Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from San Luis Obispo County > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Wednesday, March 17 at 07:46 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Mongolian Finch,©Tony Disley

17 Mar Wednesday in East County [William Bouton ] 17 Mar Purple Martins/Leucistic Brewer's Blackbird [Roger Zachary ] 17 Mar The Pond by River Oaks Spa ["ingrid.penman AT att.net" ] 17 Mar Poorwill and Saw-whet [Jim Royer ] 17 Mar MDO Turkey ["pairagreenfalcons" ] 16 Mar el chorro regional park [Alan Schmierer ] 16 Mar Cerro Alto Campground [Roger Zachary ] 16 Mar Bob Jones Trail birds and See Canyon owls 3/14/10 ["Tony Kurz" ] 16 Mar A few Birds 3/14-3/15 ["schaeferross" ] 14 Mar Red-necked Grebe at Estero Bluffs State Park, San Geronimo Creek ["richardjnorton AT dslextreme.com" ] 13 Mar Elephant Seal Beach & Cerro Alto [Brian McHugh ] 14 Mar Morro Coast Audubon program Monday evening [Tom Maloney ] 13 Mar White-fronted Geese and Marbled Murrelets [] 12 Mar Continuing Glaucous Gull - San Luis Obispo Co. [Kathryn Parker ] 13 Mar Snow Goose Immature ["Tony Kurz" ] 12 Mar Morro Bay Hooded Oriole ["Kaaren Perry" ] 12 Mar Harlequin Duck [Maggie Smith ] 12 Mar Continuing Glaucous Gull and Snow Goose 3/11/10 ["Tony Kurz" ] 11 Mar Harliquin Duck [Roger Zachary ] 11 Mar Warbling Vireo [Maggie Smith ] 11 Mar Montana De Oro State Park ["steve schubert" ] 9 Mar Carrizo Plain sightings [Oscar Johnson ] 09 Mar Laguna Lake ["calidridsp" ] 8 Mar San Simeon Birds 3/7 [Maggie Smith ] 08 Mar Northpoint murreletts ["Kaaren Perry" ] 08 Mar Whale Rock Reservoir eagles ["Kaaren Perry" ] 7 Mar North Coast [Jim Royer ] 7 Mar Deer Canyon Ravens, Doves, Migrants ["Brad Schram" ] 6 Mar Rufous Hummer ["cheryl lish" ] 6 Mar Egrets and Ducks [Jim Royer ] 4 Mar Western Kingbird [Maggie Smith ] 4 Mar RUFOUS HUMMER [Alan Schmierer ] 3 Mar Glaucous Gull [] 3 Mar White-throated Sparrow [Maggie Smith ] 3 Mar Re: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds [Calvin French ] 03 Mar Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds ["sharumkathy" ] 3 Mar [ADMIN]: RE: Suggestions on Attaching file ["Mike Stiles" ] 2 Mar Suggestions on Attaching file [Jim Royer ] 2 Mar Fwd: Weird Duck and other recent sightings [Jim Royer ] 2 Mar Weird Duck and other recent sightings [Jim Royer ] 2 Mar Tuesday Birds [Roger Zachary ] 1 Mar Sapsucker [William Bouton ] 1 Mar Golden-crowned Kinglet [Maggie Smith ] 28 Feb North East County and Carrizo Plain Birds 2/28 [Maggie Smith ] 27 Feb Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds ["sharumkathy" ] 26 Feb RE: RE: Drunk birds? ["Nancy Mann" ] 26 Feb RE: Drunk birds? ["Ron Ruppert" ] 25 Feb Re: Glaucous Gull [Alan Schmierer ] 26 Feb Burrowing Owl on the Sand Spit in Morro Bay ["sayers68" ] 25 Feb RE: Glaucous Gull ["Lethaby, Nick" ] 25 Feb Glaucous Gull [] 26 Feb No Subject [Kara Hagedorn ] 25 Feb Atascadero- Rufous Hummingbird [Roger Zachary ] 23 Feb East SLO County [Jim Royer ] 23 Feb North Coast [Roger Zachary ] 22 Feb saw-whet owl ["steve schubert" ] 22 Feb RINGED TURTLE-DOVE [Alan Schmierer ] 21 Feb Glaucous Gull [Jim Royer ] 21 Feb Golden-crowned Kinglets/Oceano Campground [Maggie Smith ] 21 Feb Grace's Warbler-Morro Bay State Park [] 20 Feb Cliff Swallows [Maggie Smith ] 20 Feb PASO ROBLES ["maryann_ambrose" ] 20 Feb Carrizo Plain Natl. Monument Birds ["sharumkathy" ] 19 Feb Atascadero-Selasphorus sp. [Roger Zachary ] 18 Feb North County birds 2/18 [Maggie Smith ] 17 Feb Skimmers [William Bouton ] 16 Feb peregrines [RoserComeau ] 16 Feb North Coast 2/16 [Maggie Smith ] 15 Feb Bird pics ["rebecca" ] 14 Feb poorwill ["steve schubert" ] 14 Feb recent fun stuff ["cheryl lish" ] 13 Feb Black Scoters Continue at Little Pico Creek [] 13 Feb Orchard and Bullocks Orioles and a few continuing winter visitors ["Kaaren Perry" ] 13 Feb Yellow Billed Magpie ["flenchfry" ] 13 Feb Re: Reporting sensitive species [Kathleen Kent ] 13 Feb Reporting sensitive species [Maggie Smith ] Subject: Wednesday in East County From: William Bouton <bbouton AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:46:25 -0700 Today on Bitterwater Road: one FERRUGINOUS HAWK, 140 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS, On a pond along Seven Mile Road on the Carrizo Plain: 46 drake NORTHERN SHOVELERS (no females), 42 CINNAMON TEAL (many appeared to be paired), one drake PINTAIL. On Belmont Road, California Valley, 120 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS. At various locations during the drive of a long Carrizo Plain loop: 4 PRAIRIE FALCONS. Bill Bouton San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA bbouton AT charter.net www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/sets/ Subject: Purple Martins/Leucistic Brewer's Blackbird From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:11:27 -0700 Hello All, I've been waiting for the Purple Martins to return this season and saw three individuals (1 male and 2 females) at the usual spot on San Gabriel Road and Highway 41 in Atascadero. In San Luis Obispo at Laguna Lake I also observed a leucistic male Brewer's Blackbird. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: The Pond by River Oaks Spa From: "ingrid.penman AT att.net" <ingrid.penman@att.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:54:03 -0000 There was a Common Merganser, a couple of Cinnamon Teal, and some Ring Necked Ducks. Ingrid Penman Paso Robles Subject: Poorwill and Saw-whet From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:14:29 -0700 I road out to Montana de Oro 3/16 and had at least 4 Poorwill on Islay Creek Road in the hour after sunset. On the ride home, I had a Saw-whet Owl calling incessantly about 1/4 to 1/2 mile on the Los Osos side of Hazard Canyon. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: MDO Turkey From: "pairagreenfalcons" <ososclan AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:26:26 -0000 On Tuesday morning there was a lone female wild turkey near the Hazard Canyon Parking lot. She eventually made it up to the KEEP campus. In my 25 years of working out at MDO this is the first time I have seen one there. Dean Thompson Los Osos Subject: el chorro regional park From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:04:35 -0700 (PDT) I birded for a short time this morning at El Chorro Regional Park. Of interest was a male "hybrid" NORTHERN FLICKER. It looked like a "Yellow-shafted", but there was a red mustache and the head was gray like a "Red-shafted". Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/4439202292/in/set-72157603251712155/. Several PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS were singing along the creek. The RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was still in the most eastern California pepper trees. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Cerro Alto Campground From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:55 -0700 Hello, This morning I walked the road up to the campground from the front parking area. It was fairly active with some migrant activity. I got three new year birds including a Pacific-slope Flycatcher, male Wilson's Warbler, and several Warbling Vireos. It also saw several House Wrens, a male Townsend's, singing Orange-crowneds, and Yellow- rumped Warblers. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bob Jones Trail birds and See Canyon owls 3/14/10 From: "Tony Kurz" <tonyk_71220 AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:48:50 -0000 Walking along the Bob Jones trail this morning I had 8 Common Goldeneye in the San Luis River next to the Country Club. There was also a 1 Aleution Cackling goose actually on the golf course with some Canada Geese. Along the river was a Cassin's Kingbird calling, but never saw the kingbird. Later that night I headed up to See Canyon to look for Saw Whet Owl. I stopped many times where the road turns into dirt and opens up. I finally got a Saw whet to call back to my recording at the Windmill. There was also plenty of Western-screech Owls singing. I then headed out towards Morro Bay to try and get a response from a Black Rail. I tried in most of the known places that have been successful in the past, which included Turri Road, Elfin Forest, and Sweet Water Preserve. After trying very hard with a recording I had no luck, but I did make an interesting find at the start of Turri Road and South Bay Blvd down in the salt marsh. I found a dead Leach's Storm Peterl! Good day of birding! Tony Kurz Arcata Humboldt County Subject: A few Birds 3/14-3/15 From: "schaeferross" <schaeferross AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:24:14 -0000 I checked offshore San Geronimo Creek on 3/14. At about 8:40 in the morning, Spotted Sandpipers, a Surfbird, Black Turnstones, and Black Oystercatches were on the beach and rocks along the shore. I then crossed the creek and began scoping the ocean for Marbled Murrelets. At the end of the bluff, a male Harlequin Duck was chasing a very unhappy female Surf Scoter. On the beach in this area were 5 Ruddy Turnstones. They were with 3 Sanderlings. After scoping for half an hour, we finally found two Marbled Murrelets, quite a distance off, floating together. Today, 3/15, we had our fos Rufous Hummingbird at are feeders. It was a brihgt, feisty male. Ross Schaefer Atascadero Subject: Red-necked Grebe at Estero Bluffs State Park, San Geronimo Creek From: "richardjnorton AT dslextreme.com" <richardjnorton@dslextreme.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:03:11 -0700 This afternoon there was a Red-necked Grebe off of Estero Bluffs State Park, south of San Geronimo Creek. Spent over an hour walking along the bluffs and along the beach unsuccessfully scanning the water for Marbled Murrelets. Dick Norton Topanga, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Elephant Seal Beach & Cerro Alto From: Brian McHugh <orrock1946 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:45:42 -0800 My husband Dennis and I had a nice day out today, in the glorious Central Coast sunshine and light. At the Elephany Seal Beach we saw the Glaucous Gull at Noon (later reported by another birder at 2:30pm). And a California Gull, and a Western Gull. At the Cerro Alto we saw WESTERN JUNCOS (several), SCRUB JAYS, a CALIFORNIA TOWHEE (who came within 3 feet of us, eating), a SPOTTED TOWHEE (very bright colours), TV's (of course), and the best were a gang of STELLAR'S JAYS - screaming their hards off. Also (Im fairly sure) a WHITE-TAILED KITE. Nice Day! Brian McHugh Santa Maria Brian McHugh orrock1946 AT gmail.com 805.406.6206 (mobile) http://briansalmostdailyreflections.blogspot.com/ http://briansgayblog.blogspot.com/ http://sermonsbybrian.blogspot.com/ "It is possible to be morally upright repulsively." (Archbishop William Temple) "Zen is simple, simple simple.Have infinite gratitude for all that is past. Infinite service for all that is present and infinite responsibility for all that is future." Subject: Morro Coast Audubon program Monday evening From: Tom Maloney <calidridsp AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:22:07 -0700 (PDT) Monday, March 15th 7pm at El Chorro Park, SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion (across from Cuesta College)   What do you get when over a dozen of the most talented bird photographers in the county contribute 1100 of their best bird photos? The answer is “Birds of SLO” slideshow, the program for the March 15th MCAS meeting. The majority of photos were taken locally in 2009, but there are a few from outside our county line or taken prior to 2009. The presentation will include over 200 species. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and the diversity. This is a show not to be missed! ~Dave Keeling, program coordinator [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White-fronted Geese and Marbled Murrelets From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:21:56 EST This morning Roger Zachary and I saw 22 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE from Foothill Road. The birds were beyond the fence northwest of the Foothill Road marsh. Earlier we saw a male EURASIAN WIGEON on Morro Bay from South Bay Blvd along with five Canada Geese. Yesterday afternoon, six MARBLED MURRELETS were seen offshore for the bluff top at San Geronimo Creek, Estero Bluffs State Park. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Continuing Glaucous Gull - San Luis Obispo Co. From: Kathryn Parker <jandkparker AT mindspring.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:06:30 -0800 This afternoon about 2:30, the continuing juvenile GLAUCOUS GULL was preening on the beach at the Elephant Seal Overlook just south of Piedras Blancas. Kathy Parker Los Gatos Subject: Snow Goose Immature From: "Tony Kurz" <tonyk_71220 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:27:47 -0000 I just wanted to make it clear that the Snow Goose that was just off of Turri Road out in the bay was a Juvenile bird. Not pure white kinda dirty in color. Tony Kurz Subject: Morro Bay Hooded Oriole From: "Kaaren Perry" <surfbird1 AT att.