The past couple of days an adult male Rufous Hummingbird has stopped over in my garden which is highly unusual for two reasons. Assuming that this bird is already on his southward migration, the timing is extremely early, especially considering that the last northward migrant Rufous Hummingbirds passed through only about 4-5 weeks ago. I would normally expect a few Allen’s Hummingbirds to show up briefly in my garden in late June in most years but this individual was clearly a Rufous hummer without a speck of green on his back and sporting the diagnostic notch in his R2 tail feathers.
Second, in the three decades I have observed hummers in my garden I have only ONCE noticed a mature male Rufous Hummingbird during the southward migration (August-early Oct.). While adult males are plentiful in my garden during the northward migration (March-early May), they take a more easterly route through the mountains while migrating south. Females and immature males pass, however, through my garden during their southward migration, a rather curious difference in behavior considering that both sexes likely have the same food requirements during migration.
Manfred Kusch
South bank of Putah Creek
3 miles W of Davis
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Date: 6/8/19 11:53 pm From: Sally M. Walters via Groups.Io <bajaowl=<me.com...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] CVBC Vol 22 No1-2, 2019
It was just a quiz to see if we were paying attention!
Sally M. Walters
<bajaowl...>
> On Jun 8, 2019, at 2:55 PM, Frances Oliver <hummer52...> wrote:
>
> Folks,
>
> Your latest bulletin should be arriving soon if not already in your mailbox. Unfortunately 2 photos were incorrectly labeled. The cover is a RUFF among DUNLIN’s not Least Sandpipers. And on page 31, the majority of birds are NORTHERN SHOVELERS not geese.
>
> All I can say is OOPS, so much for quality control. It slipped thru a few of us.
>
> Frances
>
>
>
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Your latest bulletin should be arriving soon if not already in your mailbox. Unfortunately 2 photos were incorrectly labeled. The cover is a RUFF among DUNLIN’s not Least Sandpipers. And on page 31, the majority of birds are NORTHERN SHOVELERS not geese.
All I can say is OOPS, so much for quality control. It slipped thru a few of us.
Frances
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Date: 6/6/19 1:57 pm From: Chris Conard <conardc...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] Least Terns back at Sacramento Reg WTP (search opportunity)
Hi folks,
I'm going to make a couple runs to see the terns in the coming days. If you are available on Friday morning (6/7) or Sunday morning (6/9), I'll have room for a few people each day (limited to seven at a time). Please respond to this e-mail if you're interested and available. As of yesterday morning, for the first time, we have confirmed two separate Least Tern nests (it has been a single nest in the previous nine years that they nested).
Chris Conard Sacramento
On Sat, Jun 1, 2019 at 3:20 PM Chris Conard <conardc...> wrote:
> Hi folks, > > For the 10th time in the past 12 years, Least Terns are nesting at the > Sacramento Regional WTP in Elk Grove. The site has restricted access, but > I'm looking to arrange a few chances to see them. Please let me know by > e-mail if you're interested (and times that you are free) and I'll send > directions and details. The first chance will be 10am tomorrow (6/2). > > Only one pair of this typically colonial species has nested each time, > though a second pair was observed earlier this week. They nest in gravel > roads between treatment ponds. Details on the establishment of this nesting > site are here: http://www.cvbirds.org/bulletin/downloads/volume-12/ > > Chris Conard > Sacramento >
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Date: 6/4/19 3:09 pm From: Glennah Trochet <trochetj...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] this month's public bird walks at the Cosumnes River Preserve
Dear Birders,
This coming Saturday, 08 June, I will lead the Tall Forest bird survey at the Cosumnes River Preserve in southern Sacramento County. We will go through the locked Farm Center gate, corner of Bruceville and Desmond Roads, promptly at 5:00 a.m. BRING MOSQUITO REPELLENT! May's record rains reflooded parts of the forest and the east side floodplain. It seems unlikely that we will be able to cover anything like the usual route. I will be wearing rubber knee boots and we'll bird as much of the route as we can.
The following Saturday, 15 June, Jim Rowoth will lead the River Walk bird survey. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot off Franklin Blvd. at 5:30 a.m. I expect that rubber knee boots will be useful in the vicinity of "the Point," the area of the trail most remote from the VC. Mosquito repellent will likely be good to have handy.
