The male and the female were both at their original spot by the road at 4175 Baseline Ave. early this afternoon. Also hanging out in the trees there were 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, some Western Meadowlarks, and a Red-Breasted Sapsucker. I also checked out the rest of Baseline and up and down Armour Ranch Road. No longspurs, but there was a Mountain Bluebird right before ARR hits the 246. ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Roadrunner in Goleta From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:39:30 -0800 (PST) Adrian O'Loghlen tells me that he and his friend Steve McKeon from Seattle saw a Greater Roadrunner yesterday in Goleta N of Goleta Sloughat the junction of Calle Koral and Camino Vista (the roads leading into the Willow Springs Housing E of Los Carneros Rd).  It crossed Camino Vista road and went into the area between the houses and the wetlands. Mark Holmgren for Adrian O'Loghlen Goleta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Sharp-shinned Hawk upper westside From: "Dianna" <proscript.inc AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:38:44 -0000 A Sharp-shinned Hawk flew into the gum tree on our deck late yesterday afternoon (upper westside, near Eling's Park).  Don and I quietly crept under the tree and were able to see the small hawk sitting in the tree about 5 feet above us, where it in turn had a good view of the bird feeders.  We watched it for several minutes until it took flight in tne direction of Eling's Park over Calle Poniente. Dianna Ricky Santa Barbara ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Rail From: thewah AT att.net Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:08:17 -0800 (PST) All. While looking for the LEAST BITTERN (observed today at 8:15 +/- 5) at the bridge at Lake Los Caneros, a small black/gray rail with scaling on the lower breast appeared briefly hanging in the reeds. This was a very quick view into sunlight. Is it not too early for a SORA/VIRGINIA chick? Is a BLACK RAIL a possible? The scaling and size suggests this. I'll leave it to the experts here to sort through this. But a RAIL it was, and small it was and the scaling was apparent. Each of these sightings occured at the first bend in the bridge from the Stowe house side looking right into a narrow water opening in the reeds. Bill Hartman (Keeper of a WI County List), East Valley Road, Santa Barbara. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: interesting yard birds From: "Guy Tingos" <guy.tingos AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:47:06 -0800 The past few days have yielded some unusual birds for our yard. A beautiful adult male Lawrence's Goldfinch visited our thistle feeders on Saturday. On Sunday, a Great Egret landed poolside and quickly left. This morning, a male Northern Harrier flew over the house headed due north. The Harrier was a new yard bird bringing our total to 117. Guy Tingos Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Parrots From: Linda Dye <naturbuf AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:05:29 -0800 (PST) There is a flock of about 12 parrots that fly over my house (near the junction of Stanwood and Sycamore Canyon, not too far from Westmont) every evening near dusk. I am interested in learning what species they are.   Linda  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:30:53 -0800 I checked out Area K at noontime. There are Shovelers, American Wigeons, and Coots in abundance and not a whole lot else. I found two pair of Cinnamon Teal and few Mallards in the mix. Best bird was a lone American Avocet that I almost missed. It was resting with head tucked next to some Shovelers in the middle of the marsh. There wasn't much in the restored wetlands behind the public safety building beside lots of Kildeer. I found about 6 Least Sandpipers working the mud and a Loggerhead Shrike was foraging from the utility wire near Goleta West Sanitary District. The only raptors seen today were a pair of Red-tailed Hawks. One was a dark-phased bird. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:40:59 -0800 Thanks everyone for your thoughts and pointers. It seems that Kimball Garrett's Parrot Project site would be happy with some additional data from our county. There also isn't any eBird report of Santa Barbara's feral parrots; shame on us. Interestingly, the santabarbarabirdfarm.com site mentions that already in 1975 Santa Barbara had a "well established" flock of Lilac-crowned Amazons. More peculiar is their conjecture that this is actual a truly natural and "northernmost and smallest flock of these LC Amazons", which would be funny if this species was not listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. - Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) On Jan 30, 2012, at 6:06 AM, Jamie Chavez wrote: > As far as the rules for inclusion on the official California State > list go, introduced species in CA are described as: "I - Introduced > but now established in California (10 species)". In the online bird > list of Santa Barbara County that I have maintained