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:32:37 -0000 This afternoon 3/12, a male Hooded Oriole was seen from my yard. The wintering Cassins Kingbird, Black-throated Gray and Nashville Warbler are still being seen. Kaaren Perry Morro Bay Subject: Harlequin Duck From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:11:39 -0800 (PST) This morning� the male HARLEQUIN DUCK� found by Roger and Ruth Zachary yesterday was further north in the cove below the Fig Tree parking lot. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande http://www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Continuing Glaucous Gull and Snow Goose 3/11/10 From: "Tony Kurz" <tonyk_71220 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:03:34 -0000 The GLAUCOUS GULL continued just North of San Siemen, but before the Elephant seal observation platform. The bird was asleep with a group of gulls just south of the platform on a sandy beach that is closed to the public. Right out from Turri Road in the Bay was 1 SNOW GOOSE with several Canada geese. That was around 230 this afternoon. Tony Kurz Arcata Humboldt County Subject: Harliquin Duck From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:39:22 -0800 Hello, Ruth and I birded the Estero Bluffs this morning and saw the male Harliquin Duck. It was about 1/4 mile north of San Geronimo Creek. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Warbling Vireo From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:58:20 -0800 (PST) This morning at Cerro Alto, I� had my fos� WARBLING VIREO near the top of the road to the main campground.� It was quite drab and silent. Five MOUNTAIN QUAIL were further up the trail beyond the main campground where the creek crosses the trail.� They were silent too. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Montana De Oro State Park From: "steve schubert" <s_schub1 AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:16:55 -0800 Hello all, Yesterday, 3-10, there were 40 Pigeon Guillemots floating on the surface at Spooner's Cove, the first of the year that I have seen there. On Tuesday a number of widely scattered flocks of up to 50 Brant flew north throughout the day during the gale-forced onshore winds, but I saw no flocks at all yesterday during the same windy afternoon conditions. Bands of California Gulls have also been moving north. Steve Schubert Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Carrizo Plain sightings From: Oscar Johnson <henicorhina AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 08:38:22 -0800 (PST) Passing along a few sightings from Matt Brady, who is out in the Carrizo right now, without internet access. Sage Thrasher - 1 to 3 passing through per day Vesper Sparrow - small flocks Turkey Vulture - a single migrant Ferruginous Hawk - still present in numbers, 10 seen in one day Mountain Plover - 150 still present near Gray Barn off Panorama Road Le Conte's Thrasher - seen in small numbers, including just past the gray barn Good birding, Oscar Johnson Santa Cruz [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Laguna Lake From: "calidridsp" <calidridsp AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:07:28 -0000 On a walk to enjoy the early spring wildflowers at Laguna Lake (chocolate lillies, larkspurs, poppies, lupines, blue dicks, chia, popcorn flower etc...) I heard three singing grasshopper sparrows, saw four rufous -crowned sparrows, heard and saw rock wrens heard and saw one Cassin's kingbird and flushed a common poorwill. Two pied-billed grebes were on the lake. Cheers, Tom Maloney SLO Subject: San Simeon Birds 3/7 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:06:56 -0800 (PST) This morning Doug Stinson and I walked part of� the� San Simeon State Park Trail which starts at the Washburn Day Use Area. At the upstream bridge we saw a female YELLOW-SHAFTED NORTHER FLICKER. In� the marsh area� we heard a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.� An immature BALD EAGLE soared over the marsh and across to the ocean side of Hwy 1 http://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/ncguide.htm#sasitr Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande http://www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Northpoint murreletts From: "Kaaren Perry" <surfbird1 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:02:08 -0000 2 Marbled Murrelets were seen directly off shore from the bluff viewing area at Northpoint this morning, 3/8 at 9:00. They were inland from a group of about 50 Clarks and Western Grebes. Kaaren Perry Morro Bay Subject: Whale Rock Reservoir eagles From: "Kaaren Perry" <surfbird1 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:44:13 -0000 On Saturday, 3/7, there were 2 Golden Eagles and one adult and one sub-adult Bald Eagle seen from Whale Rock Reservoir. For a few seconds all of these birds were loosely associating before disappearing over the hills. Also of some interest were 20 Ring-necked Ducks and one female Common Merganser. Kaaren Perry Morro Bay Subject: North Coast From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 17:59:41 -0800 Today I cycled up to the Elephant Seal observation spot just south of Piedras Blancas. The first winter Glaucous Gull was still there. On the way there, I heard my first Grasshopper Sparrow of the year just north of Villa Creek, on the ocean side Highway 1. A Cassin's Kingbird was calling just north of there on the inland side of the highway just before the partially painted-over 4H sign in some eucs. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Deer Canyon Ravens, Doves, Migrants From: "Brad Schram" <gonebrdn AT lightspeed.net> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:41:57 -0800 I was surprised this morning to hear a raven flying by; close attention found three ravens strung out flying over the canyon and then north over the ridge toward Edna Valley. Although averaging about one raven sighting a year here, three is the largest "count" in ten years at the canyon--and I don't remember any last year. Eurasian Collared Doves nest in Corbett Canyon (off which Deer Canyon is a spur) now, and I suspect them nesting near the mouth of Deer Canyon. Yesterday's thirty (estimate during drive-by) perched together in Corbett Canyon is a historically high total here. The past ten days have produced the occasional migrant going through: an Osprey, the occasional accipiter, a sub-adult Golden Eagle (resident eagles, seen overhead fairly regularly), and now and then a flock of swallows--predominantly Tree thus far. Brad Schram Arroyo Grande, CA http://flickr.com/photos/chaparralbrad/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rufous Hummer From: "cheryl lish" <cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 19:18:01 -0800 I noted an adult male Rufous Hummingbird in my yard - on Fri 3/5. He's frequenting the Chasmanthe patch - have not seen him at my feeders. I've also noticed White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers frequenting the Chasmanthe. I know this plant is not native, and it naturalizes but I feel it's controlable and it's contribution has value. The Broad-billed Hummer that over wintered here rarely came to my feeders after early December. I typically saw him under the oaks at the Chasmanthes - he defended that area. Cheryl Lish Arroyo Grande cheryl lish cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Egrets and Ducks From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 12:04:08 -0800 More than just ticking species off, I like to see bird behavior that is new to me on my daily birding. In the last two weeks I have observed Snowy Egrets feeding with two species of ducks in and near Cuesta Inlet of Morro Bay. On 3/1/10, I observed a Snowy Egret feeding with an adult male Red-breasted Merganser (pictured). The merganser fed by swimming below or mostly below the surface of the shallow water and the egret followed it, apparently looking for animals stirred up by the duck. In turn, when the egret stirred up sediment by moving it's foot around, the merganser came over and appeared to be watching for anything brought up by the egret. Both were clearly following the other and feeding off the efforts of the other species (mutualism). I watched this for about ten to fifteen minutes before walking on. On 2/21/10, and again on 3/3/10, I observed a Snowy Egret (the same one?) standing next to a group of Blue-winged Teal (pictured). It was clearly watching for anything it could eat as the teal moved their bills through the sediment both below and slightly above the water. It was a low tide both times. The teal appeared to ignore the egret both times I observed the egret feeding next to the teal. It appeared to be a very one way relationship (commensalism) as the egret ate things stirred up by the teal, but it contributed nothing and the teal appeared to be oblivious to the egret's presence as they were concentrating on their feeding in the muck. Cattle Egrets feeding on insects stirred up by cattle is well known, but this was the first I had seen or heard of Snowies feeding cooperatively with ducks. I did find an article on Little Blue Herons commensaly feeding with White Ibis (The AUK 95: 667-681, October, 1978). I have posted pictures of such feeding, and the weird duck near Cuesta, on my blog noted below. Jim Royer Los Osos, CA http://greenbirding.blogspot.com/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Western Kingbird From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 13:07:21 -0800 (PST) Slightly before sunrise this morning I heard my fos� COMMON GROUND-DOVE calling from the lemon groves off Dana Foothill in Nipomo http://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/scguide.htm#daforo I then headed up over the grade and found� a WESTERN KINGBIRD on Hwy 58 at mm 29. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande http://www.flickr.com/photos/slomaggie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RUFOUS HUMMER From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 13:14:41 -0800 (PST) We had our first-of-spring male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at our feeder today. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Glaucous Gull From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 20:37:57 EST This afternoon the continuing first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was at the elephant seal rookery located along Hwy 1 just south of Point Piedras Blancas. It was again seen south of the parking lot. Lots of gulls there and at Arroyo Laguna. I didn't have a scope with me, but wish I had to get a better look at a couple of interesting gulls. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White-throated Sparrow From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:47:32 -0800 (PST) This morning Al and I had a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in the lower parking lot at Cerro Alto Campground. It was with a small group of Golden-crowned Sparrows. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande http://www.flickr.com/photos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds From: Calvin French <cal.french AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 14:05:44 -0800 Yesterday, we had 52 LESSER GOLDFINCHES at a feeder and on scattered feed. Cal French 35.68 N; -120.95 W On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 09:58, sharumkathy wrote: > > > Yesterday, Mar. 2, there were three LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH at the Washburn > Ranch and today there are three here at the MU. In a previous post I had > forgotten to mention sighting a LESSER GOLDFINCH in a willow near the > Saucito Ranch on Feb. 25. > > Kathy Sharum > Carrizo Plain National Monument > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds From: "sharumkathy" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:58:33 -0000 Yesterday, Mar. 2, there were three LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH at the Washburn Ranch and today there are three here at the MU. In a previous post I had forgotten to mention sighting a LESSER GOLDFINCH in a willow near the Saucito Ranch on Feb. 25. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: [ADMIN]: RE: Suggestions on Attaching file From: "Mike Stiles" <mstiles AT calpoly.edu> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 07:47:33 -0800 Jim Royer raised the question of why his attachments do not show on his slocobirding posts. I have it set so that Yahoo strips all attachments from posts to avoid viruses. If you want to share photos with the group, it is best done through a personal photo sharing site like Flikr or Picasa, which are available for free and easy to operate. Photos can also be uploaded to the slocobirding photo gallery (but only members who have created a Yahoo account can view the gallery). Mike Stiles Los Osos owner-slocobirding [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Suggestions on Attaching file From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:29:33 -0800 Any ideas on why my attached files sent via gmail are not going through? Jim Royer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fwd: Weird Duck and other recent sightings From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:21:37 -0800 Second try on attachments. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Weird Duck and other recent sightings From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:04:04 -0800 On Sunday, 2/28, I found an immature Bald Eagle and 2 pairs of Ring-necked Ducks at Whale Rock Reservoir and one Great-tailed Grackle at the Cloisters Pond in Morro Bay. Yesterday, 3/1, I had the weird duck (smew hybrid?) which is attached in photos (sorry, it would not let me get close) near Cuesta College along with my season's first Barn, Rough-winged and Cliff Swallows. I photographed the odd duck with a Bufflehead for comparison. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tuesday Birds From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:24:49 -0800 Hello, Just a few birds of interest to report today. At Whale Rock Reservoir (Cottontail Creek area) there were several Violet-green Swallows among numerous Tree Swallows, one Red-throated Loon, and a pair of adult Bald Eagles. In Morro Bay just out from the Coast Guard Pier to the north a breeding plumage Pigeon Guillemot was observed. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sapsucker From: William Bouton <bbouton AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 17:51:55 -0800 Today at Lopez Lake, there were 34 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. I don't know if that is a typical number out there this winter, but is more than I've been used to seeing at that location. In Upper Lopez Canyon, where the stream fords were deeper than usual (twice water rolled up the hood of my Outback as far as my wipers), I observed one male YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. Bill Bouton San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 bbouton AT charter.net www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/sets/ Subject: Golden-crowned Kinglet From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 12:04:06 -0800 (PST) This morning Doug Stinson and I saw a single GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET in the willows at Oso Flaco Lake.� It was silent and with Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Bushtits. The water level is very high on the lake and devoid of� ducks and rails. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North East County and Carrizo Plain Birds 2/28 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:35:00 -0800 (PST) Tom Edell and I� had some good sightings today. Cholame Road was flooded and in fog, but we did see a dark morph FERRUGINOUS� HAWK. No signs of migration yet, but a Cinnamon Teal� smimming in the road was a first for me. Next we headed over Bitterwater Road and stopped to take point counts in a few spots. Most surprising was 4 AMERICAN CROWS� followed by a Common Raven.� Further along we estimated about 450 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS near a seasonal lake that hasn't filled for at least 6 years. Just east of the Twisselman Ranch on Bitterwater Road, we had a GOLDEN EAGLE and an immature BALD EAGLE.� Two more Golden Eagles were seen on Hwy 58 in California Valley. Soda Lake has water and we saw 24 male NORTHERN SHOVELERS and nothing else. We stopped at San Juan Bridge on Hwy 58 and saw a single (fos) NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW. Finally we checked out a private pond on Creston Road in Paso Robles and saw 1 female WOOD DUCK, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE and 1 CACKLING GOOSE. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Carrizo Plain Birds and MU Ranch Birds From: "sharumkathy" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:54:03 -0000 This post is mostly for those interested in knowing what birds are moving through when. After reporting all LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH gone for the winter, a male-female pair showed up on Jan. 31 and stayed only for that day. Also on that day a HERMIT THRUSH showed up and stayed through Feb. 25. On Feb. 21, we had a flock of est. 230 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD and one AMERICAN ROBIN. The robin is still here. On Feb. 25, one BLACK PHOEBE arrived and stayed for a couple of days. We have received much rain in the last few days so Carrizo birders, be mindful of muddy and slippery conditions. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: RE: RE: Drunk birds? From: "Nancy Mann" <nmann AT cuesta.edu> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:29:09 -0800 They're probably Cedar Waxwings eating fermenting pyracantha berries NJM -----Original Message----- From: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ron Ruppert Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 11:33 AM To: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com Cc: nick powell Subject: [slocobirding] RE: Drunk birds? Nick, There are others who have more specific knowledge of what is happening in downtown SLO with birds. I will forward this to our bird list serve and request that anyone who cares to respond, to respond directly to you nick.powell AT att.net If a member responds please cc me rruppert AT cuesta.edu so I can see if anyone responds. If not I can respond with some general information that I have gleaned over the years. Thanks in advance, Ron Ruppert ________________________________ From: nick powell [mailto:nick.powell AT att.net ] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:35 AM To: Ron Ruppert Subject: Drunk birds? Mr. Ruppert, I was in your Natural Science class a few semesters back and really enjoyed it. I'm currently interning at the New Times and hope you can help me out with an article. I found about 10 dead birds on the sidewalk downtown, and the guy picking them up told me it happens every year when migrating birds come through, get drunk off of special berries, and fly into windows. Have you heard of this? What species of bird does this? They were little gray jobs with a streak of yellow. Do you know what berry gets them drunk and why it might not effect local birds? Thanks for your help. You can call me if you'd like at home: 771-8247, or just reply to the email. -Nick Powell nick.powell AT att.