Date: 9/23/17 9:17 pm From: <shoppe01...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Possible Black-tailed Gull at Bodega Bay
Hello All,
Apologies for the late post. While on a Sacramento Audubon field trip to Bodega Bay today, Muriel Parker and I spotted a possible 2nd year Black-tailed Gull. The location was Doran Beach, about 100 yards east of the main parking lot and restrooms. There was a gathering of mostly California and Ring-billed Gulls well up on the beach and I noticed this different young gull among them. Nothing was clicking at the time, but it bothered me. On the way home, it hit me...Black-tailed?
This was a mid-sized gull median between the nearby Ring-billed and Cal Gulls. I first noticed the extremely long, bi-colored bill, pink, with a black tip, with a pronounced gonideal angle. It also had noticeably long wings, very long, all black primaries. I didn't note any eye arcs, but the bird was very bleached out in the head. I cannot say with certainty, that it was not an aberrant California Gull, but it was slightly larger than the nearby Cal Gulls and didn't "feel right" for Cal Gull, so something to keep an eye out for.
Hoping someone else finds this bird and can definitively identify it.
Date: 9/23/17 8:26 pm From: <gdbeebe...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Pt Reyes trip photos of Bobolink, Thrush, Flycatcher, and Parula
I am uploading photos of some of the birds Will Anderson mentioned in his recap of the RROS trip to Pt Reyes today. I'm not sure about the ID on the thrush photos, as the tail looks a little reddish to me, and the eyering looks a little more substantial than in one of my bird guides, so I'm wondering if I got the right bird (there were 2-3 species of thrush at the oven near the Lighthouse). Could it be an auduboni ssp of Hermit Thrush?
I'm also not sure about my photos of the flycatcher, as the bill looks a little long for the Yellow-bellied, and there appears to be a slight teardrop shape to the eyering, but not anything like a normal Pacific-Slope.
Great birding, even with clear skies the last several nights, and a northeast wind.
Date: 9/23/17 6:58 pm From: <willanderson990...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] RROS trip to Point Reyes, 9/23
Hi All,
Today, despite the weather forecast of clear skies and a north west wind, the intrepid birders of the RROS went out to Point Reyes to see what we could find. Led by Ruth Rudesill, we managed to have a ten warbler day, and managed to find an incredible assortment of birds. We started out with the lighthouse, where we stepped out of the cars to meet a birder who was on a winter plumaged BOBOLINK, which we had great views of. He then pointed us in the direction of a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH which we found in the oven with a few Hermit Thrushes and one Swainson's Thrush. The Gray Cheeked was identified by the black spots on the breast, small quarter eye ring on the back of the eye, brownish gray tail, and the overall gray appearance. We then proceeded to get great views of Peregrine Falcon out at the lighthouse itself. We then went to the Fish Docks, which was mainly full of western migrants, such as many many Western Tanagers and Townsend's and Yellow-rumped Warblers. We then went to "A" ranch, where the real fun began. Some birders from San Francisco had reported a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE at the end of the trees by the telephone wires, which we got on immediately. We then sighted a small insanely yellowish empid. The bird flew out towards us, and we saw a bright yellow throat and a bright yellow belly patch. When the bird landed, we saw long black primaries, a dark black wing panel, two bright white wingbars, and a bright perfectly circular eye ring. All of these characteristics point directly to YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. There were Pacific-slope Flycatchers in the area as well, but this bird was definitely not a Pac-slope. We eventually lost the bird in the brush and small cypress at the very end of the line of trees, and could not refind it. We then continued to "B" Ranch, where we searched for a while for anything of note, but came up with only about 5 Western Tanagers. Ruth and I were the last people out and were about to leave when Mark Butler called out the previously reported BLACKPOLL WARBLER. We had brief but great views of this bird, and we then continued on to Drakes Monument. We didn't see much at Drakes, with the highlights being a SORA and a Common Yellowthroat. From Drakes the trip sort of broke up, and ruth and myself continued on to the tennis courts in Inverness. There, we stayed for an hour and a half, sighting NORTHERN PARULA, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler and about 15 Warbling Vireos. I am amazed at the outcome of this trip, because the weather seemed like it should have been dead out there. But thanks to the amazing leadership by Ruth and a slight wind shift, we had one of the best days I have ever had out there!
Date: 9/23/17 5:25 pm From: Ken Copen <kencopen...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Lynch Canyon Open Space closed today
Just an FYI, I just drove out to Lynch Canyon to do some raptor watching today and was informed that they are closing it today because of "high winds" which seems incredibly lame.
.
------------------------------------ Posted by: Ken Copen <kencopen...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/23/17 8:13 am From: Lorri Gong <lorri.gong...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Yellow headed blackbird Mcinness Park San Rafael
American heart association walk this Morning started at mcinnes park where I saw a yellow headed blackbird with a red winged flock in the sports field Can be seen from the road.
Lorri Gong Mill valley
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Date: 9/22/17 1:23 pm From: larry broderick <lec_101_north...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Recent Raptor sightings, upcoming opportunities and question on Flycatcher ID....
Greeting's North Bay Birder's
We have been seeing some neat Hawks coming through lately right on queue with the Fall Migration.
Last Sunday (9-16-17) during the 10am to 3pm Lynch Canyon Open Space hike, right off of Highway 80 in Solano County, we had a Prairie Falcon, along with lots of Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels and a Couple young Red-shouldered Hawks. We also had one of the resident Golden Eagles in a distant soar. We saw a fleeting glimpse of both Barn Owls and Great-horned Owls.
But by far the highlight of the day last Sunday was the Prairie Falcon, which we saw at a distance and kept track of it as is went from the upper basin near the pond to the eastern slopes where the Eagles hang out. There it was soaring on the westerly winds and was mobbed by a dozen Ravens. The Prairie Falcon (PRFA) simply toyed with the Ravens, at one point the ravens were on the defensive as they just couldn't handle what the PRFA was doing. Basically it looked like a few small Cesena propeller airplanes trying to keep up with a F-16 fighter jet... the dog fight was on and the PRFA kicked some serious butt, eventually the Ravens gave up... but then as the PRFA flew off the easterly mountains our group followed the birds projected flight line and it was coming west right at us. We were on Lynch Canyon's Tower Trial and the PRFA gave us a fascinating front row Flyby just a few yards above us... lots of first time Raptor hikers and enthusiasts were instantly caught up in Hawk Watch Fever. We also had an interesting Fly-catcher not sure what is was, It was bigger (not thicker, but longer tailed and overall height) then the Says and Black Phoebe's we saw, Maybe Dusky? Ash throated, or Wood pewee? could really use help from birders on the raptor themed outings, because we see so much more then birds of prey....
Last Saturday....(9-17-17 8am to Noon) We were at Sears Point Wetlands, (Dickson / Baylands units) access from Reclamation road parking lot and part of the greater San Pablo Bay Refuge system. We had a lot of the above referenced Birds of Prey, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers and American Kestrels, We also had a young Peregrine Falcon and a nice view of a White-tailed Kite hunting and eating then a close fly by with full crop. We also had at least 6 common yellow throats along the trial and lots of Marsh Wrens. A reliable birder along with us said he spotted a couple Lincoln Sparrows... We had good views of Curlews and Willets, again would be nice to have some good birders sharing their knowledge on these species, we are back out there tomorrow 9am to 11am, Park at Reclamation Road parking lot, head up to the levee, bird hike is 9:30 to 11am, would love some help! thanks!
opportunities to help...
(9-23-17) Tomorrow 9am, Sears Point Restoration Project at Dickson / Baylands units trail, Park at Reclamation Road parking lot, meet up on the levee at 9am. Bird hike is 9:30am to 11am.
(9-23-17) Then same day, head off to Jenner... meet up at 12:30 at the Jenner Visitors Center (JVC) in the town of Jenner, if the JVC Parking Lot is full which it may be, we'll meet across the street at the Jenner Inn, use my cell # below to call me if needed, We head up to the hawk watch by 12:45, count 1pm to 4pm.... we'll leave early if activity is not there, but from what I am seeing at GGRO (Golden Gate Raptor Observatory) it's on and Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks are on the move.
(9-24-17) Also need help or just offering a outing Sunday 9am to 1pm At Foothill Regional Park. Dubbed Fall Flyway Forays, via Sonoma County Regional Parks (SCRP) a West County Hawkwatch pilot program, SCRP's Hawk Hikes! Hawk watch and birding hike. This is a Pilot program and I an looking for co-leads, as well as all levels of birders, beginner, novice and expert, more details on SCRP web page under, Explore> Birding> Activities Calendar>
From SCRP :Come observe the magnificent raptor migration along the Pacific Flyway. You may join us at Foothill Regional Park to learn about local bird monitoring efforts and migration patterns, but you will witness signs of other park wildlife along the way as well. Bring water, binoculars, field guides, and lunch for this 3-mile hike for all ages. Free. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members for For more information, call (707) 565-2041.
lots more to do this fall and winter, please come out:
September 2ndSaturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm, Nature hike (1st Saturday of most months) King-SwettRanches West County Hawk Watch guide Jim Walsh, Come explore the hills betweenFairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo, known as the King-Swett Ranches. They'll shareinsights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home, and giveyou a great workout! Take advantage of this special opportunity if you canbecause the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed, Please see Solano LandTrust Website for details, listed under the Events Calendar.
September 9thSaturday, 10am to 4pm, come out and visit West County Hawkwatch at the SonomaNature Optics and Nature fair, free, family-friendly event will include livemusic and ambassador birds from area rescue centers. California State Parkswill feature new historic kiosks and signage. The historic landmarkssurrounding the Sonoma Barracks will host the Wine Country Optics and NatureFair on Saturday from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. next to the Toscano Hotel and acrossfrom the Sonoma Plaza
Sept 10thSunday, Jenner hawk watch, Seasonal migration count, meet up at 9:30am JennerVisitor Center, up to the hill by 10am, done at 2pm. 707-791-0335 for details
September 16thSaturday, 8am to 11am, West County Hawkwatch, with Sonoma Land Trust at the SanPablo Bay Wildlife Refuge, Sears Point Wetlands, Dickson, Baylands Trail, parkat the Reclamation Road parking lot and head up to the levee….
September 17thSunday, 10am to 2pm, Solano Land Trust, Lynch Canyon Open Space, Birds of PreyMigration Sensation Hike 2017! Come see dozens of hawks, harriers, somefalcons, kites and some eagles. Maybe even an accipiter or an osprey. LynchCanyon is a raptor hotspot and in the past we’ve seen pretty much everythingyou can see when it comes to Birds of Prey both resident and migrant. 10am to2pm, Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation.
September 23rdSaturday, 9am, Bird hike with Sonoma Land Trust at the San Pablo Bay WildlifeRefuge, Sears Point Wetlands, Dickson, Baylands Trail, park at the ReclamationRoad parking lot, head up to the levee, hike is 9am to 11:30.
September 24thSunday, Sonoma County Regional Parks, West County Hawkwatch pilot program,SCRP’s hawk hikes! Hawk watch and bird hike, Foothill Regional Park (Windsor) Thisis a pilot program and all levels are welcome, beginner, novice and expert, detailson SCRP web page.
October 1stSunday, 10am to 2pm The Wildlands Conservancy Jenner Headlands Preserve Birdsof Prey Fall Migration Sensation, Over-wintering and migrating hawks are thehighlight of this day, Jenner Headlands Preserve already boasts and largepopulation of raptors, but with migration and over-wintering birds added inthis makes for a peak level of Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters,Kites and even Osprey, 10am to 2pm, Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation. The Wildlands Conservancy webpage for details.
October 7thSaturday, 10am to 2pm, The Wildlands Conservancy, Jenner Headlands Preserve,Fall Birds of Prey, migration sensation, Over-wintering and migrating hawks arethe highlight of this day, the headlands already boasts and large population ofraptors, but with migration and over-wintering birds added in this makes for apeak level of Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters, Kites and evenOsprey, 10am to 2pm, Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation. The Wildlands Conservancy webpage for details.
October 7thSaturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm, Nature hike (1st Saturday of most months) King-SwettRanches West County Hawk Watch guide Jim Walsh, Come explore the hills betweenFairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo, known as the King-Swett Ranches. They'll shareinsights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home, and giveyou a great workout! Take advantage of this special opportunity if you canbecause the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed, Please see Solano LandTrust Website for details, listed under the Events Calendar.
October 8thSunday, 10am to 2pm, Solano Land Trust, Lynch Canyon Open Space, Birds of PreyMigration Sensation and Over-wintering distributions, Over-wintering andmigrating hawks are the highlight of this day, Lynch Canyon already boasts andlarge population of raptors, but with migration and over-wintering birds addedin this makes for a peak level of Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters,Kites and even Osprey, 10am to 2pm, Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation.
October 14thSaturday, 10am to 2pm, Sonoma Land Trust, Jenner Headlands Preserve, Birds ofPrey Over-Wintering distributions, Over-wintering and migrating hawks are thehighlight of this day, Jenner Headlands Preserve already boasts and largepopulation of raptors, but with migration and over-wintering birds added inthis makes for a peak level of Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters,Kites and even Osprey, 10am to 2pm, Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation. Sonoma Land Trust Webpage for details.
October 15thSunday, Sonoma County Regional Parks bird hike with West County Hawkwatch pilotprogram, SCRP’s hawk hikes! Helen Putnam Regional Park (Petaluma) This is apilot program and all levels are welcome, beginner, novice and expert, detailson SCRP web page.
November 4thSaturday, 10am to 2pm, Sonoma Land Trust, Estero Americano Raptor survey andidentification hike, Over-wintering and migrating hawks are the highlight ofthis day, the Estero region already boasts and large population of raptors, butwith over-wintering birds added in this makes for a peak level of Hawks,Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters, Kites and even Osprey, 10am to 2pm,Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation. Sonoma Land Trust Web page for details.
November 4thSaturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm, Nature hike (1st Saturday of most months) King-SwettRanches West County Hawk Watch guide Jim Walsh, Come explore the hills betweenFairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo, known as the King-Swett Ranches. They'll shareinsights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home, and giveyou a great workout! Take advantage of this special opportunity if you canbecause the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed, Please see Solano LandTrust Website for details, listed under the Events Calendar.
November 5thSunday, Sonoma County Regional Parks, Raptor and Bird hike Sonoma ValleyRegional Park. West County Hawkwatch pilot program, SCRP’s hawk hikes! (Glen Ellen) This is a pilot program and alllevels are welcome, beginner, novice and expert, details on SCRP web page.
November 12thSunday, 10am to 2pm, Rockville Trails, Solano Land Trust (default to Lynch ifneed be) Birds of Prey Over-wintering Wonderland, Over-wintering and migratinghawks are the highlight of this day, the area already boasts and largepopulation of raptors, but with migration and over-wintering birds added inthis makes for a peak level of Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters,Kites and even Osprey, 10am to 2pm. Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation.
December 2ndSaturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm, Nature hike (1st Saturday of most months) King-SwettRanches West County Hawk Watch guide Jim Walsh, Come explore the hills betweenFairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo, known as the King-Swett Ranches. They'll shareinsights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home, and giveyou a great workout! Take advantage of this special opportunity if you canbecause the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed, Please see Solano LandTrust Website for details, listed under the Events Calendar.
December16th Saturday, 10am to 2pm, Lynch Canyon Open Space, Solano Land Trust, Birdsof Prey Tour and Golden Eagle Identification field study. Over-wintering hawksare the highlight of this day, Lynch Canyon already boasts and large populationof raptors, but over-wintering birds added in this makes for a peak level ofHawks, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers, Accipiters, Kites and even Osprey, 10am to2pm, Arrive by 9:45 for parking and orientation.
March 15thThursday, 7PM (2018) Redbud Audubon Lower Lake. PowerPoint Presentation RaptorIdentification and local updates, more information coming.
February 19thMonday, 7pm, (2018) Mendocino at the Casper Community Center. Audubon Programs.PowerPoint Presentation Raptor Identification and local updates, moreinformation coming
February 20thTuesday, 7pm, (2018) Inland Mendocino County group, Peregrine Audubon(peregrineaudubon.org) PowerPoint Presentation Raptor Identification and local updates, Ukiah Civic Centerprograms at 6:30 p.m., start our business meeting at 7 p.m. and introduce thespeaker before 7:30, done by 8:30 p.m. Peregrine Audubon Society, 707 972 6988
L. Broderick West County Hawkwatch Sonoma, Marin, Solano & the Lower Klamath <Basinnorthcoastraptor...>
707-791-0335
Date: 9/22/17 9:00 am From: <eurohobby...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Local Interest: FOS Fox,Golden-crowned Sparrows in Corte Madera, Marin County
A nice welcome-to-Autumn gift were First-of-season Golden-crowned Sparrows this morning, 22 September 2017, at my feeders on the 400 block of Montecito Avenue, Corte Madera. Yesterday, 21 September, arrived my FOS Fox Sparrows. Both seemed a bit later than in recent years
Other FOS dates so far: 8/26 Song Sparrow; 9/6 Townsend's Warbler; 9/9 Hermit Thrush; 9/10 White-crowned Sparrow; 9/15 Lincoln's Sparrow; 9/20 Black-throated Gray Warbler. Except for Townsend's, all were essentially one-day birds.
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Was seen yesterday 9/19 in the Am at 9:30 by someone else and by me an hour later. Both times it was skulking low in the bushes. In the afternoon I went back after no seeing only two non-migrant species at the Fish Docks, and it was sitting out in the open at eye level, clear view at bush edge behind the cross. Around 2:00. Judi Sierra Oakland
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Date: 9/19/17 10:23 am From: Carlo Arreglo <auntiestrophe...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Point Reyes - Earthquake Trail
Hi,
Along the Earthquake Trail at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, there was a nice little group of Townsends Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Tanager, Yellow Warbler, and Wandering Vireo this morning in the alders past the bridge and by the sign that says, "Plate Tectonics is Happening..."
Best, Carlo Arreglo Point Reyes National Seashore
.
------------------------------------ Posted by: Carlo Arreglo <auntiestrophe...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/18/17 9:38 pm From: dea freid <lemuria...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Golden-Plover ID changed
I read in an ebird report today from a group led by Steve Howell that the bird I called a Pacific Golden-Plover (at Mendoza "B" ranch) was deemed to be an American Golden-Plover. I bow to his superior knowledge and will change my ID accordingly. I will say though that I never saw the bird fly, heard it call or saw its wings in a position where I could evaluate its primary projection. I would love it if someone in that group would contact me and tell me his comments for my further education. I also was pleased to see a bird I only got a partial view of and listed as a possible Blackburnian Warbler in my ebird report turned out to actually be one! This bird was seen in the riparian area behind the tennis court on Vision Rd in Inverness. Guess I'll be going to Pt Reyes for the final day of my bird migration vacation hoping for a better look at this bird !
Hi,
I made two attempts to see the bird today. Once in the morning before work when I dipped and then after work at around 6:45pm. First spotted on a tree limb to the right of the trail as you face the monument. It flew behind me and gave me some brief views before dropping to the ground where I lost it. After scanning the beach to re-set, I went back and got another brief look as it happened to be out in the open on a stalk before it flew off deep into the willows.
If predictions hold, expect strong NW winds the next couple of days at the lighthouse and Drakes Beach.
Best,Carlo ArregloPoint Reyes National Seashore
Date: 9/18/17 2:36 pm From: Matt Lau <mjaylau707...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Mourning Warbler at Drake's
Hi birders,
Myself and my coworker spotted the MOURNING WARBLER skulking around behind Drake's Monument very briefly (literally no more than 30 seconds) before it disappeared into the willows again. This was around 1145 on 9/18.
Also present were two GREAT-HORNED OWLS calling back to one another in the cypresses.
Drake's beach is in Point Reyes National Seashore on the outer point, Marin county, CA.
Good birding, Matt Lau Petaluma -- ------------ *Matt Lau* Snowy Plover Ecologist Point Reyes Seashore Association/National Park Service (e) <mjaylau707...> <mjaylau707...> (c) 707-478-6264 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlau707
On Saturday, Sept. 16 at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds, Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael, there were three White-crowned Sparrows at the top of the second pond between the solar panels and the enclosed ponds. Also seen one Sora plus an airborne Least Bittern at the top of the first pond near the bench, the bittern disappearing into the reeds. Many Yellow Warblers in the fennel around the third pond, plus two Orange-Crowned Warblers and one Yellow-rumped Warbler. Four adult Quail with five young also spotted ambling along.
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Date: 9/18/17 12:08 pm From: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Point Reyes Mourning Warblers offer great opportunity to compare birds
It's been interesting to compare the two Mourning Warblers that are currently at Point Reyes. The Drake's Beach warbler has much in common with the individual at Fish Docks: bright yellow vent and throat, long yellow undertail coverts and hence shorter tail, and the bare beginnings of a hood formation. They both also are very skulky birds seeming to spend most of their time on the ground, hopping through the foliage. Both also had the same wet chip, louder and more drawn out than a MacGillivray's. However the bird at Drakes appears to be more developed with a near complete eye ring, and strong yellow supraloral coloration. I'm wondering if the Fish Docks warbler is younger, perhaps the 2nd brood or if there is just this much variation in Mournings. If you have any information or thoughts on this issue, please let me know. Happy birding!
Date: 9/17/17 9:27 pm From: <arelist12...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Solitary and Pectoral Sandpipers at Doran
Our freshest batch of Beach Watch volunteers met at the Rich Stallcup Viewing Platform where we found the usual mix of godwits, Willets, dowitchers, Least Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Black Turnstones, mixed gulls (mostly Cali, a few RB, and a couple of first cycle and one adult Herring). The previously reported Red Knots (at least two) were there.
Weaving in and out of the godwits and dowitchers was a SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Then a good sized Calidrid plummeted from the sky into the flock, yellow legs visible as it landed- a PECTORAL SANDPIPER. At one point a tern flew over, appeared to be a second year COMMON TERN (brown smudge in the forehead).
Crossing the street, on the beach we found a peck of ~15 Heermann's Gulls (inc two HY), and two Mew Gulls- a first and second cycle.
Two Common Terns flew over, one in the same plumage state as the SY from the platform (so assuming 2 COTE total).
A second year Glaucous-winged Gull joined the other birds on the nearest breakwater
Date: 9/17/17 8:31 pm From: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Point Reyes 9-17-17 Marin County.
Fairly active at Fish Doxks today.10-12 Black Throated Gray Warblers3-4 Townsend's Warblers 1 Tennessee 6-7 Warbling vireos1 Mourning Warbler incomplete eye ring yellow throat bright yellow vent. Costa's Hummingbird seen near water tank in dead limb in cypress. Others saw a Clay Colored Sparrow on the wire by the residence and in the bushes by the residence.
Today at Nunes "A" Ranch, I was laying in the grass at the very end of the line of cypresses watching the trees when a Solitary type vireo flew in. I was laying directly under it, and so my first view was of a white breast, throat and vent, and very bright yellow sides. I sat up, making a noise as I did so, and the bird turned it's head sideways and looked down at me. I had binoculars on it and my first impression was that it had an incredibly decisive line between the greenish back, blue head, and white throat. There was no overlap at all and the colors were all quite bright. It then righted itself and flew towards the road, from tree to tree, until it was gone. I know that without photo evidence this will probably be discarded, but it may still be around at B ranch or the fish docks, so anyone who is out should be extra careful with the vireos that they see.
During the morning, at the fish docks, a few of us had great views of the Mourning Warbler and also a Clay-colored Sparrow. The Mourning Warbler at Drakes Monument was also seen. The bird below fish docks looks like two different birds when in certain lights, so be careful. The last bird of note was the continuing Pacific Golden-plover at Mendoza Ranch, in the cow pastures.
Hello Birders,
The chilly air of the last two mornings has, as usual, heralded the arrival of the first winter sparrow to my feeder, a single White-crowned. It's fall!
Marjorie Siegel, Strawberry neighborhood, Mill Valley
Date: 9/17/17 10:08 am From: Dan Sandri <ammoph...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Re: Green-tailed Towhee Continues, Point Reyes Lighthouse, 9/17/17
The Mourning Warbler did show itself prominently at the Fish Docks yesterday afternoon from 2:00 - 3:00 PM (after the crowds had left). It was near the end of the road that leads down to the docks, the one below the ranger house and cypresses. It appeared and disappeared many times, skulking in and out of the shrubbery there. Brightly-colored bird!
- Dan Sandri Martinez, Ca
.
------------------------------------ Posted by: Dan Sandri <ammoph...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/17/17 8:56 am From: Carlo Arreglo <auntiestrophe...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Green-tailed Towhee Continues, Point Reyes Lighthouse, 9/17/17
Hi, I ran into Everett Clark this morning at the lighthouse and he told me about the Green-tailed Towhee yesterday. A few minutes later, I saw it in the bushes next to stairs that lead down to the residences. We re-found it in the bushes adjacent to the walkway that leads west towards the LH visitor center and it popped up twice before hunkering down. Thanks for sharing the report, Everett!
I dipped on the Mourning Warbler at Chimney Rock earlier in the morning but a father-son duo were ready to look for it as I pulled out of the parking lot
Clear conditions but 25-30 mph NW winds so birds may be taking shelter. The other somewhat uncommon sighting, at least for me out here, was a juvenile Northern Harrier. Also, saw 2 humpbacks.
Best, Carlo Arreglo Point Reyes National Seashore
------------------------------------ Posted by: Carlo Arreglo <auntiestrophe...> ------------------------------------
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This morning at Owl Canyon, Don Kirker found a nice bright male Blackburnian Warbler at Owl Canyon, Bodega Bay area.
Was in the front willows with a female Black-throated Gray Warbler, several Yellow Warblers and a bright Cassin's Vireo.
Owl Canyon is located in Bodega Bay along Westshore Rd. just passed the Marine Lab entrance and Sonoma Coast State Beach sign on the ocean side, with a large dirt pullout. Please park on the side of the road leaving room for bike lane.
Today a large group of birders were out at Bodega Bay and we found may interesting things. To start the morning, at around 8 am, a first year male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK flew over the heads of myself and Dan Nelson. The main thing we noticed were the huge white wing-patches. The bird then began to call, cementing the Identification. The next bird of the day for me was at 8:32 am. A PRAIRIE WARBLER in the prairie area across the road from West Side Park. The bird was a first year, with large white outer tail feathers, black streaks on the side, and a gray face. It was working in the Coyote bush for a few seconds but then flew out towards the dunes once it noticed my presence. We went back to look for it around 9 and couldn't find it again. A MERLIN made an appearance in West Side Park around 9 am. The rest of the day was fairly slow, with only a Willow Flycatcher at Campbell Cove and a first year Lazuli Bunting and a few common assorted warblers in Owl Canyon later in the day. 2 Barn Owls and one great-horned made an appearance as well in Owl Canyon. Overall, a very satisfactory day.
Date: 9/16/17 3:16 pm From: <jared.dawson40...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Red Knots Bodega Bay
As the tide was coming mid-afternoon into Bodega Bay yesterday 15 September there were 5 juvenile RED KNOTS on a quickly vanishing strip of mudbank along with Sanderlings, Western Sandpipers, and Black-bellied Plovers. Noted as juvenile with more fringed and scaly backs and yellowish legs. I got some poor but useful photos on an iPhone through my spotting scope.
As it was midday, the Hole in the Head and Owl Canyon were fairly quiet. Did have a CASSIN’S VIREO and a female WESTERN TANAGER in the lower trees of the latter. There were 17 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN in the bay.
Jared Dawson
Sebastopol
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Date: 9/16/17 7:15 am From: Dan Singer <dsg2...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Pt Reyes 15 Sept 2017
NBB’ers -
Looks like a Mourning to me, Keith.
I believe the Mourning at the Fish Docks was not seen for at least a day, if not several, before “reappearing”. Initial review of Mark Sawyer’s photos suggest the possibility that more than one bird might be involved. More photos might be helpful in sorting this out.
Dan Singer
San Rafael
> On Sep 16, 2017, at 00:48, <keith_seagull...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> wrote:
>
> After enjoying the Fish Docks for most of the day, I stopped off at the Drake's Monument willows on my way home. Wanted to make sure I hit the peak of HWY37 traffic, ugh! In the thick willows just behind the cross, I found what could be another Mourning Warbler skulking about. I'm hesitant to say for sure given the brevity of this observation and that I've seen a total of 2 in my life (cumulative viewing time less than 1 minute). I've included a few slightly cropped but otherwise unaltered photos under Warbler sp. on the ebird list. Comments are welcome. If it turns outs to be another Mourning, patience, luck and perhaps a Jedi mind trick will be needed for those looking on Saturday.
>
> http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39202802 <http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39202802> >
> Cheers,
>
> Keith Kwan
>
> Sacramento
>
>
>
After enjoying the Fish Docks for most of the day, I stopped off at the Drake's Monument willows on my way home. Wanted to make sure I hit the peak of HWY37 traffic, ugh! In the thick willows just behind the cross, I found what could be another Mourning Warbler skulking about. I'm hesitant to say for sure given the brevity of this observation and that I've seen a total of 2 in my life (cumulative viewing time less than 1 minute). I've included a few slightly cropped but otherwise unaltered photos under Warbler sp. on the ebird list. Comments are welcome. If it turns outs to be another Mourning, patience, luck and perhaps a Jedi mind trick will be needed for those looking on Saturday.
No one else has posted yet so I guess I will. It was pretty windy the whole day which I think negatively impacted the birding but there were still some great ones around. I started off at Drake's Beach where there was a NORTHERN FLICKER inside! the ladies room. I alerted a ranger I saw later on and it was gone when I went back late in the afternoon. A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER was in the willows next to the parking lot.
Next stop was the Fish Docks where I ran into Kathy Francone (nice to see you again!) who told me where the male BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER was hanging out, in the cypresses close to the lowest trail. She also said another birder from Sacramento (Mark Sawyer) had seen the MOURNING WARBLER this morning! I met birder Jeff and we went down to look for the BT Green. There were 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS and 2 TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS in this flock plus the Green, but no sign of the American Redstarts or Chestnut-sided Warbler from previous days. The flock moved up the hill so we went higher as well and ran into Mark. He told me he had seen a Green-tailed Towhee at the Lighthouse in the bushes and ground in the vicinity of the residence and showed me a photo he took of the Mourning Warbler. Great picture and sure enough, it was the Mourning (MOWA)! Kathy went down to look for the MOWA and came back later with news she had seen it!
OK, I got skunked along with everyone else on Wed trying to see that bird so Jeff and I headed back down lowest path to the fish dock area to try our luck again. A SPOTTED SANDPIPER was walking along the shore and eventually with help from from 2 more birders, we all got looks at the MOURNING!! It was seen by various people from the salmonberry patch to the dead fallen logs at the very end of the path. This should make the weekend birders happy! When last seen, the Green had broken off from the flock it was with and was in the cypresses opposite the residence where we had much better looks at it right in front of us at eye level. Beautiful bird!
Nunes ("A" ranch) was dead probably because of the wind which also caused me to skip the Lighthouse. Next I showed Jeff where Mendoza ("B" ranch) was. It was pretty quiet there as well so Jeff left which is too bad because a little later I saw a PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER in the field behind the grove of trees across from the buildings. I needed a scope to see it well and puzzled over it for a while because it had its wingtips crossed the whole time so I couldn't see the primary projection I usually use to distinguish American Golden-Plovers from Pacifics. It was quite buffy-golden and with input from birders Claire and Nick and consulting my shorebird books, Pacific seemed like the best choice. I read in Claire's eBird report that the bird flew over to the pond after I left where they could see the primary projection and also called, so Pacific it is.
All the above locations are in Pt Reyes National Seashore, Marin County.
I made a short stop at White House Pool in Pt Reyes Station on my way home and saw a WILLOW FLYCATCHER there.
It was nice to meet new birders and see familiar ones again!
Today, at Hamilton Wetlands, Novato, there were:
Bairds Sandpipers (2 juvs), Vesper Sparrow (1 juv) and hundreds of Vauxs Swifts.
All seen from the south-most levee.
Jules Evens
Inverness
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Date: 9/15/17 4:48 pm From: Peter Colasanti <peter_colasanti...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Cape May at Bodega Bay
This morning at 7:15 a HY CAPE MAY WARBLER flew to top of roadside cypress at Bodega Marine Lab--residence entry. It allowed one good look before continuing on to the northeast. Meanwhile all those dozens of yellow warblers and other migrants piling up at Hole-in-the-Head were moving to the southeast corner, from which they departed as the longshore wind came up at 9:00. The past 3 days of South breeze have been fruitful.
Peter Colasanti Petaluma
Date: 9/14/17 9:06 pm From: Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Bodega Bay, 9/14
Hi Birders,
Here are some of today's highlights:Owl Canyon: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER ( tough in AM, confirmed by Rob O'Donnell, seen again late afternoon mid-canyon) AMERICAN REDSTART ( up and down canyon, mostly lower willows N. of canyon entrance) BREWER'S SPARROW - both sides of road, near parking area, mostly low shrubs also Black-throated Gray, many Yellow, 1(prob.)MacGillivray's, Warbling, Hutton's and Cassin's Vireo, Orange-crowned Warblers, Say's Phoebe, Willow Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, 3+ Barn Owls, etc.
Campbell Cove: heard-only "ink" notes of BOBOLINK, similar to, but more vibrant /dynamic than House Finch's similar note.
Gene Hunn called in the late afternoon to report a COMMON TERN he'd seen at Port O' Bodega.
Good Birding,~Dan Nelson, Sonoma County
Date: 9/14/17 9:46 am From: Matt Lau <mjaylau707...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Warblers at Fish Docks
Hi birders,
I was inspired by Mark Stephenson's email about the black-throated green Warbler at the Fish docks to come out for a 2nd day in a row. Earlier in the morning yesterday I observed an odd "Townsends Warbler" that I thought might be a Black-throated Green but I wasn't confident enough.
Today the BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER was at the pines past the residence. Thank you Peter (sorry I forgot your last name) for the insight and confirmation on that bird! And thank you Mark for affirming my suspicions!
I have some crummy photos and then my camera decided to die on me right on time. But Peter may have better ones.
Also present in the flock: TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, WILSON's WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER , BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER and a WARBLING VIREO.
Good birding! Matt Lau Petaluma -- ------------ *Matt Lau* Snowy Plover Ecologist Point Reyes Seashore Association/National Park Service (e) <mjaylau707...> <mjaylau707...> (c) 707-478-6264 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlau707
Today at 7:45 pm, Ruth, Monica, and I found a Common Poorwill on the trail from the observatory at Sugarloaf State Park. It was hawking insects off of the trail and is a fairly accessible and easily viewed bird for those who wish to see one. Also observed were numerous toads, most of which were quite large and quite gorgeous.
Date: 9/13/17 9:45 pm From: William Legge <WGDLegge...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Re: Sabine's Gull - Rodeo Lagoon
Calvin et al,
FYI - the adult Sabine's Gull was unwell and was taken into care late morning today by the GGRO and I believe was taken to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. Hope it recovers. No obvious injury - just exhausted, although it could not stand on its own legs, but was flying around a bit early on. Couple of poor record photos on my eBird report.
William Legge
Mill Valley, CA
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 13, 2017, at 8:45 PM, <cdlou37...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> wrote:
>
> Further note: The bird was on the mudflats west of the bridge.
>
> Calvin Lou
> SF
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <cdlou37...>
> To: "northbaybirds" <northbaybirds...>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 8:37:02 PM
> Subject: Sabine's Gull - Rodeo Lagoon
>
> Hi ALL
>
> I rec'd a message from Rich Cimino of a SABINE'S GULL on the mudflats west of bridge
> at Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands. The bird was observed at 830am by at least 12 other birder as well as Rich. (Unfortunately, I have been at meeting all day and just listened to the message.
>
> Calvin Lou
> SF
>
Several people went out today 9/13 in search of the bird, from 8:15 a.m.
onward until 6:00. It has NOT been sighted again.
Most of us looked in the Green Cove area and South, but I am thinking the
meadows to the north, including Gualala Point Park, would be good to check.
You can walk the public Bluff Trail from Gualala Point Park south to Walk
On Beach. There is free parking at the Walk-on Beach lot, and a $7 parking
charge at Gualala Point, a Sonoma County Park
From: Jeff Miller <jmiller...>
Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 5:57 PM
To: 'Steven Tucker' <talkingtrees80...>, 'Northbaybirds'
<northbaybirds...>
Cc: Diane Hichwa <dhichwa...>
Subject: RE: [NBB] Fork-tailed Flycatcher photos
I spent several hours today, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm in Sea Ranch at the site
of the reported FT Flycatcher, with no luck. I also searched up and down the
coast near the spot and some likely meadows south of Sea Ranch.
Jeff Miller
Russian River
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>]
On Behalf Of Steven Tucker <talkingtrees80...> [northbaybirds]
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 12:02 PM
To: Northbaybirds
Cc: Diane Hichwa
Subject: [NBB] Fork-tailed Flycatcher photos
Hi all,
With Diane's permission, I posted the flycatcher photos in the group's photo
section, under the album "Sea Ranch Fork-tailed Flycatcher". This appears to
be an adult Fork-tailed Flycatcher! Almost all reports of this species in
the state pertain to Pin-tailed Whydahs, which this is not. Hopefully
someone can refind it!
Further note: The bird was on the mudflats west of the bridge.
Calvin Lou SF
----- Original Message ----- From: <cdlou37...> To: "northbaybirds" <northbaybirds...> Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 8:37:02 PM Subject: Sabine's Gull - Rodeo Lagoon
Hi ALL
I rec'd a message from Rich Cimino of a SABINE'S GULL on the mudflats west of bridge at Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands. The bird was observed at 830am by at least 12 other birder as well as Rich. (Unfortunately, I have been at meeting all day and just listened to the message.
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Date: 9/13/17 8:38 pm From: Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Bodega Bay, 9/13
Hi Birders,This morning I found an OVENBIRD and an AMERICAN REDSTART in the Owl Canyon on the W. sideof Bodega Harbor. The OVENBIRD was walking along the heaviest of Eucalyptus branches over the creek some 30'high, in the drizzly rain. It later flew into the lower willows to the N. of the path leading into the canyon, giving several call notes as it moved. The AMERICAN REDSTART was also in the Eucalyptus, but30 mins. later was seen well up the canyon.Today I saw my first TOWNSEND"S WARBLER in Bodega Dunes campground,and my first Fox Sparrow was at Owl Canyon.A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was just W. of the Bodega Marine Lab entrance today.
Also on Monday 9/11, there was a single RED CROSSBILL heard and seen well at the Bodega Dunes campground.Good Birding, ~ Dan Nelson, Sonoma County
I rec'd a message from Rich Cimino of a SABINE'S GULL on the mudflats west of bridge at Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands. The bird was observed at 830am by at least 12 other birder as well as Rich. (Unfortunately, I have been at meeting all day and just listened to the message.
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Date: 9/13/17 8:03 pm From: dea freid <lemuria...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] One more Pt Reyes bird from 9/13...
I birded Mendoza ("B" ranch, Pt Reyes Nat. Seashore) late this afternoon. I entered the grove of trees opposite the residence, turned left and went to the end where I entered an area of tall dead Poison Hemlock flower stalks. A female AMERICAN REDSTART (continuing?) flew in and landed very close to me, about 8 ft away, at eye level. She stayed there, not moving, while we literally looked each other in the eye. It was the closest I've been to a Redstart and a very special moment.
Date: 9/13/17 7:49 pm From: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] no Mourning warbler
Hi All,
Okay, I'm retracting the Mourning warbler. It seems that my horrible picture was useful after all, and I've received another opinion that it may be a Nashville Warbler.
To be fair, Bob Battagin was going for Nashville in the field.
So I'll change my ebird report to warbler sp. but keep the photo so people can try and judge for themselves.
Lisa
------------------------------------ Posted by: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> ------------------------------------
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My feeders are being visited by a Black-chinned hummingbird every day now since last Friday. I could easily have missed it, if I hadn't recognized its soft call. Very different from the noisy Annas. Margareta Luff Bahia area, Novato
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Date: 9/13/17 6:52 pm From: 'Richard Cimino' <yellowbilledtours...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: RE: [NBB] Re: [pen-bird] N. Cal Birdbox farewell.
A nice peaceful ending of a legacy which so many of grew up using.
Thanks to Calvin Lou and Joe Morlan for managing the birdbox - hope to see you guy in the field birding.
Rich Cimino
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of Roy Carlson <rbcarlson1...> [northbaybirds] Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 6:05 PM To: <jmorlan...> Cc: <calbirds...>; <peninsula-birding...>; <SFBirds...>; EBB_Sightings <EBB_Sightings...>; <northbaybirds...> Subject: [NBB] Re: [pen-bird] N. Cal Birdbox farewell.
And, a HUGE "thank you" to Joe for his work on the Birdbox all these years.
Roy Carlson San Carlos, CA
> On Sep 13, 2017, at 3:52 PM, Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...> [peninsula-birding] <peninsula-birding-noreply...> wrote: > > Birders, > > The Northern California Birdbox experienced a fatal hardware failure. It > is offline and will not be continued. > > The birdbox has been in continuous operation for 23 years. We are grateful > to Golden Gate Audubon Society for getting it started and supporting it. We > are also in debt to the many active birders who regularly reported their > sightings to the birding public all those years. There are more people than > I can name who made the service a success but I'd like to particularly > thank Bill Principe who invented the ordinal birdbox and Linda Swanson who > hosted it at her home for many years. > > Since its inception the birdbox offered rapid-response breaking news of > rarities. Today most people get rare birds news more conveniently from > email lists, eBird and Facebook. In recent years the birdbox received > declining participation and it is time to move on. > > Thank you. > -- > Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA > > > ------------------------------------ > Posted by: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...> > ------------------------------------ > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo Groups Links > > >
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Three of us saw the Mourning warbler today at the Fish Docks in Point Reyes National Seashore. Bob Battagin, a woman named Galen (last name?) and I.
The bird was searched for for a few hours in the morning, down by the fish docks area where Dea Freid described yesterday.
At around 11:00 or so, the three of us went up to the upper trail the one that starts near the restrooms and goes along the Cypress trees to Chimney.
Just where the Cypress trees begin, there are some Coyote Brush bushes that abut up against the first short Cypress tree along the path. this is where Galen spotted it as it popped up briefly out of the to of the bush. We all got a brief look and then it skulked back into the bush. It then, flew down the hill to some thickets of blackberry bush with some poison hemlock in front of it. SWe saw it in the poison hemlock a couple times and then it disappeared. I stayed until 2:00 with various observers and it wasn't seen again.
We did see the American Redstart and the Chestnut-sided warbler from that trail.
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Date: 9/13/17 6:30 pm From: G M ARCHAMBAULT <gm72125...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Re: [EBB_Sightings] Re: [pen-bird] N. Cal Birdbox farewell.
Hear, Hear! The end of an era, for sure. All the famous voices I used to listen to: Jean Richmond, Ron Thorn, Gary Deghi, Doug Shaw -- on and on. It was an amazing resource, often filled with detailed and precise directions and sightings to salivate over. Whose voice was that, anyway? "You have reached the toll-saver feature. In the future, you can bypass this message by"… etc. I never was clear on whose voice that was, but it's etched indelibly in my memory now. Hundreds, if not thousands, of birders owed countless "lifers" to the Bird Box. Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, Bell's Vireo -- the Bird Box had them all. I guess the internet finally superseded it, but the generations to come will never know the pleasures of dialing in and receiving a busy signal, signifying someone was in the process of leaving a new message. Thank you, Joe Morlan, and everyone who left all those reports over the years. We are all indebted to everyone involved. Rest in peace, Northern California Birdbox! -Ken Archambault, Birmingham, Alabama
On Wednesday, September 13, 2017 8:06 PM, "Roy Carlson <rbcarlson1...> [EBB_Sightings]" <EBB_Sightings-noreply...> wrote:
And, a HUGE "thank you" to Joe for his work on the Birdbox all these years.
Roy Carlson
San Carlos, CA
> On Sep 13, 2017, at 3:52 PM, Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...> [peninsula-birding] <peninsula-birding-noreply...> wrote:
>
> Birders,
>
> The Northern California Birdbox experienced a fatal hardware failure. It
> is offline and will not be continued.
>
> The birdbox has been in continuous operation for 23 years. We are grateful
> to Golden Gate Audubon Society for getting it started and supporting it. We
> are also in debt to the many active birders who regularly reported their
> sightings to the birding public all those years. There are more people than
> I can name who made the service a success but I'd like to particularly
> thank Bill Principe who invented the ordinal birdbox and Linda Swanson who
> hosted it at her home for many years.
>
> Since its inception the birdbox offered rapid-response breaking news of
> rarities. Today most people get rare birds news more conveniently from
> email lists, eBird and Facebook. In recent years the birdbox received
> declining participation and it is time to move on.
>
> Thank you.
> --
> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
>
>
> ------------------------------------
> Posted by: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo Groups Links
>
>
>
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I spent several hours today, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm in Sea Ranch at the site of the reported FT Flycatcher, with no luck. I also searched up and down the coast near the spot and some likely meadows south of Sea Ranch.
Jeff Miller
Russian River
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of Steven Tucker <talkingtrees80...> [northbaybirds]
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 12:02 PM
To: Northbaybirds
Cc: Diane Hichwa
Subject: [NBB] Fork-tailed Flycatcher photos
Hi all,
With Diane's permission, I posted the flycatcher photos in the group's photo section, under the album "Sea Ranch Fork-tailed Flycatcher". This appears to be an adult Fork-tailed Flycatcher! Almost all reports of this species in the state pertain to Pin-tailed Whydahs, which this is not. Hopefully someone can refind it!
The juvenile Franklin's Gull continues at the northeastern corner of the south pond at the Napa sewage ponds, located at 1515 Soscol Ferry Rd.
The ponds are open to birders weekdays 8:30-4:00. The gate at the end of the town road presents signage telling you not to proceed. Ignore these, continue to the main office to sign in. Private vehicles are prohibited inside the facility around the ponds. Your visit will be entirely on foot. Visitors must also sign out.
Date: 9/13/17 4:56 pm From: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Fish Docks Warblers Marin County
We're at fish docks right now photographing a Black throated Green Warbler at the actual fish docks. In the cypress near the beach. We also have seen Chestnut sided Warbler and American Redstart. There was a Brewer's Sparrow at Giocamini wetlands.
Hi all, With Diane's permission, I posted the flycatcher photos in the group's photo section, under the album "Sea Ranch Fork-tailed Flycatcher". This appears to be an adult Fork-tailed Flycatcher! Almost all reports of this species in the state pertain to Pin-tailed Whydahs, which this is not. Hopefully someone can refind it! Steve TuckerSan Jose
I am posting for Pat Friedman of Sea Ranch. She spotted this bird late yesterday afternoon Sept 12 on private property at Green Cove near Headlands Reach of The Sea Ranch. (two photos attached)
Pat described: The bird was first seen at 4:05 pm adjacent to the bluff trail just south of the seal observation area. As we approached, it flew to the fence area at the seal observation area and again as we got closer, it flew over the bluff's edge but reappeared a few minutes later about 3 feet below the top of the bluff right above where the seals usually haul out. It was still perched there when we left at 4:22.
Unfortunately It has not been seen this morning in the area. Hope everyone will keep their eyes open.
Diane Hichwa
Email: <dhichwa...>
Telephone: 707-785-1922 (Sea Ranch) 707-483-3130 (cell) More Tail Wagging!!! Less Barking!! Millie 2007
On 9/12/17, 8:12 PM, "Pat Friedman" <eland2...> wrote:
>Hi Diane, > >Here are a few photos taken at Glen Cove today. > >Pat > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Sent from my iPhone
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Date: 9/13/17 8:45 am From: William Legge <WGDLegge...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Unwell Adult Sabine's Gull at Rodeo Lagoon!
In the main lagoon outlet channel. View from the footpath leading to the beach.
William Legge Mill Valley, CA
Sent from my iPhone
------------------------------------ Posted by: William Legge <wgdlegge...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/13/17 8:40 am From: William Legge <WGDLegge...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Unwell adult Sabine's Gull at Rodeo Lagoon
In the main lagoon outlet channel. View from the footbridge leading to the beach. May be taken in care but still flying when approached.
Date: 9/13/17 1:15 am From: Jean M Myers <dosriosjean...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Fwd: Birding Point Reyes - correction
Hi all:
Sorry for the correction. The large finch flock and bugling elks were seen at the Pierce Point Ranch, not at the Fish Docks.
Jean Myers
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Jean M Myers <dosriosjean...>
> Subject: Birding Point Reyes
> Date: September 12, 2017 at 3:14:46 PM PDT
> To: <northbaybirds...>
> Cc: Jean Myers <birdermom...>
>
> Hi all:
>
> Sorry for the late post - got home yesterday and couldn’t get service while staying on the point. But had a wonderful weekend. Fog was heavy on Saturday (9/9/17) afternoon when we arrived at about 1pm, which kept migrators in place. The Lighthouse was inundated with people, so we headed into the bushes and found American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Willow Flycatcher and Lincoln’s Sparrow (rare there - who knew?) near the radar tower above the parking lot. At the Lighthouse cypress, we found Chestnut-sided Warbler (1st year) and 2 female Western Tanagers. To observe anything besides people, we had to climb the hill and observe from above through the fog. At the Fish Docks, we had Black-throated Gray Warbler and Lazuli Bunting at the water trough and Pacific-slope Flycatcher nearby, Hermit Warbler and White-breasted Nuthatch at the cypress below the house. At Ranch B we had a kettle of about 50 Raven circling for about 5 minutes before they broke up and 13 Red-necked Phalaropes in the pond.
>
> On Sunday, 9/10/17, the fog had cleared. So had most of the rarities. However, we found Yellow Warbler at the Fish Docks and many finches in the eucalyptus grove - perhaps 100-300 judging by the sound. We think most were Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch, as those were the species we observed flying into the surrounding flora. Bugling elk performed by clacking horns. At Drake’s Beach were 6 Red Phalaropes in the pond. A male Wrentit was calling from the hillside behind the ponds, and two California Scrub-jay were begging for food and harassing birds (the two latter species listed as rare for this location at this time of year…). A Merlin was being chased by two Kestrels at the abandoned ranch as we drove out. We found no rarities at Bodega Bay.
>
> On Monday morning (9/11/17) at the Fish Docks we had Fox Sparrow, another Lincoln’s Sparrow (listed as rare here) and 3 Peregrine Falcons at the point, vocalizing, perching and hunting actively. Two more Lincoln’s were found at the ranch with the walk-in cypress grove. They almost landed on me!
>
> Along with the Pygmy Nuthatches that seem to live at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, it was a 3 nuthatch weekend! Happy birding!
>
> Jean Myers
> near Gilroy, CA
> along with Marilyn from San Diego…
> Note: Most rarities have photos included on eBird.
Date: 9/13/17 12:14 am From: David Wimpfheimer <ceruleanswift...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Cordell Bank Pelagic Trip September 17
There are still places available for the Sunday, September 17 Pelagic Trip to the Cordell Bank.
The trip leaves at 7:00 am and returns to Bodega Bay at 4:00 pm. The leaders are Steve Howell,
Alan Hopkins and David Wimpfheimer. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is an extremely productive marine habitat about twenty miles west of Point Reyes. Rich feeding conditions concentrates food for local breeding seabirds as well as those that have migrated here from Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand and other Southern Hemisphere regions. Birds that occur here include Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Sooty, Pink-footed and Buller's Shearwater, Fork-tailed, Ashy, Black and Wilson's Storm-Petrel. Other species such as Sabine's Gull, Arctic Tern, South Polar Skua, Long-tailed, Parasitic and Pomarine Jaeger, Tufted Puffin, Rhinoceros and Cassin's Auklet, Red-necked and Red Phalarope also can be seen in these waters. Many rarer species have occurred here over the years. Marine mammals can be plentiful here as well; Blue, Humpback and Fin Whales have been observed recently plus Right Whale, Pacific White-sided and Common Dolphin. Pinnipeds, Ocean Sunfish, sharks and a variety of other marine wildlife are all possible. The trip is a fundraiser for the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin. Member tickets are $165, non-member $185, and a new member package deal for $200, which gains you a boat ticket, the 2-cd birding by ear set, and a one year household membership. Contact the EAC to register at 415-663-9312 or www.eacmarin.org
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Date: 9/12/17 7:17 pm From: dea freid <lemuria...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Mourning Warbler continues Pt Reyes Fish Docks
Early this morning, after reading Albert L.'s eBird report and seeing his photos of the first fall MOURNING WARBLER at the outer Pt Reyes Fish Docks, I made a quick decision to head on down to try to see this bird, which would be a lifer for me. On my way there, I ran into Everett Clark and Mary Anne Flett at Mendoza ("B" ranch), told them about the bird and we all zoomed down to the Fish Docks. I wrote down the location given in the report, but we were still unclear as to where exactly it was, so we started searching in the bushes around the residence. No luck there. Next we went to the pines past the residence to see what was there. Mary Anne spotted a BLACKPOLL WARBLER in the small pine opposite the large ones. Finally, we decided to go down the lowest paved road that leads to the actual fish dock (not the same as the Life Saving Station) where the Clay-colored Sparrow and Painted Bunting had recently been seen. When we were almost to the dock, I spotted the bird on the ground! It was well-described and photographed in Albert's report so I will only add that I thought the throat was a brighter yellow than he indicated. It clearly had a broken eye ring not the eye arcs of a MacGillivray's or the complete eye ring of a Connecticut and the underparts were all yellow. Everett and Mary Anne had seen a Mourning before and confirmed the ID. Yahoo! Everett got a photo that I believe he will include with his eBird report.
The bird was quite skulky but if one waited patiently, would periodically appear and we all got good looks. It remained in a rather small area which I will describe in detail. When one is almost to the dock, there is an area of pavement stained by oil and a bit sticky on the shoes. If you look at the hillside there, you will see a vegetation covered gully. The vegetation is salmonberries (brambles) with coffeeberry on the left. There is a small area on the left not covered by plants with what looks like a wooden board on it. The edge between the small open area and the plants is where it would appear every now and again along with it moving through the salmonberries from time to time. We got whole-body looks but generally not long enough for photos. I'm amazed at all the photos Albert got.
For other locations, Nunes ("A" ranch) was the best with an oriole spotted by Mary Anne that was likely a first fall male BALTIMORE ORIOLE. I think I got photos of that one.
An exciting day at the Outer Point (Marin county)!
PS: I only used Albert's first name and last initial because I didn't know how to contact him for permission to use his name, but I wanted to give him credit as the finder of the Mourning Warbler.
Date: 9/12/17 5:01 pm From: Jean M Myers <dosriosjean...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Birding Point Reyes
Hi all:
Sorry for the late post - got home yesterday and couldn’t get service while staying on the point. But had a wonderful weekend. Fog was heavy on Saturday (9/9/17) afternoon when we arrived at about 1pm, which kept migrators in place. The Lighthouse was inundated with people, so we headed into the bushes and found American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Willow Flycatcher and Lincoln’s Sparrow (rare there - who knew?) near the radar tower above the parking lot. At the Lighthouse cypress, we found Chestnut-sided Warbler (1st year) and 2 female Western Tanagers. To observe anything besides people, we had to climb the hill and observe from above through the fog. At the Fish Docks, we had Black-throated Gray Warbler and Lazuli Bunting at the water trough and Pacific-slope Flycatcher nearby, Hermit Warbler and White-breasted Nuthatch at the cypress below the house. At Ranch B we had a kettle of about 50 Raven circling for about 5 minutes before they broke up and 13 Red-necked Phalaropes in the pond.
On Sunday, 9/10/17, the fog had cleared. So had most of the rarities. However, we found Yellow Warbler at the Fish Docks and many finches in the eucalyptus grove - perhaps 100-300 judging by the sound. We think most were Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch, as those were the species we observed flying into the surrounding flora. Bugling elk performed by clacking horns. At Drake’s Beach were 6 Red Phalaropes in the pond. A male Wrentit was calling from the hillside behind the ponds, and two California Scrub-jay were begging for food and harassing birds (the two latter species listed as rare for this location at this time of year…). A Merlin was being chased by two Kestrels at the abandoned ranch as we drove out. We found no rarities at Bodega Bay.
On Monday morning (9/11/17) at the Fish Docks we had Fox Sparrow, another Lincoln’s Sparrow (listed as rare here) and 3 Peregrine Falcons at the point, vocalizing, perching and hunting actively. Two more Lincoln’s were found at the ranch with the walk-in cypress grove. They almost landed on me!
Along with the Pygmy Nuthatches that seem to live at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, it was a 3 nuthatch weekend! Happy birding!
Jean Myers
near Gilroy, CA
along with Marilyn from San Diego…
Note: Most rarities have photos included on eBird.
------------------------------------
Posted by: Jean M Myers <dosriosjean...>
------------------------------------
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Date: 9/12/17 12:41 pm From: William Legge <WGDLegge...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Rodeo Lagoon - Migrants 9/12
David Wiechers and I were treated to a nice little influx of new migrants early this morning at Rodeo Lagoon (Marin Headlands), no doubt mixed up in this humid weather and last evenings storms. The highlight was a flyover White-faced Ibis which we picked up flying high over the main lagoon, coming from the south east and purposefully heading NW out over the ocean in the direction of Outer Point Reyes at 7:40am. Best of the rest as follows:
New migrants in today
1 Green Heron - the first one we have recorded in almost two years at this location! 1 White-faced Ibis - the aforementioned flyover 1 Spotted Sandpiper - western shore of the main lagoon 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 1 Warbling Vireo 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 7+ Yellow Warblers 1 Townsend's Warbler - female/1st winter 5 Wilson's Warblers (none yesterday) 2 Lincoln's Sparrow 14 Tricolored Blackbird - single flock feeding on mown grass near the Marin Headlands Visitor Car Park 1 House Sparrow - female - almost a 'mega rarity' out here!
Continuing migrants
1 Horned Grebe - eastern end of the main lagoon for its second day 1 Belted Kingfisher - 1st winter male 11+ Pygmy Nuthatch 2 Savannah Sparrow
Date: 9/12/17 11:50 am From: Dan Singer <dsg2...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Mouring Warbler at Fish Docks yesterday - SECOND HAND REPORT
Hi all, Good photos of an apparent Mourning Warbler were just brought to my attention. The bird was seen Monday afternoon at the Fish Docks (Outer Point Reyes, MRN). I believe the bird was in the ravine behind the garage but I'm not positive about this.
Date: 9/12/17 10:35 am From: Peter Pyle <ppyle...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Spizellas, Black Swift, Point Reyes Station
Of local interest there were three Spizella sparrows with a flock of White-crowns (most/all recent pugentesis arrivals by the looks of it) at the Giacomini Marsh trail exiting from the corner of 3rd and C streets, PRS. One was a Brewer's, one was a Clay-colored, and the third was one of these two that I was not able to identify. The flock was feeding on the path, about 100 m straight down where it skirts (to the left) the currently dry vernal pool there.
While I was trying to sort out the Spizellas I heard Purple Martins and looked up to see an interesting assortment of swallows and swifts headed south. There were about 6 martins, several Violet-green Swallows, at least one each of Cliff and Barn swallow, at least one Vaux's Swfit, and a Black Swift. Unfortunately the flock was moving south so quickly (led by the martins) that I did not get a full assessment.
Peter
------------------------------------ Posted by: Peter Pyle <ppyle...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/12/17 9:24 am From: Monica Schwalbenberg-Peña <fieldsketcher...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Re: Great Horned Owl: Rare Call Heard (& Link Here For Similar Recording
I hear this sound regularly from our local owls. They have a large number of vocalizations, as they nest nearby, we get to hear them.
Monica, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County
Date: 9/11/17 6:39 pm From: jeff abend <boxxorain...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Am. Redstart in Corte Madera, Marin Co.
142 birds in your yard! That's incredible. I was so stoked to have about 20!!
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <northbaybirds...> <northbaybirds...> on behalf of <eurohobby...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2017 6:00:50 PM
To: <northbaybirds...>
Subject: [NBB] Am. Redstart in Corte Madera, Marin Co.
This afternoon a female-plumage Am. Redstart was in my yard on the 400 block of Montecito Ave. in Corte Madera. This warbler is yard bird #142, so I'm happy.
This afternoon a female-plumage Am. Redstart was in my yard on the 400 block of Montecito Ave. in Corte Madera. This warbler is yard bird #142, so I'm happy.
Date: 9/11/17 1:37 pm From: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] American Redstart
Hi Birders,
This morning a client and I found an American Redstart in China Camp State Park (Marin County) on the Miwok Meadows Trail. It was between the trailhead and the place on the trail where there begins to be trees on both sides of the trail - right up against the trail. It was an adult male. We both saw it briefly.
I returned to the spot about 40 minutes later to try and relocate it and photograph it, but I couldn't find it again. it was with a mixed feeding flock with a group of chickadees.
Also, while I am here, I would like to come clean on the Pacific Golden-Plovers that I reported last week at Shollenberger Park. I am pretty sure that I mistook some distant Black-bellied Plovers for them.
The clues that I've probably made an identification mistake:
1. I can't stop thinking about the birds. 2. The photos are so bad, they could have been someone's escaped chickens. 3. Nobody else saw them. 4. I returned to the spot, and saw innocent, large-eyed Black-bellied Plovers standing where I photographed the birds a week ago.
I really miss those Golden-plovers that used to be at Shollenberger and so I "saw" them. I am sorry to anyone who went out of their way to try and see them.
Lisa Hug Sebastopol, CA
------------------------------------ Posted by: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/11/17 10:27 am From: <enhunn323...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] RROS Bodega Canyon/Cordell Banks pelagic trip of September 10
NiBBers,
Some 30 of us braved the seas yesterday out of Bodega Harbor. We had high fog for the first two hours and then dodged a fog bank out at the continental shelf but generally had good visibility. There was a rather large and erratic nw swell that we hit crosswise for the first half of the trip, which made staying upright a challenge. It was a sharp contrast with our August 20 trip along this route, as birds of all sorts were scarce with low numbers of shearwaters (some of each of N. Fulmar, Pink-footed, Buller's and Sooty, plus a fair number of Black-footed Albatross), storm-petrels (just Ashies this time), phalaropes, and jaegers, though six South Polar Skuas was a solid showing, plus a fair number of Pomarine Jaegers (mostly distant) and a single Long-tailed. Murres and Cassin's and Rhinoceros Auklets were present in decent numbers. Sabine Gull's and Arctic Terns were nearly absent. Nevertheless, the mammals made up for the shortage of birds: great close views of 4 Blue Whales, including a fluke flip, decent numbers of Humpbacks, plus Right Whale Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Short-snout Common Dolphins (one small group mixed with the white-sides), and Dall's Porpoises plus close view (and smells...) of the sealion rookery on the islet off Bodega Head, including some very impressive Steller's Sealions.
The Redwood Region Ornithological Society plans a final Bodega Canyon/Cordell Bank trip Sunday, October 15. Spaces available. Consult the RROS website (www.rros.org) calendar for details if you would like to join us.
Date: 9/10/17 7:53 pm From: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Black and white Bodega Bay Sonoma County
Seen today at Campbell cove at 5:30. With Lisa hug, Brook O'Connor, Mookie Fudemberg and David Leland.
Date: 9/10/17 6:05 pm From: Daniel Edelstein <danieledelstein...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Great Horned Owl: Rare Call Heard (& Link Here For Similar Recording)
As a common owl species, as you know, GREAT HORNED OWL expresses a diverse repertoire
of vocalizations.
One I rarely hear from this species occurred today at 6:01 AM in the Marin Open Space forest adjacent to our
residence…..and is present as a recorded call at the web site
Date: 9/10/17 1:48 pm From: Carlo Arreglo <auntiestrophe...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Point Reyes Lighthouse Sightings
Hi,
While stationed down at the historic lighthouse this morning, I saw a Parasitic Jaeger somewhat lazily flying south above the inversion layer. About 15 minutes later, a likely Townsend's Warbler rapidly circled the lighthouse twice, then flew towards the Chimney Rock area.
Bear birding, Carlo Arreglo Point Reyes National Seashore
.
------------------------------------ Posted by: Carlo Arreglo <auntiestrophe...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/9/17 1:13 pm From: Matt Lau <mjaylau707...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Chimney Rock Area 9/9 - Chestnut-sided Warblers
Hi birders,
I went birding at the cypresses near the Fish docks this morning looking for the Painted Bunting and Clay-colored Sparrow (with no success on either).
But in the cypresses near the residence were 2 CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS (one HY and one female, with chestnut colored flanks). I caught up with Steve Miller and Bob Atwood, both of which got good looks at the birds.
Other migrant birds: 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER, 1 BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK, 1 TOWNSENDS WARBLER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, RED BREASTED NUTHATCHES and a HOUSE WREN.
Good birding! Matt Lau Petaluma
------------ *Matt Lau* Snowy Plover Ecologist Point Reyes Seashore Association/National Park Service (e) <mjaylau707...> <mjaylau707...> (c) 707-478-6264 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlau707
Date: 9/9/17 12:54 pm From: feinerVogel94551 <feinerVogel94551...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Fwd: Chimney Rock area 9/9 - Chestnut sided Warblers
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message --------From: "Matt Lau <mjaylau707...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...> Date: 9/9/17 10:18 AM (GMT-08:00) To: <northbaybirds-owner...> Subject: Chimney Rock area 9/9 - Chestnut sided Warblers Hi birders, I went birding at the cypresses near the Fish docks this morning looking for the Painted Bunting and Clay-colored Sparrow (with no success on either). But in the cypresses near the residence were 2 CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS (one HY and one female, with chestnut colored flanks). Met up with Steve Miller and Bob Atwood to see some other migrants. Other migrant birds: 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER, 1 BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK, 1 TOWNSENDS WARBLER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, RED BREASTED NUTHATCHES and a HOUSE WREN. Good birding!Matt LauPetaluma-- ------------ Matt LauSnowy Plover EcologistPoint Reyes Seashore Association/National Park Service(e) <mjaylau707...> (c) 707-478-6264https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlau707
McNear Brickyard, San Rafael Vaux's Swift Counts this season:
Aug 7 ............. 0 Aug 12 .......... 0 Aug 14 .......... 0 Aug 16 .......... 0 Aug 17 .......... 9 Aug 19 .......... 12 Aug 24 ......... 120 Aug 25 ......... 220 Aug 26 ......... 280 Aug 28 ........ 1360 Aug 29 ........ 3325 Aug 30 ........ 2190 Sept 1 ..........1762 Sept 2 .......... 2735 Sept 3 .......... 3010 Sept 4 .......... 4190 Sept 5 .......... 5840 Sept 7 .......... 3360 Sept 8 .......... 9090
Strange evening. No aerial displays, no vortex of swifts over the chimneys; the birds were all business. They came in over a period of half an hour and dove into the chimney, with a minimum of flying about. Perhaps they were exhausted.
Date: 9/8/17 8:34 pm From: Daniel Edelstein <danieledelstein...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Vaux's Swifts In Novato
Hello Birding Friends:
Tonight in S. Novato within the Pacheco Valle area, 13 Vaux's Swift individualslingered and foraged as flyovers from 6-6:20 pm.
Hope to visit the San Rafael-based McNear's Brickyard "roost" soon at the crepuscular phase to enjoy the spectacle there where the same species is even more abundant, as youprobably already know.
Happy weekend to all, Daniel Edelstein
Novato, CA
&
Ellison Bay, WI
Date: 9/8/17 4:25 pm From: Dan Singer <dsg2...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Painted Bunting - Outer Point Reyes, MRN
Hi birders,
A young Painted Bunting was present today at the Fish Docks in the same area where the Clay-colored Sparrow was first reported yesterday and which continues today. This is the flat area at the base of the walkway/pier that leads to the the Fish Docks and where Elephant Seals are sometimes hauled out. This was a fairly dull bird but with obvious green tones to the crown and back. After about 15-20 minutes the bunting flew a very short distance and I was unable to refind it. I’ll add photos to my eBird checklist.
Migrants were scarce in the few areas I checked. A low marine layer hampered visibility. I was told the American Redstart was still present at Mendoza Ranch.
Dan Singer
San Rafael
------------------------------------
Posted by: Dan Singer <dsg2...>
------------------------------------
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Date: 9/8/17 3:11 pm From: Mike Heffernon <mheff...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Black and White Warbler continues Campbell Cove
I saw the subject bird at 10-something this morning where Lisa described. It was on the inner trail back there but I glimpsed it from the open area.
Mike Heffernon
Occidental
Sent from my iPad
> On Sep 8, 2017, at 8:47 AM, Dea Freid <lemuria...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> wrote:
>
> In woods behind restroom at Campbell Cove Bodega Bay Sonoma County at 8:30 AM Fri 9/8
>
> Dea Freid
> Sebastopol
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
Date: 9/8/17 3:01 pm From: 'Denise Hamilton' <napabirders...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
Glad you wrote about the Ravens at Pt. Reyes. We have seen that many, too. Sometimes at the water troughs at the dairy farms. I figured that it was NOT good to have so many around.
I’m curious as to why their population has exploded (on-going destruction of habitat?). We’ve been going to Pt. Reyes for years and certainly do not remember seeing so many of them in years past.
Denise & David Hamilton
Napa
<napabirders...>
From: Matt Lau <mjaylau707...> [northbaybirds]
Sent: Friday, September 8, 2017 1:05 PM
To: Steve Hutchcraft
Cc: Yahoogroups
Subject: Re: [NBB] Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
I just wanted to chime in about Raven numbers...
Here in Point Reyes it is not uncommon to observe anywhere between 40-70 Common Ravens on the beach or in the dunes, particularly between North Beach and the Kehoe trail. And yes, they are a HUGE problem for nesting Snowy Plovers. I'd venture to say they're one of the top reasons why SNPL reproductive success is fairly low here and elsewhere up and down the coast. I once counted 200 Common Ravens in the agricultural fields behind Kehoe Beach!
CORA numbers have dramatically increased in the West in the last half century, so I'm not terribly surprised by these observed numbers.
------------
Matt Lau
Snowy Plover Ecologist
Point Reyes Seashore Association/National Park Service
(e) mailto:<mjaylau707...>
On Fri, Sep 8, 2017 at 9:08 AM, Steve Hutchcraft <steve.hutchcraft...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> wrote:
Hmmm. Unprecedented numbers of ravens staging near Bodega Bay. Didn't something like this happen 54 years ago? If I lived there, I might start thinking about boarding up the windows and closing the chimney flues. . . .
Happy Birds!
Steve
Alamo, CA
On Sep 8, 2017, at 7:32 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> [northbaybirds] wrote:
On Friday, September 8, 2017 7:29 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> wrote:
Hi Birders,
On Wednesday Sept. 6 there were unprecedented numbers of Common Ravens staging on the coast near Bodega Bay. At one point, I counted 45 circling in the air at one time, over Bodega Head near Owl Canyon and Campbell Cove. At hour later, another large group was just W. of Valley Ford.
While not a rare species, I thought this might be worthy enough to report NBBer's. Or maybe not.
At any rate, I wanted to discuss the well-known "knocker" call, which is part of the regularly-heard repertoire given by CORAs - but slightly less frequent. This is a louder, very percussive version of a normal raven call, and transmits much further distances through open space,. This call is a very important component of Raven communication, and is often heard at places such as Bay Hill Rd., Jenner Headlands, or Marin Headlands. It is usually uttered aerially, in flight, and virtually always DOUBLED.
CAUTION : A few of the CORAs I reported were youngsters, and have been heard giving their doubled, youngster version of the "knocker" call. These calls can be heard daily at Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon and vicinity if one puts in time to listen. DO NOT CONFUSE this call with the pre-song clucking of Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The large influx of CORAs may be associated with the explosion of Voles / Microtis #s on the coast, also attracting Barn Owls and others.... which keep the ravens squawking .
Fun times, good birding
- Dan Nelson, Sonoma County
Date: 9/8/17 1:34 pm From: Matt Lau <mjaylau707...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
I just wanted to chime in about Raven numbers...
Here in Point Reyes it is not uncommon to observe anywhere between 40-70
Common Ravens on the beach or in the dunes, particularly between North
Beach and the Kehoe trail. And yes, they are a HUGE problem for nesting
Snowy Plovers. I'd venture to say they're one of the top reasons why SNPL
reproductive success is fairly low here and elsewhere up and down the
coast. I once counted 200 Common Ravens in the agricultural fields behind
Kehoe Beach!
CORA numbers have dramatically increased in the West in the last half
century, so I'm not terribly surprised by these observed numbers.
------------
*Matt Lau*
Snowy Plover Ecologist
Point Reyes Seashore Association/National Park Service
(e) <mjaylau707...> <mjaylau707...>
(c) 707-478-6264
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlau707
On Fri, Sep 8, 2017 at 9:08 AM, Steve Hutchcraft
<steve.hutchcraft...> [northbaybirds] <
<northbaybirds-noreply...> wrote:
>
>
> Hmmm. Unprecedented numbers of ravens staging near Bodega Bay. Didn't
> something like this happen 54 years ago? If I lived there, I might start
> thinking about boarding up the windows and closing the chimney flues. . . .
>
> Happy *Birds*!
>
> Steve
> Alamo, CA
>
> On Sep 8, 2017, at 7:32 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...>
> [northbaybirds] wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> On Friday, September 8, 2017 7:29 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...>
> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Birders,
> On Wednesday Sept. 6 there were unprecedented numbers of Common Ravens
> staging on the coast near Bodega Bay. At one point, I counted 45 circling
> in the air at one time, over Bodega Head near Owl Canyon and Campbell Cove.
> At hour later, another large group was just W. of Valley Ford.
>
> While not a rare species, I thought this might be worthy enough to report
> NBBer's. Or maybe not.
>
> At any rate, I wanted to discuss the well-known "knocker" call, which is
> part of the regularly-heard repertoire given by CORAs - but slightly less
> frequent. This is a louder, very percussive version of a normal raven
> call, and transmits much further distances through open space,. This call
> is a very important component of Raven communication, and is often heard at
> places such as Bay Hill Rd., Jenner Headlands, or Marin Headlands. It is
> usually uttered aerially, in flight, and virtually always DOUBLED.
>
> CAUTION : A few of the CORAs I reported were youngsters, and have
> been heard giving their doubled, youngster version of the "knocker" call.
> These calls can be heard daily at Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon and vicinity if
> one puts in time to listen. DO NOT CONFUSE this call with the pre-song
> clucking of Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The large influx of CORAs may be
> associated with the explosion of Voles / Microtis #s on the coast, also
> attracting Barn Owls and others.... which keep the ravens squawking .
>
> Fun times, good birding
> - Dan Nelson, Sonoma County
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/8/17 9:08 am From: Steve Hutchcraft <steve.hutchcraft...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
Hmmm. Unprecedented numbers of ravens staging near Bodega Bay. Didn't something like this happen 54 years ago? If I lived there, I might start thinking about boarding up the windows and closing the chimney flues. . . .
Happy Birds!
Steve
Alamo, CA
On Sep 8, 2017, at 7:32 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> [northbaybirds] wrote:
>
>
>
> On Friday, September 8, 2017 7:29 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Birders,
> On Wednesday Sept. 6 there were unprecedented numbers of Common Ravens staging on the coast near Bodega Bay. At one point, I counted 45 circling in the air at one time, over Bodega Head near Owl Canyon and Campbell Cove. At hour later, another large group was just W. of Valley Ford.
>
> While not a rare species, I thought this might be worthy enough to report NBBer's. Or maybe not.
>
> At any rate, I wanted to discuss the well-known "knocker" call, which is part of the regularly-heard repertoire given by CORAs - but slightly less frequent. This is a louder, very percussive version of a normal raven call, and transmits much further distances through open space,. This call is a very important component of Raven communication, and is often heard at places such as Bay Hill Rd., Jenner Headlands, or Marin Headlands. It is usually uttered aerially, in flight, and virtually always DOUBLED.
>
> CAUTION : A few of the CORAs I reported were youngsters, and have been heard giving their doubled, youngster version of the "knocker" call. These calls can be heard daily at Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon and vicinity if one puts in time to listen. DO NOT CONFUSE this call with the pre-song clucking of Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The large influx of CORAs may be associated with the explosion of Voles / Microtis #s on the coast, also attracting Barn Owls and others.... which keep the ravens squawking .
>
> Fun times, good birding
> - Dan Nelson, Sonoma County
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/8/17 8:47 am From: Dea Freid <lemuria...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Black and White Warbler continues Campbell Cove
In woods behind restroom at Campbell Cove Bodega Bay Sonoma County at 8:30 AM Fri 9/8
Dea Freid Sebastopol
Sent from my iPhone
------------------------------------ Posted by: Dea Freid <lemuria...> ------------------------------------
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Date: 9/8/17 8:32 am From: Doug Shaw <dougshaw09...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Fw: Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
Hi All,
Wow, that is a high concentration of Ravens! As for bird calls and songs recognition sometimes it may be a mammal you are hearing. Since many of us have smartphones if you hear something you don't recognize record it on your phone. If you use Ebird you can upload audio to a report.
Good Birding,
Doug Shaw
Santa Rosa, CA
----- Original Message -----
>
>
> On Friday, September 8, 2017 7:29 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...>
> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Birders,On Wednesday Sept. 6 there were unprecedented numbers of Common
> Ravens staging on the coast near Bodega Bay. At one point, I counted 45
> circling in the air at one time, over Bodega Head near Owl Canyon and
> Campbell Cove. At hour later, another large group was just W. of Valley
> Ford.
> While not a rare species, I thought this might be worthy enough to report
> NBBer's. Or maybe not.
> At any rate, I wanted to discuss the well-known "knocker" call, which is part
> of the regularly-heard repertoire given by CORAs - but slightly less
> frequent. This is a louder, very percussive version of a normal raven call,
> and transmits much further distances through open space,. This call is a
> very important component of Raven communication, and is often heard at
> places such as Bay Hill Rd., Jenner Headlands, or Marin Headlands. It is
> usually uttered aerially, in flight, and virtually always DOUBLED.
> CAUTION : A few of the CORAs I reported were youngsters, and have been
> heard giving their doubled, youngster version of the "knocker" call. These
> calls can be heard daily at Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon and vicinity if one
> puts in time to listen. DO NOT CONFUSE this call with the pre-song clucking
> of Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The large influx of CORAs may be associated with
> the explosion of Voles / Microtis #s on the coast, also attracting Barn Owls
> and others.... which keep the ravens squawking .
> Fun times, good birding- Dan Nelson, Sonoma County
>
>
>
>
Please do not post "Out of Office" messages to NorthBayBirds.
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:
Date: 9/8/17 8:10 am From: 'Norene' <noreneclare...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: RE: [NBB] Fw: Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
So… I always thought of those calls as a walnuts rubbing together sound. The visual works for me -- especially when those guys eye you with it, like they're holding the dice (walnuts) in their hands.
Incidentally, I'm told by rangers who've been studying this thing that common ravens are one the biggest threats to snowy plovers (eggs are yummy), sigh. I can see that possibility. I can also see how easy it might be to mistake a raven call for something else. They are excellent mimics.
Norene
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> [northbaybirds]
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2017 7:33 AM
To: Yahoogroups
Subject: [NBB] Fw: Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
On Friday, September 8, 2017 7:29 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> wrote:
Hi Birders,
On Wednesday Sept. 6 there were unprecedented numbers of Common Ravens staging on the coast near Bodega Bay. At one point, I counted 45 circling in the air at one time, over Bodega Head near Owl Canyon and Campbell Cove. At hour later, another large group was just W. of Valley Ford.
While not a rare species, I thought this might be worthy enough to report NBBer's. Or maybe not.
At any rate, I wanted to discuss the well-known "knocker" call, which is part of the regularly-heard repertoire given by CORAs - but slightly less frequent. This is a louder, very percussive version of a normal raven call, and transmits much further distances through open space,. This call is a very important component of Raven communication, and is often heard at places such as Bay Hill Rd., Jenner Headlands, or Marin Headlands. It is usually uttered aerially, in flight, and virtually always DOUBLED.
CAUTION : A few of the CORAs I reported were youngsters, and have been heard giving their doubled, youngster version of the "knocker" call. These calls can be heard daily at Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon and vicinity if one puts in time to listen. DO NOT CONFUSE this call with the pre-song clucking of Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The large influx of CORAs may be associated with the explosion of Voles / Microtis #s on the coast, also attracting Barn Owls and others.... which keep the ravens squawking .
Date: 9/8/17 7:33 am From: Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Fw: Bodega Bay - Raving with Ravens
On Friday, September 8, 2017 7:29 AM, Dan Nelson <birdsurf64...> wrote:
Hi Birders,On Wednesday Sept. 6 there were unprecedented numbers of Common Ravens staging on the coast near Bodega Bay. At one point, I counted 45 circling in the air at one time, over Bodega Head near Owl Canyon and Campbell Cove. At hour later, another large group was just W. of Valley Ford.
While not a rare species, I thought this might be worthy enough to report NBBer's. Or maybe not.
At any rate, I wanted to discuss the well-known "knocker" call, which is part of the regularly-heard repertoire given by CORAs - but slightly less frequent. This is a louder, very percussive version of a normal raven call, and transmits much further distances through open space,. This call is a very important component of Raven communication, and is often heard at places such as Bay Hill Rd., Jenner Headlands, or Marin Headlands. It is usually uttered aerially, in flight, and virtually always DOUBLED.
CAUTION : A few of the CORAs I reported were youngsters, and have been heard giving their doubled, youngster version of the "knocker" call. These calls can be heard daily at Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon and vicinity if one puts in time to listen. DO NOT CONFUSE this call with the pre-song clucking of Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The large influx of CORAs may be associated with the explosion of Voles / Microtis #s on the coast, also attracting Barn Owls and others.... which keep the ravens squawking .
Fun times, good birding- Dan Nelson, Sonoma County
Date: 9/7/17 9:17 pm From: Noah Arthur <semirelicta...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: RE: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Good point Judi... If this cuckoo is a western migrant who might be able to get back on-track and breed in the future, it's a very valuable bird. Chances are it's a misoriented eastern migrant that will perish overwater, but you never know.
Noah
On Thursday, September 7, 2017, 8:27:53 PM PDT, <judisierra...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> wrote:
It's a Calif. listed and protected species. Just saying.
---In <northbaybirds...>, <chucao@...> wrote :
All,
If it is a cuckoo it will respond to playback. Just saying.
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of enhunn323@... [northbaybirds]
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 12:55 PM
To: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106@...>; <northbaybirds...>
Subject: Re: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
NiBBers,
I don't have all the details straight but as I recall there was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo seen and photographed at the mouth of Owl Canyon in late October 2015, I think it was on the 24th or 25th, then seen again October 31 and November 1 of that year. I don't recall that it was heard vocalizing. It kept mostly out of sight in the thick vegetation.
The call I heard once yesterday (noted in my post of yesterday evening) was the "kuk-kuk-kuk" call I associate with the opening phrase of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo "song."
Gene Hunn
Petaluma
_____
From: "Mark Stephenson markstephenson4106@... [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...>
To: "Yahoogroups" <northbaybirds...>
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 10:24:35 AM
Subject: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Greetings All,
Yesterday Lucas and I heard the start of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo's call near the top of Owl Canyon. We did not hear the song, but the call which was repeated 8-10 times. I've heard both Cuckoos back east and am quite familiar with their calls. Colin thought he may have heard the song of a Black-billed earlier that is similar to a least bittern, but the call notes we heard were distinctly Yellow-billed. The BBCu call is lower and for lack of a better description more trilled. This would be an exceedingly rare find. What we heard was the C-C-C-C start of the Yellow-billed. We've confirmed that it is quite normal for the YBCu to give just the beginning of their call which is what we heard. Brook & Orion O'Connor joined us and tried to get a recording but the call was fairly fair by that time. Unfortunately the bird wouldn't show itself. Hopefully others can visit the Canyon today and have better luck spotting the bird. Good luck!
Happy Birding
Mark Stephenson
Napa, CA
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I don't have all the details straight but as I recall there was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo seen and photographed at the mouth of Owl Canyon in late October 2015, I think it was on the 24th or 25th, then seen again October 31 and November 1 of that year. I don't recall that it was heard vocalizing. It kept mostly out of sight in the thick vegetation.
The call I heard once yesterday (noted in my post of yesterday evening) was the "kuk-kuk-kuk" call I associate with the opening phrase of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo "song."
Yesterday Lucas and I heard the start of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo's call near the top of Owl Canyon. We did not hear the song, but the call which was repeated 8-10 times. I've heard both Cuckoos back east and am quite familiar with their calls. Colin thought he may have heard the song of a Black-billed earlier that is similar to a least bittern, but the call notes we heard were distinctly Yellow-billed. The BBCu call is lower and for lack of a better description more trilled. This would be an exceedingly rare find. What we heard was the C-C-C-C start of the Yellow-billed. We've confirmed that it is quite normal for the YBCu to give just the beginning of their call which is what we heard. Brook & Orion O'Connor joined us and tried to get a recording but the call was fairly fair by that time. Unfortunately the bird wouldn't show itself. Hopefully others can visit the Canyon today and have better luck spotting the bird. Good luck!
Happy Birding
Mark Stephenson
Napa, CA
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Date: 9/7/17 5:55 pm From: <sonomanature...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Sat. 9/9 - Wine Country Optics & Nature Festival
Wine Country Optics & Nature Festival - Sat. Sept 9th 10 AM- 4 PM. (20 East Spain Street, Sonoma Plaza, 95476)
Over 50 organizations representing a wide spectrum of birding and nature related initiatives are participating this Saturday.
Education experts will present live raptors and bats. California artists will be on display. Zeiss will raffle off 8x24 Conquest HD. A dozen major binocular and spotting scope companies will be on hand with great deals on many product lines. N ew displays of 2018
product s.
Zeiss will raffle off 8x24 Conquest HD. This is a free family friendly event. All are welcomed!
Date: 9/7/17 5:47 pm From: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Black-and-White Warbler, American Redstart
Hi All,
This morning, around 11:00, there was a Black-and-white Warbler at Campbell Cove in Bodega Bay. It was behind the restrooms in the swampy area under the willows. It was seen by myself, Dan Nelson and David Hoffman.
Then Dan Nelson and I went to Bodega Dunes Campground. Dan located a huge flock of chickadees and yellow warblers. We estimated at least 60 yellow Warblers. We had to split up to adequately cover the flock. I had a brief look at an American Redstart. It did not stay around very long. There was also a Black-throated Gray Warbler in the flock and a few Orange-crowned Warblers.
There was a Willow Flycatcher under Diekman's Store.
There were 3 Red Knots at the Rich Stallcup Viewing Platform in Doran Regional park.
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From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of <enhunn323...> [northbaybirds]
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 12:55 PM
To: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...>; <northbaybirds...>
Subject: Re: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
NiBBers,
I don't have all the details straight but as I recall there was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo seen and photographed at the mouth of Owl Canyon in late October 2015, I think it was on the 24th or 25th, then seen again October 31 and November 1 of that year. I don't recall that it was heard vocalizing. It kept mostly out of sight in the thick vegetation.
The call I heard once yesterday (noted in my post of yesterday evening) was the "kuk-kuk-kuk" call I associate with the opening phrase of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo "song."
Gene Hunn
Petaluma
_____
From: "Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...>
To: "Yahoogroups" <northbaybirds...>
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 10:24:35 AM
Subject: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Greetings All,
Yesterday Lucas and I heard the start of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo's call near the top of Owl Canyon. We did not hear the song, but the call which was repeated 8-10 times. I've heard both Cuckoos back east and am quite familiar with their calls. Colin thought he may have heard the song of a Black-billed earlier that is similar to a least bittern, but the call notes we heard were distinctly Yellow-billed. The BBCu call is lower and for lack of a better description more trilled. This would be an exceedingly rare find. What we heard was the C-C-C-C start of the Yellow-billed. We've confirmed that it is quite normal for the YBCu to give just the beginning of their call which is what we heard. Brook & Orion O'Connor joined us and tried to get a recording but the call was fairly fair by that time. Unfortunately the bird wouldn't show itself. Hopefully others can visit the Canyon today and have better luck spotting the bird. Good luck!
Happy Birding
Mark Stephenson
Napa, CA
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of <enhunn323...> [northbaybirds] Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 12:55 PM To: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...>; <northbaybirds...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
NiBBers,
I don't have all the details straight but as I recall there was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo seen and photographed at the mouth of Owl Canyon in late October 2015, I think it was on the 24th or 25th, then seen again October 31 and November 1 of that year. I don't recall that it was heard vocalizing. It kept mostly out of sight in the thick vegetation.
The call I heard once yesterday (noted in my post of yesterday evening) was the "kuk-kuk-kuk" call I associate with the opening phrase of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo "song."
Gene Hunn
Petaluma
_____
From: "Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...> To: "Yahoogroups" <northbaybirds...> Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 10:24:35 AM Subject: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Greetings All,
Yesterday Lucas and I heard the start of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo's call near the top of Owl Canyon. We did not hear the song, but the call which was repeated 8-10 times. I've heard both Cuckoos back east and am quite familiar with their calls. Colin thought he may have heard the song of a Black-billed earlier that is similar to a least bittern, but the call notes we heard were distinctly Yellow-billed. The BBCu call is lower and for lack of a better description more trilled. This would be an exceedingly rare find. What we heard was the C-C-C-C start of the Yellow-billed. We've confirmed that it is quite normal for the YBCu to give just the beginning of their call which is what we heard. Brook & Orion O'Connor joined us and tried to get a recording but the call was fairly fair by that time. Unfortunately the bird wouldn't show itself. Hopefully others can visit the Canyon today and have better luck spotting the bird. Good luck!
Happy Birding
Mark Stephenson
Napa, CA
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Please do not post "Out of Office" messages to NorthBayBirds.
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Date: 9/7/17 12:56 pm From: <enhunn323...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
NiBBers,
I don't have all the details straight but as I recall there was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo seen and photographed at the mouth of Owl Canyon in late October 2015, I think it was on the 24th or 25th, then seen again October 31 and November 1 of that year. I don't recall that it was heard vocalizing. It kept mostly out of sight in the thick vegetation.
The call I heard once yesterday (noted in my post of yesterday evening) was the "kuk-kuk-kuk" call I associate with the opening phrase of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo "song."
Gene Hunn
Petaluma
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...>
To: "Yahoogroups" <northbaybirds...>
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 10:24:35 AM
Subject: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Greetings All,
Yesterday Lucas and I heard the start of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo's call near the top of Owl Canyon. We did not hear the song, but the call which was repeated 8-10 times. I've heard both Cuckoos back east and am quite familiar with their calls. Colin thought he may have heard the song of a Black-billed earlier that is similar to a least bittern, but the call notes we heard were distinctly Yellow-billed. The BBCu call is lower and for lack of a better description more trilled. This would be an exceedingly rare find. What we heard was the C-C-C-C start of the Yellow-billed. We've confirmed that it is quite normal for the YBCu to give just the beginning of their call which is what we heard. Brook & Orion O'Connor joined us and tried to get a recording but the call was fairly fair by that time. Unfortunately the bird wouldn't show itself. Hopefully others can visit the Canyon today and have better luck spotting the bird. Good luck!
Date: 9/7/17 10:31 am From: Colin Talcroft <ctalcroft...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Just to clarify, I didn't say I thought I heard a Black-billed Cuckoo. I said simply that the odd, unidentified call I heard was closer to that than to the Yellow-billed call, comparing what I heard to the Sibley recordings for these birds. I believe, however, that what I heard was most likely something altogether different--not a cuckoo at all. I make no claim to have heard a cuckoo. :)
From: "Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...>
To: Yahoogroups <northbaybirds...>
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 10:24 AM
Subject: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Greetings All,Yesterday Lucas and I heard the start of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo's call near the top of Owl Canyon. We did not hear the song, but the call which was repeated 8-10 times. I've heard both Cuckoos back east and am quite familiar with their calls. Colin thought he may have heard the song of a Black-billed earlier that is similar to a least bittern, but the call notes we heard were distinctly Yellow-billed. The BBCu call is lower and for lack of a better description more trilled. This would be an exceedingly rare find. What we heard was the C-C-C-C start of the Yellow-billed. We've confirmed that it is quite normal for the YBCu to give just the beginning of their call which is what we heard. Brook & Orion O'Connor joined us and tried to get a recording but the call was fairly fair by that time. Unfortunately the bird wouldn't show itself. Hopefully others can visit the Canyon today and have better luck spotting the bird. Good luck!
Happy BirdingMark StephensonNapa, CA #yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012 -- #yiv2895144012ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-mkp #yiv2895144012hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-mkp #yiv2895144012ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-mkp .yiv2895144012ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-mkp .yiv2895144012ad p {margin:0;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-mkp .yiv2895144012ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-sponsor #yiv2895144012ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-sponsor #yiv2895144012ygrp-lc #yiv2895144012hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv2895144012 #yiv2895144012ygrp-sponsor #yiv2895144012ygrp-lc .yiv2895144012ad 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Date: 9/7/17 10:24 am From: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Re: Possible Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Owl Canyon
Greetings All,Yesterday Lucas and I heard the start of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo's call near the top of Owl Canyon. We did not hear the song, but the call which was repeated 8-10 times. I've heard both Cuckoos back east and am quite familiar with their calls. Colin thought he may have heard the song of a Black-billed earlier that is similar to a least bittern, but the call notes we heard were distinctly Yellow-billed. The BBCu call is lower and for lack of a better description more trilled. This would be an exceedingly rare find. What we heard was the C-C-C-C start of the Yellow-billed. We've confirmed that it is quite normal for the YBCu to give just the beginning of their call which is what we heard. Brook & Orion O'Connor joined us and tried to get a recording but the call was fairly fair by that time. Unfortunately the bird wouldn't show itself. Hopefully others can visit the Canyon today and have better luck spotting the bird. Good luck!
Date: 9/7/17 9:16 am From: Colin Talcroft <ctalcroft...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Possible Yellow Billed Cuckoo Owl Canyon Sonoma County Bodega bay
Just for what it's worth, I was up Owl Canyon yesterday morning (September 6, 2017) at around 9:00AM and heard two distinct and entirely unfamiliar calls. I've listened to the Sibley recordings of Cuckoo calls, and they are not what I heard, I don't think, but there was definitely something or somethings vocalizing in a way I've never encountered here before. I was able to faintly record one of the two. Dan Singer happened by. I played it for him. He didn't recognize it, either, but neither did he think it was a cuckoo. In any case, there may be something interesting and unusual up there. I heard it coming from the willows across from the very sandy area where the upper Owl Canyon trail begins to get really difficult.
Aside from that, I had two Yellow Warblers, an Orange-crowned Warbler, a Warbling Vireo, a couple of Bewick's Wrens, a couple of very loud Wrentits very close in the outer Owl Canyon bushes, Bushtits, and Scrub-jays--so nothing very exotic, although I had a flyover of a remarkably dark-morph type Red-tailed Hawk. When I first saw it I took it to be a Raven, it was so dark.
In general, though, it was rather quiet. Almost no shorebirds elsewhere around the Bay.
Colin TalcroftSanta Rosa
From: "Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...>
To: Yahoogroups <northbaybirds...>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2017 7:32 PM
Subject: [NBB] Possible Yellow Billed Cuckoo Owl Canyon Sonoma County Bodega bay
Today Lucas and I Heard what we thought was the start of a yellow billed Cuckoo Ca-ca-ca-ca-ca-ca call. It repeated several times relatively loudly and then grew softer with only two or three cacaca. It was hunkered down in the willows at the top of the canyon and moved around but we could never locate it. We couldn't think of any bird that would make this call. We may have Recordings from Brook o' Connor. Hopefully someone can stop by tomorrow and have better luck than we can locating the bird.
Cheers and Happy Birding
Mark & Lucas StephensonNapa, CA #yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365 -- #yiv8311110365ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-mkp #yiv8311110365hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-mkp #yiv8311110365ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-mkp .yiv8311110365ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-mkp .yiv8311110365ad p {margin:0;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-mkp .yiv8311110365ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-sponsor #yiv8311110365ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-sponsor #yiv8311110365ygrp-lc #yiv8311110365hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv8311110365 #yiv8311110365ygrp-sponsor #yiv8311110365ygrp-lc .yiv8311110365ad 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Date: 9/6/17 10:46 pm From: David Hamilton <napabirders...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Napa backyard migrants, 9/6/17
Hi all,
Too busy to get away to go out birding + not wanting to go out in such hot, smoky, weather, so have been backyard birdwatching. A pond and a bush full of elderberries (and Chinese pistache trees full of berries have been a draw.
WARBLING VIREO: Started showing up in mid-August and have been present daily, usually several birds a day. Enjoy watching their dip-bathing!
WILSON'S WARBLER: First one showed up on Aug. 7 and have been around off and on.
WILLOW FLYCATCHER: First one showed up on Aug. 26. Not seen daily, but often. Eating elderberries and dip-bathing like the W. Vireo.
YELLOW WARBLER: First one showed up on Aug 19. Have seen a few since then.
WESTERN TANAGER: One seen on Aug. 31 and another one today, 9/6.
VAUX'S SWIFTS: first seen Sept. 5
Interesting sighting: Aug. 31, a flock of 20+ RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, sitting on the lines and up in the trees and then gone.
HOODED ORIOLES: adult birds gone some time ago, but 2 "kids" are still around coming to feeders and pond.
Now, anticipating when the first WHITE & GOLDEN CROWNED SPARROWS return!
Happy birding!Denise <HamiltonNapanapabirders...>
Date: 9/6/17 10:07 pm From: <enhunn323...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [NBB] Possible Yellow Billed Cuckoo Owl Canyon Sonoma County Bodega bay
Mark and NiBBers,
I heard the same call at the top of Owl Canyon about 1 PM today and had the same thought, cuckoo, but there was no repeat so I figured it was my imagination.
Otherwise it was a rather slow but pleasant day around Bodega Bay. I started out at Pinnacle Gulch (accessible from the South Harbour development) where the highlight was an early soot-type Fox Sparrow and what seemed to me to be a very small immature or female hummer, possibly a Calliope. At the Stallcup Overlook in the Doran Regional Park there were two (maybe five, according to another observer) Red Knots and two juvenile Ruddy Turnstones. A single Warbling Vireo was at Hole-in-the-Head and two empidonaces were up Owl Canyon, one a rather colorful "Western Flycatcher" and the other I judged to be a Hammond's, small, rather dark grayish, with a teardrop eye-ring and a darkish gray vest, and a small, narrow, dark bill, but silent. Otherwise just a few Yellow and Wilson's Warblers here and there.
Gene Hunn
Petaluma
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...>
To: "Yahoogroups" <northbaybirds...>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2017 7:31:59 PM
Subject: [NBB] Possible Yellow Billed Cuckoo Owl Canyon Sonoma County Bodega bay
Today Lucas and I Heard what we thought was the start of a yellow billed Cuckoo Ca-ca-ca-ca-ca-ca call. It repeated several times relatively loudly and then grew softer with only two or three cacaca. It was hunkered down in the willows at the top of the canyon and moved around but we could never locate it. We couldn't think of any bird that would make this call. We may have Recordings from Brook o' Connor. Hopefully someone can stop by tomorrow and have better luck than we can locating the bird.
Cheers and Happy Birding
Mark & Lucas Stephenson
Napa, CA
Date: 9/6/17 7:32 pm From: Mark Stephenson <markstephenson4106...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Possible Yellow Billed Cuckoo Owl Canyon Sonoma County Bodega bay
Today Lucas and I Heard what we thought was the start of a yellow billed Cuckoo Ca-ca-ca-ca-ca-ca call. It repeated several times relatively loudly and then grew softer with only two or three cacaca. It was hunkered down in the willows at the top of the canyon and moved around but we could never locate it. We couldn't think of any bird that would make this call. We may have Recordings from Brook o' Connor. Hopefully someone can stop by tomorrow and have better luck than we can locating the bird.
Cheers and Happy Birding
Mark & Lucas StephensonNapa, CA
Date: 9/6/17 6:15 pm From: 'Eugene Hunn' <enhunn323...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Bodega Bay and vicinity today
NiBBers,
Lots of birds at Bodega Bay today. Just east of the Stallcup Overlook on the Doran Peninsula late morning were three basic Red Knots plus the usual suspects, including at least one Long-billed Dowitcher with ca. 200 Short-billed (all juveniles), and an early fresh juvenile Herring Gull. At Owl Canyon I found a Black-throated Gray Warbler, two Yellows, and a Wilson's, three Warbling Vireos, two Bullock's Orioles, a Western Tanager, a "Western Flycatcher," a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and a Selasphorus hummer. In the cypress grove back of Bodega Head there was an elusive Willow Flycatcher (spotted first by Peter Colasanti) and some 14 basic plumaged Marbled Murrelets well offshore, including one tight flock of 10. At the Salmon Creek pond at the SR 1 bridge there were three Wood Ducks and a Green Heron. Finally, at the Bodega Farm Pond there were 3 FOS Wilson's Snipes.
My e-bird reports originally listed a Black Tern and an American Redstart (since deleted). I need to proof the lists more carefully as species appear somehow by magic (probably "butt checks") that I never intended to list.
Shearwater Journeys just had three pelagic trips this past weekend: September 1 from Monterey and September 2 and 3 from Half Moon Bay. There has been a strong southerly flow happening offshore. We first detected this flow on our September 2 Half Moon Bay trip when BLACK STORM-PETRELS showed up. The current was coming up from the south. A somewhat lazy southerly wind blew up. On September 3, the breeze was still going in the morning, but died down while we were out by noon. Even though we were offshore, it was still a warm day. Sea surface temperatures exceeded 64 F!
Oh, what a difference a day makes! The inshore rafts of SOOTY SHEARWATERS had moved up to Pacifica. So, we headed offshore straight away. The inshore waters have been army-green colored with lots of plankton. Offshore, the water color turned to deep aqua-blue— albacore water! Indeed, the fishermen who were already out some 35 miles, caught a fair amount of albacore. One fisherman even caught an opah, a beautiful fish also known as the “moonfish.” (There’s a sunfish and a moonfish!)
One of the highlights of our day was a very splendid GUADALUPE MURRELET spotted by leader, Peter Pyle. Many photographs were made of this little gem. Of all the murrelets, this one is the most difficult to see in central and northern California. Later, we spotted two SCRIPPS’S MURRELETS. Again, all on board had excellent views. Many photographs were made. One person shot 2,700 images! All of the murrelets were in San Mateo County.
Near the weather buoy we saw and smelled a fish oil slick. Slicks such as this are naturally made by sea lions when they kill fish. So, coming upon such a slick is all part of the natural offshore world and not at all mysterious. BLACK, ASHY (both San Mateo and San Francisco Counties) and WILSON’S STORM-PETRELS were feeding over this slick. Other offshore slicks I have observed involved killer whales killing a sea lion. That made a big, stinky oil slick!
We recorded most of the seabirds typical of this season including: BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS; NORTHERN FULMAR; PINK-FOOTED, BULLER’S, SOOTY SHEARWATERS; POMARINE, PARASITIC and LONG-TAILED JAEGERS; RED and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES; SABINE’S GULL; ARCTIC and COMMON TERNS; CASSIN’S and RHINOCEROS AUKLETS. We recorded birds in both San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.
It seemed that many of the whales had moved northward with the flow as well. Nevertheless, we managed to see BLUE, FIN, and many HUMPBACK WHALES and PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS very nicely.
I forgot to report a very exciting observation of a drone at sea which we saw on September 2. This was Saildrone #1006 which was deployed from the San Francisco area on September 1. It is on a NOAA mission, heading to the Equator to monitor for El Nino!
We have a lot of upcoming trips with spaces available! I hope you can join us! For a reservation, email me: <debi...>
HALF MOON BAY TRIPS:
SEP 15 with Christian Schwarz, Debi Shearwater
SEP 16 with Steve Hampton, Tim Miller, Abe Borker, Debi Shearwater
MONTEREY TRIPS:
SEP 7 with Alex Rinkert, Jim Holmes, Mary Gustafson, Rick Fournier, Debi Shearwater
SEP 8 with Jim Holmes, Mary Gustafson, Brad Keitt, Christian Schwarz, Debi Shearwater
SEP 9 with Alex Rinkert, Scott & Linda Terrill, Mary Gustafson, Todd McGrath, Nick Levendosky, Debi Shearwater (SEP 9 is sold out. Waiting list only)
SEP 10 with Scott & Linda Terrill, Todd McGrath, Mary Gustafson, Ryan Terrill, Debi Shearwater
SEP 14 with David & Patty Wimpfheimer, Debi Shearwater
SEP 22 with Christian Schwarz, Hannah Nevins, Clay Kempf, Debi Shearwater
SEP 24 with Jim Holmes, Nick Levendosky, Scott & Linda Terrill, Debi Shearwater
SEP 30 with Alex Rinkert, Nick Levendosky, Scott & Linda Terrill, Clay Kempf
OCT 8 with Alex Rinkert, Nick Levendosky, Scott & Linda Terrill, Clay Kempf
Living the Salt Life and SeaBirding for Science,
Debi Shearwater
DEBRA SHEARWATER
Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
831.637.8527
<debi...>
www.shearwaterjourneys.com
www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com
Celebrating 42 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper-2019
Galapagos Islands: 30 October - 12 November 2019
Date: 9/5/17 7:58 pm From: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] southern Sonoma County
Hi Birders,
Today, I led a Marin Audubon Society walk down along Highway 37 from Reclamation Road to Port Sonoma.
It was very warm, but we managed to eke out some interesting birds. The violet-green swallows and the Vaux's swifts are in full swing right now on their journey south. We had the largest flock of Vaux's swifts I think I have ever seen. There were probably 70 or 80 birds swirling above us at one time. About 80 Violet-green swallows perched on wires for us, so we could study the differences between the males, females and immatures ( they were too hot to move).
On the way to meet the group, I stopped at Shollenberger Park (in Petaluma). There were 8 red-necked phalaropes in the pond nearest the Point Blue building. There were also 5 Pacific golden-plovers in the tidal mudflat field to the south (otherwise known as Gray's Field). They used to be fairly regular in that spot, but haven't been seen there for about 5 years, that I can remember. It was just like old times. I posted lousy pictures in my ebird checklist.
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Date: 9/5/17 10:52 am From: <s.kelly...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Las Gallinas Sanitary District ponds - and possible alert about access
On Monday evening I took a shot walk around the ponds at Las Gallinas. The first pond was full of ducks, geese, coots, Common Gallinules, and more. It's great to see the male ducks turning colorful again so beginners can identify them more easily. I saw Gadwall, Mallards, Cinnamon Teal, and Pintails. Several raptors made an appearance, including a Northern Harrier, two White-tailed Kites, a Red-tailed Hawk, and an American Kestrel. Common Mergansers were perched on the pipe, as were some Ring-billed Gulls and Double-crested Cormorants. Near the end of the trail, before the shack, I heard and then saw a pair of chattering Bullock's Orioles. Altogether, I counted about 41 species.
The ever popular first Thursday walk that Marin Audubon has conducted for many years will resume this week (9/7), with Jim White leading this month. He's one of the best birders in Marin, so you could easily see 60 or 70 species under his guidance.
I've spoken with the Sanitary District's manager recently. The good news is that they have plans to expand the parking lot, tearing down the lab building next to it. The bad news (for birders) is that this construction may start late this year. He assured us that we could hold our first Thursday walks for the next few months but couldn't guarantee that we'd be able to after that. I'll try to provide updates about this in future postings.
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of 'Alvaro Jaramillo' <chucao...> [northbaybirds] Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2017 8:48 AM To: 'Diane Hichwa' <dhichwa...>; 'Rusty Scalf' <rscalf...>; <northbaybirds...> Subject: [NBB] Counting - was: McNear Brickyard
Hi Diane, Rusty and swifties.
I posted this on Facebook the other day, pretty interesting. Just seeing what 1000 vs 10,000 dots looks like is incredibly informative as far as helping to estimate and count birds:
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of Diane Hichwa <dhichwa...> [northbaybirds] Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2017 10:43 PM To: Rusty Scalf <rscalf...>; <northbaybirds...> Subject: Re: [NBB] McNear Brickyard
At Stewarts Point: last night Sept 1 we were able to take one photograph of part of the group, print it, and count 370 swifts in that single photo.
The birds are now finished entering the chimney by 8:05 p.m. (in mid August they finished entry by 8:20)
Two people went this morning Sept 2 to see if they could catch them coming out, and direction of movement, but from 6:20 a.m. To 7:30 a.m. they saw no swifts.
They are going back- earlier---- tomorrow morning-trying 5:30 a.m.
Tonight Sept 2 we could watch a large group swooping near the redwoods on the E side of Hwy 1 and near a house with a brick chimney, but saw none go into it.
The group seemed to move across the street and entered the usual chimney in the old hotel.
McNear Brickyard, San Rafael Vaux's Swift Counts this season:
Aug 7 ............. 0 Aug 12 .......... 0 Aug 14 .......... 0 Aug 16 .......... 0 Aug 17 .......... 9 Aug 19 .......... 12 Aug 24 ......... 120 Aug 25 ......... 220 Aug 26 ......... 280 Aug 28 ........ 1360 Aug 29 ........ 3325 Aug 30 ........ 2190 Sept 1 ..........1762 Sept 2 .......... 2735
Diane Hichwa's report from Stewarts Point has created great interest. If anyone knows more please post or let me know.
Rusty Scalf Berkeley, CA
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I was at Hole in Head at Bodega Bay in the early am. before the heat and crowds got bad . Western migrant diversity was pretty good. Yellow Warblers led the show with scattered Wilson's Warblers and Common Yellowthroat. A Black-headed Grosbeak , Western Tanager , Willow Flycatcher , Western type Flycatcher and Warbling Vireos sweetened the pot.. All these birds were super busy feeding and on the move. Such as migrant passerines will be ...Here one one moment then gone the next.. I am sure the rising temps and east winds helped in that today. The two bonus birds were a female type Indigo Bunting and a male American Redstart . The INBU was at the southwest corner , What I saw - Warm cinnamon colored bunting with dark blue tail , faint streaks on breast. Small conical bill . Sharp dry chip heard. I saw the bird briefly then it took off toward the NW corner of Hole in the head. The Redstart was the first bird I saw in the morning. It was in the willow patch at the NE corner near the road leading up to Bodega Head,. It was super flitty and fanned its tail several times for about 5 mins, then it disappeared.
On the way out on I saw a hatch year Western Kingbird a few 100 yds east of the Bodega marine Lab.
I decided to get out of dodge as the heat was rising and lines of cars were massing in to Bodega Bay .
I headed up to the top of Bay Hill Road for some a chance at early hawk watching. Lisa Hug was up there ass well . We watched the skies for a bit up there at mid day, we did see a few local Red tails and few Violet Green Swallows but the big surprise was a Very early Prairie Falcon coursing southward . What we saw - Large Falcon with the gestalt of a Kestral - Long slender wings , Fairly long tail . light brown overall with light creamy white breast speckled breasts. head light colored and no helmet effect as Peregrine pocesses. Underwings lighter colored very obvious dark brown / black axillaries ( armpits). Pretty good day considering the heat , smoke and tourist filled holiday on the coast.
Date: 9/4/17 6:34 pm From: Daniel Edelstein <danieledelstein...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Today: Seasonal Sightings, Including Wilson's Phalarope, Willow Flycatcher, Etc.
Hosting a new friend that I guided today from Buffalo, NY, we enjoyed several Marin & Sonoma Co. birding venues, with the best highlights following:
- Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds, S. Rafael
10 WILSON’S PHALAROPE on Pond #1…..nearly blocked by the 100+ Moffitt’s Canada Geese & 100+ Mallard…..with several Northern Pin-tailed Duck
nice to see back….along with 5 Northern Shoveler….and 1 male Cinnamon Teal — all of which were also on Pond #1.
1 SORA “whinny call” heard on the northeast side of Pond #1.
1 female YELLOW WARBLER seen on the north side of the trail near Pond #1.
- Bodega Bay Area
At Owl Canyon, Mario Balitbit & Eugene Hunn alerted me to a WILLOW FLYCATCHER, which accommodated with fine etiquette by providing
excellent views for several minutes.
Also present there: WESTERN TANAGER, HUTTON’S VIREO, WARBLING VIREO & YELLOW WARBLER.
At the Bodega Bay Head parking area overlook: nice looks at distant Pigeon Guillemot and Common Murre…..with close-up Brandt’s & Pelagic Cormorant on the rocks
and, with the scope, good views of these two species in the water.
*
Unrelated to today, but of local interest in recent days: I’ve been hearing the screech of a BARN OWL in our open space forest adjoining our
residence….typically it’s heard between 4 - 6 am and we hear it through the bedroom window.
Excellent, free alarm clock.
Regards to all….and glad September birding is here (!), both in CA & WI
Date: 9/4/17 6:27 pm From: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Bodega Farm Pond, etc.
Hi Birders,
This morning about 7:30, there were 8 Wilson's Phalaropes on Bodega Farm Pond. There was also a Black-necked Stilt. While the stilt is not a rare bird, I knew I had not seen one there before, and it is also the first one to show up in the ebird Bodega Farm Pond hotspot bar chart.
I did not have much luck finding any landbird vagrants at the Bodega Bay vagrant traps. I did have 1 MacGillivray's Warbler at Campbell Cove. There was a smattering of yellow warblers and warbling vireos around. A few other birders were around and they may have had better luck than I.
There were 2 beautiful Marbled Murrelets in nonbreeding adult plumage not too far off Bodega Head (you would still need a scope, but they weren't too bad).
This week could be exciting though.
Lisa Hug Sebastopol Ca
------------------------------------ Posted by: Lisa Hug <lisahug...> ------------------------------------
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After a great morning of birding at Ft. Mason last Sunday, I stopped by Heron"s Head in SF on the way to the airport. I left my Swarovski scope with Manfrotto tripod in the trunk. I returned after birding the spit to find my car windows smashed and the scope gone. Several other valuable items were still there. Just a note of caution.Janet Bodle
Hi,
I went to the site and wanted to post sightings from Owl Canyon today but the site indicates I’m not authorized. I have posted before and wonder if the site discontinued me because I haven’t posted in awhile. In any case, I would like to post occasionally. Please let me know what I have to do to arrange that.
Today I saw a Philadelphia Vireo and MacGillivray’s Warbler at about 10:15 at the upper end of the canyon. There were Gnatcatchers, Yellow, Wilson’s and Townsend's Warblers as well. There was a lot of activity there today.
Moss Henry
Santa Rosa
------------------------------------
Posted by: MOSS HENRY <mosshenry...>
------------------------------------
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Date: 9/3/17 5:02 pm From: <enhunn323...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Re: [CALBIRDS] Seabird activity, warm water - and new pelagic date
Also,
Please note that the Redwood Region Ornithological Society has a trip out of Bodega Bay to Bodega Canyon and Cordell Banks next Sunday September 10. Space still available. $150 for members, $160 for non-members. For details check the RROS web site.
Gene Hunn, for RROS Pelagics
Petaluma, CA
<enhunn323...>
----- Original Message -----
From: "'Alvaro Jaramillo' <chucao...> [CALBIRDS]" <CALBIRDS-noreply...>
To: "CALBIRDS" <CALBIRDS...>, <peninsula-birding...>, "EBB" <EBB_Sightings...>, "south-bay-birds" <south-bay-birds...>, <SFBirds...>
Sent: Sunday, September 3, 2017 2:39:01 PM
Subject: [CALBIRDS] Seabird activity, warm water - and new pelagic date
Hello all,
In this heat wave here in central CA, the ocean has started to warm up as well. The thermometer got to 68 F on Sept 1, at one of the offshore Monterey weather buoys. As I am hearing of some awesome seabird movements in Monterey, and having just seen several days of tens of thousands of Sooty Shearwaters (up to 50K!) right here at the beach in Half Moon Bay, I am thinking that the rest of September might be interesting offshore. We were finding Scripps’s Murrelet offshore regularly as was the case with Brown Booby. The elevated number of Buller’s Shearwaters were a sign of warmth offshore, and always a factor in increased probabilities for Flesh-footed Shearwater and who know, maybe even a Pterodroma petrel.
I am taking this weekend off from boat trips to be with family and enjoy the land life, but eager to get out next week. However our September trips out of Half Moon Bay had sold out. With this in mind, I have added another outing to the Pioneer Canyon on Friday Sept 22. This is a trip where we aim to head to deep waters, look for albatross, offshore murrelets, and storm petrels (Black showed up at this latitude the last few days, although we had them in Bodega in late Aug). For the rest of that weekend I will be doing trips in Monterey Bay. Pioneer Canyon trips spend part of the day in San Mateo County waters, and a good amount of time in the deep waters of San Francisco.
If you are keen on heading offshore, and had been thwarted by sold out trips, see you on the 22 nd .
I am eager to hear if anything interesting is going to be seen in San Diego with the passing of this tropical low. Never know. Certainly the weather here has had me watching over head for frigatebirds!
Date: 9/3/17 10:03 am From: William Legge <WGDLegge...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Chestnut-sided Warbler - Rodeo Lagoon (Marin Headlands)
The Lagoon continues it's good run of migrants with a 1st winter Chestnut-sided Warbler present this morning, working the willows adjoining the south side of the inner lagoon. Best looked for in the willows between the generator building and the portable generator, (adjoining Bunker Road) including the two small footpaths that go into the willows for about 50 feet. (That's where I saw it).
No sign of yesterday's American Redstart. A handful of other migrants today, but I had to work hard for them. Best of the rest:
3 Black-crowned Night Heron - all juveniles and new in. 1 Western Sandpiper (Spotted Sandpiper continues) 1 Willow Flycatcher 1 Warbling Vireo 2 Cedar Waxwings 2 Pygmy Nuthatch 1 Yellow Warbler 3 Wilson's Warbler 1 Western Tanager
Good birding!
William Legge Mill Valley, CA
Sent from my iPhone
------------------------------------ Posted by: William Legge <wgdlegge...> ------------------------------------
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I posted this on Facebook the other day, pretty interesting. Just seeing what 1000 vs 10,000 dots looks like is incredibly informative as far as helping to estimate and count birds:
From: <northbaybirds...> [mailto:<northbaybirds...>] On Behalf Of Diane Hichwa <dhichwa...> [northbaybirds] Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2017 10:43 PM To: Rusty Scalf <rscalf...>; <northbaybirds...> Subject: Re: [NBB] McNear Brickyard
At Stewarts Point: last night Sept 1 we were able to take one photograph of part of the group, print it, and count 370 swifts in that single photo.
The birds are now finished entering the chimney by 8:05 p.m. (in mid August they finished entry by 8:20)
Two people went this morning Sept 2 to see if they could catch them coming out, and direction of movement, but from 6:20 a.m. To 7:30 a.m. they saw no swifts.
They are going back- earlier---- tomorrow morning-trying 5:30 a.m.
Tonight Sept 2 we could watch a large group swooping near the redwoods on the E side of Hwy 1 and near a house with a brick chimney, but saw none go into it.
The group seemed to move across the street and entered the usual chimney in the old hotel.
McNear Brickyard, San Rafael Vaux's Swift Counts this season:
Aug 7 ............. 0 Aug 12 .......... 0 Aug 14 .......... 0 Aug 16 .......... 0 Aug 17 .......... 9 Aug 19 .......... 12 Aug 24 ......... 120 Aug 25 ......... 220 Aug 26 ......... 280 Aug 28 ........ 1360 Aug 29 ........ 3325 Aug 30 ........ 2190 Sept 1 ..........1762 Sept 2 .......... 2735
Diane Hichwa's report from Stewarts Point has created great interest. If anyone knows more please post or let me know.
Rusty Scalf Berkeley, CA
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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A bit down the road from the reservoir. A first fall male, with a messy back and orange belly and flanks (so not Bullocks). Seen well and photographed while perched on a barbed wire fence.
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Shearwater Journeys’ pelagic trip out of Half Moon Bay today was nothing short of spectacular with a great show of seabirds and marine mammals. It was so overwhelming that I hardly know where to begin.
We did not see any ‘rare’ seabirds, only one out-of-season ANCIENT MURRELET in San Francisco County. We also found a few BLACK STORM-PETRELS with a handful of ASHY STORM-PETRELS (also San Francisco County). But the overall quality of the day was simply amazing.
Just outside of the harbor, we encountered the mixed flocks of SOOTY SHEARWATERS and COMMON MURRES (many dads with chicks). The shearwaters have been feeding on schooling anchovies, but also on squid recently. Feeding on squid is probably what caused them to move a bit more offshore. But the thing that amazed me about these flocks was that the shearwaters were vocalizing! Like hundreds, if not a couple thousand Sooty Shearwaters sitting on the sea were vocalizing. Although I routinely hear PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS vocalizing, I cannot ever recall hearing sooty shears make the sounds I heard today. Our captain killed the engines and many folks on board made recordings and video.
We headed out to the weather buoy but made many stops along the way. No boobies were on the buoy. Upon nearing the edge of the shelf we encountered sensational numbers of both HUMPBACK (63) and BLUE WHALES (26) and one FIN WHALE.
Obviously, with there was an amazing amount of food available to feed 6500 tons of whales! Hundreds of CASSIN’S and RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were present. Flocks of ARCTIC TERNS and SABINE’S GULLS were sitting on the sea. RED and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were feeding along the edges of the Lines of Convergence. We followed one skinny line that had a one degree SST difference from one side to the other. We left most of the Sooty Shearwaters back at the nearshore, and encountered BULLER’S and PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS along the shelf break. BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES were mostly spotted sitting on the sea due to a lack of wind, as were many of the NORTHERN FULMARS. Overall, jaeger numbers seemed very low, especially given the numbers of Sabine’s Gulls and terns present. However, we did encounter both PARASITIC and LONG-TAILED JAEGERS. It was non-stop birding along the shelf break.
We also saw over 80 OCEAN SUNFISH, many of them dinner plate sized, but also a few very large individuals. One BLUE SHARK was spotted. Three NORTHERN FUR SEALS, one NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL, STELLER’S and CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS rounded out the pinnipeds for the day. Four HARBOR PORPOISE were spotted inshore.
It was often difficult to know which direction to move the boat because we were surrounded by whales on all sides, their stinky breath wafting across the stern. We spotted chunks of bright orange-red whale poo, too! Many invertebrates were noted in the water column, including salps, pteropods, moon jellies, sea nettles and ctenophores.
Somehow this just doesn’t really capture a day with nearly non-stop marine life action. It was like being on a maritime carousel and wanting to reach out for the gold ring.
Sea conditions were excellent. Visibility was excellent. Tomorrow is expected to be the same. Other upcoming departures from Half Moon Bay include: September 15 and 16.
Living the Salt Life and SeaBirding for Science,
Debi Shearwater
DEBRA SHEARWATER
Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
831.637.8527
<debi...>
www.shearwaterjourneys.com
www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com
Celebrating 42 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper-2019
Galapagos Islands: 30 October - 12 November 2019
At Stewarts Point: last night Sept 1 we were able to take one photograph of
part of the group, print it, and count 370 swifts in that single photo.
The birds are now finished entering the chimney by 8:05 p.m. (in mid August
they finished entry by 8:20)
Two people went this morning Sept 2 to see if they could catch them coming
out, and direction of movement, but from 6:20 a.m. To 7:30 a.m. they saw no
swifts.
They are going back earlier---- tomorrow morningtrying 5:30 a.m.
Tonight Sept 2 we could watch a large group swooping near the redwoods on
the E side of Hwy 1 and near a house with a brick chimney, but saw none go
into it.
The group seemed to move across the street and entered the usual chimney in
the old hotel.
Diane Hichwa
Email: <dhichwa...>
Telephone: 707-785-1922 (Sea Ranch)
707-483-3130 (cell)
More Tail Wagging!!! Less Barking!!
Millie 2007
From: <northbaybirds...> on behalf of "Rusty Scalf
<rscalf...> [northbaybirds]" <northbaybirds-noreply...>
Reply-To: Rusty Scalf <rscalf...>
Date: Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 9:57 PM
To: <northbaybirds...>
Subject: [NBB] McNear Brickyard
McNear Brickyard, San Rafael
Vaux's Swift Counts this season:
Aug 7 ............. 0
Aug 12 .......... 0
Aug 14 .......... 0
Aug 16 .......... 0
Aug 17 .......... 9
Aug 19 .......... 12
Aug 24 ......... 120
Aug 25 ......... 220
Aug 26 ......... 280
Aug 28 ........ 1360
Aug 29 ........ 3325
Aug 30 ........ 2190
Sept 1 ..........1762
Sept 2 .......... 2735
Diane Hichwa's report from Stewarts Point has created great interest.
If anyone knows more please post or let me know.
McNear Brickyard, San Rafael Vaux's Swift Counts this season:
Aug 7 ............. 0 Aug 12 .......... 0 Aug 14 .......... 0 Aug 16 .......... 0 Aug 17 .......... 9 Aug 19 .......... 12 Aug 24 ......... 120 Aug 25 ......... 220 Aug 26 ......... 280 Aug 28 ........ 1360 Aug 29 ........ 3325 Aug 30 ........ 2190 Sept 1 ..........1762 Sept 2 .......... 2735
Diane Hichwa's report from Stewarts Point has created great interest. If anyone knows more please post or let me know.
Today, 19 Golden Gate Auduboners and affiliates enjoyed close views of several sora feeding next to a Virginia rail, a singleton lesser yellowlegs, and many shorebirds in the North Slough just north of the methane plant/old landfill. About noon with temps at or about 97 degrees F, John C. got the group on 3 willow flycatchers perched together on a snag. This was at the first freshwater pond reached by walking north on the Bay Trail from the parking lot at 2 Eucalyptus Drive, Wetlands Edge Park, American Canyon, Napa Co.
See:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38965485 --Emilie Strauss Berkeley, CA
Date: 9/2/17 5:59 pm From: Diana Humple <dianahumple...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] local interest migration highlights + Black Swifts
A summary of some migrant highlights from the past week, seen by staff and interns from Point Blue's Palomarin Field Station, located at the south end of Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas, Marin County.
Friday 9/1 - the biggest highlight was that many of us got to enjoy a spectacular viewing of at least 60 BLACK SWIFTS above Bolinas, first spotted by Point Blue research associate Steve Howell above the Bolinas mesa around mid-day. There were at least 100 VAUX'S SWIFTS in the sky at the same time, mostly foraging separately and occasionally with individuals intermingling for excellent comparisons, especially of size and flight pattern. The Black Swifts persisted for at least an hour but likely a few hours as I saw a flock (kettle?) of them again almost 4 hours later over Mesa Road between Bolinas and the field station (surreal lifer experience = seeing Black Swifts through the windshield of a moving vehicle).
Thursday 8/31 - Palomarin biologist Hilary Allen saw our first-of-season FOX SPARROW in the Palomarin parking lot (a little early but not unprecedented), and banding intern Brittany Panos had a singing first-of-season LINCOLN'S SPARROW at Muddy Hollow, a site near Limantour further north in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Wednesday 8/30 - we saw and heard (first detected by Ryan DiGaudio) a WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH at Palomarin. They are uncommon in West Marin even if relatively common in parts of the county and region.
Tuesday 8/29 - Brittany Panos saw a LARK SPARROW at Palomarin. Have also heard report of at another Lark Sparrow seen in Bolinas yesterday.
Many of these birds (excepting the first-of-seasons) I would guess were trying to escape the heat! But perhaps not succeeding: as an aside, yesterday 9/1 the high at Palomarin hit 38 degrees Celsius / 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time ever in our 49-year weather dataset (which was started in 1968, 2 years after the field station was established).
Date: 9/2/17 3:00 pm From: 'Bob Battagin' <bigfootbob...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Influx of White-tailed Kites to Nicasio Reservoir
Hi NBBers,
Starting around the middle of summer and going into fall there is a yearly “invasion” of White-tailed Kites to Nicasio Reservoir. For 2017 here are some recent counts:
Aug 16: 6
Aug 23: 18
Aug 24: 51
Aug 25: 36
Aug 28: 23
Aug 30: 29
Aug 31: 10
Sept 2: 23
I’m sure some of the variation in the numbers is due to my inability to detect all the White-tailed Kites present. Should you be passing the reservoir and would like to take a look, try stopping near the 0.39 mile marker on Nicasio Valley Road and looking west into the willows across the reservoir water. Also, the dead tops of the nearby Cypress trees.
Additionally, we are headed into a good time of year for Bald Eagles and Osprey at the reservoir. They are likely roaming from nests at Kent Lake and Tomales Bay. Besides hunting for fish, the Osprey like to soak their feet in the northmost water of the reservoir as seen from Point Reyes – Petaluma Road. The eagles sometimes perch on top of the aforementioned cypress trees (near the corner of Point Reyes – Petaluma Road x Nicasio Valley Road) or on the never used nest platform as seen from Nicasio Valley Road.
Date: 9/2/17 12:45 pm From: William Legge <WGDLegge...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] American Redstart - Rodeo Lagoon 9/2
All change today at Rodeo Lagoon (Marin Headlands), with plenty of new migrants in this morning including 5 species of warblers (versus yesterday's 1).
Highlight was a showy adult female American Redstart performing and fanning in the 'south willows' - the willows midway along Lagoon Trail on the south side of the main lagoon. Migrant highlights from this morning's circuit below before the heat became stifling and just before the beach day trippers arrived en mass!
6 Northern Pintail - flew in the main lagoon for 20 minutes before leaving high to the south and over the Headlands. 1 Red-throated Loon - on the ocean off Rodeo Beach (breeding plumage) 65 Double-crested Cormorants flew over high SE in several flocks - migrants? 1 Spotted Sandpiper - presumably yesterday's bird still present 1 Greater Yellowlegs - western shore but didn't stay long 1 Eurasian Collared Dove - first for some months 61+ Vaux's Swift flew over SE, some wheeling down to drink at the main lagoon (Hawk Hill should have a good count of this species today) 1 White-throated Swift 2 Western Flycatchers Small numbers of Northern Rough-winged and Barn Swallows going through S 1 House Wren 5+ Cedar Waxwing 2 Swainson's Thrush 3 Orange-crowned Warbler (including a gray-headed one) 1 American Redstart - the aforementioned adult female 6 Wilson's Warbler 1 Townsend's Warbler 15+ Common Yellowthroat 1 Savannah Sparrow 7 Tricolored Blackbird - flyovers
Date: 9/2/17 9:16 am From: Dan Singer <dsg2...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Outer Point Reyes - Friday, 1 Sep
Birders,
Yesterday there was a nice selection of migrants at the Lighthouse and, to a lesser extent, at the Fish Docks. Activity was difficult to detect after 10am. Highlights included a Brewer’s Sparrow and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the Lighthouse and one or two Tennessee Warblers at the Fish Docks. Migrants were in low numbers but I was pleased with the diversity. E.g. Western Wood-Pewee, Willow, Western and Ash-throated Flycatcher, three swallow species, Blue-gray Gnatcather, Yellow and Black-throated Gray warblers, Western Tanager and Bullock’s Oriole at the Lighthouse.
Rob O’Donnell was out there as well and saw a Chestnut-sided and Hermit Warbler from the Fish Docks after I left. Rob also alerted me to an early-for-the-OP American Wigeon at the Mendoza pond.
It was hot out there!
Dan Singer
------------------------------------
Posted by: Dan Singer <dsg2...>
------------------------------------
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Date: 9/1/17 12:00 pm From: William Legge <WGDLegge...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Rodeo Lagoon - Mixed Morning for Migrants
Anticipating a morning of passerines migrants out at Rodeo Lagoon (Marin Headlands), given the offshore winds and hot temperatures, I was a little disappointed today. Rather than the willows being full of warblers and other western passerine migrants, there appears to have been a clear out of western migrants overnight, and warblers in particular. The only species of warbler I encountered this morning was Common Yellowthroat (7 today),. That compares to 4 species of warbler yesterday (Orange-crowned (1), Yellow Warbler (4), Wilson's (6) and Common Yellowthroat (21)). I guess the heat and the increasing offshore wind did not help today, but it seems most of yesterday's birds moved on last night. This birding thing is a fickle business.
As consolation, there was new migrants in or moving through/over, but not the anticipated western passerine migrants. Migrant highlights from this morning's circuit of the lagoon as follows:
1 Spotted Sandpiper - main lagoon outlet channel 1 Lesser Yellowlegs - flew up the main lagoon and continued east up Rodeo Valley - identified from call, but reasonable flight views obtained as well 1 Greater Yellowlegs - Heard calling several times going over/circling but not seen 1 Nuttall's Woodpecker - female/juvenile - new in 2 Swainson's Thrush 3 House Wren - influx and vocal 7 Savannah Sparrow - most in the dunes at the western end of the main lagoon (only 2 yesterday) 6 Tricolored Blackbird - dropped in on wires between the two lagoons with a juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird in tow - first ones of the fall
I left the lagoon at 9:20am and the temperature was already a warm 82F at the beach! I suggest birding activities for the rest of today be limited to looking skywards from the comfort of a deckchair in the shade with plenty of cold drinks at hand. Seriously, it is a very dry heat out there, make sure you stay hydrated, wear a hat etc......
Here at the coast we are seeing Vaux Swifts using a brick chimney at Stewarts Point on Hwy 1. Aug 11 I watching approximately 300 circling and milling around, then go into the chimney (8:10-8:30). We wondered if they were local birds gathering after nesting, or part of early migration. Aug 11 the front chimney of the building had a nest with young being fed (several times watched bird fly in, commotion of youngsters, then bird flew out). We watched Aug 12 and Aug 13 as well. Aug 29 estimated 800 going into the chimney. (7:50-8:15). Watched on Aug 30 and Aug 31.
Are there other coastal sites?
Diane Hichwa
Email: <dhichwa...>
Telephone: 707-785-1922 (Sea Ranch) 707-483-3130 (cell) More Tail Wagging!!! Less Barking!! Millie 2007
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Date: 8/30/17 7:59 pm From: DANIEL EDELSTEIN <danieledelstein...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] 1) Seasonal Sightings In Last Week; 2) New, 7th Edition: National Geographic Field Guide To The Birds Of N. America
Hello birders:
1) Sorry for the delay in noting the following common, yet interesting (to me) seasonal sightings/local occurrence:
>
> - 1 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, Shorebird Marsh (immediately north of Nordstrom’s/mall in Corte Madera, CA, Marin Co.)
> on 8/24
>
> - 6 WILSON’S WARBLER individuals seen in non-breeding area along the Graystone Trail in Graystone Canyon, S. Rafael,
> on 8/27 (This area is Marin Open Space land….and I’ve never noted the nesting presence of this common
> wood-warbler species in the 17 years I’ve visited, so seeing 6 individual in an hour on a 90-degree day was interesting.)
>
> - 7 species of common shorebird family members at low tide on the south side of Hwy. 37 where it meets Highway 121 (at the Sears Raceway intersection)
(I access this spot by parking on the immediately west side of the railroad tracks that are adjacent to the south side of Hwy. 37 at the stoplight (121 & 37 intersection). Note
there’s a driveway on the south side of this intersection that I access while heading east on Hwy. 37 after starting in Novato.):
>
> Western and Least Sandpiper
> Semipalmated Plover
> Long-billed Curlew
> Greater Yellowlegs
> Willet
> Marbled Godwit
>
> 2) On 9/17, the new, updated 7th Edition of the National Geographic Field Guide To The Birds Of N. America
> will be released.
>
> Excellent migration and subspecies maps.
>
> See this link, if you wish:
>
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/1426218354/ref=rdr_ext_tmb <https://www.amazon.com/dp/1426218354/ref=rdr_ext_tmb> >
> My book order is in…..:-)
>
> Regards,
>
> Daniel Edelstein
>
> Novato, CA
>
> &
>
> Ellison Bay, WI
Date: 8/30/17 5:15 pm From: <bacpab...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Solono Co misc-phalaropes, curlews, and directions
Today Judith Dunham and I hit some spots in Solano County, with birding targets and questions about seldom-visited (or at least publicized) birding sites. We started at the Benicia Pier, where high tide, a strong cool wind, and many fisherpeople on the shore kept most birds away. We didn't find the reported Spotted Sandpipers or Black Oystercatcher, though we did find an early female COMMON GOLDENEYE just off the rocky island south of the pier. It's a good reminder that tide counts at this spot. Moving on to Benicia SRA, the wind was baffled by the bluffs but we found the park strangely birdless-we saw few passerines and no Bald Eagles-there was an OSPREY fishing near the parking lot at the end of the road.
Next stop was the Cullinan Ranch pull-off on Hwy 37, where large numbers of shorebirds were resting mostly at the far end of the pond. We spotted 2 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS among the many Marbled Godwits and American Pelicans. There were many shorebirds at a distance that were hard to pull out in the heat shimmer and wind-a lower tide is probably preferable for this site. The pullout can only be accessed if you are coming from the east now that the road has a center divide; to get back on to Hwy 37 east it's best to make the U-turn at the Sears Point light. From there we poked around the Mare Island North Ponds, a site I hadn't visited since 2011 and was unsure if it was still accessible. You can walk from the end of L St at West Elm out to the ponds, where we found both 9 RED-NECKED and 2 WILSON'S PHALAROPES with the Black-necked Stilts. Mare Island was bursting with new construction as we made our way south to the hiking trails of the Mare Island Preserve at Azuar Dr and Gardner Ave. It's only open Fri Sat Sun from 10 to sunset, so it's worth another visit when it's open.
There is a new section of the Bay Trail open at Azuar Dr just before Flagship, though bikes are not allowed. A young AMERICAN KESTRAL was perched on the fence near the parking lot.
It was a day of surprisingly few bird sighting, but we came away with more intel about sites along the shoreline that don't get much press.
Hi All, When uploading photos to the NBB website please upload them to the Photos section, not the files section. Also, I just browsed through a couple of hundred uploaded photos and many of them lack any type of caption. Please remember we have birders from beginner to expert in this group so please caption your photos with the species, date, and general location ( if private, at least give the city or county ).
Thanks,
Doug Shaw NBB Listowner Santa Rosa, CA, Sonoma County
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Date: 8/29/17 4:54 pm From: <fieldsketcher...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Spotted Sandpiper Spring Lake
Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper (and there may have been 2) foraging on the mud island where the geese, ducks and cormorants hang out, easily approached by kayak. (Don't get stuck in the mud- it's shallow).
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I had a MacGillivray’s Warbler on Sulphur Creek Road in Cobb this morning around 9 am. It had the gray hood, yellow underparts, and the white eye-rockers and vocalized with its sharp chip notes. MacGillivray’s is an unusual bird for Cobb and when seen it is in late summer or early fall. This bird was in a damp drainage area with blackberry bramble and willow on the north side of Sulphur Creek Road .2 of a mile from the Sulphur Creek Road and Harrington Flat Road intersection.
Date: 8/29/17 10:37 am From: jimwhitebbs <jimwhitebbs...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] River of Sooty Shearwaters
Good morning birders, This morning 7:20 to 7:35+ there was a river of Shearwaters, (300/min counted by 10s) passing Muir Beach headed toward Burberry with many Elegant Terns (100), Brown Pelicans, and Heermann's Gulls. If the light is better other pelagic species might be detected. Jim
Date: 8/27/17 1:42 pm From: <bacpab...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Lagoon Valley, early
Following up on a eBird report by Murray Berner, I high-tailed it over to Lagoon Valley Reservoir early this morning to check for migrants-I was not disappointed. Entering the north side of the lake from Pena Adobe Road off of Hwy 80, I birded the trees and willows along the lakeside first. Almost immediately a flock of at least 5 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, A WILLOW FLYCATCHER, and two YELLOW WARBLERS were flying between one of the big poplars and the willows along the lake. After that activity died down, I walked up the row of oak trees at what's labeled Rotary Grove, and found more migrants: two CASSIN'S VIREOS, more BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, a WILSON'S WARBLER, and another YELLOW WARBLER. By 9:30 the temperature was edging over 90 F and the activity slowed down. I didn't have quite the day that Murray had, but it was great to hear and see so many warblers in this neck of the woods. A SWAINSON'S HAWK was perched in a large snag tree near the lakeside, as well. The trees around the adobe look promising, as well, but it was too hot at that point to check them out. This is a nice place to bird and only about 55 minutes from Oakland.
Date: 8/26/17 9:35 pm From: <courtney.buechert...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] A peep dilemma at Rodeo Lagoon - (Long Post)
I'm pretty sure I'm going to regret posting this but if it's the bird I think it might be, people should look for it.
Okay, here it goes (in story form):
My wife and I were walking our dogs to Rodeo Beach at 11:30 this morning. As we crossed the bridge over the lagoon towards the beach, I heard what I thought was a Pectoral Sandpiper. I looked to my right at the northwestern shore and there was a lone peep. With two dogs and no binoculars, it seemed a bit upright so I thought that it could be the possible Pectoral that I heard. But I noticed with my naked eye that it had a distinct dark cap, a pale face, a long distinct pale eye stripe and a largely pale breast and belly (some wash of color and striping on the sides of the breast but oddly incomplete and clear in the middle - aka, not very Pectoral - maybe Sharp-tailed?).
I got to the west side the bridge, shed the dogs and walked by myself to the dunes above the bird. I was able to walk within 50 feet of the bird, above it and looking with the light pretty much above us. The fog was feathering off and it was beginning to be quite bright out.
Now I had my binoculars out and was staring down at the peep. Two things struck me right away: it had distinctly yellow-green legs but it was too small to be a Pectoral or Sharp-Tailed. So, I assumed that it was a Least Sandpiper (rusty peep with modest bill and yellow legs) or a weird Semipalmated (shortish, tapered bill, pale face, breast and eye stripe but with weird leg color). And that whatever I heard calling was something elsewhere. The next things that struck me was an overall shape that made it look tallish, fattish and short butted. It was static and picking from the shallow water it was standing in until it started walking - and then it looked awkward, clumsy. I watched it for about ten minutes and I decided that it looked like it was walking in flippers - high steps and shorts strides.
That's when thought that it might be a long-toed stint.
I really didn't know what exactly I was supposed to look for ( I have no first hand knowledge of this species). The primaries and tail seemed about the same length. The wing coverts were 2/3 dark in the center and rusty for the 1/3 edges. There seemed to be a line formed by the paler (less rusty) edges of the feathers on the mantle running along the upper scapulars. I noticed it from bridge. The cap effect was really distinct on the sides of the head (versus the lores and the eye stripe) and rear of the head (versus a duller nape), but I didn't see any pale between the bill and the cap. The bill was largely dark, tapering and slightly decurved in the final 1/3. It seemed generally black but a little less black at the base of the lower mandible.
I couldn't think of anything else to look at. And as I started to really think about it, I walked back that I don't know all the fall age and plumage variations of the Least Sandpiper or the chances of a yellow-green legged Semipalmated. And I remember reading a rough exchange where Rich Stallcup was being grilled about a potential Long-toed Stint that he had a Limantour (I think). I do not have Rich's supernatural gifts nor his conviction.
Anyway, I watched it for another five minutes, learned nothing new ( it never flew or called again and I didn't know anything else to look for) and walked away conflicted and confused.
When we completed our dog walk, I checked the muddy peninsula at the southwest edge of the lagoon and saw nothing but a dead gull. And when we re-crossed the bridge the wasn't anything (peep or otherwise) on the northwestern mud and edges.
But I have replayed this in my head all afternoon and evening, I decided that I should at least let people know that there might be something out there worth taking a serious look at.
So, I hope someone finds a peep out there that generally matches this description. And I'd be excited to learn whatever it is. But I know that with one CA record (yeah, I looked when I got home), tons of challenges with identifying this species and my own modest knowledge of peeps, this is a super tough one.
I'll be out there looking early tomorrow for my own sanity but I have my first day at the GGRO hawk watch, so my time is pretty limited.
Date: 8/25/17 4:14 pm From: Tim Bray <tbray...> [northbaybirds] <northbaybirds-noreply...> Subject: [NBB] Half-day Pelagic Birding trip, Fort Bragg
Mendocino Coast Audubon Society will run a half-day Pelagic Seabird field trip out of Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg, on Saturday September 16.
David Jensen and Ron LeValley will help us find and identify some of the many seabirds that are rarely seen from shore, including Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, various species of Shearwater, Storm-petrels, Skuas, etc. Depending on ocean conditions, we expect to go 10 to 15 miles offshore on one of the fastest charter boats in Noyo Harbor, so we can get to the birds quickly. We will meet at 7:30 AM and return to the dock around 1 PM.
Cost is only $65 per person. Advance reservations are required, and these trips usually sell out in advance, so respond as soon as possible. Contact David Jensen, (707) 964-8163 or <djensen...> to get details and reserve your spot.Â
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