I have followed > this rule. I don't have the time now to dig deeply, but I located > this article through the SORA site published in Western Birds on the > Parrots in So CA from 1997. Official inclusion of Red-crowned Parrot > on the CBRC list was in 2001, but the areas where these were deemed > "established" are from So CA counties with no mention of populations > north of LA County (and barely into Ventura). I seem to remember > reading something like 15 years of establishment with evidence of > breeding and a stable or growing population for introduced species > to be added to the list. This may be why we wouldn't consider adding > it to our county list yet. > > http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/wb/v28n04/p0181-p0195.pdf > > See also the Parrot Project site by Kimball Garrett: > http://www.californiaparrotproject.org/ > > Jamie M. Chavez > Santa Maria, CA > > On 1/29/2012 10:56 AM, Wim van Dam wrote: >> >> These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that >> this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the >> CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? >> Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still >> have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? >> And >> so on. >> >> This is obviously a pressing matter. >> >> - Wim (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Weekend Raptors From: "Noah" <skater_ako1 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:44:33 -0000 After viewing the LEAST BITTERN at LLC on 1.28.12 (thanks Maggie), Danielle Cvitanovich and I took a walk around More Mesa at dusk. We were able to turn up 6 White-tailed Kites, 4 immature Northern Harriers, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Merlin and no owls. This morning, 1.30.12, a Merlin is on the redwood snag that is located on De la Vina between Quinto and Nogales. This is the first time that I have seen a Merlin here this winter. The Peregrine has been seen here very infrequently (about once a month). Noah Gaines Santa Barbara, CA ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: Jamie Chavez <almiyi AT verizon.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:06:16 -0800 As far as the rules for inclusion on the official California State list go, introduced species in CA are described as: "I - Introduced but now established in California (10 species)". In the online bird list of Santa Barbara County that I have maintained I have followed this rule. I don't have the time now to dig deeply, but I located this article through the SORA site published in Western Birds on the Parrots in So CA from 1997. Official inclusion of Red-crowned Parrot on the CBRC list was in 2001, but the areas where these were deemed "established" are from So CA counties with no mention of populations north of LA County (and barely into Ventura). I seem to remember reading something like 15 years of establishment with evidence of breeding and a stable or growing population for introduced species to be added to the list. This may be why we wouldn't consider adding it to our county list yet. http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/wb/v28n04/p0181-p0195.pdf See also the Parrot Project site by Kimball Garrett: http://www.californiaparrotproject.org/ Jamie M. Chavez Santa Maria, CA On 1/29/2012 10:56 AM, Wim van Dam wrote: > These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that > this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the > CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? > Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still > have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And > so on. > > This is obviously a pressing matter. > > - Wim (Solvang, CA) > > > ------------------------------------ > > For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com > . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: julieok AT aol.com Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:41:48 -0500 (EST) I believe the parrots you are seeing are Lilac Crowned Amazons that supposedly were let go from a bird breeding place in a fire some years back. A Double Yellow Headed Amazon teamed up with them and there are quite a few hybrids in the group. We have seen as many as 13 birds in the flock and as few as 8. They hang around my area on Chelham Way, but have been seen as far away as Hope Ranch. They make quite a ruckus in the Eucalyptus trees at cocktail hour. My daughter Jamie McLeod, Menagerie Bird Store and SB Bird Sancturay, in Summerland helped to heal a fledgling who had flown into a window and fractured his spine. The parent bird, a Lilac Crowned, stuck around to try to help the fledgling. The baby had to be tube fed since he had not yet learned to eat. When he healed he was released into the flock and the Yellow Head beat him up. There is a wonderful source of information on Phoebe and Harry Linden's web site. They are the authorities on this flock. _http://www.santabarbarabirdfarm.com/Wild%20Parrots/wildparrots.html_ (http://www.santabarbarabirdfarm.com/Wild%20Parrots/wildparrots.html) Julie