Birdingonthe.NetRecent Postings from
> Home > Mail |
Swainsons Warbler,©Julie Zickefoose |
|
9 Feb Reddish egret [Jim Roberts ] 9 Feb San Dieguito Pacific Golden-Plover Late Date Addition [BJ Stacey ] 9 Feb determining "last dates" for wintering rarities ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 09 Feb Barn owls mating? ["liv2bird1951" ] 8 Feb Cactus Wren Monitoring ["rsbreisch" ] 8 Feb minor miscellanea, spring migrants arriving ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 08 Feb Common Redpoll + another tree for Williamson's female ["christopheradler" ] 08 Feb encinitas sea watch 2/8 ["stevan" ] 8 Feb Redpoll present this AM 6:45 [Jay K ] 7 Feb La Jolla seawatch [Gary Nunn ] 5 Feb Common Redpoll in Julian [Matthew Page ] 7 Feb binoculars [Arlene Arnold ] 07 Feb next San Elijo monthly bird count Mon 13 Feb 2012 ["rtpatton02" ] 07 Feb common goldeneye south san diego bay, williamson's sapsucker cuyamaca 2-7-12 ["rtpatton02" ] 7 Feb continuing T-b Kingbird, Am. Redstart, Y-c Night-Herons, waterfowl ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 7 Feb Julian Redpoll 2/7 [] 7 Feb Julian Redpoll 2/7 [] 07 Feb Dusky-capped Flycatcher Aviara Resort Carlsbad continues ["stevan" ] 6 Feb "coastal" Lawrence's Goldfinch (2/6/12) [Jimmy McMorran ] 07 Feb COMMAN REDPOLL ["worleyjoseph" ] 6 Feb Fwd: [CALBIRDS] Julian redpoll [Douglas Aguillard ] 6 Feb Borrego and Julian [Bob Miller ] 6 Feb Fwd: S.D. Botanic Garden continuing overwinterers, Encinitas, Feb 6 [Sue Smith ] 6 Feb S.D. Botanic Garden continuing overwinterers, Encinitas [Sue Smith ] 5 Feb Re: Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pinyon Jays - Volcan Mtn. - 2/5/12 [Steve Ritt ] 5 Feb Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pinyon Jays - Volcan Mtn. - 2/5/12 [Steve Ritt ] 6 Feb Julian Common Redpoll ["roberttheriault AT juno.com" ] 5 Feb Other North County geese still around [Sue Smith ] 5 Feb Heise County Park, Feb. 5, 2012 ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 05 Feb Cuyamaca Townsend's Solitaire ["rhmedman" ] 05 Feb Julian & Stonewall 2-5-2012 ["ERIC" ] 5 Feb Common Redpoll in Julian [Matthew Page ] 5 Feb Ea. Phoebe, C-c Sparrow, 8 Cackling, Pac-slope ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 5 Feb Redpoll [Barbara Carlson ] 5 Feb Common Redpoll present at 8:09 am [Barbara Carlson ] 5 Feb Re: more C. Redpoll news ["Eric Kallen" ] 4 Feb Re: more C. Redpoll news ["Vic Murayama" ] 4 Feb Continuing Stonewall Mine birds [Mark Stratton ] 4 Feb more C. Redpoll news, 3 Clay-col Sparrows ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 04 Feb Re: Common Redpoll back at 2:45 p [Bill Mittendorff ] 4 Feb Common Redpoll back at 2:45 p [Barbara Carlson ] 04 Feb Harris' Hawk - still hanging out in Jacumba ["ERIC" ] 04 Feb Sorrento Valley Road ["Gary G" ] 4 Feb Red-breasted Sapsucker on Albion St. (Pt Loma) Feb. 4 [Sara Baase Mayers ] 3 Feb Coastal Sage Thrashers (2/3/12) [Jimmy McMorran ] 3 Feb Robb Field - Reddish Egret, Mew Gulls [Gary Nunn ] 04 Feb Sage Thrasher ["Mark Lee" ] 03 Feb Red-naped Sapsucker ["buckfairbanks" ] 03 Feb Dairy Mart Pond ["bicyclebirder" ] 3 Feb Tierrasanta Baltimore Oriole & Summer Tanager ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 2 Feb Trip Report 1/26-1/28 [Tim Avery ] 03 Feb SDRiver ["bicyclebirder" ] 2 Feb Thurs. a.m. the WISA continues [phil Pryde ] 02 Feb WESTERN HILLS PARK 2-2-2012 ["ERIC" ] 2 Feb (very) minor miscellanea ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 02 Feb So Cal request ["ak_zukes" ] 02 Feb San Diego Bird Festival Pelagics ["thunefeld" ] 1 Feb East county highlights, 1 Feb 2011 ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 1 Feb Yellow-shafted Flicker (2/1/12) [Jimmy McMorran ] 31 Jan RE: Zone-tailed Hawk seen again in Granite Hills ["Philip Unitt" ] 01 Feb Help with Blue-Headed Vireo ["linda.renna" ] 31 Jan No more photo volunteers, please! ["snotwad46" ] 31 Jan Bird Photos for Cabrillo ["snotwad46" ] 31 Jan Zone-tailed Hawk seen again in Granite Hills ["Philip Unitt" ] 31 Jan Re: Jacumba Ponds - Tricolored Blackbirds ["Mark Lee" ] 30 Jan Jacumba Ponds - Tricolored Blackbirds ["TA Blackman" ] 30 Jan Re: Jacumba Vermilions, Tierrasanta WETA & other highlights of the week, 1-29-12 [Bob Miller ] 30 Jan Pinyon Jays and Williamson's Sapsucker ["Jim Wilson" ] 30 Jan In memory of Cliff Lyons ["bstokes52" ] 29 Jan San Gorgonio, addendum [phil Pryde ] 29 Jan San Gorgonio this a.m. [phil Pryde ] 29 Jan Stonewall Mine - Williamson's Sapsuckers, Pinyon Jays [Gary Nunn ] 29 Jan Dos WISA's ["timcooper8993" ] 29 Jan Dos WISA's ["timcooper8993" ] 29 Jan Jacumba Vermilions, Tierrasanta WETA & other highlights of the week, 1-29-12 [Jay K ] 28 Jan contuing Blue-headed Vireo and others...... [Mark Stratton ] Subject: Reddish egret From: Jim Roberts <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:17:12 -0800 Responding to Paul's " late date for wintering rareties"..
The San Diego River (adjacent to Robb Field) REDDISH EGRET was
still present Sunday Feb 5.