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Drunk birds? From: "Ron Ruppert" <rruppert AT cuesta.edu> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:32:35 -0800 Nick, There are others who have more specific knowledge of what is happening in downtown SLO with birds. I will forward this to our bird list serve and request that anyone who cares to respond, to respond directly to you nick.powell AT att.net If a member responds please cc me rruppert AT cuesta.edu so I can see if anyone responds. If not I can respond with some general information that I have gleaned over the years. Thanks in advance, Ron Ruppert ________________________________ From: nick powell [mailto:nick.powell AT att.net] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:35 AM To: Ron Ruppert Subject: Drunk birds? Mr. Ruppert, I was in your Natural Science class a few semesters back and really enjoyed it. I'm currently interning at the New Times and hope you can help me out with an article. I found about 10 dead birds on the sidewalk downtown, and the guy picking them up told me it happens every year when migrating birds come through, get drunk off of special berries, and fly into windows. Have you heard of this? What species of bird does this? They were little gray jobs with a streak of yellow. Do you know what berry gets them drunk and why it might not effect local birds? Thanks for your help. You can call me if you'd like at home: 771-8247, or just reply to the email. -Nick Powell nick.powell AT att.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Glaucous Gull From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:02:29 -0800 (PST) The gulls are eating primarily dead pups. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets ________________________________ From: "Lethaby, Nick" To: "TEdell AT aol.com" ; "slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com" Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 6:32:10 PM Subject: RE: [slocobirding] Glaucous Gull Is this (and other) gull there because of the Elephant Seal after birth still? Or has all that been eaten. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: slocobirding AT yahoogroups. com [mailto:slocobirding AT yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of TEdell AT aol.com Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 5:54 PM To: slocobirding AT yahoogroups. com Subject: [slocobirding] Glaucous Gull The first winter GLAUCOUS GULL continued at the Elephant Seal rookery along Hwy 1 south of Point Piedras Blancas this afternoon around 1 PM. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Burrowing Owl on the Sand Spit in Morro Bay From: "sayers68" <sayers68 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:12:16 -0000 Saw a single burrowing owl on the tip of the sandspit today near Sandals Cove (City property). It was in the exact same area I have seen them in past years. It had (or was using) a small "burrow" under some large rocks. We were putting up plover fencing and flushed it from it's hiding spot. It flew off and we did not see it the rest of the day. I think this is the third year in a row I have seen them in that spot at this time of year. One year it was a pair though. John Sayers Los Osos, CA Subject: RE: Glaucous Gull From: "Lethaby, Nick" <nlethaby AT ti.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:32:10 -0600 Is this (and other) gull there because of the Elephant Seal after birth still? Or has all that been eaten. ________________________________ From: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of TEdell AT aol.com Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 5:54 PM To: slocobirding AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [slocobirding] Glaucous Gull The first winter GLAUCOUS GULL continued at the Elephant Seal rookery along Hwy 1 south of Point Piedras Blancas this afternoon around 1 PM. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Glaucous Gull From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:53:40 EST The first winter GLAUCOUS GULL continued at the Elephant Seal rookery along Hwy 1 south of Point Piedras Blancas this afternoon around 1 PM. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: No Subject From: Kara Hagedorn <naturerulesu2 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:11:41 +0000 I flushed 8 Common Snipe this morning walking through the grass and wetland in my back field. I also saw my first tree swallow of the year sitting on one of my nest boxes. Last Sunday, Feb. 21st, a gorgeous adult Golden Eagle caught thermals over our back yard and on Feb12th, there were 3 male and 5 female Hooded Mergansers in a vernal pool off the Santa Margarita Farms Fire road behind our house. I was just heading out of town and forgot to post it. When I returned a few days later they were gone. Kara Hagedorn Atascadero, CA _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Atascadero- Rufous Hummingbird From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:32:31 -0800 Hello, The hummers are coming. At 1:30 p.m. a beautiful male Rufous Humminbird visited my feeders. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: East SLO County From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:42:33 -0800 Leif Rydell, his 10 year old son Hannis, and I birded from Atascadero out to Carrizo 2/23. We had a Cackling Goose at Atascadero Lake, a male Eurasian Wigeon and an adult Golden Eagle at the pond on the east side of 101 between Santa Margarita and Atascadero, a Phainopepla just east of milepost 16 on Highway 58 in an oak with mistletoe, two Golden Eagles on the Carrizo Plain near 58, 5 or 6 Ferruginous Hawks, 80-100 Tricolored Blackbirds near 58 and Bitterwater Road, 2 Sage Thrashers near the corral on Elkhorn Road north of Panorama, 3 LeConte's Thrashers on Panorama near the gravel quarry, and 41 Mountain Plovers on Panorama near the building on the south side of the road, below the quarry. We approached Panorama and left it via Elkhorn since it was still very muddy below. We had numerous Mt. Bluebirds and Sage Sparrows in many locations along Soda Lake Road. We also saw 2 coyotes, a badger, deer, antelope ground squirrels, hares, and pronghorn antelope. The rain held off until we were just leaving the last dirt road! Thanks to Maggie Smith and Kathy Sharum for their great directions. Jim Royer Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North Coast From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:04:16 -0800 Hello, Ruth and I birded the north coast looking for already reported birds. We were pretty lucky at finding our target species. At the north lookout at Leffingwell we saw 2 Marbled Murrelets; Little Pico Creek produced a male Black Scoter ( on our way back we saw a male and a female ); a White-winged Scoter was seen from San Simeon Pier; 18 Canada Geese and 4 Cackling Geese were out in a horse pasture at a ranch just northeast of Hearst Castle; and finally the Glaucous Gull was observed at the Elephant Seal viewing area. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: saw-whet owl From: "steve schubert" <s_schub1 AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:45:14 -0800 Hello all, Late tonight the prolonged, rapidly repeating 'toot toot toot' calls of a Northern Saw-whet Owl were heard from the eucalyptus trees above Camp KEEP in Montana De Oro State Park. Also, this morning a male Western Bluebird was calling and perched on the tether ball pole on the Camp KEEP campus, the first I have ever seen here. Steve Schubert [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RINGED TURTLE-DOVE From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:05:13 -0800 (PST) On route to the North Coast this morning Maggie and I spotted a very pale dove. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/4380307423/in/set-72157603251712155/ I think that it is a (or mostly a) Ringed Turtle-dove. It is considerably smaller than the Eurasian Collared-dove next to it, the primary tips are paler, overall color is much paler, but the under-tail is a bit ambiguous to me. It appears to have less black than a collared-dove, but the black edges to the outer retrices seems to run out past the under tail coverts like a collared. Comments are welcome. Some photos of the Glaucous Gull at the Elephant Seal Overlook are also in that series of photos. Alan Schmierer Morro Bay, CA PHOTOS AT: www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/sets [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Glaucous Gull From: Jim Royer <jrmotmot AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:51:50 -0800 A first winter Gaucous Gull was at the Elephant Seal viewing site near Piedras Blancas (about 7 miles north of San Simeon) today. Jim Royer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Golden-crowned Kinglets/Oceano Campground From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:50:42 -0800 (PST) Mid morning, I finally found 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS in the pines west of the campground in Oceano. Bushtits were in twos and carrying nesting material. Tree swallows are checking out cavities on the peninsula, and the trail around the lagoon is muddy in places but open again. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Grace's Warbler-Morro Bay State Park From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:53:33 EST A GRACE'S WARBLER was in Monterey pines on the north side of Black Hill in Morro Bay State Park this morning. It was in a loose mixed flock of passerines about 700 feet in from La Loma Street. Take the entrance path at La Loma and Las Tunas. I saw it in a tall pine down slope of the trail, but it could be anywhere on this side of Black Hill. Also with the flock was at least one PYGMY NUTHATCH and a single RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Cliff Swallows From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:43:38 -0800 (PST) Saw my first of season (FOS) CLIFF SWALLOWS (8) at Bitterwater Bridge off Hwy 46. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: PASO ROBLES From: "maryann_ambrose" <ambrose.m AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:35:07 -0000 Jerry & Mary Ann AMbrose have a couple sightings ofinterest fromt his week: The White throated Swifts appear to remainpresent in the vicinity of the Niblick Bridge. The same number (about a dozen) leads me to beleive they are roosting at the bridge and have been around most of the winter versus my original thought that they might be "nomadic" groups who travel around. Jerry saw the 2 Lewis's Woodpeckers off Golden Hills Road across from Lowe's on Thursday. Subject: Carrizo Plain Natl. Monument Birds From: "sharumkathy" <ksharum AT wildblue.net> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:34:44 -0000 During a raptor survey on Thursday the 18th., there were 64 mountain plover along with a group of 27 long-billed curlew on either side of the Fish and Game buildings on Panorama Road. The lower part of the road is still impassable. Norther harriers are being sighted more frequently and ferruginous hawks common on the Monument. This afternoon around 4:00PM I counted close to 500 avocets in Soda Lake about a mile south of the Overlook. They were visible from Soda Lake Road but much nicer through a scope. Kathy Sharum Carrizo Plain National Monument Subject: Atascadero-Selasphorus sp. From: Roger Zachary <rzachary AT charter.net> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:28:14 -0800 Hello All, This afternoon I saw my first for the season Selasphorus hummingbird at my feeders in Atascadero. Roger Zachary Atascadero http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloroger [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North County birds 2/18 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:05:35 -0800 (PST) As the fog was lifting, I heard a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL on Pozo Road where the national forest starts. Cerro Alto had a calling GREAT-HORNED OWL where we used to have pygmy owls.� Heard and saw 2� Brown Creepers, but no Golden-crowned Kinglets. Saw a stunning male and female WOOD DUCK on a private pond in Atascadero. Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Skimmers From: William Bouton <bbouton AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:21:54 -0800 While kayaking near the southeast end of the Morro Bay Estuary this morning (Wednesday 2/17) I noted two BLACK SKIMMERS in flight. Cheers, Bill Bouton San Luis Obsipo, CA bbouton AT charter.net www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: peregrines From: RoserComeau <rosercomeau AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:34:48 -0800 (PST) As I was passing the wetlands on Foothill Rd near Los Osos Valley Rd this afternoon, I noted ducks take flight, shorebirds assume defensive flocking flight, and the geese all take alert posture all at the same time.� As I scanned for a raptor one adult peregrine chased a second adult peregrine along the road beside me.� I don't remember seeing peregrines work that area before. � John Roser Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: North Coast 2/16 From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:27:07 -0800 (PST) A quick check of north coast spots yielded a few continuing birds of note. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was on the beach with 5 Black Turnstones at San Simeon Creek. The male BLACK SCOTER is still at Little Pico Creek and 6 SURFBIRDS� were at the middle vista point between the town of San san simeon and San Simeon Pier. Four MARBLED MURRELTS were seen from the observation spot at the most northern parking area on Moonstone Drive in Cambria. There were large numbers of gulls at the Elephant Seal viewing area and on Moonstone Drive.