McLeod 565-1332 In a message dated 1/29/2012 2:06:16 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, wim.van.dam AT gmail.com writes: These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And so on. This is obviously a pressing matter. - Wim (Solvang, CA) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: RE: Re: questions about exotic birds From: "Wes Fritz" <wes-fritz AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:29:14 -0800 Hi all, The non-native bird forum is very interesting, I had three Mannikins carrying nesting material at the Evergreen Open Space today. They were seen near basket 15. As for our parrot population and nesting, little is known. If you are interested in reading more about our local parrots go to http://santabarbarabirdfarm.com/ you can click on the wild parrots and updates. There you can read more about our local parrots, with a time line that goes nearly up to their current status. I hope this helps, good birding. Wes Fritz (805)895-0685 wes-fritz AT verizon.net Solvang, Ca. From: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lbvireo Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 5:05 PM To: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [sbcobirding] Re: questions about exotic birds I have photos of juvenile (2005) and adult (2006) Mannikins that seem to me to support breeding in the county, and should be sugstantiation for state listing... In addition, I photographed a messy looking nest in the willows along the fence line near where adults were mating, the exhibitionists seen on this page (nest photo not posted): http://blackfoot.net/~larkwick/NutmegMannikin.html I also saw a sizable flock of (a dozen or so) macaws at Modoc x Hollister sometime back in late 1980's or early 1990's, not proving breeding, but at least suggesting they "survived" in the area of Hope Ranch at the time - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls MT --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com , Dave Compton wrote: > > Hi Wim, > > I confess to not knowing a lot about our local parrots. I've seen Red-crowned Parrots around Santa Barbara a few times over the years. I also used to see a flock of Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix, I guess) in downtown Santa Barbara, but that didn't last very long. My feeling is that there are no established parrots in our area. I've never heard of ANY evidence of breeding, although it's possible someone has evidence that one of these species has bred. I can say that it doesn't seem as though we're seeing any more parrots of any kind in our area than we were seeing 15 or 20 years ago. So I would guess we're dealing with a lot of escapees. > > Compare this situation with Nutmeg Mannikins, which have been spreading and breeding for years. Even though this bird is not on our state checklist, I think it's way more likely you'll be counting this on your couny list in the next few years than that you will be counting Red-crowned Parrots. > > As for the Red-crowned Parrots in LA County, I'm not sure how long they've been around. But go down to Temple City and see them coming into roost. I've seen hundreds gathering in a neighborhood. It's quite a sight. > > Dave > > > ________________________________ > From: Wim van Dam > To: SBCo Birding > > Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 10:56 AM > Subject: [sbcobirding] questions for Dave C, and others > > These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that > this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the > CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? > Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still > have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And > so on. > > This is obviously a pressing matter. > > - Wim (Solvang, CA) > > > ------------------------------------ > > For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com > . Subject: Re: questions about exotic birds From: "lbvireo" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:04:30 -0000 I have photos of juvenile (2005) and adult (2006) Mannikins that seem to me to support breeding in the county, and should be sugstantiation for state listing... In addition, I photographed a messy looking nest in the willows along the fence line near where adults were mating, the exhibitionists seen on this page (nest photo not posted): http://blackfoot.net/~larkwick/NutmegMannikin.html I also saw a sizable flock of (a dozen or so) macaws at Modoc x Hollister sometime back in late 1980's or early 1990's, not proving breeding, but at least suggesting they "survived" in the area of Hope Ranch at the time - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls MT --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, Dave Compton wrote: > > Hi Wim, >   > I confess to not knowing a lot about our local parrots. I've seen Red-crowned Parrots around Santa Barbara a few times over the years. I also used to see a flock of Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix, I guess) in downtown Santa Barbara, but that didn't last very long. My feeling is that there are no established parrots in our area. I've never heard of ANY evidence of breeding, although it's possible someone has evidence that one of these species has bred. I can say that it doesn't seem as though we're seeing any more parrots of any kind in our area than we were seeing 15 or 20 years ago. So I would guess we're dealing with a lot of escapees.   >   > Compare this situation with Nutmeg Mannikins, which have been spreading and breeding for years. Even though this bird is not on our state checklist, I think it's way more likely you'll be counting this on your couny list in the next few years than that you will be counting Red-crowned Parrots. >   > As for the Red-crowned Parrots in LA County, I'm not sure how long they've been around. But go down to Temple City and see them coming into roost. I've seen hundreds gathering in a neighborhood. It's quite a sight. >   > Dave > > > ________________________________ > From: Wim van Dam > To: SBCo Birding > Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 10:56 AM > Subject: [sbcobirding] questions for Dave C, and others > > These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that  > this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the  > CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds?  > Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still  > have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And  > so on. > > This is obviously a pressing matter. > > - Wim (Solvang, CA) > > > ------------------------------------ > > For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com > . Subject: Townsend's Solitaire, etc. From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:55:37 -0800 (PST) Today I showed my sister, visiting from out of town, parts of the Santa Ynez Valley and the Figueroa Mtn area. Birding was light, but we did hear and see a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE at Pino Alto Picnic Area at Figueroa Mtn at around midday. It was along the road, near the entrance to the picnic area. Nothing else more unusual than a Golden Eagle perched in a valley oak west of Figueroa Mtn Rd about a mile north of Los Olivos.   Dave Compton Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: questions for Dave C, and others From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:43:08 -0800 (PST) Hi Wim,   I confess to not knowing a lot about our local parrots. I've seen Red-crowned Parrots around Santa Barbara a few times over the years. I also used to see a flock of Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix, I guess) in downtown Santa Barbara, but that didn't last very long. My feeling is that there are no established parrots in our area. I've never heard of ANY evidence of breeding, although it's possible someone has evidence that one of these species has bred. I can say that it doesn't seem as though we're seeing any more parrots of any kind in our area than we were seeing 15 or 20 years ago. So I would guess we're dealing with a lot of escapees.     Compare this situation with Nutmeg Mannikins, which have been spreading and breeding for years. Even though this bird is not on our state checklist, I think it's way more likely you'll be counting this on your couny list in the next few years than that you will be counting Red-crowned Parrots.   As for the Red-crowned Parrots in LA County, I'm not sure how long they've been around. But go down to Temple City and see them coming into roost. I've seen hundreds gathering in a neighborhood. It's quite a sight.   Dave ________________________________ From: Wim van Dam To: SBCo Birding Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 10:56 AM Subject: [sbcobirding] questions for Dave C, and others These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that  this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the  CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds?  Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still  have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And  so on. This is obviously a pressing matter. - Wim (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Armour Ranch Road From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:30:40 +0000 All: The longspurs were ridiculously easy this AM and I found 6+ Laplands and at least 2 McCown's (male + female) within about 10 minutes of starting to look. Several of the Lapland Longspurs are progressing into breeding plumage and look pretty spiffy. I had a Ferruginous Hawk over the field and a Prairie Falcon nearby on Hwy 154. The two Lewis's Woodpeckers continue just S of the Armour Ranch Rd/Happy Canyon Road junction. The female E. Wigeon continues on the pond off Baseline Rd. Finally I had an American White Pelican at the E. end of Cachuma. These have been thin on the ground at Cachuma this winter. Nick Lethaby Software Development Organization Texas Instruments office: +1 805 562 5106 mobile: +1 805 284 6200 e-mail: nlethaby AT ti.