Jim Roberts
University City
------------------------------------
Subject: San Dieguito Pacific Golden-Plover Late Date AdditionFrom: BJ Stacey <finaticphoto AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:16:01 -0800 I had the continuing San Dieguito Pacific Golden-Plover on Feb 1. It was actually further upstream than it had been and was seen at the end of San Andres Dr. Might explain where it goes where it isn't found on the other side of the railroad tracks nearer the rivermouth. BJ Stacey Santee *San Diego Field Ornithologists* Web Site *Your online resource to birding one of "birdiest" counties in the US* http://sandiegofieldornithologists.org/ On Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 9:09 AM, lehman.paul AT verizon.net < lehman.paul AT verizon.net> wrote: > ** > > > As the winter of 2011-2012 enters its final month or so, many of the > wintering rarities have become "old news" and are no longer checked on. Or, > birders continue to see some of these birds but do not report their > continued presence, again because it rightfully seems like "old news." But > it is (somewhat) valuable to keep posting reports of at least the 'better' > rarities, both to help gain a more accurate understanding of how long such > birds actually remain AND to help visiting and other birders in searching > for such desired species. So, here is a listing of many of the rarer birds > found this winter in San Diego County, with the current 'last ' dates we > know of. Please post news of any later dates you might already have, or of > future sightings over the next couple months before these birds truly > depart. (Or at least let Guy M. know of continued sightings.) > > Pacific Golden-Plover (Tijuana Estuary): 20 Jan > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: determining "last dates" for wintering rarities From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:09:42 -0500 As the winter of 2011-2012 enters its final month or so, many of the wintering rarities have become "old news" and are no longer checked on. Or, birders continue to see some of these birds but do not report their continued presence, again because it rightfully seems like "old news." But it is (somewhat) valuable to keep posting reports of at least the 'better' rarities, both to help gain a more accurate understanding of how long such birds actually remain AND to help visiting and other birders in searching for such desired species. So, here is a listing of many of the rarer birds found this winter in San Diego County, with the current 'last ' dates we know of. Please post news of any later dates you might already have, or of future sightings over the next couple months before these birds truly depart. (Or at least let Guy M. know of continued sightings.) Tundra Swan (Ramona): 31 Jan Reddish Egret(s) (South SD Bay): 10 Jan; (SD River mouth): 1 Feb Harris's Hawks (Jacumba): 6 Jan Zone-tailed Hawk (Safari Park): 31 Dec Pacific Golden-Plover (Tijuana Estuary): 20 Jan Short-eared Owls: any after mid-Dec? Dusky Flycatcher (Dos Picos Park): 14 Jan Eastern Phoebe (RSF/Encinitas): 5 Feb Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Aviara): 6 Feb Tropical Kingbird (s. Balboa Park): 22 Jan Thick-billed Kingbird (Chula Vista): 7 Feb Blue-headed Vireo (Pt. Loma): 28 Jan Pinyon Jays (Stonewall Mine): 6 Feb Verdin (Fiesta Is.): 1 Jan Swainson's Thrush (Chula Vista): 6 Jan Northern Waterthrush (DairyMart): 17 Dec American Redstart (Nestor): 7 Feb; (others??) Northern Parula (Rohr Park): 16 Jan Palm Warbler: (up to 3--SD River channel): 7 Jan; (Rohr Park): 8 Jan Grace's Warbler (Greenwood Cemetery): 3 Jan Black-thr Green Warbler (ne. Mission Bay): 10 Dec Painted Redstart (Rohr Park): 16 Jan; (Harmony Grove): 2 Jan Clay-colored Sparrow (up to 3--Heritage Park): 8 Feb; (Rancho Santa Fe/Fairbanks): 6 Feb; (2--Carlsbad): 30 Dec; (se. Balboa Park): 22 Jan Nelson's Sparrow (Lake Hodges): 9 Dec Harris's Sparrow (Imperial Beach): 11 Jan Hepatic Tanager (Imperial Beach): 10 Jan; (vic. Marston House): 10 Jan Black-headed Grosbeak (Leon Ave.): 10 Jan Orchard Oriole (Leon Ave.): 2 Jan Baltimore Oriole (too many to list individually....!) --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft® Exchange - http://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail ------------------------------------Subject: Barn owls mating? From: "liv2bird1951" <maryb51 AT roadrunner.com> Date: Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:23:30 -0000 Joe had an owl box put up in our yard last fall due to serious rodent issues the previous winter/spring. As of two days ago, there are a pair patrolling the area circling overhead and calling to each other. Last night one of the pair sat on the perch of the new owl house and communicated with its nearby companion for close to 3 hours occasionally circling overhead. There was also sounds of hard pecking on wood which seemed related but I'm not sure. Since the winter is so mild, this could explain the very early possible mating behavior. This our first experience with barn owls, so if anyone cares to share, I'd be delighted to hear your opinions! Mary Bochiechio maryb51 AT roadrunner.com Discovery Hills - San Marcos, CA ------------------------------------Subject: Cactus Wren Monitoring From: "rsbreisch" <rsbreisch AT san.rr.com> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 15:35:37 -0800 San Diego Audubon is starting a project to monitor Cactus Wrens in San Diego County. There is a training on Saturday, Feb 18 for people interested in helping. Interested birders need to contact Roxy Carter at San Diego Audubon, carter AT sandiegoaudubon.org, for more details. - Rich Breisch, San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: minor miscellanea, spring migrants arriving From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 18:33:29 -0500 Weds AM there was a new BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER near 9th & Elm in Imperial Beach, a continuing YELLOW WARBLER along Leon Ave. in Nestor, continuing BREEDING-PLUMAGED Dunlin at the s. end of San Diego Bay, continuing first-cycle THAYER'S GULL at the saltworks off 7th St., a BURROWING OWL along the Silver Strand at Emory Cove, and 3 continuing WESTERN TANAGERS at Mount Hope/Greenwood Cemeteries. 'Spring' migration was in 'full swing' today, with a Northern Rough-winged Swallow at Greenwood Cemetery, small groups of Tree Swallows heading north over San Diego Bay, and several tight flocks of migrant Cinnamon Teal. (To go along with a fair number of what must be migrant Sage Thrashers scattered around southern CA in the last couple weeks.) --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting ------------------------------------Subject: Common Redpoll + another tree for Williamson's female From: "christopheradler" <adler AT alum.mit.edu> Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:50:45 -0000 The Common Redpoll was present 7:45-8:20 am this morning (Feb. 8). With some extra time I decided to stop at the Trout Pond Trailhead, which is just a bit north along hwy 79 from the turnoff for Stonewall Mine. This trail heads around the south end of Lake Cuyamaca. Following this trail over the hill that overlooks the meadow and the lake, it becomes the Marty Minshall Trail, and then it comes to a barbed-wire fence with a "Danger: Hunting" sign. Right at this spot I heard a light tapping and found the female Williamson's Sapsucker. There is a cluster of pine trees to the right of the trail, just maybe ten yards up the hill, and one shows extensive Williamson's Sapsucker holes. The female was present in this tree at 9:15-9:20am at which point I departed. From this spot, it is possible to look across the meadow to the North and see the chain-link fence surrounding the old cistern where the male Williamson's has been. Christopher Adler Banker's Hill / Balboa Park West adler AT alum.mit.edu ------------------------------------Subject: encinitas sea watch 2/8 From: "stevan" <stevanbrad AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:48:13 -0000 from the bench west end of n. el portal 8 till 8:20 am 10 BLACK VENTED SHEARWATERS 6 COMMON MURRE 6 RHINO AUKLETS no mystery birds steve brad leucadia ------------------------------------Subject: Redpoll present this AM 6:45 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:55:48 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Jay Keller, SD, CA ------------------------------------Subject: La Jolla seawatch From: Gary Nunn <garybnunn AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 19:52:48 -0800 Today 07 Feb 2012 spent some time on seawatch from La Jolla ahead of the rain arriving mid afternoon. Also joined by Stan Walens shortly after I got there. It was quiet in general but good numbers of RHINOCEROS AUKLET were flying south at rate of about 50 per hour, most in groups of 4 to 7. By the time we got done 107 had been counted. Other notable birds included two PARASITIC JAEGER harassing Royal Terns, one POMARINE JAEGER just set on cruise control heading south, and a COMMON MURRE that passed very close. Gary Nunn, Pacific Beach. Sent from my iPad ------------------------------------Subject: Common Redpoll in Julian From: Matthew Page <southern.pacific.9735 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:18:08 -0800 The Common Redpoll was seen between 12:30 and 1:00 pm today by myself and others... It was in one of the bare-leafed trees behind the bird store rather than at the feeders, but easily viewable. Matthew Page Simi Valley, CA ------------------------------------Subject: binoculars From: Arlene Arnold <arleeniebird AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:27:32 -0800 (PST) Can someone recommend a local San Diego store for purchasing good birding binoculars? Thanks! Arlene San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: next San Elijo monthly bird count Mon 13 Feb 2012 From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:46:03 -0000 Please spread the word - San Elijo Lagoon monthly bird count Monday February 13th (& 2nd Monday of each month, rain or shine) Meet at the north end of Rios Ave. in Solana Beach at 7:30 a.m. (from I-5, exit on Lomas Santa Fe & head west, turn north on Rios Ave. which is just east of Highway 101 & the railroad tracks). Bring a lunch or pick up one nearby & we'll meet to compile at noon at the nature center (SE of the intersection of Manchester Ave & San Elijo Ave). thanks! R. Patton San Diego, CA ------------------------------------Subject: common goldeneye south san diego bay, williamson's