For both of these surveys you are requested to sign up in advance on the preserve's website, www.cosumnes.org. Under upcoming events, click on the survey of interest and you'll be taken to a description of the outing. At the bottom of the description, you'll see an orange button for signing up. There's no charge. Also taking place on the 15th is the annual butterfly count at the preserve, also listed among upcoming events.
On Sunday I did the Lost Slough survey. Highlights included an adult bald eagle, a willow flycatcher, a Swainson's thrush and two blue grosbeaks. In what seems to be a pattern, the eagle flies out sometime between 15 minuites before and 10 minutes after sunrise, heading west over Franklin Blvd. and continuing beyond Interstate 5. The two blue grosbeaks were singing males near the boardwalk. An adult was in the small-to-medium oaks north of the concrete section of the trail that is between the plank sections, and a second year bird was in the large willow south of the trail near its end.
This morning I visited behind the Farm Center gate. The water level has fallen quite a bit since last week, but much of the area remains flooded. Mosquitoes were terrible. Highlights were few. I found a singing warbling vireo in the same place as last week (six days ago) and a female-plumaged western tanager was near the pump on Wood Duck Slough.
Best, John Trochet Sacramento
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Thank you, Gil, for posting this message and photo!
Louise made 10 pelagic trips with Shearwater Journeys, the last one being September 14, 2009 when she was 90 years old. Her first pelagic trip was November 13, 1983. Quite a remarkable lady!
Please pass on my best wishes to Louise.
Debi Shearwater
Hollister, CA
> On Jun 2, 2019, at 11:50 PM, Gil Ewing <gewing1...> wrote:
>
> Hello fellow birders
>
> I could be risking my future access to CV Birds by posting something not involving a rare bird report, but this one time is worth the risk.
> Please congratulate Louise McCullough, the Grande Dame and Queen Mother of Sacramento
> birding, on reaching her 100th birthday. Fantastic!!!
>
> Gil Ewing
> Fair Oaks, Sacramento Co., CA
>>
>>>
>>> <IMG_0886.jpeg>
>>>
>>
>
>
DEBRA SHEARWATER
Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
831.637.8527
<debi...>
www.shearwaterjourneys.com
www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com
Celebrating 44 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper- 25 June - 9 July 2019
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Date: 6/4/19 11:17 am From: Cathie LaZier <empid...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] L McC turns 100
Louise, you helped me as a beginning birder, and then again with valuable advice when I was on the SAS board. Congratulations on your long, and continuing, birding life.
Cathie LaZier
Sacramento, CA
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Date: 6/3/19 11:02 am From: Clifford Hawley <yellowhammerCA...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Happy birthday Louise! Also an admin reminder
Hi CV birders,
Happy birthday, Louise. Louise has been a long time supporter of the Central Valley Bird Club that hosts this listserv.
I just wanted to add a quick reminder to my message that folks include their signature with their name and city on all messages to the list per our posting rules. Thanks and back to our regularly scheduled bird posts.
Cliff Hawley Sacramento, CA
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Date: 6/3/19 10:59 am From: Andy Engilis <aengilisjr...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] L McC turns 100
What a fantastic milestone. Louise along with Willie and Ben Argante, Harold and Betty Kimball, Cecil and Evelyn Smith, and Elmer and Jane Aldrich were there for me when I started birding as a kid in the early 1970s. So many times they all shared in their knowledge and love of birds and allowed me to ride with them on numerous Sacramento Audubon Field Trips. I was a loquacious lad, but Louise and all helped me develop my passion for birds and in many ways prepared me for the professional path I took as an ornithologist. I wish I could have been at the celebration. But if you get this Louise - All my heartfelt love and thanks for the many years of friendship.
Best Regards,
Andy Engilis
Andrew Engilis, Jr.
Curator
Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology
One Shield Avenus
University of California
Davis, CA 95616
USA
From: <centralvalleybirds...> <centralvalleybirds...> On Behalf Of Gil Ewing via Groups.Io
Sent: Sunday, June 2, 2019 11:50 PM
To: <centralvalleybirds...>
Cc: <centralvalleybirds...>
Subject: [centralvalleybirds] L McC turns 100
Hello fellow birders
I could be risking my future access to CV Birds by posting something not involving a rare bird report, but this one time is worth the risk.
Please congratulate Louise McCullough, the Grande Dame and Queen Mother of Sacramento
birding, on reaching her 100th birthday. Fantastic!!!