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Baseline Vermilion Flycatcher Pair From: "justinwatts0" <justinwatts0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:47:18 -0000 Today on Baseline road near the previously mentioned address, a female Vermilion Flycatcher joined the continuing male vermilion. They were quite active together, and at one point the female took a peck at the male's raised crest. They seemed to prefer the vineyard and trees across from the house but they didn't mind wandering (around these coordinates - 34°38'7.04"N 120° 3'30.42"W) Also present was a male northern harrier. Photos here - http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyocRVg Justin Watts Goleta, Ca ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: questions for Dave C, and others From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:56:56 -0800 These parrots at Westmont are Red-crowned Parrots, right? Given that this species is mentioned on the Official California Checklist of the CBRC, what does it take for it to be added to the list of SBCO birds? Are the ones in the LA area established long enough, while ours still have some years to go? If so, how many years are we talking about? And so on. This is obviously a pressing matter. - Wim (Solvang, CA) ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Westmont Birding Update: Tanager, Purple Finch From: "cdwestmont" <csteingruber AT westmont.edu> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:33:28 -0000 I've had several people ask about Westmont birds this January, so here's a quick update: I've not had much time to bird on campus so far this semester, but that should change. As of now, the news is sparse. Fairly quiet so far this semester, though with the spring-time weather, the birds have been a bit more active. And the Anna's Hummers are starting their courtship dives...a bit early, seems like. I've heard the Parrots a few times since being back--always on upper campus near the dorms, which is unusual. But they have not been back in force, which is also unusual. This morning I had what I assume to be the continuing Western Tanager in the area between Kerrwood Hall and Kerr Student Center [Dining Commons]. There's a large oak tree in the middle of the path in the area where the Tanager hangs out. Also at least one Purple Finch in the same area this morning. No Pine Siskins on the Liquid Amber by the Dining Commons so far this winter. Not an irruption year, I suppose. That's all for now... Happy Birding, Carrie Steingruber Westmont ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Least Bittern at LLC From: "maggiesherriffs" <maggiesherriffs AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:35:31 -0000 I was wrapping up an uneventful walk around Lake Los Carneros this afternoon when I saw something among the tules on the north side of the bridge--Noah happened to be there and helped me ID it as a Least Bittern. It was pretty shy but did give us a good look when it flew under the bridge before ducking back into the vegetation. Maggie Sherriffs Goleta ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Ocean Park, Lompoc (SYRE) From: "Peter Schneekloth" <peterschneekloth AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:52:38 -0000 A nice adult Peregrine sitting on the beach and a flyover by six Greater White-Fronted Geese were the only notable birds. A word of caution to anyone planning a visit the estuary is very full and the road nearly flooded. Park Ranger estimated another two days and the park could be closed, unless it breaks out and drains. Peter Schneekloth Buellton ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: January 2012 Slide Show From: Lynn Watson <nature.shutterbug AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:36:56 -0800 (PST) http://natureshutterbug.com/wordpress/2012/01/28/january-2012-photos/ Lynn Watson SB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Ocean Meadows Golf Course From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:52:32 -0800 (PST) During a bird survey of Ocean Meadows GC (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.42001,-119.87612&z=15&t=H) this morning, Dave Harris and I found and photographed an American Bittern in the same area where Betsy Moles and Barb Millett found an AmBi on the Santa Barbara Christmas Bird Count.  The female Vermilion Flycatcher was still present on Hole 9.  Two Western Pond Turtles were in the creek on Hole 5 where one was seen on 30 November. With not much coaxing, we found 5 Virginia Rails and 2 Sora.  Among the 89 Canada Geese there were no Cackling Geese there today. Mark Holmgren Santa Barbara [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Devereux shorebirds From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:39:14 +0000 All: Devereux blew out at 1 PM last Saturday. Today a number of shorebirds were using remnant shallow water puddles in the upper slough: Killdeer: NC BB Plover: 2 Semipalmated Plover: 113 Long-billed Dowitcher: 22 Greater Yellowlegs: 6 Spotted Sandpiper: 1 Dunlin: 12 Western Sandpiper: 12 Least Sandpiper: 21 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:35:09 -0800 I walked around the Lagoon Island today as part of my noontime walk. In the eastern end of the lagoon below the Island, I found about 6 Redheads and 4 Scaup. The Scaup had their heads tucked, so identification was tricky. At least one was a male Lesser Scaup--not sure of the others (2 males, 1 female). Also in the east end of the Lagoon were 2 Mute Swans. Signs of spring were a singing Orange-crowned Warbler on the Island, singing Song Sparrows everywhere on campus, and a real chorus of frogs from the vernal pools on the Manzanita housing bluffs. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher From: Wes Fritz <wes-fritz AT verizon.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:50:35 -0800 Hi all, There have been two Lewis's Woodpeckers present in that area for well over a month. Good birding. Wes Fritz 805-895-0685 wes-fritz AT verizon.net Solvang CA. Sent from my iPhone On Jan 24, 2012, at 3:22 PM, "lainieol" wrote: > We found the Lewis's Woodpecker on Armour Ranch Road and the Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline Road this morning. Thank you Cruz and Rebecca and Peter for posting precise directions. Both are such spectacular birds. The way the Vermilion came streaking towards us in the morning sun made him look positively aglow. A delight! > > Bill and Elaine Uomini, > Goleta > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Vermilion FC, breeding potential From: "lbvireo" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:17:06 -0000 I think Cruz reported a pair successfully breeding a couple years (or so?) ago in vicinity where this particular male Vermilion hangs. There is also a record of an unsuccessful nesting attempt at or near the fire station in New Cuyama from a couple (?) decades ago, now (the then-found dead female and nest) at SB Museum of Natural History. So, the desire to see a breeding by VEFL somewhere in SB Co is not without merit! -- Jim Greaves --- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, "dbarica" wrote: > > Went with a friend to check out the Vermilion and it showed up right on cue, thanks to great directions by Cruz. The bird was seen at 12:30pm, sallying back and forth around the fence at 4235 Baseline Rd., right next door to its location yesterday. It was often harrassed by a Black Phoebe and seems to feed alongside a small flock of Yellow-rumps. There was also an American Kestrel lurking above and nearby - I hope neon red is not a favorite color. > > The bird works the whole ranch area, sometimes dodging behind the house but eventually works its way back towards Baseline for some great views. > > Now if Mr. V would only find a way over the mountains to meet Miss V at Ocean Meadows, what are the chances of a breeding pair, like at Covington Park, next to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve??? That would be sweet! > > I will try to figure out a way to post some photos. > > DanielB > ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Lewis's Woodpecker and Vermilion Flycatcher From: "lainieol" <echip AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:22:09 -0000 We found the Lewis's Woodpecker on Armour Ranch Road and the Vermilion Flycatcher on Baseline Road this morning. Thank you Cruz and Rebecca and Peter for posting precise directions. Both are such spectacular birds. The way the Vermilion came streaking towards us in the morning sun made him look positively aglow. A delight! Bill and Elaine Uomini, Goleta ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: UCSB Campus notes From: Florence Sanchez <sanchez AT polsci.ucsb.edu> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:45:30 -0800 After the rains this weekend, Area K has a fair amount of water, now bing enjoyed by a lot of American Wigeons and Northern Shovelers. With them I found a few Green-winged Teal, Gadwalls, and a pair of Canada Geese today. I also found a Loggerhead Shrike working both sides of Mesa Road opposite Area K, and another one on the wires behind the Public Safety Building. The restored marsh behind the Public Safety Building had only a couple a Mallards, 1 Green-winged Teal, and a few Coots in the way of waterfowl, but there were at least a dozen Kildeer hanging around and a flock of 50+ Least Sandpipers. On Sunday, my husband found a lone Cackling Goose on Glen Annie Golf Course. Florence Sanchez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Goleta slough Goldeneye From: David Levasheff <dj_levasheff AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:41:16 -0800 1:00-1:30 Goleta Slough. Female/juv Common Goldeneye out front of Beachside Grill with the Buffleheads. David Levasheff Via iPhone ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermilion FC From: "dbarica" <dbarica AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:53:47 -0000 Went with a friend to check out the Vermilion and it showed up right on cue, thanks to great directions by Cruz. The bird was seen at 12:30pm, sallying back and forth around the fence at 4235 Baseline Rd., right next door to its location yesterday. It was often harrassed by a Black Phoebe and seems to feed alongside a small flock of Yellow-rumps. There was also an American Kestrel lurking above and nearby - I hope neon red is not a favorite color. The bird works the whole ranch area, sometimes dodging behind the house but eventually works its way back towards Baseline for some great views. Now if Mr. V would only find a way over the mountains to meet Miss V at Ocean Meadows, what are the chances of a breeding pair, like at Covington Park, next to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve??? That would be sweet! I will try to figure out a way to post some photos. DanielB ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Audubon Bird Walk - San Marcos Foothills Jan 27 From: "Adam" <aj.lewis AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:11:56 -0000 Where: San Marcos Foothills Preserve When: Friday, January 27, 2012 (8:30- 10:30am) Target Birds: ? (a new bird walk) Directions: Coming from the north on Hwy 101 take the State Street/Hwy 154 Off Ramp and proceed to Hwy 154. Take the Cathedral Oaks Rd exit and head north (left turn). Coming from the south on Hwy 101 take the Hwy 154 exit and proceed east on Hwy 154. Take the Cathedral Oaks Rd exit and head north (left turn). A short distance turn right on Via Chaparral and right on Salvar Rd. Proceed across the bridge to no where and turn left. Drive and park near the entrance. Adam Lewis www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Raptor Study - EITS birds at SBMNH From: Lynn Watson <nature.shutterbug AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:09:21 -0800 (PST) http://natureshutterbug.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/raptor-study-eits-birds-at-sbmnh/ Lynn Watson SB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Audubon-sponsored presentation "Owls in the Family" Wed Jan 25 From: "Adam" <aj.lewis AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:37:22 -0000 OWLS IN THE FAMILY by Gabriele Drozdowski Wednesday January 25, 2012 Farrand Hall, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History 2559 Puesta Del Sol Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Doors open 7:00 PM, Program begins 7:30 PM Free to the public Gabriele Drozdowski will present a program about our interaction with owls, using personal anecdotes from her decades of experience. Max, Santa Barbara's famous Great Horned Owl who is 13 years old, has lived with Gabriele since he was six months old. Gabriele will also share stories and pictures of wild owl rehabilitation, ranging from tiny Pygmy Owls to a rare local Spotted Owl. The birds suffered from a variety of maladies such as broken bones, poisonings, abandonment and oil spill complications. Gabriele began working with injured, sick, oiled and orphaned seabirds in 1991. Gabriele and her husband Jim Walker built the first seabird pond for S.B. Wildlife Care network at their residence and cared for over 2,000 seabirds before beginning to rehabilitate birds of prey through the Ojai Raptor Center in 1998. During her 20 years of working with wildlife, Gabriele has cared for over 3,000 birds from over 100 species from tiny Storm Petrels to Eagles. In 2000 Gabriele and Jim, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Audubon Society, created the Eyes in the Sky raptor education program. In March 2011, Eyes in the Sky relocated to a new, beautiful and permanent home at the S.B. Museum of Natural History. Max will accompany Gabriele for this lecture. Adam Lewis www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Re: Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. From: Dave Compton <davcompton AT verizon.net> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:12:25 -0800 (PST) Very interesting. The driveway to this address is about 500 meters north of where an adult male was seen a couple of winters ago. I'm guessing it's the same bird.   Dave Compton Santa Barbara ________________________________ From: las_cruzitas To: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2012 6:13 PM Subject: [sbcobirding] Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. Hi Folks, There is a bright male VERMILLION FLYCATCHER at 4175 Baseline Rd. in Santa Ynez (east of the 154).  I spoke with the ranch manager and he said the bird had been there all winter.  I saw it on the fence along 154, but he said it goes all the way up to the barn. PLEASE, stay on the road and do not try to enter the property. Cruz Phillips Santa Ynez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com . Subject: Vermillion Flycatcher on Baseline Rd. From: "las_cruzitas" <cruzitas AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:13:49 -0000 Hi Folks, There is a bright male VERMILLION FLYCATCHER at 4175 Baseline Rd. in Santa Ynez (east of the 154). I spoke with the ranch manager and he said the bird had been there all winter. I saw it on the fence along 154, but he said it goes all the way up to the barn. PLEASE, stay on the road and do not try to enter the property. Cruz Phillips Santa Ynez ------------------------------------ For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com .