sapsucker cuyamaca 2-7-12 From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:43:59 -0000 Yesterday morning (2-6-12) in closed portions of the South San Diego Bay NWR saltworks, at least 1 male & 12 female common goldeneye were present in pond 20 and another male in pond 21. Elizabeth Copper reported an additional bird in pond 15 & later Brian Foster had one in flight over pond 12 (possibly one of the earlier ones). Portions of pond 20 are viewable from the bike path between the 2 bridges, otherwise the area will be accessible this Sunday through the SD Audubon field trip (2-12-12). This morning (2-7-12) at Cuyamaca State Park, the male Williamson's sapsucker continues near Stonewall Mine (seen 9:40 just before a thankfully brief cloudburst of rain & hail, on pine tree immediately adjacent to the SE corner of the chainlink exclosure around the old building foundation west of the restroom & parking lot). No pinyon jays could be found in the area (from 8:30 to 10:30). R. Patton San Diego, CA ------------------------------------Subject: continuing T-b Kingbird, Am. Redstart, Y-c Night-Herons, waterfowl From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:00:08 -0500 On Tuesday, 7 Feb, the on-and-off THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD was "on" in its favorite sycamore tree west of the swimming pool around 11AM. The wintering AMERICAN REDSTART continues at Tesoro Grove, across the street from Nestor Park, in Nestor. THREE adult YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS continue in their usual roost pine tree just west of the sports park in Imperial Beach, and the nearby GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE continues around the Tijuana Estuary visitor center parking lot. On south San Diego Bay, a (probably first-winter) male EURASIAN WIGEON was in the marsh at high tide right off the parking lot for the biological study area on the southern Silver Strand (probably the young male that was along the lower Sweetwater River back in December?). Also an adult Golden-crowned Sparrow there (surprisingly scarce county-wide this winter). Matt S. counted a continuing high 650+ Greater Scaup yesterday off the saltworks, and today we had some 600 continuing Redheads in the Bay off the southern Silver Strand. Also today, Barbara C. reports 2 of the 3 continuing CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS and the hybrid EURASIAN X AMERICAN WIGEON at Heritage Park in Chula Vista; as well as a continuing HERMIT WARBLER along H Street which hadn't been reported since early Dec. Phil U. had a continuing YELLOW WARBLER on Sunday at Lindo Lakes, and Steve R. had 2 YELLOWS off Ingraham St. near Mission Bay on Monday. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web LIVE – Free email based on Microsoft® Exchange technology - http://link.mail2web.com/LIVE ------------------------------------Subject: Julian Redpoll 2/7 From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:17:47 -0800 The COMMON REDPOLL continues in Julian today (2/7/2012). Under cloudy skies and a stiff wind, the first Lesser Goldfinches started to appear in the trees behind The Birdwatcher at 6:40 a.m. Within 5 minutest, the first Pine Siskins began to show; shortly thereafter I picked out the redpoll. The flock, some 40 or 50 strong at that point, soon came down to the niger seed feeders where the redpoll enjoyed a leisurely breakfast for a good 8 or 9 minutes, at which point it flew back into the leafless oak tree -- and I left for work. Cheers, -Gjon Hazard Carlsbad/Encinitas ------------------------------------Subject: Julian Redpoll 2/7 From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:17:47 -0800 The COMMON REDPOLL continues in Julian today (2/7/2012). Under cloudy skies and a stiff wind, the first Lesser Goldfinches started to appear in the trees behind The Birdwatcher at 6:40 a.m. Within 5 minutest, the first Pine Siskins began to show; shortly thereafter I picked out the redpoll. The flock, some 40 or 50 strong at that point, soon came down to the niger seed feeders where the redpoll enjoyed a leisurely breakfast for a good 8 or 9 minutes, at which point it flew back into the leafless oak tree -- and I left for work. Cheers, -Gjon Hazard Carlsbad/Encinitas ------------------------------------ Unsubscribe: mailto:CALBIRDS-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CALBIRDS Listowners: mailto:CALBIRDS-owner AT yahoogroups.com For vacation suspension of mail go to the website. Click on Edit My Membership and set your mail option to No Email. Or, send a blank email to these addresses: Turn off email delivery: mailto:CALBIRDS-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume email delivery: mailto:CALBIRDS-normal AT yahoogroups.comSubject: Dusky-capped Flycatcher Aviara Resort Carlsbad continues From: "stevan" <stevanbrad AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:35:56 -0000 dave billings said he saw the bird up close monday, the 5 GREATER White Fronted GESSES are still there as is the HERMIT WARBLER steve brad leucadia ------------------------------------Subject: "coastal" Lawrence's Goldfinch (2/6/12) From: Jimmy McMorran <bigshell53 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 20:23:30 -0800 Hi Birders, I was treated to a new yard bird this morning (2/6/12); Lawrence's Goldfinch. I actually heard it about 5 minutes before seeing it, but thought no it must have been a different goldfinch imitating it. But to my surprise a male Lawrence's Goldfinch was perched at eye-level right in front of me off my back porch. Shortly after it dropped to the ground hidden from my view, and then flew off with another! I am only posting this because this observation was approximately 1/2 mile from the immediate coastline. Pretty stoked that I had three species of goldfinch from my porch this a.m. Image of the subject-line bird here if interested. http://www.flickr.com/photos/35283997 AT N07/ Good Birding, Jimmy McMorran Cardiff, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: COMMAN REDPOLL From: "worleyjoseph" <joeworley AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:16:14 -0000 2/6/ 1530 The Redpoll was at the (Julian Bird Watcher, Julian) off on all afternoon I left AT 1500 while it was still on the feeder. joeworley AT cox.net Point Loma ------------------------------------Subject: Fwd: [CALBIRDS] Julian redpoll From: Douglas Aguillard <dwaguillard AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:11:23 -0800 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: JimSubject: Borrego and Julian From: Bob Miller <bob.miller AT mindspring.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:46:21 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Hi all,
Very entertaining weekend indeed.
Started out at Old Springs Open Space Preserve at sunrise on Saturday 2-4 and
spent about three hours there. Awesome. Lot more coyote track and trail than I
have seen in the past and found an active Kit Fox den. LE CONTE'S THRASHER
tracks were evident right away but it was about two hours before I actually saw
a pair. Had a lot of fun watching four SAGE THRASHER and four SAGE SPARROW
"running" around. Was photographing their tracks alongside a penny as I saw
them being made to ensure I knew which track I was looking at!
Headed across the backside of the Borrego Sink with the intent to look for
Crissal when Bob Theriault phoned back and informed me of the Redpoll in Julian
so off we went!! He had a "gig" in Borrego that night so we could only stay for
one hour. We stayed for one AND a half hours then headed back down the hill.
Were back in Borrego when we learned the bird showed up ten minutes after we
left. DOH!
I let Bob get back to getting ready and I headed for the Borrego Sewer Ponds
but first stopped near the "Eagle on a Nest" sculpture west of Yaqui Pass Road
on the north side of S3. Walked out into the desert there to look for a
continuing BURROWING OWL. Had walked about 100 feet from the sculpture and had
numerous SAGE THRASHER right away. High count was nine visible at one time.
Strangest part was that I heard a LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER call. The only
plants within a mile of there that are over four feet tall are about four
ocotillo!?! It was happily working it's way from shrub to shrub. A LOGGERHEAD
SHRIKE was the one making use of the ocotillos. The BURROWING OWL has an
extensive burrow system out there and it appears that it was all done by the
owls but it is possible that a Kit Fox had started in in the past.
I made it to the sewer ponds in good light and stayed till fairly dark. The
first pond is dry and recently disked but the second pond looked very good. It
was lush with fresh green grasses and some open water spots with water actively
running while I was there. Several each of SAGE, SAVANNAH and VESPER were in or
near 20 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. PHAINOPEPLA LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE and NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRD, two KILLDEER, several HOUSE FINCH and two BLACK PHOEBE were also
present. Watching the shadow creep across the valley was interesting and
through the spotting scope I could see a dozen or more people, more like
specks, on the tip of Font's Point to the east who were all gathered to enjoy
the same sunset.
Dinner and entertainment, the Sand Daddies, at Carlee's in Borrego Springs were
thoroughly enjoyed!
Headed back up to Julian early Sunday and got to see the COMMON REDPOLL and do
some more visiting. Picked up a bag of sunflower seed and a hummingbird feeder
and was headed back down the hill all happy!
I stopped at the narrow pullout in Sentenac Canyon, 1.6 miles below the
northbound intersection of S2 at Scissor's Crossing, and spent an hour
exploring the tenaja and hiking down the opposite bank as far as I could. In
between traffic, and there was a LOT of it, I could hear a woodpecker tapping
away and it took me most of 20 minutes of creeping to actually find it feeding
away in the burned out mesquite. Was very surprised to be studying a male
NUTTAL'S WOODPECKER from about 40 feet away! This may well be about as low as
they get! ROCK WREN was calling from up slope and what sounded like a distant
sparrow I could not identify also.
See ya at the sea..........
(!__!)
(0V0) HAPPY BIRDING
{}~~{} BOB MILLER
='''='''==
Southwest Birders
Brawley, CA. 92227
Imperial County
760-455-1413
http://www.southwestbirders.com
bob.miller "at" mindspring.com
HELP I'm birding and I can't stop!
Will bird for food!