Gil Ewing
Fair Oaks, Sacramento Co., CA
[cid:<image001.jpg...>]
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Date: 6/3/19 6:31 am From: Mark Sawyer via Groups.Io <marksawyer3383=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] L McC turns 100
100 years young!!! May your day be eventful and full of wonderful birds!
Mark Sawyer
Sacramento, CA
>
> On Mon, Jun 3, 2019 at 5:38 AM, Gil Ewing
> <gewing1...> wrote:
> Hello fellow birders
>
> I could be risking my future access to CV Birds by posting something not
> involving a rare bird report, but this one time is worth the risk.
> Please congratulate Louise McCullough, the Grande Dame and Queen Mother of
> Sacramento
> birding, on reaching her 100th birthday. Fantastic!!!
>
> Gil Ewing
> Fair Oaks, Sacramento Co., CA
>
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
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Date: 6/3/19 5:38 am From: Gil Ewing <gewing1...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] L McC turns 100
Hello fellow birders
I could be risking my future access to CV Birds by posting something not involving a rare bird report, but this one time is worth the risk.
Please congratulate Louise McCullough, the Grande Dame and Queen Mother of Sacramento
birding, on reaching her 100th birthday. Fantastic!!!
Gil Ewing
Fair Oaks, Sacramento Co., CA
>
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>
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Date: 6/1/19 3:20 pm From: Chris Conard <conardc...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Least Terns back at Sacramento Reg WTP (search opportunity)
Hi folks,
For the 10th time in the past 12 years, Least Terns are nesting at the Sacramento Regional WTP in Elk Grove. The site has restricted access, but I'm looking to arrange a few chances to see them. Please let me know by e-mail if you're interested (and times that you are free) and I'll send directions and details. The first chance will be 10am tomorrow (6/2).
Only one pair of this typically colonial species has nested each time, though a second pair was observed earlier this week. They nest in gravel roads between treatment ponds. Details on the establishment of this nesting site are here: http://www.cvbirds.org/bulletin/downloads/volume-12/
Chris Conard Sacramento
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Date: 6/1/19 7:40 am From: Brewbird <michele31...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] RFI about a Placer County hotspot
I was wondering about parking for the Linda Creek Open Space in Roseville. It’s not too far from my mom’s house and I’d like to bird it when I come down to visit her. Where does everyone park to access it? I was thinking of parking at Maidu Regional Park and walking back to it, but if there is a better access point, I’d like to know. Thanks!
Michele Swartout
Red Bluff
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”- John Muir
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Date: 5/30/19 12:29 pm From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is OPEN
I just got a call from Mary Schiedt, who's away from her computer at the moment. The news: at long last all the repairs are done and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is OPEN!!!
I have no idea what the water levels are-- and too late for most of spring migration, but nevertheless everything should be checked. Also, don't forget to look for Grasshopper Sparrows down around Lot H; they've bred in that area before. I have a simple map at http://www.tertial.us/yolobirds/yolo.html.
good birding,
-- Steve Hampton Davis, CA
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Date: 5/30/19 10:34 am From: Michael Perrone via Groups.Io <michaelperrone10=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] chat and Nashville warbler at Sacramento Bypass
This morning along the north levee of the Sacramento Bypass, a yellow-breasted chat was singing continuously from near the top of a set of bare snags about 100 yards east of where the road makes a sharp turn and leaves the levee. This behavior suggests a territorial bird.
A bit west of the chat, a Nashville warbler sang occasionally. This species is irregular (that is, not every year) in Yolo County in late May. For a male to be here this late offers the possibility that it was a vagrant of the eastern race.
Michael PerroneDavis
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Date: 5/28/19 11:18 am From: Michael Perrone via Groups.Io <michaelperrone10=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] green-tailed towhee at Grasslands Regional Park, Yolo Co.
A green-tailed towhee was at the park at about 9:45 AM today, May 28, foraging at the edge of the wide central path that separates the two archery ranges north of the headquarters area. It was near the south end of the path, at first with Swainson's thrushes and a robin, then by itself. There are two prior spring records for Yolo County, in mid- and late May.
Michael Perrone and Sonjia ShellyDavis
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Date: 5/26/19 8:36 am From: Matthew Dodder <mdodder...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Cosumnes River Preserve / White Slough (PAAS Field Trip report)
I led my Palo Alto Adult School birding class to Cosumnes River Preserve yesterday, for a morning of birding. We began on the marsh trail, then crossed the road and returned to the visitors center by way of the river trail and adjacent meadow.