� Saw no unusual species and only a few Glaucous-winged Gulls. For directions to most of these spots, check out the bird guide link below. http://morrocoastaudubon.org/publications.php Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bird pics From: "rebecca" <shalvakitty AT tcsn.net> Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:35:46 -0800 Hi birders and photographers; I'm asking for a bit of help; I am giving a short talk on shorebirds and need some good photograghs of the following birds: Gulls, adults only --Heermann's Gull, California Gull, Western Gull and Glaucous-winged Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper Semi-palmated Plover, Killdeer Caspian Tern Brants, Double-crested, and Pelagic Cormorant Brown Pelican If you have good ones of any of these, and will let me use them, I would be much abliged. Please let me know where to find them asap, Thank you very much. Rebecca Fay [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: poorwill From: "steve schubert" <s_schub1 AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:40:05 -0800 Hello all, A Common Poorwill flushed off of Islay Creek Rd. in Montana De Oro State Park this evening at dusk, while I was running by, under clear skies and temp. 52*F. Steve Schubert Los Osos [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: recent fun stuff From: "cheryl lish" <cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:37:16 -0800 Hawks and such abound: a pair of Red-tailed and a pair of Red-shouldered briefly shared the same area of sky above my house yesterday. The Cooper's is showing up often - they'll likely be nesting in the creek oaks again this year. Last week, had a Sharp-shinned stop by briefly. Adult male Am. Kestrel is also visiting the yard. Have been hearing 3 or 4 Great Horned Owls, also the W. Screech Owl, vocalizing...(possibly 2 - I'll have to spend more time listening). A female Anna's Hummingbird has been frequenting my porch to collect spider webs and fluff from an old chair. The Titmice have been using fiber from this chair for a few years. Selasphorus hummers seem to be passing through. An Orange-crowned Warbler has been frequinting the Chasmanthe flowers (popular with hummingbirds) . A couple of weeks ago I had a Yellow-rumped Warbler foraging aphids from my succulents on the porch and drinking sugar water from the dish of an open hummingbird feeder. I left the lower portion of the feeder open for bees. At this point the bird and most of the bees have gone. Some of the Ca. Towhees that hang around close to the house have discovered that Bluebirds are being fed mealworms, and will attempt to grab a couple. Just a few days ago some of the Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows also joined in, but if I want them to get any mealworms I have to first toss to the Bluebird in one direction and then toss worms close to the Sparrows and Towhees. Cheryl Lish Arroyo Grande cheryl lish cheryl-lish AT earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Black Scoters Continue at Little Pico Creek From: TEdell AT aol.com Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:56:39 EST An adult male and two female BLACK SCOTERS were off Little Pico Creek this morning. I looked for Marbled Murrelet from the vista point south of San Simeon Cove and the north end Leffingwell Point without luck. The high surf hindered the search for the murrelets. There was a large flock of 1,000-1,500 gulls stretching for the vista point into San Simeon Cove that appeared to be mostly California and Western Gulls. Mixed with the flock was an estimated 400 COMMON MURRES. I managed to pick out four RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and suspect more were mixed in with the flock. A single BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER worked back and forth over the birds. I forgot to mention in yesterday's post that I saw the dorsal fins of at least four Risso's Dolphins well offshore of the south end of Cayucos. I don't recall seeing them from shore before this deep into Estero Bay. Tom Edell Cayucos, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Orchard and Bullocks Orioles and a few continuing winter visitors From: "Kaaren Perry" <surfbird1 AT att.net> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:09:20 -0000 An Orchard Oriole, probable female, has been visiting my yard, seen first on 2/9/2010. Photos have been taken and circulated and it has now been confirmed to be an Orchard and not the very similar female Hooded Oriole. The Bullocks Oriole first reported on 1/27 as a female is now showing a faint, restricted black throat stripe consistent with a first winter male's plumage for February. The previously reported Nashville and a Black-throated Gray Warbler and an Allen's Hummingbird continue to to be seen. Kaaren Perry Morro Bay Subject: Yellow Billed Magpie From: "flenchfry" <marybfrench AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:58:11 -0000 I am a very amateur birdwatcher but think I saw a yellow billed magpie on Chorro Street in SLO. Is this possible? Mary French San Luis Obispo Subject: Re: Reporting sensitive species From: Kathleen Kent <kikapoo AT charter.net> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:43:22 -0800 Hi Maggie, Thanks for posting this article. I think all of us need to take stock of our birding techniques and ethics and assess the impact they have on the 'objects of our affection'. Frequent reminders might prevent us from wandering over the boundaries of 'good' behavior "just this once" in order to get that once in a lifetime picture or rare bird for our all important list! I'm as guilty as the next person and don't mind being reminded from time to time! Thanks, Kathleen Kent On Feb 13, 2010, at 6:38 AM, Maggie Smith wrote: > This article on eBird has a lot of good information and guidelines > for birders in our county. > > http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/sensitive_species > > Maggie Smith > Arroyo Grande, CA > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Reporting sensitive species From: Maggie Smith <milleniummaggs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:38:47 -0800 (PST) This article on eBird has a lot of good information and guidelines for birders in our county. http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/sensitive_species Maggie Smith Arroyo Grande, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]