------------------------------------
Subject: Fwd: S.D. Botanic Garden continuing overwinterers, Encinitas, Feb
6From: Sue Smith <seiurus AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:09:07 -0500 (EST) Oops, sorry, date of observation is Feb 6, 2012. Susan E. Smith Seiurus Consulting Del Mar, CA -----Original Message----- From: Sue SmithSubject: S.D. Botanic Garden continuing overwinterers, Encinitas From: Sue Smith <seiurus AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 15:49:30 -0500 (EST) This morning on the monthly bird walk at the San Diego Botanic Garden, the PACIFIC WREN was still present, first near the South African garden, then near the tropical rainforest pond. One HOODED ORIOLE was seen and heard briefly at its usual Coast Banksia tree near the entrance to the California Gardenscape garden, but the second Hooded Oriole was not seen, nor was the previously seen Bullock's Oriole around (e.g., last seen by me Jan 2). The two Western Tanagers last seen Jan 2, also appeared to be gone or in hiding. Susan E. Smith Seiurus Consulting Del Mar, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Re: Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pinyon Jays - Volcan Mtn. - 2/5/12 From: Steve Ritt <stevenmritt AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:37:10 -0800 Forgot that one Townsend's Warbler 2/3 of the way up the Volcan Mtn. trail seemed unusual, as did one Brown Pelican flying NW over Julian this morning. Steve Ritt San Diego, CA On Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 10:08 PM, Steve RittSubject: Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pinyon Jays - Volcan Mtn. - 2/5/12 From: Steve Ritt <stevenmritt AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:08:57 -0800 Just realized that I haven't heard anything about GC Kinglets here this winter, so there was at least one or two in a canyon on Volcan Mountain today. This is a ridiculously difficult spot to get to, but I walked up the trail from the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve on Farmer Rd.. The top of the mountain is closed off by a gate, and I walked north-ish (left) here and just dropped down into the steep canyon with flowing water. If you come to the springhead with a deer carcass and Giant Chain Ferns, you're in the right place. There is an insane amount of Poison Oak (unavoidable) and there were no darn Spotted Owls. About 17 Pinyon Jays were on top of the mountain, above the closed gate (no access). Yesterday, 2/4/12, I had a blast showing Gail and Charlie Lankford (from Weaverville, NC) around SD. Notables were one first-cycle Glaucous-winged x Western Gull in La Jolla and one adult Glaucous-winged Gull on the Mission Beach jetty at the mouth of the bay. The Reddish Egret, Common Merganser, Eurasian Wigeon, and Caspian Tern continue along the SD River channel. On Thursday, 2/2/12, one male Wilson's Warbler continued along the SD River in Mission Valley East. Steve Ritt San Diego, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Julian Common Redpoll From: "roberttheriault AT juno.com" <roberttheriault@juno.com> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 04:31:56 GMT For the record, the Redpoll was present (mostly in the leafless Black Oak, occasionally at the feeders) until about 11:00 am Sunday, when it flew off with most of the other birds. Bob Theriault / Borrego Springs ____________________________________________________________ 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/4f2f5809b412d8b5401st03vuc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Other North County geese still around From: Sue Smith <seiurus AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 20:04:49 -0500 (EST) In addition to Paul Lehman and Barb Carlson's report, we (Jim Wilson, FRank Wong) also had two CACKLING GEESE at the polo grounds this morning (corner Via de la Valle and El Camino) where we first saw about 300 or so Canada Geese, probably two of the 4 they saw. We were participating in the San Dieguito Lagoon monthy count. Later saw many more (well over 400) Canada Geese at Fairbanks Ranch (Beef Jerky and Avocado pull-offs off San Dieguito Road), but didnt scope them for cackling because too far away, but can believe there must have been more Cacklers in with them. Assume these geese at Fairbanks Ranch included the birds we saw at the Polo Field earlier, plus some others. Also when I was there at the Fairbanks Ranch horse farms, at about 11:30 am, there were the three continuing WHITE-FRONTED GEESE in the puddles close to the road. Before I retunred home saw that the 2 young SNOW GEESE were still around at the mouth of Penasquitos Lagoon. Susan E. Smith Seiurus Consulting Del Mar, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Heise County Park, Feb. 5, 2012 From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:38:36 -0800 After seeing the Common Redpoll in Julian, Leo Miller, Christine Harvey and I went to William Heise County Park and had a female Varied Thrush along the now mostly dry Cedar Creek just upstream of the footbridge. Although getting toward midday, we put in about 25 minutes a bit further upstream for Spotted Owl and had no response. From there we headed to Wynola Road a little over a mile from Highway 78/79 and had no response there either. Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Cuyamaca Townsend's Solitaire From: "rhmedman" <yoshiker AT adelphia.net> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:12:15 -0000 After viewing the trifecta of Common Redpoll, Williamson's Sapsuckers, and Pinion Jays this morning, I did a little hike up Middle Peak and found a Townsend's Solitaire about 3/4 of a mile up Milk Ranch Road from Hwy 79. Bill Thompson Carlsbad ------------------------------------Subject: Julian & Stonewall 2-5-2012 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:32:52 -0000 Trent Stanley & I arrived at the Julian bird store at about 7:30 a.m. and already there was a lively crowd on hand hoping to see the newest county record bird(?), (thank you Mike). A bit after 8 the common redpoll was sighted at the feeders. The bird was around for about 5 minutes then flew off and returned after about a half hour. I was amused by my cell phones spell checker. I posted a short message letting everyone know that the redpoll was present.... but my phone translated whatever wrote into "foot" rather than "place" so it came across as "at the same foot" rather than "at the same place." Next stop was Stonewall mine where the male Williamson's Sapsucker was easy. The bird was entirely oblivious to the small group who watched. It was in its favorite pine near the top of the little hill NW of the parking lot. The Pinyon Jays (10-12) were noisy and conspicuous in the pines on the slopes SW of the parking area. Several that I watched seemed to spend most of their time picking through the bark looking for bugs, I suspect. A few pics posted at: http://egk.smugmug.com/Photography/RECENT-PHOTOS Eric Kallen Normal Heights ------------------------------------Subject: Common Redpoll in Julian From: Matthew Page <southern.pacific.9735 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:18:08 -0800 The Common Redpoll was seen between 12:30 and 1:00 pm today by myself and others... It was in one of the bare-leafed trees behind the bird store rather than at the feeders, but easily viewable. Matthew Page Simi Valley, CA ------------------------------------ Unsubscribe: mailto:CALBIRDS-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CALBIRDS Listowners: mailto:CALBIRDS-owner AT yahoogroups.com For vacation suspension of mail go to the website. Click on Edit My Membership and set your mail option to No Email. Or, send a blank email to these addresses: Turn off email delivery: mailto:CALBIRDS-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume email delivery: mailto:CALBIRDS-normal AT yahoogroups.comSubject: Ea. Phoebe, C-c Sparrow, 8 Cackling, Pac-slope From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:35:37 -0500 Barbara Carlson and I spent Sunday morning checking in on a few of the "north" county winter stakeouts which hadn't been reported in some time. A couple new birds as well. At the Fairbanks Ranch horse pastures there were EIGHT CACKLING GEESE in with the large flock of Canadas--possibly a new high count of Cacklings for San Diego County (?), although other southern CA counties have had larger maxima. Nearby, in the small orchard near the east end of Calzada del Bosque, the wintering CLAY-COLORED SPARROW continues in the Savannah/White-crowned flock, and which also contains some species of partly-yellowish exotic that is somewhere between a female bishop, female Yellow-fronted Canary, and Sudan Golden Sparrow!! At the pasture on the border of Rancho Santa Fe and Encinitas, the EASTERN PHOEBE and female VERMILION FLYCATCHER both continue. Off Birmigham Drive in Cardiff-by-the-Sea there were 2 WESTERN TANAGERS (1 new, 1 continuing). And at Maxton Brown Park bordering Buena Vista Lagoon the wintering, dull PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER continues, while on the lagoon proper the good count of 55 Canvasbacks continue and there was an adult Mew Gull and 2 Glaucous-winged X Western hybrids. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://link.mail2web.com/mail2web ------------------------------------Subject: Redpoll From: Barbara Carlson <barbarac2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 08:23:54 -0800 (PST) Forgot my contact info... Barbara Carlson San Diego Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Common Redpoll present at 8:09 am From: Barbara Carlson <barbarac2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 08:22:31 -0800 (PST) The redpoll is back at the feeders at the Birdwatcher Store at B Street and Fourth in Julian Sunday morning arriving finally at 8:09 am. It stayed for 10 minutes before flying off. The owners of the store were very gracious. To keep them that way it, it would probably be best to park on the street rather than in their customer parking lot. Also a friend told me their feeders were empty a couple of weeks ago. A bird seed contribution would also probably be appreciated. Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Re: more C. Redpoll news From: "Eric Kallen" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 08:18:33 -0800 Redpoll appeared at 8am. Same foot. 30 birders. Eric Kallen Sent from my iPhone On Feb 4, 2012, at 8:51 PM, "Vic Murayama"Subject: Re: more C. Redpoll news From: "Vic Murayama" <vmurayama AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 20:51:56 -0800 Common Redpoll images can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/7sq3bhg Vic Murayama Chula Vista http://vtm.smugmug.com From: lehman.paul AT verizon.net Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2012 6:17 PM To: sdbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] more C. Redpoll news As posted earlier, the COMMON REDPOLL in Julian was found this morning (Saturday) by Mike Goldhammer and crew a little before 10AM at the feeders of "The Birdwatcher" wild-bird supply store at 4th and B in Julian. They watched and photo'd the bird for a little under a half hour and left it still coming to the feeders or perched in the nearby leafless tree with ca. 50 Lesser Goldfinches and ca. 6 Pine Siskins. A bunch of us started arriving around 11:40AM. No redpoll, despite all the goldfinches and siskins continuing. Finally at 2:45PM the redpoll appeared, and it remained in the trees and at the (tube) feeders until 4:10PM. It did not return after that. Given that the bird was still present at the end of the day, hopefully it will be back early tomorrow morning. But be aware: many redpolls are DIURNAL migrants, and there are multiple instances of vagrant redpolls at feeders flying off in the mid-morning, never to be seen again. So, do not necessarily wait for a positive early-morning report before potentially chasing it later in the day. You never know... . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Continuing Stonewall Mine birds From: Mark Stratton <zostropz AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 18:35:12 -0800 Well, beautiful morning to be on the mountain. I was on the road to Stonewall as it was getting light and there must have been 50 to 60 deer in all the meadows. Anyhow, I used Tim Coopers instructions and immediately heard the light tapping of a sapsucker at the top of the hill where the male Williamson's has been. I located him about 10 to 15 feet from the top of a tree, it was the male Williamson's Sapsucker. When you cllimb the hill towards the 2nd fenced off area which is just up the hill from the closed restrooms, you will go between a large pine on your left, and about a 12 to 15 foot high stump on your right, this is just 20 to 40 feet from the fence if even that. Anyhow, The sapsucker spent hours in the tree I just described on the left. I went back down the hill and ran into Christopher Adler and another birder with her husband, I wanna say her name was Carol, I hope I'm right. Anyhow, the only time he left the tree, he kinda disappeared down the hill and the 3 of us were looking for him when I spotted some Pinyon Jay's in the distance. We went back down the hill and the 3 of us got great looks at what ammounted to about 20 to 25 Pinyon Jay's. By now, there were a few other birders already there so Chris and I broke away to look for the female Williamson's. We found Tim's tree, but no Sapsucker. We got really quiet and listened and again, heard the faint tapping of a Sapsucker and Chris located it up in another tree. From Tim's description, follow the hill down to where it splits. It makes a sharpish left, or veers right. Stay to the right and just about 50 yards I think it was, you'll see a branch crossing the path (assuming nobody moved it) and the tree right next to the path on the right, is where she was. I also saw a Harry's Woodpecker there as well as an Acorn Woodpecker with a bright yellow crown on it's head, very interesting. At first I thought it was the sunlight because it had the sun directly behind it, but then it move through a shady area and the crown stayed yellow. Also seen before I headed home where a Nuttal's Woodpecker and some Red-shafted Norther Flickers (Stonewall) and a Downy Woodpecker in Santee. 6 different birds in the Woodpecker/Sapsucker family, pretty good day. I should have stopped to look for the Lewis's in Ramona. Mark Stratton North Park ------------------------------------Subject: more C. Redpoll news, 3 Clay-col Sparrows From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 21:17:40 -0500 As posted earlier, the COMMON REDPOLL in Julian was found this morning (Saturday) by Mike Goldhammer and crew a little before 10AM at the feeders of "The Birdwatcher" wild-bird supply store at 4th and B in Julian. They watched and photo'd the bird for a little under a half hour and left it still coming to the feeders or perched in the nearby leafless tree with ca. 50 Lesser Goldfinches and ca. 6 Pine Siskins. A bunch of us started arriving around 11:40AM. No redpoll, despite all the goldfinches and siskins continuing. Finally at 2:45PM the redpoll appeared, and it remained in the trees and at the (tube) feeders until 4:10PM. It did not return after that. Given that the bird was still present at the end of the day, hopefully it will be back early tomorrow morning. But be aware: many redpolls are DIURNAL migrants, and there are multiple instances of vagrant redpolls at feeders flying off in the mid-morning, never to be seen again. So, do not necessarily wait for a positive early-morning report before potentially chasing it later in the day. You never know... In other news, also early this morning, several of us saw the continuing THREE CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS at Heritage Park in Chula Vista. They were in a good-sized flock of Chippings, Savannahs, and Lark Sparrows near the edge of the park bordering the basketball courts. We saw the continuing NASHVILLE WARBLER behind the Pep Boy's off Broadway in Chula Vista, but missed the Swainson's Thrush there. And one male EURASIAN WIGEON continues in the Sweetwater River between I-5 and I-805. The Ramona Tundra Swan was last seen on 31 January and has been missed since, and the Stonewall Mine PINYON JAYS (ca. 10 birds) were seen on 3 Feb by visiting birder Jim Lomax, but were missed today by Mike Goldhammer et al.--which perhaps resulted in Mike's group going to Julian to drown their sorrows and thus their finding the redpoll!!! Thank you, Pinyon Jays!! --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft® Exchange - http://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail ------------------------------------Subject: Re: Common Redpoll back at 2:45 p From: Bill Mittendorff <wmittend AT san.rr.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:30:20 -0800 From this morning. A good day. Bill Mittendorff From: Barbara CarlsonSubject: Common Redpoll back at 2:45 p From: Barbara Carlson <barbarac2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 15:05:03 -0800 (PST) The Common Redpoll first found this morning by Mike Goldhammer returned after 3 hrs of waiting. Comes to feeders and bare tree above them with large numbers of goldfinches and several siskins at the Birdwatcher Store on B street and Fourth in Julian. Barbara Carlson San Diego Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Harris' Hawk - still hanging out in Jacumba From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:54:01 -0000 While looking at property (most of it dreadful) in Jacumba this morning one Harris' Hawk cruised close by and lit in one of the bare trees in the railroad yard area. Also - several TC Blackbirds. Eric Kallen Normal Heijghts ------------------------------------Subject: Sorrento Valley Road From: "Gary G" <ggrantham AT san.rr.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:38:53 -0000 Kathy Estey and I did part of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve count this morning (2/4/12). About 100 yards south of the Sorrento Valley Rd. Park & Ride we had a wintering or extremely early migrant, male WILSON'S WARBLER. Also between there and the pump station we had 40+ White-faced Ibis, a pair of nest building White-tailed Kites, and a Loggerhead Shrike. Along Carmel Valley Rd. we had a pair of early nesting Bushtits occupying an active nest. In the Penasquitos Lagoon we had good numbers of Green-winged, Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Northern Pintail, and Lesser Scaup, but only one American Wigeon. Also, in the lagoon was a Little Blue Heron and a Common Loon. Gary Grantham South Scripps Ranch ------------------------------------Subject: Red-breasted Sapsucker on Albion St. (Pt Loma) Feb. 4 From: Sara Baase Mayers <baase AT cs.sdsu.edu> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 09:47:21 -0800 (PST) A Red-breasted Sapsucker was working on a tall euc at Albion and Inez St. (a short dead-end just south of Talbot and south of Inez Ln.) and also a pepper tree directly across Albion. I know there is a visitor in town who wants to see one. I hope this information gets to him. ====================== Sara Mayers Point Loma, San Diego mayerss AT cox.net ====================== ------------------------------------Subject: Coastal Sage Thrashers (2/3/12) From: Jimmy McMorran <bigshell53 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 21:44:04 -0800 Hi Birders, There were (3) Sage Thrashers present this morning (2/3/12) at San Onofre State Beach. Take the Basilone exit to get to this entrance of the park. They were located approximately 100 meters west of the Park Ranger shack/entrance to the park. You'll know the habitat once there. For much of the time I thought there were only two, but then at one point I observed three all perched up at the same time. Pretty cool! Not much habitat so you should at least find one pretty quick if you look. ID shot of one of the three birds are here if interested. http://www.flickr.com/photos/35283997 AT N07/ There was also one, first cycle Glaucous-winged Gull that flew by (eye-level). Maybe only the second or third one I've seen this season. Good Birding, Jimmy McMorran Cardiff, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Robb Field - Reddish Egret, Mew Gulls From: Gary Nunn <garybnunn AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:04:01 -0800 Checked out the San Diego River channel late in the afternoon along the bike path from Robb Field. Reddish Egret continues opposite the Tennis Club. I checked through quite a few gulls and found a second cycle MEW GULL just west of the second bridge. It was bathing in flowing channel water and then stood around preening showing off large black markings on the tertials and a little on the tail as well as complete black primary tips. Returning to Robb Field carpark I noticed another Mew Gull and thought maybe the first one just moved. Was surprised to see it was a nice adult in basic plumage and with very pale eyes. It was sitting by itself on the sandbar outside the Tennis Club at 5:15 pm. Gary Nunn, Pacific Beach. Sent from my iPad ------------------------------------Subject: Sage Thrasher From: "Mark Lee" <marktlee AT juno.