Highlights were the numerous SWAINSON’S HAWKS that were seen in both dark and intermediate morphs. The Swainson’s Hawks outnumbered the RED-TAILED HAWKS by at least 3-to-1, which is especially fun for our South Bay group! We admired three WOOD DUCKS in the large pond between the rail road tracks and visitors center—two brilliant males, and one female. There was also a single male BLUE-WINGED TEAL in the same area. Along the south end of our loop we saw one CATTLE EGRET in full breeding plumage, and conveniently positioned beside both SNOWY and GREAT EGRET for comparison.
We continued a bit south toward the dead end of the trail and saw nesting NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER, heard PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and WARBLING VIREO. We had our lunch on the visitors center balcony, hoping to study the Hummingbirds at the feeders, but the feeders were empty. Luckily, the flowers along the pavement were attracting birds and we saw several ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRDS and two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS.
After the class broke up, two cars wished to visit White Slough on their way home. There we spent just enough time to locate BLUE GROSBEAK in the meadowy area near the first pond. It was a first summer male, singing and calling, but lacking the full blue breast. Instead, it showed a buffy breast that at first made it looks a bit like a Western Bluebird. A second BLUE GROSBEAK called from the trees near the cars. A single SWAINSON’S THRUSH called from the dense cover near the parked cars, but eluded view. YELLOW WARBLER was briefly seen here as well.
Matthew Dodder
Mountain View
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Date: 5/21/19 11:04 pm From: Brewbird <michele31...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] Black Swift- Carmichael, CA 5/21/19
I thought I was seeing things at first, but I had 2 fly over me while out at Paynes Creek Wetlands this evening.
Michele Swartout
Red Bluff
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir.
> On May 21, 2019, at 18:34, Clifford Hawley <yellowhammerCA...> wrote:
>
> Hi CV birders,
>
> About 20 minutes ago I had a Black Swift in Carmichael over the soccer fields just south of the Koobs Nature Area between Engle and Gibbons and west of Garfield Ave. I have been scanning the skies all day because the other times I've found Black Swift was during this kind of unsettled weather. The very large, all-dark swift was riding the winds without much flapping. I only saw a few shallow wingbeats. It passed over the Koobs Nature Area and headed north. Good luck and good birding.
>
> Cliff Hawley
> Sacramento, CA
>
> --
> Clifford Hawley
> Sacramento, CA
>
> "For, what are the voices of birds...
> But words, our words,
> Only so much more sweet?"
> Robert Browning
>
>
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Birders,
Please take a few minutes and take this online survey about birders developed by Terry Rich. I just did and it is relatively easy and quick as far as surveys go.
thanks,
John
> Hi John,
>
> As I think you know, I am a life-long birder and professional ornithologist. I’m currently a PhD candidate in Public Policy at Boise State University. My research is focused on how birders contribute to bird conservation. Results will be used to improve public policies for bird conservation.
>
> I’m asking you to please distribute my online survey link to your members so that I can collect important data from your geographic area.
>
> https://boisestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmwJXVkEWZb8JUN <https://boisestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmwJXVkEWZb8JUN> >
> Attached is a cover letter with more details. There is also a brief description at the outset of the survey itself. If you have an eBird account, you are welcome to check my eBird profile for more details on my own dedication to birding (https://ebird.org/profile/MTk4MzU4/world <https://ebird.org/profile/MTk4MzU4/world>).
>
> Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --
> Terrell D. Rich
> Department of Administration and Public Policy
> Boise State University
> <terrellrich...> <mailto:<terrellrich...> > 208-867-5112
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Date: 5/21/19 6:34 pm From: Clifford Hawley <yellowhammerCA...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Black Swift- Carmichael, CA 5/21/19
Hi CV birders,
About 20 minutes ago I had a Black Swift in Carmichael over the soccer fields just south of the Koobs Nature Area between Engle and Gibbons and west of Garfield Ave. I have been scanning the skies all day because the other times I've found Black Swift was during this kind of unsettled weather. The very large, all-dark swift was riding the winds without much flapping. I only saw a few shallow wingbeats. It passed over the Koobs Nature Area and headed north. Good luck and good birding.
Cliff Hawley Sacramento, CA
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