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:23:54 -0000 Had a sage thrasher in Jacumba in the fields today on the farm. This bird would follow me around getting insects from where I stepped, and would get within 2 feet of me. It gave me great photo ops. Here is a link to one photo of the bird. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mleesrfr/6814603363/ Mark Lee Chula Vista marktlee AT juno.com ------------------------------------Subject: Red-naped Sapsucker From: "buckfairbanks" <buckfairbanks AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:17:06 -0000 Hello During a short walk with Bear the dog today around 1:00pm, had good looks at a Red-naped Sapsucker at Guajome Regional Park.. Also Cedar Waxwings, bright Western Bluebirds, etc. Good birding Michael Martin Oceanside, CA ------------------------------------Subject: Dairy Mart Pond From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:59:08 -0000 The ash-throated flycatcher seen three weeks ago and again two weeks ago is still present. It was near the red-shouldered hawk's nest on the N/S path just west of the pond. The cackling goose and ring-neck ducks continue and one of my redheads showed up down there, first I've seen there. Hutton's vireo and blue-gray gnatcatcher also continue. They are done with the new boardwalk, but it is not open yet while they finish up on the southern trail. No changes to the two new observation areas. JimPea, SD, CA ------------------------------------Subject: Tierrasanta Baltimore Oriole & Summer Tanager From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:45:30 -0500 Friday morning, 3 Feb, the well-marked female (or young male) BALTIMORE ORIOLE (1 of 2 found here a month ago) was seen by Barbara Carlson and myself in the pink-flowered eucalyptus trees near the intersection of Antigua and Rimpark in Tierrasanta. The bird shows a number of small black blotches to the lower face and throat. Also a continuing WESTERN TANAGER here as well. And just to the south, in the long line of eucalyptus (and pine) trees along the canyon edge was the continuing female SUMMER TANAGER. Still lots of blooming eucalyptus in and around the Antigua and adjoining Repecho roads area, with good numbers of birds. In other minor news, I hear that Eitan A. had a new YELLOW WARBLER on 1/29 bordering the Hilton Hotel at east Mission Bay, and Steve R. had a continuing (all winter) WILSON'S WARBLER on 2/2 along the SD River near Mission Center Road. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://link.mail2web.com/mail2web ------------------------------------Subject: Trip Report 1/26-1/28 From: Tim Avery <western.tanager AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:40:00 -0700 I spent a couple days last week in San Diego and Palm Springs--a full recap of the weekend can be found here: http://utahbirders.blogspot.com/2012/02/birding-socal-in-january.html A few highlights included: 1/26 2 Swainson's Hawks in Carlsbad near Cannon and Camino intersection 1/27 2 PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER at Robb Field - http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=898 2 Lesser Yellowlegs at Robb Field 1 REDDISH EGRETcontinuing at Robb Field - http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=903 1/28 130 Black Skimmers at Crown Point - http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=901 1 REDDISH EGRET continuing at Robb Field 10 Blue-headed Parakeets in Point Loma - http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=902 2 Mitred Parakeets in Point Loma - http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=909 1 THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD continuing in Chula Vista - http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=899 Other pictures can be found on the first two pages here: http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=0 It was great to finally go birding in San Diego--the nice weather wasn't bad either. Cheers Tim Avery Salt Lake City, Utah ------------------------------------Subject: SDRiver From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:39:32 -0000 Regulars and irregulars continue. Teals are still coming in while the redheads are gone. Over 170 avocets at low tide. JimPea, SD, CA ------------------------------------Subject: Thurs. a.m. the WISA continues From: phil Pryde <PhilPinSD AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:10:13 -0800 This (Thurs.) morning at least 5 or 6 people saw the male Williamson's Sapsucker in the Stonewall mine area of Cuyamaca State Park. The best description of where it hangs out was in the Jan. 29 SDBirds posting from Tim Cooper. From 8 to 10 a.m. this morning it stayed in the first pine tree west of the path and was easily seen from the path about 50 feet before you get to the upper chain-link fence that Tim mentioned. No need to leave the path. The female was possibly glimpsed once for a nanosecond, but no good looks were had. The Pinyon Jay gang was feeding early in the open area along the entrance road just before you get to the parking area, but by 9:30 or so they were done with breakfast and all of them were hanging out (and fairly well hidden) in the pine trees down slope and SW of where the Sapsucker was sucking sap. ( Hmmm, how much sap should a sucksapper sip if a soppedshucker should shack ships? Man, that Irish coffee's good on a cold morning! ) Phil Pryde San Diego ------------------------------------Subject: WESTERN HILLS PARK 2-2-2012 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:56:01 -0000 I burned an hour or so this afternoon at Western Hills Park in Bay Park. Lots of yellow-rumps. One RS flicker. One sapsucker flew directly overhead and into the euc canopy, gave one call and that was all. I could not refind the bird. I believe that it was a red-breasted, but my look at it was too fleeting. One small stand of eucs just to the east of the concrete pathway up the hillside looks like it was used for target practice by the number of sapsucker wells pounded into it. Lots of off-leash dogs. Watch your step! Eric Kallen Normal Heights ------------------------------------Subject: (very) minor miscellanea From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:02:47 -0500 On Thursday morning, 2/2, a circumnavigation of Mission Bay produced only continuing YELLOW WARBLER, WESTERN TANAGER, and adult male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE at the northeast corner of the bay along the edge of the golf course; the continuing male EURASIAN WIGEON in the SD River adjacent to Sea World; and a continuing BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER along lower Rose Creek. Mission Bay proper had a good number of loons, grebes, and scoters, but nothing out of the ordinary. Yesterday, 1 Feb, at Santee Lakes there were 1-2 LEAST BITTERNS (Lake #4) and 2 VIOLET-GREEN and 2 BARN SWALLOWS with the Tree Swallows. A bunch of other folks saw the continuing REDDISH EGRET at the SD River mouth, from Robb Field. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting ------------------------------------Subject: So Cal request From: "ak_zukes" <swinak AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:33:53 -0000 Beginning Feb 17th I will be birding the areas around San Diego for a week or so and I'm asking for suggestions of any "must" go birding spots. My agenda includes Anza-Borrego, Salton Sea, and local spots around San Diego. I've never visited southern California, and I'm looking forward to a trip out of the relentless AK snow. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Steve W. Anchorage, AK ------------------------------------Subject: San Diego Bird Festival Pelagics From: "thunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:35:20 -0000 Greetings, The San Diego Bird Festival is once again offering four pelagic "day trips" on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 1-4, 2012. http://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/index.php/events/bird-festival These day-trips will take us to the alcid, jaeger & tubenose-rich Nine Mile Bank. We'll travel aboard the comfortable 85-foot live-aboard Grande observing hundreds of seabirds and marine mammals and view migrating California Gray Whales as they make their way to the warm lagoons of Baja California to breed and give birth. THESE TRIPS ARE SETTING SOCAL RECORDS: Participant's on these trips see rare happenings of birds at sea. The 2009 Bird Festival saw something that has never happened in SoCal before or since: we found two Manx Shearwaters. To top it off, we had a Blue-footed Booby circling the boat. In 2010 a Laysan's Albatross flew by just south of the Mexican border and we saw Black-footed Albatrosses on two of the three trips. We often see three or four species of dolphins (Bottlenose, Common, Pacific White-sided and Risso's) and numerous seabirds including fulmars, shearwaters, auklets, murrelets, and jaegers. This is also a good time of year to find three species of loons, three species of cormorants, five to six species of gulls. On our way out of the harbor we'll motor slowly by the San Diego live bait tanks for close-ups of several dozen lounging sea lions, several hundred Brandt's cormorants, several species of gulls, and dozens of egrets and herons. Then we'll check Ballast Point where Black Oystercatchers and a Long-tailed Duck hung out the entire winter of 2009-2010 and were seen from Grande on this trip at the 2010 Bird Festival. On these trips we often see migrating Gray Whales, Fin Whales and Humpback Whales plus multiple pods of dolphins, as well as snoozing Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions. We'll also peek around the back of Middle Island to see if there are any of the once-thought-extinct Elephant Seals. A big pod of Orcas (KIller Whales) were reported off Dana Harbor this January. Upon our return to San Diego harbor the captain will put Grande right up next to the Zuniga Jetty to look for rocky shore birds such as Black and American Oystercatchers, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone and Surfbird. Registration information: http://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/index.php/events/bird-festival Peace on earth. W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. In memory of Luke Cole and Mike San Miguel "Come on out with us to see what's out there." Southern California Seabirding Trips by: Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands & Nine Mile Bank all the way to the edge of the Continental Shelf ------------------------------------Subject: East county highlights, 1 Feb 2011 From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:07:17 -0800 A small group of about 6 Pinyon Jays was seen today at 8:30 just south of the trail running west from Stonewall Mine in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. They were too active to count more accurately but this is all that 3 observers saw. At one point they were on the ground foraging among a covey of about 30 California Quail. Further west, or northwest to be more exact, the male Williamson's Sapsucker was seen just off the trail. We did not find the reported female Williamson's Sapsucker to the east. In Ramona, the Tundra Swan seen previously at the pond west of Magnolia Avenue did not show but may have been hidden behind the reeds at the west end of the pond. Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Yellow-shafted Flicker (2/1/12) From: Jimmy McMorran <bigshell53 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:47:17 -0800 Hi Birders, A Yellow-shafted Flicker caught me and my co-worker off gaurd as it flew over us this morning (2/1/12) out in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral. It perched on a Chaparral Yucca for about 10-15 seconds up on the hillside and then took off over the ridge. We were out near Elfin Forest Road (not far from the Olivenhain Dam). I was able to get two extremely poor (as usual) ID shots as it flew away. I have posted one image at the link below showing the yellow shafts in the flight feathers (if you look hard enough). The other image not posted shows red on the nape. http://www.flickr.com/photos/35283997 AT N07/ Good Birding, Jimmy McMorran Cardiff, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: RE: Zone-tailed Hawk seen again in Granite Hills From: "Philip Unitt" <unitt AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:29:23 -0800 Dear friends, And again today between 11:30 AM and noon Yvonne and Jules Trahan reported and photographed the Zone-tailed Hawk circling over Dehesa Rd. and Springtime Way east of El Cajon. Good birding, Philip Unitt San Diego _____ From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Philip Unitt Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 8:39 AM To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] Zone-tailed Hawk seen again in Granite Hills Dear friends, Yvonne Trahan reports the adult Zone-tailed Hawk again along Dehesa Road in the Granite Hills area east of El Cajon at 12:45 PM yesterday. Good birding, Philip Unitt San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Help with Blue-Headed Vireo From: "linda.renna" <lrenna47 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:34:35 -0000 My husband and I hope to be in San Diego this weekend and would love to find the Blue-Headed Vireo that was reported on Point Loma. We'd appreciate any information about where to look. Linda Renna Mission Viejo, CA ------------------------------------Subject: No more photo volunteers, please! From: "snotwad46" <bonitarick AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:31:10 -0000 The response to my request for photos for Cabrillo NM was overwhelming! I'm sure I can get what is needed, so no more volunteers, please! And, THANKS! Rick Phillips Bonita ------------------------------------Subject: Bird Photos for Cabrillo From: "snotwad46" <bonitarick AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:12:10 -0000 I know the Cabrillo National Monument management is low on some birders' lists. However, they are redoing all their trail signage and need photos of 14 local birds (resident and migratory) for their bird sign. It will be one of those "photos courtesy of____ " things. And, no, I don't know where or how the recognition will appear, but your photos will be around for about 30-40 years! (The age of the current signs) If you are interested in donating your photos and want to see what birds are needed, please contact me offline. Thanks. Rick Phillips Bonita ------------------------------------Subject: Zone-tailed Hawk seen again in Granite Hills From: "Philip Unitt" <unitt AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:38:58 -0800 Dear friends, Yvonne Trahan reports the adult Zone-tailed Hawk again along Dehesa Road in the Granite Hills area east of El Cajon at 12:45 PM yesterday. Good birding, Philip Unitt San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------Subject: Re: Jacumba Ponds - Tricolored Blackbirds From: "Mark Lee" <marktlee AT juno.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:29:48 -0000 In my weekly trips out to Jacumba for work, the Tricolored blackbirds seem to be fine. As soon as the pond is refilled I hope the residents won't be plagued by mosquitoes which will be sure to breed in the stagnant water. Just something to bring up in the study. Mark Lee Chula Vista --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "TA Blackman"Subject: Jacumba Ponds - Tricolored Blackbirds From: "TA Blackman" <obeach AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:57:39 -0800 I have been working with the Cal Audubon (K Kyle), DFG, and many locals to get the pond refilled and re-establish a colony of Tricolored Blackbirds. A new owner of the spa property along with many of the locals are enthused about the project the prospect of birders making this a regular stop to view the Tricolored Blackbirds and other waterfowl. In the past this was one of the most important Tricolored colonies in Southern Cal (Bill Hamilton), and the goal is get this colony thriving once again. There are several issues to be addressed including permits by the DFG for improvements, and funding by several agencies. BTW the improvements are of the nature to make the habitat the best for the Tricoloreds. Tom Blackman obeach AT cox.net obeach.smugmug.com ------------------------------------Subject: Re: Jacumba Vermilions, Tierrasanta WETA & other highlights of the week, 1-29-12 From: Bob Miller <bob.miller AT mindspring.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:05:25 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Hi all,
A friend, birder and resident of Jacumba informed me a few days ago that the
old spa has closed and will soon be under new management. Local folks have come
together and are doing a lot to clean up the place for wildlife and people to
enjoy and have reinstated the water flow to the old railroad pond. He said the
new management is agreable to keeping water in the pond. Sounds like great news
to me and Jay's post just confirmed what I expected to begin hearing. Thanks
Jay!!
-----Original Message-----
From: Jay K
Sent: Jan 29, 2012 12:53 PM
To: SDBIRDS
Subject: [SDBIRDS] Jacumba Vermilions, Tierrasanta WETA & other highlights of
the week, 1-29-12
SD-Birders,
It had been a while since I visited Jacumba, so I went there this AM and had
highlight birds including two male VERMILION FLYCATCHERS (1st year & an adult)
wintering on the east edge of town. There were also 95 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS,
four OAK TITMOUSES around town, a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER in the properties west of
town, and a vocal PURPLE FINCH visiting a feeder right along old rte 80. Also
of note is that the natural spring on the west edge of town is at full gush,
and the old pond is the fullest I have seen, producing my first ever AMERICAN
COOT in Jacumba, plus VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA.
I drove up to Cibbet's Flat along Kitchen Creek Road and saw a vocal HAIRY
WOODPECKER in the scrub visiting yucca stalks! Odd.
Yesterday while scoping off the Torrey Pines Gliderport, a 1st cycle
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL floated by, but otherwise the ocean was dead.
On Tuesday I had to make a mid-day run home and heard a WESTERN TANAGER
calling, then adding in brief phrases of song. I presume this is the same bird
that had wintered here the previous two years, but it is surprising that this
is the first I have detected it (other than a "maybe" detection in November).
Jay Keller,
San Diego
(!__!)
(0V0) HAPPY BIRDING
{}~~{} BOB MILLER
='''='''==
Southwest Birders
Brawley, CA. 92227
Imperial County
760-455-1413
http://www.southwestbirders.com
bob.miller "at" mindspring.com
HELP I'm birding and I can't stop!
Will bird for food!
------------------------------------
Subject: Pinyon Jays and Williamson's SapsuckerFrom: "Jim Wilson" <jameskwilson AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:05:03 -0000 This morning at Stonewall Mine there were 10-15 PINYON JAYS actively feeding on the ground for 2 1/2 hours (9:15-11:45AM)and not just passing through. They were easily seen in the same area as the male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER (also seen)that was reported yesterday by Gary Nunn. Jim Wilson ------------------------------------Subject: In memory of Cliff Lyons From: "bstokes52" <bstokes52 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:57:37 -0000 Cliff Lyons, a well-known birder in San Diego in the 1970's, died January 27 in Post Mills, Vermont, after a long illness. He was a member of an informal group, including Phil Unitt, Jon Dunn and others, who were mentored by Guy McCaskie in those years. Cliff moved to Mariposa, in Northern California, around 1982, and later to Vermont, where he spent the last 22 years of his life, adding the East Coast birds to his life list. He had many stories to tell of adventures with San Diego birders. If you have questions or comments, contact Glenda Hightower at trona3 AT gmail.com. ------------------------------------Subject: San Gorgonio, addendum From: phil Pryde <PhilPinSD AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:07:37 -0800 Sorry, forgot to mention that the Summer Tanager was present and easily seen in the euc where the vireo was supposed to be at 475 San Gorgonio. Phil ------------------------------------Subject: San Gorgonio this a.m. From: phil Pryde <PhilPinSD AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:04:50 -0800 On San Gorgonio St. Sunday a.m. 7:30 to 9:30, no sign of any vireo, but there was a good look at a Red-breasted Sapsucker in the large light-trunked tree near the street at 478 San Fernando. Warblers seen included Townsend's, Wilson's, and O-C. Also a R-C Kinglet and 2 Red-masked Parakeets for color. Phil Pryde San Diego ------------------------------------Subject: Stonewall Mine - Williamson's Sapsuckers, Pinyon Jays From: Gary Nunn <garybnunn AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:32:19 -0800 I took an early morning drive to the Cuyamacas starting off at Stonewall Mine. Discovered and photographed a beautiful male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER close to the trail which heads west from the parking area. Walk west on the trail from the parking area about 150 yards around the hill to the right. It was feeding at the base of several very large pines on the right side of the trail. The fresh sap and workings can easily be seen from the trail. They are the largest pines there and with heavily burned lower trunks. Back at the parking area a fellow birder tipped me off the female Williamson's Sapsucker was back at its favorite tree east of the parking area. I walked down the trail behind the green hut and it was still there on the pine tree. I was about to leave when approximately 25 PINYON JAYS flew in from the east. They stuck around for about ten minutes only, looking around under the pines, and then headed off west. Time was 8:45 am. Gary Nunn Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------Subject: Dos WISA's From: "timcooper8993" <timcooper8993 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:18:32 -0000 Jan 29, 2012 - 10:00 am/ Stonewall Mine. There are now two Williamson's Sapsuckers using the pine trees in the vicinty of the Stonewall Mine: one female and one male. The female is generally located in the pine trees south and east of the mine site that is enclosed by the chain link fence northeast of the parking lot. The male is located in the more open stand of pine trees north and slightly west of the mine site. In both cases, the trees being worked by the birds show clear evidence of activity. By comparison, the Williamson's sap holes are much larger than Red Naped/Red Breasted sapsucker holes. They are also shaped differently. Williamson's sap hole are oval in shape with the long axis from side to side. When you see the holes, it's clear why the Williamson's have proportionately much longer bills given the thickness of the bark that they're drilling. Given colder temps at higher elevations and the tendency for sap to freeze, bigger holes make sense too. It's not clear if the holes start out as ovals or get that way over time. As they move up and down the trunk, the birds tap at the holes to their left and their right - a bit like us holding up tacos and turning our heads for a bite. The birds are quiet so identifying trees in use may be the best way to locate them. The female made some slight mewing sounds while checking holes, but the male was silent. They were tapping on live wood so their tap cadence did not exactly resound (compared to the acorn woodpeckers). The female does not appear to be an adult. She has some yellow on the lower abdomen between her legs that is only visible when she turns away from the trunk. There is no black upper breast band or yellow below that. LOCATION: At the south east corner of the chainlink fence surrounding the mine, there is a fieldstone column. Walk east on the trail downhill from the column about 500 feet, and on the right, 30 feet from the trail, you will see a pine tree about 2 feet in diameter at the base with rows of active holes that face the trail. The holes start about 5 feet above the ground and extend up about 30 feet. It is possible to stand quietly on the trail and watch the female 30 feet away with the naked eye. Although she works the surrounding trees, she returns periodically to check the holes. The male is a textbook adult male. The two upper white eyestripes very nearly join together at the back of the head. LOCATION: On the north side of the mine site, there is a restroom currently out of service. On the north side of the restroom, there is a trail extending north up the hill. About 400 feet up the hill, there is a second chain link fence enclosure to the right (east). Just before reaching the second enclosure, about 100 feet downslope on the left (west) side of the trail, there are two larger pine trees where the drilling activity can be seen from the trail. The bases of the trees have been burned. This area appears to be the male's area in the 'his and hers' arrangement. It would be interesting to know if they share holes or not. One of the State Park Staff said that the female had been missing so he was happy to see the bird back. There must be other feeding stations around if the bird can leave for a few days in winter and reappear. Tim Cooper 619-884-6131 ------------------------------------Subject: Dos WISA's From: "timcooper8993" <timcooper8993 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:12:44 -0000 Jan 29, 2012 - 10:00 am/ Stonewall Mine. There are now two Williamson's Sapsuckers using the pine trees in the vicinty of the Stonewall Mine: one female and one male. The female is generally located in the pine trees south and east of the mine site that is enclosed by the chain link fence northeast of the parking lot. The male is located in the more open stand of pine trees north and slightly west of the mine site. In both cases, the trees being worked by the birds show clear evidence of activity. By comparison, the Williamson's sap holes are much larger than Red Naped/Red Breasted sapsucker holes. They are also shaped differently. Williamson's sap hole are oval in shape with the long axis from side to side. When you see the holes, it's clear why the Williamson's have proportionately much longer bills given the thickness of the bark that they're drilling. Given colder temps at higher elevations and the tendency for sap to freeze, bigger holes make sense too. It's not clear if the holes start out as ovals or get that way over time. As they move up and down the trunk, the birds tap at the holes to their left and their right - a bit like us holding up tacos and turning our heads for a bite. The birds are quiet so identifying trees in use may be the best way to locate them. The female made some slight mewing sounds while checking holes, but the male was silent. They were tapping on live wood so their tap cadence did not exactly resound (compared to the acorn woodpeckers). The female does not appear to be an adult. She has some yellow on the lower abdomen between her legs that is only visible when she turns away from the trunk. There is no black upper breast band or yellow below that. LOCATION: At the south east corner of the chainlink fence surrounding the mine, there is a fieldstone column. Walk east on the trail downhill from the column about 500 feet, and on the right, 30 feet from the trail, you will see a pine tree about 2 feet in diameter at the base with rows of active holes that face the trail. The holes start about 5 feet above the ground and extend up about 30 feet. It is possible to stand quietly on the trail and watch the female 30 feet away with the naked eye. Although she works the surrounding trees, she returns periodically to check the holes. The male is a textbook adult male. The two upper white eyestripes very nearly join together at the back of the head. LOCATION: On the north side of the mine site, there is a restroom currently out of service. On the north side of the restroom, there is a trail extending north up the hill. About 400 feet up the hill, there is a second chain link fence enclosure to the right (east). Just before reaching the second enclosure, about 100 feet downslope on the left (west) side of the trail, there are two larger pine trees where the drilling activity can be seen from the trail. The bases of the trees have been burned. This area appears to be the male's area in the 'his and hers' arrangement. It would be interesting to know if they share holes or not. One of the State Park Staff said that the female had been missing so he was happy to see the bird back. There must be other feeding stations around if the bird can leave for a few days in winter and reappear. Tim Cooper 619-884-6131 ------------------------------------Subject: Jacumba Vermilions, Tierrasanta WETA & other highlights of the week, 1-29-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:53:02 -0800 (GMT-08:00) SD-Birders, It had been a while since I visited Jacumba, so I went there this AM and had highlight birds including two male VERMILION FLYCATCHERS (1st year & an adult) wintering on the east edge of town. There were also 95 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS, four OAK TITMOUSES around town, a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER in the properties west of town, and a vocal PURPLE FINCH visiting a feeder right along old rte 80. Also of note is that the natural spring on the west edge of town is at full gush, and the old pond is the fullest I have seen, producing my first ever AMERICAN COOT in Jacumba, plus VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA. I drove up to Cibbet's Flat along Kitchen Creek Road and saw a vocal HAIRY WOODPECKER in the scrub visiting yucca stalks! Odd. Yesterday while scoping off the Torrey Pines Gliderport, a 1st cycle GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL floated by, but otherwise the ocean was dead. On Tuesday I had to make a mid-day run home and heard a WESTERN TANAGER calling, then adding in brief phrases of song. I presume this is the same bird that had wintered here the previous two years, but it is surprising that this is the first I have detected it (other than a "maybe" detection in November). Jay Keller, San Diego ------------------------------------Subject: contuing Blue-headed Vireo and others...... From: Mark Stratton <zostropz AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:55:33 -0800 This morning, I'm guessing around 7:30 am, myself, Camille, and a 3rd birder (I'm sorry I don't know your name) had a brief view of the continuing Blue-headed Vireo. He was in the Euc at the previously mentioned location on San Gorgonio in Pt. Loma, and then flew across the street into the tree/hedge thing above the street and then disappeared for the remainder of our time there. We did have the Summer Tanager as well as a Black-throated gray, and a Wilson's Warbler. From there, we went down to San Fernando and about 4 houses to the north, (the house with a ton of trees and plants on the West side of the street, I think it's 510) We had what I am pretty sure was a Tennessee Warbler. It was in the tree all the way up against the left side of the house, where the porch is so it was a little too distant to be possitive. After this, we headed for Ramona where the day was rounded out with the continuing Tundra Swan at the Roadside pond just north of Ramona, and a Rufous-crowned Sparrow in Pamo Valley. Rangeland Road had no fewer than 3 Ferruginous Hawks, 2 Bald Eagles (1 near adult and 1 juvenile), and a few mountain Bluebirds along with the normal stuff. Mark and Camille Stratton North Park zostropz AT gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ |