I visited New Chicago Marsh in the early afternoon today, 22 Jul 2017, and found an adult SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. It was in the scraggly mud islands about 100 yards past the railroad tracks, on the left side of the entrance road into the Environmental Education Center. It was well into its prebasic molt, with a fairly clean breast and many basic feathers in the upperparts. This gave it a very pale look compared to other peeps in the area. It also looks like the same bird found by Bob Reiling on Thursday. Earlier in the day I was at the Sunnyvale Sewage Ponds, where I had a group of 25 WILSON'S PHALAROPES and 13 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES in the "East" pond. A male GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE was foraging along the central levee, well out from the radar station. Mike Mammoser
Date: 7/22/17 1:33 pm From: Lisa Myers <lisa...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Western Tanagers at Vasona
Good morning,
Here are our hi-lights from today’s bird walk. We spent a few hours at Vasona County Park in Los Gatos. At just after 8 AM we met near the boat dock and started with a mixed flock on the west side of the parking lot. We were facing University Ave. There is an Elderberry Tree located here with lots of ripe berries. We observed several WESTERN TANAGERS enjoying insects and fruit. We saw at least two adult males and several females and what appeared to be juvenile birds. There was a lot of flitting about so hard to trace which birds we were seeing more than once. Also found in the tree were juvenile and spotted WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. BLACKHEADS GROSBEAK were also near.
When we got over to the boat dock area & the paddle boats we found BULLOCK’S ORIOLES in the Eucalyptus trees. VAUX’S SWIFTS flew by on occasion and were a nice study as compared to the VIOLET GREEN and CLIFF SWALLOWS.
Striped youngster AMERICAN COOTS and PIED-BILLED GREBES were in the water and being attended to by the adults.
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were found throughout the morning both male and female.
The tanagers were a treat for all.
Lisa Myers
Let’s Go Birding/Los Gatos Birdwatcher
------------------------------------
Posted by: Lisa Myers <lisa...>
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Date: 7/21/17 1:47 pm From: William Pelletier <wrpelletier...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Possible Willow Flycatcher
Folks,A few of the Sharpies team went down to Rancho Canada del Oro this morning and heard an odd sounding bird. It was doing the answer/call like Black Phoebe or Cassin's Vireo, but sounded a little more crunchy. We eventually saw the bird, which looked clearly like an empid. Unfortunately we didn't get a photo, but I did manage an audio recording. Please help with this ID!Thanks in advance,Bill <Pwrpelletier...>://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38250956
Folks,
Part 1 of the SCVAS summer owl series. Part 2 will be held Aug 9th, 7pm @ McClellan Ranch. Our goal is 24 owls in 24 hours!
We had a great turnout for the owl outing on Wednesday night at McClellan Ranch. I counted 65 people and it was a great group of intelligent, curious and well behaved (except me ;) people. We started out by reviewing our 7 local owls: Burrowing, Barn, Great Horned, Western Screech, Northern Pygmy, Northern Saw Whet and Short Eared. We listened to the calls of each owl. We compared the sizes, habits and common location for each species. Finally we gathered ourselves and went out looking for the birds. Our goal: 12 owls and perhaps one of the rare species, which include Northern Pygmy Owl, Northern Saw Whet Owl and Short Eared Owl.
We had worked our way down the trail almost to the orchard when I received a phone call from Sergio, Sharpies spotter ... "We have an owl" and the entire group retraced steps back a ways to see a Western Screech Owl waking up in a Sycamore cavity in the fading light. Dave & Floy Zittin first noticed the bird and helped our group to find the camouflaged owl. Luckily we had some photographers who captured this owl before it flew. We then went back to the orchard and got a brief view of a Great Horned Owl circling the trees to the west. Such luck! Later on, a few of us Sharpies continued the hunt at Arastradero, Steven Canyon Rd, Alum Rock Park and Arzino Ranch. All told I saw/heard 15 owls of 3 species and I'm sure that others saw many more. I just heard from Sergio who got a Barn Owl later that night. Please email me if you saw any other owls in the 24 hours from 7pm Wednesday night.
You can see the checklists as follows:
The two owls at McClellan were seen by most and I feel lucky, because it is quite rare to get owls so early in the evening. Two owls.http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38232479 After the class ended at about 9:30pm a few of the Sharpies continued on to Arastradero where we heard 3 Barn Owls screeching and while driving out got a great view of another in our headlights as it flew from a no parking sign along the road and into the woods. Six owls so far.http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38232485 Having just arrived back from the east coast midnight felt late, so we decided to get some sleep and pick it up in the morning. To our amazement a Great Horned Owl was calling at home for us. The first I'd heard there in a few weeks. Seven owls.http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38232756 We decided to try for the elusive Northern Pygmy Owl before dawn at Alum Rock Park. While driving there we saw a Great Horned Owl on the telephone wire on Crothers. Eight owls.http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38232614 It pays to start birding early. Being on east coast time we woke up early and decided to hit Alum Rock park to try for Northern Pygmy Owl. We struck out on that owl but got a great look at a Barn Owl just before dawn. We also saw two different Great Horned Owls and heard another. Twelve owls by 8am.http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38232593
Arzino Ranch marked the last chance to add a few owls and it didn't disappoint. The Burrowing Owls were busy flying between the mounds and perching majestically. 15 owls in 24 hours. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38244147 My appreciation to those who could make it. We hope to see you August 9th!
Regards,Bill <Pelletierwrpelletier...>
Sharpies in attendance:Bill PelletierKitty O'NeilGarrett LauSergio PerezDave ZittinFloy ZittinLia Schnipper
Date: 7/20/17 8:30 pm From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Palo Alto and Mountain View
Folks:
This morning, 7/20/17, I visited the Palo Alto estuary mouth and Charleston Slough on a rising tide. At the estuary mouth, I saw my first WHIMBREL of the fall. Five alternate SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were foraging among the loafing godwits and willets. Two RIDGWAY'S RAILS called, one from Hooks Isle and another from the Byxbee shore. Later, I watched one on the Byxbee shore bathing. As I left, I saw a LESSER YELLOWLEGS with a Greater, in the marsh right across from the parking for the nature center.
From the end of Terminal Boulevard, I walked out to Charleston Slough. A female-plumaged SURF SCOTER was on Shoreline Lake and a RING-BILLED GULL was on the dock at Pond A1. The latter appeared mostly adult, but with no white spots in the black wing-tips, so maybe a SY bird. A surprise in the Mountain View Forebay was a grunting VIRGINIA RAIL, quite early. There were 250+ dowitchers in the slough, many in alternate plumage. I was able to pick out a single SHORT-BILLED and three LONG-BILLED.
Yesterday, 7/19/17, I checked a few spots in Alviso. Of most interest were two WESTERN KINGBIRDS continuing near the towers at the intersection of Disk and Grand. They didn't interact and I didn't see signs of any young birds.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Yesterday morning (7/19/17) walked around my neighborhood at the south (foothill) end of the Stanford campus. The adult pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES that produced a clutch of four young birds this spring were present at Lathrop Park; they flew around each other calling and landing in the tops of trees, which culminated in the pair copulating--not something I expected to see at this time of year.
Also at Lathrop Park, I saw two COOPER'S HAWKS flying, one apparently pursuing the other, through the lower parts of fir and redwood trees. One of the two perched while the other flew away, and though I never got a good look at perched bird, it gave the repeated squeaky whistle calls of a begging juvenile.
Last night I confirmed two more VAUX'S SWIFT nest sites near my Almaden Valley home. I have four current nest sites and will visit two more possible sites soon. I park on the street and watch chimneys for entering swifts between 7 and 8 pm. If I'm lucky I hear the nestlings being fed. Soon nesting will end and the swifts will migrate.
Four EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH were seen again this morning on Oakglen Ave near Glowing Court.
At 10 am I birded south from Crossview Court along the Alamitos Creek trail for half a mile. A pair of BLUE GRAY GNATCATCHERS were still together near the former EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH site. Two juvenile BGGN were seen at separate locations to the south. RED TAILED HAWK fledglings were flying with an adult and one flew to the possible nest tree. A begging HOUSE WREN was fed by an adult. A family of ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER'S and several HOODED ORIOLES were seen and two PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHERS heard. A BELTED KINGFISHER was rattling up and down the creek bed.
VAUX'S SWIFTS were flying overhead most of my route and when I got into an open area I counted 34 with more higher in the sky. This may be early for such a large flock of swifts. Last year on Aug.3, I reported 33 VASW in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.
SCALY BREASTED MUNIA were building a nest near Almaden Lake west of the pedestrian bridge. One bird had food in its bill, so it could be an active nest but they were also carrying willow leaves. A juvenile GREAT BLUE HERON caught a fish near the shore and a CASPIAN TERN and an OSPREY were over the lake. I met a man who showed me a photo and asked me to id the bird. It was an Osprey. He said there were four flying over his house along the Guadalupe River near Branham. He also said there was a dead Osprey in a bush near the river. Now I am wondering if Osprey nested along the Guadalupe.
Deb and I were out walking today around noon and were surprised by a pair of Ash-Throated Flycatchers on the Alamitos Creek trail on the east side of the creek south of the Camden bridge. I don't think I've ever seen ATFL this close to our house in south Almaden Valley. Hugh McDevitt
Date: 7/20/17 1:36 pm From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Least Terns, Elegant Tern and Semipalmated Samdpiper
All,
My first stop this morning (7/20) was at Salt Pond A2E where I first spotted an ELEGANT TERN on one of the distant (far northern) posts in the pond (at 7:45 it then flew East). Later I saw two LEAST TERNS perched among several FORSTER'S TERNS on the brown "weeds" located on the far northern edge of the pond , East of the posts (using my scope at 60 power, noting the markings in the smaller Terns and being able to clearly ID the larger Forster's Terns). I then noted that there were now only four active EARED GREBE nests. At one point I saw an egg on the third nest from the East (left). The fourth nest had a bird on it but it spent a lot of time looking around and was never visited by a second Grebe. The first nest (eastern most) had a second grebe actively bringing more nest material to the one on the nest. I was then able to see and photograph a young Grebe in the second nest from the East (variously on the parents back, in the water near the nest and under the parent) with the view often blocked by an attentive second adult Grebe. (Only seven Eared Grebes were anywhere near the four nests). I did see four other Eared Grebes, far from the nests but no sign of any young near or on them. I then spent some time unsuccessfully checking Terns for either dark wings or carpal bars.
After a quick check on Salt Pond B1, nothing of note, I then went to New Chicago Marsh where there were at least a couple thousand Peeps (mostly WESTERN SANDPIPERS) in the northwestern portion of the pond along Speckles Ave. Later I had two SNOWY PLOVER and (briefly) a possible Semipalmated Sandpiper in the southern portion of this pond when a couple hundred Peeps suddenly flew in and scattered all three birds. My best bird of the morning was an adult SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER in the marsh a couple hundred feet East of the RR tracks along the Environmental Education Center entrance road. (fair photos).
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Hi Birders, I was at pond A2E. I estimated 35 Forster's terns, but no sign elegant or least terns. There were several either winter or immature plumed birds. I would guess it was about a 50-50 of adult breeding plumage to either winter adult or worn immature birds.
I did see 9 eared grebs, 8 of which were adults in breeding plumage. One of the adults was carrying an immature bringing the count to 9. The immature left the parent's back and was swimming on his own for a few minutes before hopping back onto the parent.
I counted 5 nests, all inhabited by one adult, some with another adult nearby. One nest was under active construction with one of the adults staying near the nest while another brought aquatic plants for nest construction.
Correction: Crittenden Marsh, not Charleston Marsh.
Garrett Lau
On Mon, Jul 17, 2017 at 5:41 PM, Garrett Lau <garrett.lau...> wrote: > After reading everyone's tips, I went back to Pond A2E and Charleston > Marsh on Thursday afternoon (7/13/17) with a scope and located the > Eared Grebe nests. I also saw the surprising oversummering birds that > Bill Bousman mentioned. However, I did not see any Least Terns or > Elegant Terns. The afternoon winds were extremely strong the two times > I went there last week, so I decided to go in the morning today > (7/17/17). This time, the winds were calm, and I found a Least Tern > and four Elegant Terns. I recognized their calls before I saw them. > > The Bufflehead and the Common Goldeneye were both sitting on the levee > that is straight ahead at the 45-degree bend in the trail, but I did > not see the Horned Grebe today. > > In addition to the Eared Grebes at the nests in the middle of > Charleston Marsh, there were two interacting closer to the trail, so I > took some pictures of them. Later, two women in an SFBBO truck stopped > to look at that pair, telling me that one had a chick on its back. > When I checked my photos at home, I discovered that my earlier photos > showed the feeding of the chick. My photos are poor, but I've put them > at the end of this album on Flickr: > https://www.flickr.com/photos/garrettlau/albums/72157683203540053 > > Garrett Lau
------------------------------------ Posted by: Garrett Lau <garrett.lau...> ------------------------------------
After reading everyone's tips, I went back to Pond A2E and Charleston Marsh on Thursday afternoon (7/13/17) with a scope and located the Eared Grebe nests. I also saw the surprising oversummering birds that Bill Bousman mentioned. However, I did not see any Least Terns or Elegant Terns. The afternoon winds were extremely strong the two times I went there last week, so I decided to go in the morning today (7/17/17). This time, the winds were calm, and I found a Least Tern and four Elegant Terns. I recognized their calls before I saw them.
The Bufflehead and the Common Goldeneye were both sitting on the levee that is straight ahead at the 45-degree bend in the trail, but I did not see the Horned Grebe today.
In addition to the Eared Grebes at the nests in the middle of Charleston Marsh, there were two interacting closer to the trail, so I took some pictures of them. Later, two women in an SFBBO truck stopped to look at that pair, telling me that one had a chick on its back. When I checked my photos at home, I discovered that my earlier photos showed the feeding of the chick. My photos are poor, but I've put them at the end of this album on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/garrettlau/albums/72157683203540053
Garrett Lau
------------------------------------ Posted by: Garrett Lau <garrett.lau...> ------------------------------------
Date: 7/16/17 1:36 pm From: Jean Myers <dosriosjean...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Re: ID Help
Hi Chris:
My vote is CA Thrasher. Possibly juvenile. They are out and about recently (several recently fledged ones are on my property) and the coloring is right.
Jean Myers Gilroy
------------------------------------ Posted by: Jean Myers <dosriosjean...> ------------------------------------
Date: 7/16/17 10:22 am From: Chris Johnson <ryanjohnson77...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: RE: [SBB] ID Help
The results of the poll are in:
Juvenile Mourning Dove: 5
CA Thrasher: 2
Juvenile Grackle: 2
After looking at the photos again upside down I think MODO is correct. The bill is not as long as I originally thought, ruling out grackle and thrasher. And the facial pattern and greyish blue in the wings also match MODO. So I change my vote from Grackle, bringing MODO to 6 votes and winning by a near landslide.
Chris Johnson
San Jose, CA
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: "Chris Johnson <ryanjohnson77...> [south-bay-birds]" <south-bay-birds-noreply...>
Date: 07/15/2017 9:14 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: <south-bay-birds...>
Subject: [SBB] ID Help
All,
This is an odd request, but I came across a fresh Cooper's Hawk attack at Lake Cunningham yesterday and I'm struggling to come up w/ an ID for the prey bird (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38143733). The photos in the ebird report show it has a fairly long and possibly even down-curved bill. I saw the tail end of the attack as it took place over a large grassy area, and the prey bird seemed quite large; perhaps 1/2 the size of the Cooper's or even a little larger. The best I could come up with is female Great-tailed Grackle.
Otherwise, there wasn't much going on bird wise at 5 pm. Just a whole lot of sun and little shade.
Date: 7/15/17 9:14 am From: Chris Johnson <ryanjohnson77...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] ID Help
All,
This is an odd request, but I came across a fresh Cooper's Hawk attack at Lake Cunningham yesterday and I'm struggling to come up w/ an ID for the prey bird (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38143733). The photos in the ebird report show it has a fairly long and possibly even down-curved bill. I saw the tail end of the attack as it took place over a large grassy area, and the prey bird seemed quite large; perhaps 1/2 the size of the Cooper's or even a little larger. The best I could come up with is female Great-tailed Grackle.
Otherwise, there wasn't much going on bird wise at 5 pm. Just a whole lot of sun and little shade.
Date: 7/15/17 7:50 am From: Tom Grey <tgrey...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Coop in fountain
Yesterday morning we had an adult male COOPER'S HAWK visit our back yard fountain in the Stanford campus residential area. He plunked down in the water, where he rested for a while http://www.pbase.com/tgrey/image/165830948
Folks,
We will be holding owling classes on Wed July 19th and Wed August 9th at 7pm. Both sessions will begin at McClellan Ranch and continue in the field at some local owl hotspots. Owls can be quite a challenge to observe, but we will review a host of tips, tricks and methods to help improve your chances of finding them.
In these lessons we will cover how to use the latest technology to find, identify, and record the species of these nocturnal birds. Then we'll test out our new skills in the field. We will focus on our local owls: Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Western Screech Owl, Burrowing Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, and the elusive Short-eared Owl.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Thanks,Bill Pelletier408.644.5583
Date: 7/14/17 2:35 pm From: 'Alvaro Jaramillo' <chucao...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: RE: [SBB] Continuing American Herring Gulls, Least and Elegant Terns
Bob et al.
The black and red on the bill of California Gull is always given as a key field mark, and it is very consistent. BUT, as you imply, this is only present in non-breeding California Gulls. When Californias are at the colony most show NO black on the gonys, no black is the norm. The issue is that this situation lasts for a short time, only 2-3 months of the year, and during times that most birders are not looking much at gulls.
From: <south-bay-birds...> [mailto:<south-bay-birds...>] On Behalf Of Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] Sent: Friday, July 14, 2017 1:17 PM To: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> Cc: south-bay-birds <south-bay-birds...> Subject: Re: [SBB] Continuing American Herring Gulls, Least and Elegant Terns
All,
Sorry but I have been assured, after seeing my photos that, the apparent Herring Gulls seen are in fact breeding plumage CALIFORNIA GULLS. There is a tiny bit of black on the leading edge of the red Gonydeal spot. I have also been informed that some CAGUs have NO BLACK on the Gonydeal spot. Herring Gulls also have a yellow no reddish gape. The subspecies i referenced with yellow legs would be very rare and are not likely to occur here in groups of seven.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
_____
From: "Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds]" <south-bay-birds-noreply...> To: "south-bay-birds" <south-bay-birds...> Sent: Friday, July 14, 2017 12:30:37 PM Subject: [SBB] Continuing American Herring Gulls, Least and Elegant Terns
All,
First thing this morning I went to the Sunnyvale Water Treatment Facility where there were seven American Herring Gulls in the channels (three just before the gate at the Radar site and four a bit past the bridge/pumping station between the two ponds. Later after taking several photographs, as I picked up my tripod to leave all four of the later gulls flew and I was able to see that they had predominately yellow legs (at least two of them). Peter Harrison shows in his guide, Seabirds, that adult L.a. heuglini have yellow legs (I've only ever seen pink before) and that L.a. taimyrensis have either pink or yellow legs. Except for their predominately black primaries with some light edges to future? windows, these gulls all had white heads, yellow bills with a large red spot on the lower mandible, a light eye with an orange orbit, and a reddish gape, all are indicative of breeding birds. The mantle is a bit darker than that normally seen here but our winter birds are usually fairly bleached out. These birds seem to be either coming into or out of breeding plumage?
Later I went to Salt Pond A2E where I saw at five LEAST TERNS and four ELEGANT TERNS. Also got good views of the nesting Eared Grebes in Crittenden Marsh (lots of nest building activity).
Take care,
Bob Reiling
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
It's been years since I've seen juvenile SPOTTED SANDPIPERS. Wednesday night I glimpsed a downy SPSA from the Guadalupe River Trail north of the Coleman bridge. I returned today to get a closer look from water district property. One juvenile was spotted on the far bank from the south bench. I walked behind the maintenance area to the Guadalupe Creek inlet and another or the same juvenile was seen at close range. Ithad downy clear white undersides, a dark eyeline, Brown crown, barred brown uppersides, yellowish legs and a pale bill.
The adult SPSA was calling for her precocial young from a perch on the shore. The Guadalupe River bed is great habitat now with some flowing water, ponding water, plenty of weeds and exposed shoreline.
Our backyard HOODED ORIOLES are constantly at the nectar feeder. They had two broods and have not fledged any cowbirds so far. At least 3 BLACK HEADED GROSBEAKS and some PURPLE FINCH come to the sunflower seed feeder. A WRENTIT sang a few times in the yard last Sunday and then left.
Date: 7/14/17 1:19 pm From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [SBB] Continuing American Herring Gulls, Least and Elegant Terns
All,
Sorry but I have been assured, after seeing my photos that, the apparent Herring Gulls seen are in fact breeding plumage CALIFORNIA GULLS. There is a tiny bit of black on the leading edge of the red Gonydeal spot. I have also been informed that some CAGUs have NO BLACK on the Gonydeal spot. Herring Gulls also have a yellow no reddish gape. The subspecies i referenced with yellow legs would be very rare and are not likely to occur here in groups of seven.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds]" <south-bay-birds-noreply...>
To: "south-bay-birds" <south-bay-birds...>
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2017 12:30:37 PM
Subject: [SBB] Continuing American Herring Gulls, Least and Elegant Terns
All,
First thing this morning I went to the Sunnyvale Water Treatment Facility where there were seven American Herring Gulls in the channels (three just before the gate at the Radar site and four a bit past the bridge/pumping station between the two ponds. Later after taking several photographs, as I picked up my tripod to leave all four of the later gulls flew and I was able to see that they had predominately yellow legs (at least two of them). Peter Harrison shows in his guide, Seabirds, that adult L.a. heuglini have yellow legs (I've only ever seen pink before) and that L.a. taimyrensis have either pink or yellow legs. Except for their predominately black primaries with some light edges to future? windows, these gulls all had white heads, yellow bills with a large red spot on the lower mandible, a light eye with an orange orbit, and a reddish gape, all are indicative of breeding birds. The mantle is a bit darker than that normally seen here but our winter birds are usually fairly bleached out. These birds seem to be either coming into or out of breeding plumage?
Later I went to Salt Pond A2E where I saw at five LEAST TERNS and four ELEGANT TERNS. Also got good views of the nesting Eared Grebes in Crittenden Marsh (lots of nest building activity).
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Date: 7/14/17 12:30 pm From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Continuing American Herring Gulls, Least and Elegant Terns
All,
First thing this morning I went to the Sunnyvale Water Treatment Facility where there were seven American Herring Gulls in the channels (three just before the gate at the Radar site and four a bit past the bridge/pumping station between the two ponds. Later after taking several photographs, as I picked up my tripod to leave all four of the later gulls flew and I was able to see that they had predominately yellow legs (at least two of them). Peter Harrison shows in his guide, Seabirds, that adult L.a. heuglini have yellow legs (I've only ever seen pink before) and that L.a. taimyrensis have either pink or yellow legs. Except for their predominately black primaries with some light edges to future? windows, these gulls all had white heads, yellow bills with a large red spot on the lower mandible, a light eye with an orange orbit, and a reddish gape, all are indicative of breeding birds. The mantle is a bit darker than that normally seen here but our winter birds are usually fairly bleached out. These birds seem to be either coming into or out of breeding plumage?
Later I went to Salt Pond A2E where I saw at five LEAST TERNS and four ELEGANT TERNS. Also got good views of the nesting Eared Grebes in Crittenden Marsh (lots of nest building activity).
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Least Terns are known to be less tolerant of intruders, including humans, than Forster's Terns, and we seldom find them flying close enough to identify the other field marks. However, if you can fairly easily tell the difference between flying swifts and flying swallows, you can probably tell the difference between these two distant flying terns.
For me the easiest difference is the obviously higher frequency wing beats. Other differences noted in Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion are: "A very active feeder ... diving frequently. Dives almost twice as much as other terns, and its recovery from a failed dive is almost as fast as the descent. ... Rapid, deep, and stiff wingbeats ... -- a Tern inspired by a Swift. Very acrobatic -- the bird can fly one way, turn, and fly another way without skipping a beat."
Date: 7/13/17 3:21 pm From: Michael Mammoser <mmammoser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [SBB] 7 EAGRs Nesting at Crittenden?
All seven EARED GREBE nests were occupied today, 13 Jul 2017, in the late morning. A few other birds were bringing in nesting material. The nests are composed of emergent vegetation that the birds mound up, so that the tops are out of the water. This is a typical strategy for all grebes. The nests are located somewhat centrally in the pond, closer to the levee side than the Moffett side.
Also, there were at least 6 LEAST TERNS on pond A2E.
Mike Mammoser
On Wednesday, July 12, 2017 11:14 AM, "<Vanslagerf...> [south-bay-birds]" <south-bay-birds-noreply...> wrote:
All: On 7/12/17 at 9 AM from Crittenden I had gone east on the Moffett Bay Trail to the starting point of the old walkway that the Least Terns used to stage on before someone took all the connecting planks. I had a brief look at a small tern next to a large tern before it was chased off. Later I had a very longtime look with 10X image-stabilized binos at a rapid-wingbeat Least Tern as it foraged past some slower-wingbeat Forster's Terns. At one point I saw two LETEs flying. From that point I looked south towards the gutted blimp hanger and saw Eared Grebes nesting on a line of seven small mud mounds. Frank Vanslager #yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477 -- #yiv3630653477ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-mkp #yiv3630653477hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-mkp #yiv3630653477ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-mkp .yiv3630653477ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-mkp .yiv3630653477ad p {margin:0;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-mkp .yiv3630653477ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-sponsor #yiv3630653477ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-sponsor #yiv3630653477ygrp-lc #yiv3630653477hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv3630653477 #yiv3630653477ygrp-sponsor #yiv3630653477ygrp-lc .yiv3630653477ad {margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 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This morning, 7/13/17, I walked the Bay Trail along Pond A2E as far as the 90 deg. bend. Lots of water remains in Crittenden Marsh and the triangular panne to the north. Where the trail diagonals left at the triangular panne, there is a channel between the panne and Crittenden Marsh. Water is still in the channel, so the drying has not really got a start yet. From that point, you can look south towards the Moffett hangers and see the nesting EARED GREBES found by Frank yesterday. A scope is best, but you can see them fairly well with just binoculars. I counted 7 occupied nests and possibly an 8th plus at least 15 grebes. Many are incubating and I saw an egg during a nest exchange. Lots of vegetation being added to the nests as is typical during incubation. This is quite a find! Following the big ENSO event in 1982-83, Eared Grebes nested successfully in Crittenden Marsh in 1983. Either there or in the triangular panne, they nested in 1986, 1992, and 1993. So this is the first nesting attempt in 24 years. Enjoy it while you can and we can hope they will be successful.
I scanned the old catwalk on my walk out the Bay Trail and found a single adult ELEGANT TERN on one of the supports. This bird and the one Bob Reiling saw yesterday are very early, they normally turn up at the end of the month. On my way back, I found two LEAST TERNS using the supports, but the Elegant was gone.
Besides the nesting Eared Grebes, Crittenden Marsh had a few surprising oversummering birds including a female-plumaged BUFFLEHEAD, a female-plumaged COMMON GOLDENEYE, and a mostly alternate HORNED GREBE.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 7/13/17 1:49 pm From: Janna Pauser <jannapauser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Willow Flycatcher Rancho Canada Del Oro 7-13-17
Sergio Perez, Floy and Dave Zittin and I started out on the Longwall trail at 7:30, finding it very birdy in the oaks near the trailhead. Best birds here were several ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER, PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHER, 4-6 HUTTON'S VIREO and a WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH. We had the first of 10 WESTERN WOOD PEWEE after crossing Baldy Ryan Creek. Further along this trail I was able to relocate the LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH nest in a Sycamore clump. Dave got the nest in his scope and we saw a female prone on the nest. No male was seen so we continued on.
As we approached the Open Space green gate a distant OLIVE SIDED FLYCATCHER was heard. Sergio and Dave continued on the Calero CP trail in search of the flycatcher. Floy and I entered the RCDO gate where we saw a silent WILLOW FLYCATCHER. It flew from a snag and briefly perched on the fence in a brushy area, then it flew off and was not seen again. It was small but bulkier than a pewee, no eye-ring, light undersides, 2 buffy wing bars and a clean white throat. On the way back, Dave spotted a male and a female LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH in the nest tree. We all had good looks at two birds but three LAGO flew off together leaving a second female on the nest, so we had a total of four LAGO.
On the drive out I saw an ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER perched on an overhead wire along Casa Loma Road. A GOLDEN EAGLE was perched on the tower along McKean Rd at Schillingsburg.
Date: 7/13/17 9:08 am From: Steve McHenry <stephen.l.mchenry...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Common Poorwill at Coyote Valley Open Space
Sorry this is a few days late.
On Saturday (July 8) we went on a moonlight hike at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, which was sponsored by Committee For Green Foothills.
We did a counterclockwise loop on the Arrowhead Trail.
We got several White-tailed Kites hunting actively before sundown, and were startled by a Barn Owl that screeched at us as it flew by. This was the second of two Barn Owls seen in flight, but I can't say if it was the same bird seen twice. As we approached the parking lot on the return, we heard two more Barn Owls; it sounded like they were doing call-and-response to each other. Did not hear any other owls.
Just as we got to the parking lot, about 9:30 p.m., we clearly heard a Common Poorwill. It called for a short while, was quiet, and then called again. We heard 4-5 series of calls until it went quiet for good.
Date: 7/13/17 9:05 am From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale Water Treatment Ponds
All,
Yesterday morning (7/12) I went to the Sunnyvale Water treatment Ponds and I also noted that there were no Wilson's Phalaropes. Notables, in addition to lots of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES (in the East Pond, a few in the West Pond, were three COMMON GALLINULE (2 adults) in the channel just North of the Radar tower, 5 to 6 breeding plumaged AMERICAN HERRING GULLS in the channel between the ponds all with the same markings with essentially no primary wing windows, a few RING-BILLED GULLS (mixed plumage) and an ELEGANT TERN that made a brief flyover and quickly picked up a fish. Lots and lots of MALLARDS in both ponds. During a brief stop at the Environmental Education Facility in Alviso a CASPIAN TERN also picked up a fish in Salt Pond A16. I should note that the ELTE and CATE, both, seemed to pick up dying or dead fish from the surface of the water, no diving.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Date: 7/12/17 11:22 pm From: Garrett Lau <Garrett.Lau...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [SBB] 7 EAGRs Nesting at Crittenden?
I went to Pond A2E this afternoon to follow up on Frank's report from this morning (7/12/17). I did not see any Least Terns, but there was one Caspian Tern among the many Forster's Terns. Near the north shore of A2E, a Clark's Grebe was hanging out with two large, strangely colored ducks. After studying my photos of the ducks, I've concluded that they are decoys.
In the marsh to the south, I saw only one Eared Grebe, but I could not see all the way to the southern shore.
At the northwest corner of the East Pond at the Sunnyvale WPCP, there were 185 Red-necked Phalaropes, but no Wilson's Phalaropes.
Garrett Lau
------------------------------------ Posted by: Garrett Lau <garrett.lau...> ------------------------------------
Date: 7/12/17 10:49 pm From: Janna Pauser <jannapauser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Almaden Lake and Alamitos Creek trail 7-12-17
Five GREAT BLUE HERONS were seen on the Almaden Lake island this morning. At least two were juveniles. Many active BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERON nests were hidden in the foliage with more out in the open. I was excited about the GBHE nesting on the island for the first time this year. On June 30, I found a dead juv. GBHE along the Alamitos Creek trail under the overhead wires south of Mazzone. I assumed it was one of the island nestlings but maybe not. A family of five HOODED ORIOLES were together and feeding a begging juv. BROWN HEADED COWBIRD. A ROBIN was feeding young nestlings in a small tree and a single SCALY BREASTED MUNIA flew past. Two PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHERS were seen near the pedestrian bridge. The three domestic white geese were back together after one spent months on an unproductive nest and finally gave up. About eight years ago one of the geese had a single gosling which looked just like the ugly duckling. Unfortunately it disappeared after a short time.
I also birded south of the Camden parking lot where a male BLACK CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was perched on a snag. Probably the same male I reported on 4-23. South of the parking lot I had two singing YELLOW WARBLER, 2 WARBLING VIREO, 2 WILSON'S WARBLER and a WESTERN BLUEBIRD pair. A beautiful Black-chinned Hummingbird nest had been cleared away with brush and weeds.
This evening I returned to the Guadalupe River trail north of Coleman where I hadn't birded in months. The dam is already in place behind the water district. The river bed has been reconfigured with huge gravel bars created by last winters floods. A BELTED KINGFISHER performed an unusual feat, skimming the waters surface bouncing along and intermittently diving for fish, never missing a beat. Noisy KILLDEER were guarding young. A single SPOTTED SANDPIPER flew back and forth but didn't perform his usual bobbing gate. Hidden in the weeds were two calling BROWN HEADED COWBIRD juveniles 20' apart being fed by SONG SPARROWS. A flock of 8 more juvenile BHCB flew in and stayed a while. I'm convinced they were attracted to the vocalization of the juv. cowbirds being fed. Perhaps that's how the flock of juveniles grows so fast. Two SCALY BREASTED MUNIA adults were in the same area.
Date: 7/12/17 8:25 pm From: Chuq Von Rospach <chuqvr...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Re: ID Help (a bit out of area)
Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions. It was unanimous that it was a
red-throated loon. One thought it was a year old bird, and Bob Power
suggested it was “moulty/sickly” which I’ll agree with, I think.
Chuq Von Rospach - http://www.chuqui.com Email: <chuqvr...>, <chuqui...>
Twitter: @chuq
Silicon Valley, California
On July 12, 2017 at 1:55:01 PM, Chuq Von Rospach (<chuqvr...>) wrote:
Best I can figure is it’s an immature Red-Throated, unless it’s some weird
hybrid. It was very noticeable for it’s lack of black color, but looking at
some of the photos, it almost looks like it’s newly fledged? Those wings
don’t look fully developed to me. Would nesting loons be a thing there?
Best I can figure is it’s an immature Red-Throated, unless it’s some weird
hybrid. It was very noticeable for it’s lack of black color, but looking at
some of the photos, it almost looks like it’s newly fledged? Those wings
don’t look fully developed to me. Would nesting loons be a thing there?
(I know, I know, but I’m not on MBB these days. Sorry).
Chuq Von Rospach - http://www.chuqui.com Email: <chuqvr...>, <chuqui...>
Twitter: @chuq
Silicon Valley, California
Date: 7/12/17 11:14 am From: <Vanslagerf...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] 7 EAGRs Nesting at Crittenden?
All:
On 7/12/17 at 9 AM from Crittenden I had gone east on the Moffett Bay Trail to the starting point of the old walkway that the Least Terns used to stage on before someone took all the connecting planks. I had a brief look at a small tern next to a large tern before it was chased off. Later I had a very longtime look with 10X image-stabilized binos at a rapid-wingbeat Least Tern as it foraged past some slower-wingbeat Forster's Terns. At one point I saw two LETEs flying.
From that point I looked south towards the gutted blimp hanger and saw Eared Grebes nesting on a line of seven small mud mounds.
Date: 7/11/17 3:10 pm From: Lisa Myers <lisa...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Vaux's Swift nest E. Los Gatos
Hi all -
I received a called today at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher from a concerned, non-birder homeowner. She could hear birds inside her chimney. She acknowledged that the screen that had been on their chimney blew off this last winter. She wanted to know who she could call to come and remove the birds. I told her I’d come take a look and depending on what they were, they may be protected.
She lives in a home that has been in the family for over 40 years and is in East Los Gatos, up on a hill and overlooking a canyon. Everything that a swift would love! From inside the living room you could hear the babies squeaking when they were being fed. The loud, strong calls were very low in the chimney quite near the bottom.
We went outside and within moments could see the Vaux’s Swift fly in, feed and fly out. Very exciting for me as I have never seen this myself.
I took with me the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society’s Breeding Bird Atlas and read to her the dates for nesting observations of Vaux’s Swifts. According to the book it looks as if her birds should be wrapping up their activities in the next few weeks. I told her and her young daughter how very special it was that they had these birds in their chimney. I added that I could probably lead a tour up to her house and folks would love to witness the activity themselves.
So she is now excited about their birds and will not bother the nest. I showed her the Vaux’s range map and added with her cooperation this family of swifts will fly down to Central America in the fall.
Don’t ya just love happy endings.
Lisa Myers
Let’s Go Birding / Los Gatos Birdwatcher
------------------------------------
Posted by: Lisa Myers <lisa...>
------------------------------------
Yesterday morning, 7/9/17, went to Arastradero to check out the JUVENILE WHITE-TAILED KITES on the north slope uphill from the parking lot. Last year saw at least seven of them there; this year only one (or maybe two) but with good photo-ops: here is one flying over as I walked up the Red-tail Loop Trail: http://www.pbase.com/tgrey/image/165807065
Also present along the fence line: a pair and (from the constant calling, but not seen) likely fledgling RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS; a pair of adult RED-TAILED HAWKS high overhead; an apparent pair of WESTERN KINGBIRDS high in a eucalyptus. A female AMERICAN KESTREL was foraging over the grassy slope.
Date: 7/9/17 5:16 pm From: Jim Dehnert <dehnert...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [SBB] Re: Phalaropes at Sunnyvale WPCP East Pond
I walked around the Sunnyvale East Pond yesterday evening. At about 7pm,
the flock of Red-necked Phalaropes was in the NW corner of the pond as
described by Frank and Patrick -- about 60 of them. I didn't see any
Wilson's in my photos, though.
As a side note, there was a Coypu (aka Nutria, aka River Rat) in the
channel to the east, and a couple women I ran into had also seen one in the
part of the channel near the WPCP parking half an hour earlier. Have they
been here long? Are they a problem (non-native invasives that they are)?
On Fri, Jul 7, 2017 at 5:46 PM, patrick baglee <madeincumbria...>
[south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> wrote:
>
>
> Following Frank's note on the Phalaropes at the Sunnyvale WPCP East Pond
> earlier today, I walked out to the north west corner at around 16.00hrs to
> take a look. There were still 69 phalarope present. After a couple of
> counts, I logged 6 Wilson's Phalarope, and 63 Red-necked Phalarope. The
> birds of both species were still there when I departed at 16.45hrs. Patrick
>
>
>
>
Today, I walked a CCW route around the Alviso Slough Trail. There were four RED-NECKED PHALAROPE in the impoundment north of the Alviso Marina CP. There are extensive islands in A12, but I only found three SNOWY PLOVERS there. Among the 600+ Calidrids, I counted 405 WESTERN SANDPIPERS and 12 LEAST SANDPIPERS, all adults as expected. Four scaup spp. were on the A9/A10 levee, a female GREATER SCAUP was in A11. A mostly basic HORNED GREBE was in Pond A10.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 7/8/17 7:17 pm From: David Zittin <dzittin...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] SCVAS field trip to Picchetti Ranch OSP.
Hi Birders, Need I say, it was hot. Even so we managed to see 30 species and as usual and in spite of the heat everyone had a good time.
Some highlights. - It was a flycatcher sort of day. Western wood pewee were vocal throughout most of our walk in the vicinity of the vernal pond. It may have been the same individual. We did eventually see one fly from perch to road where it spent several seconds.
- We heard an ash-throated flycatcher doing its dawn song. Within a few minutes we had it in the spotting scope.
- On the SE corner of the vernal pond we heard a Pacific slope flycatcher. Again, within a few minutes we spotted two nearby.
- Blue-gray gnatcatchers heard.
- Wrentits singing loudly. Six total, 2 plainly seen
- At least 4 orange-crowned warblers working plants on the forest floor. One seen begging so we interpreted this as a recent fledge.
Date: 7/8/17 7:07 am From: Ed Gasiorowski <egasiorowski...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Coyote Valley OSP - Lost Spotting Scope
On Thur July 6 we were at Coyote Valley OSP, at the end of Palm Ave, and we were fortunate to spot a Rock Wren... unfortunately, we left our Vortex Spotting Scope and our tripod at the picnic benches in the parking lot, possibly lying on its side.
If you find the scope, appreciate if you could contact me at 408-656-3465
Date: 7/7/17 6:20 pm From: patrick baglee <madeincumbria...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Re: Phalaropes at Sunnyvale WPCP East Pond
Following Frank's note on the Phalaropes at the Sunnyvale WPCP East Pond earlier today, I walked out to the north west corner at around 16.00hrs to take a look. There were still 69 phalarope present. After a couple of counts, I logged 6 Wilson's Phalarope, and 63 Red-necked Phalarope. The birds of both species were still there when I departed at 16.45hrs. Patrick
Jerry Ting points out that this may be actually be an INDIGO x LAZULI hybrid and l am now inclined to agree but would value other feedback. Haven't come across anything concrete in web searches yet.
Thanks,
Vivek Tiwari
Sunnyvale, CA
From: <south-bay-birds...> [mailto:<south-bay-birds...>] On Behalf Of 'Tiwari, Vivek' <Vivek.Tiwari...> [south-bay-birds]
Sent: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 5:37 PM
To: <south-bay-birds...>
Subject: [SBB] INDIGO BUNTING, BLUE GROSBEAK - Mission Peak July 4th
Not in Santa Clara County but may be of interest.
I am not a member of East Bay Bird Sightings yahoogroup so if someone would like to forward it there, would appreciate it.
Today July 4th, 2017 - I hiked Mission Peaks with kids and my visiting brother and nephew.
We started up at 10:30AM so I wasn't sure if it was worth the effort to lug my camera up there in the heat. But did it anyway and boy, was that fortuitous!
About half-way up to the summit from the Stanford Ave trailhead and 2/3rd of the way up to what I call the "meadow" (the flat open area beyond the cattle-guard below the exposed rock cliff face below the summit), I heard a "1-1-1-2-2-3-3" song that to my ears is similar but different from the LAZULI BUNTING songs we had heard up to that point. Sure enough it was a male INDIGO BUNTING singing from a bush just off the trail. It was mostly all blue except for some greyish fringes on the upperparts. However the lower belly was white but with diffuse blue feathering. It looked intermediate to a "1st spring" male and adult breeding male depicted in the Nat Geo guides. I played a Lazuli Bunting song and got an immediate response (similar to what I had observed in an Indigo Bunting at Montebello OSP a few years ago). I did not play any Indigo Bunting songs. There was at least 1 female-type bunting in the vicinity but I could not get a photograph.
Near here was also a LARK SPARROW carrying food in its bill. Up at the "meadow" there was a SAY's PHOEBE fly-catching from the barbed wire fence.
On the way down, a couple of hairpin bends above where I had seen the Indio Bunting (and just below the "pond" on the relatively flat portion of the trail before the meadow) another all dark blue bird popped up and sang. This had an all blue belly and initially I wondered if this was a different Indigo, but through the viewfinder it was clear that this was an adult male BLUE GROSBEAK. A female BLUE GROSBEAK was nearby and appeared to be carrying food.
A bit further down, the Indigo Bunting was still singing and working the vegetation off the trail.
I will post the pics later but if someone needs them sooner, pls let me know.
Along with the Lazuli Buntings, and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, it was a rather Rufous, White and Blue July 4th outing!
Date: 7/7/17 11:16 am From: <Vanslagerf...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Phalaropes at Sunnyvale WPCP East Pond
All:
At 9 AM on 7/7/17 I was at the northwest corner of the Sunnyvale WPCP East Pond where I had 3 close, perched Wilson's Phalaropes, in nice contrast to my 7/1/17 sighting of 3 perched Red-necked Phalaropes. About 50 yards away was, by count, at least 75 frenetically-swimming phalaropes. There was one breeding-plumage female Wilson's, but most of the flock seemed to be in transition plumage. Going by bill length, it seemed to be a mixed flock but mostly Wilson's.
The subject line should have said nesting Lawrence's Goldfinch, not nestling. Apparently Carter got photos of the adults in addition to the nest photos. They are attached to the ebird post.
I went back to photograph the beautiful lichen covered Western Wood Pewee nest in Rancho Canada Del Oro this morning and ran into Ed Gasiorowski's and family, Vickie and son Carter. We found the WEWP nest but young had fledged and were being fed by adult.
Next we crossed Baldy Ryan Creek and stopped at a large Sycamore clump to check for the LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH seen here earlier. By chance I spotted the male at a nest but he flew off before others saw him. Carter is a very talented young photographer and he got a photo of the female LAGO on the nest and id her by the yellow on her wing. It was a life bird for Carter. Ed spotted a WARBLING VIREO near the creek, another life bird for Carter.
Date: 7/6/17 9:51 am From: 'Alvaro Jaramillo' <chucao...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: RE: [SBB] 2017 AOS Supplement is out.
Chuq
Just one point that may be confusing - the true teal (as in the Green-winged Teal) is in Anas. The birds known as false teals or blue-winged teals are the ones that are now in Spatula. So several birds called “teal” are not closely related to each other, Baikal Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal are each in different genera now.
From: <south-bay-birds...> [mailto:<south-bay-birds...>] On Behalf Of Chuq Von Rospach <chuqvr...> [south-bay-birds]
Sent: Thursday, July 6, 2017 7:55 AM
To: <south-bay-birds...>
Subject: [SBB] 2017 AOS Supplement is out.
Not too many changes that are going to affect birding here in northern california, but there are a couple:
Thayer’s Gull is gone, now a sub-species of Iceland Gull.
LeConte’s is now officially one word, not “Le Conte’s”
Anas is being split up and Dabbling Ducks are being rearranged. What was Anas is now Anas, Spatula (teals and northern shoveler), Mareca (Gadwall and Wigeons), and Sibirionetta (Baikal Teal).
Chen is gone. White geese were lumped in with gray geese in Anser,
I’m sure glad there are people who worry about these details (so I don’t have to!)
Date: 7/6/17 8:01 am From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Calero Creek Trail
Folks:
Yesterday evening, 7/5/17, I walked the Calero Creek Trail northwest from the Stiles Ranch parking area. I encountered about six COMMON POORWILLS in the first half mile of the trail from about 2105 to 2120 hr, roughly 40 to 55 min after sunset. Only two vocalized with their poor-will call, but the rest were foraging near the trail, possibly attracted by my feeble whistled imitation of their call. They move quickly with their twists and turns, but there was still enough light at the time (and a 3/4 moon) for me to get my light on them. Also at that range, they sometimes gave very soft "chucks" or "chirps." I also had a male BARN OWL flying over the chaparral and heard another screech near the parking area.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Not too many changes that are going to affect birding here in northern
california, but there are a couple:
Thayer’s Gull is gone, now a sub-species of Iceland Gull.
LeConte’s is now officially one word, not “Le Conte’s”
Anas is being split up and Dabbling Ducks are being rearranged. What was
Anas is now Anas, Spatula (teals and northern shoveler), Mareca (Gadwall
and Wigeons), and Sibirionetta (Baikal Teal).
Chen is gone. White geese were lumped in with gray geese in Anser,
I’m sure glad there are people who worry about these details (so I don’t
have to!)
Chuq Von Rospach - http://www.chuqui.com Email: <chuqvr...>, <chuqui...>
Twitter: @chuq
Silicon Valley, California
Date: 7/5/17 12:19 pm From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Continuing Blue Grosbeak and family
All,
Shortly before 8 this morning (7/5) Frank Vanslager re-found the gorgeous, adult male BLUE GROSBEAK on the fence above the railroad tracks West of the Pajaro River about a quarter mile South of the parking area. Shortly thereafter the male was joined by an adult female that was then, in turn, joined by and fed a juvenile. The latest that I've seen a female Blue Grosbeak feeding young was in the same general area on August 15, 2007. Shortly thereafter the female and her young flew to a nearby bush and the male move part way up the hill. Unfortunately we were subsequently unable to re-find any of the Blue Grosbeaks over the next hour and a half (I was hoping for photos). Birding here was quite active compared to recent outings. Some species included a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, an OAK TITMOUSE, a couple LARK SPARROWS, a couple HOUSE WRENS, BEWICK'S WREN, several ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, several LAZULI BUNTINGS, at least three GREAT-BLUE HERON and one GREAT EGRET, and lots of SWAINSON'S THRUSH song was heard coming from the river bed. Among other species we also had well seen WRENTIT, BUSHTIT, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES, MOURNING DOVES, RED-TAILED HAWKS and we watched as a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD lit on a cow's face for a snack. A quick stop on the way hone yielded a ROCK WREN near the parking lot at the West end of Palm Ave in Coyote Valley.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Date: 7/5/17 7:59 am From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Charleston Slough
Folks:
On the 4th of July, I checked Charleston Slough on a rising tide. I counted about 74 DOWITCHER spp., my first double digit numbers of the season (and a fairly typical time for their return). Most were in alternate plumage, but a few were basic-plumaged. Of the alternate birds, I estimated that 26 were LONG-BILLED and 3 were SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERs, the latter with white on their bellies and undertail coverts.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Not in Santa Clara County but may be of interest.
I am not a member of East Bay Bird Sightings yahoogroup so if someone would like to forward it there, would appreciate it.
Today July 4th, 2017 - I hiked Mission Peaks with kids and my visiting brother and nephew.
We started up at 10:30AM so I wasn't sure if it was worth the effort to lug my camera up there in the heat. But did it anyway and boy, was that fortuitous!
About half-way up to the summit from the Stanford Ave trailhead and 2/3rd of the way up to what I call the "meadow" (the flat open area beyond the cattle-guard below the exposed rock cliff face below the summit), I heard a "1-1-1-2-2-3-3" song that to my ears is similar but different from the LAZULI BUNTING songs we had heard up to that point. Sure enough it was a male INDIGO BUNTING singing from a bush just off the trail. It was mostly all blue except for some greyish fringes on the upperparts. However the lower belly was white but with diffuse blue feathering. It looked intermediate to a "1st spring" male and adult breeding male depicted in the Nat Geo guides. I played a Lazuli Bunting song and got an immediate response (similar to what I had observed in an Indigo Bunting at Montebello OSP a few years ago). I did not play any Indigo Bunting songs. There was at least 1 female-type bunting in the vicinity but I could not get a photograph.
Near here was also a LARK SPARROW carrying food in its bill. Up at the "meadow" there was a SAY's PHOEBE fly-catching from the barbed wire fence.
On the way down, a couple of hairpin bends above where I had seen the Indio Bunting (and just below the "pond" on the relatively flat portion of the trail before the meadow) another all dark blue bird popped up and sang. This had an all blue belly and initially I wondered if this was a different Indigo, but through the viewfinder it was clear that this was an adult male BLUE GROSBEAK. A female BLUE GROSBEAK was nearby and appeared to be carrying food.
A bit further down, the Indigo Bunting was still singing and working the vegetation off the trail.
I will post the pics later but if someone needs them sooner, pls let me know.
Along with the Lazuli Buntings, and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, it was a rather Rufous, White and Blue July 4th outing!
Date: 7/4/17 4:36 pm From: 'Dave Weber' <dwbirdster...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale WPCP East Pond July 4
Haven't birded for two weeks because things happen. This afternoon I went to the Sunnyvale WPCP and walked CW around the east pond. A few Wilson's Phalaropes were still in the NW corner, but there were more Red-necked Phalaropes. In the NE corner among a flock of over 150 Mallards there was one male Blue-winged Teal. Five Great-tailed Grackles were seen at various points along the N and E sides of the pond.
Date: 7/4/17 1:45 pm From: <juliana.manoliu...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] 3 Ridgway rails and other sightings
This morning 7/4/2017 at the Palo Alto Baylands I encountered the first Ridgway rail near the first parking lot before the gate. It was a little far and it spent the time I observed it preening. Continued to the Lucy Evans parking lot just in case some phalaropes decided to drop by- there were none. But a birder from Oregon asked me to identify a long billed curlew and also saw 5 Least sandpipers in the marsh by the parking lot.
Continued on to Byxbee park where in short order found two more Ridgway rails, this time very close to the shore of the channel running next to the parking lot. All three birds were in breeding plumage. Happy 4th of July!
My next stop was the EEC entrance road where a kind birder with a scope showed me two adult and one young Snowy plover mixed in with the large flock of peeps already reported by Bob Reiling.. On Los Esteros road there was a Western meadowlark with two spiders in its bill- an indication that a nest was nearby. Walked along the railroad tracks for a while but the numerous nesting species of birds got too agitated by my presence. From the small parking lot near the closed gate walked inside the reserve. The most numerous birds were the Caspian tern decoys on A16- no live bird seen among them. A total of 10 White pelicans were seen in A16 and a couple of Marsh wren were seen from the floating dock.
On exiting the EEC road went to Disc drive where two Burrowing owls were seen before getting to the Jubilee Church; walked to the back of the church where instead of burrowing owls there were at least two people walking inside the restricted area.
Date: 7/4/17 12:04 pm From: Bill <wrpelletier...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Wilson's Phalarope & Blue Grosbeak
Folks,
Contrary to popular opinion July is a fantastic time for birding. Many birds are still on the nest or with recently fledged young. Yesterday we found 60 Wilson's Phalarope at Sunnyvale WPCP. See pictures on eBird:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37954519 This morning (July 4th) we headed south to the Pajaro River for a 2nd try at Blue Grosebeak. As we started back down the tracks, thinking we may never see this bird, Kitty called out and sure enough we nailed our target. We watched intently as the bird exhibited behavior that I had not previously seen in other species of Grosbeak, e.g. Hovering.
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37967780 Enjoy,
Bill P
p.s. I vote Lazuli Bunting as most patriotic bird ... red, white & blue ;)
Date: 7/4/17 10:59 am From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] New Chicago Marsh
All,
FWIW Before 8 this morning (7/4) there was a large flock of peeps (mostly migrating WESTERN SANDPIPERS) in New Chicago Marsh and along the Environmental Education entrance road. Unfortunately they were very wary and actively feeding with lots of movement and with enough LEAST SANDPIPERS and required longer viewing distances to make finding a Semipalmated Sandpiper in their midst impossible. A few peeps looked good but they were quickly lost in the mass of birds. A couple, isolated, taller yellow-legged sandpipers (possible female Ruff) with no smaller peeps nearby also quickly disappeared without a solid ID or a photograph.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Hi Birders, Mike Mammoser reported 23 Wilson's phalaropes in New Chicago Marsh yesterday so I went to Spreckles and Grand for a few minutes today to see if I could find this species. Standing on the corner I saw 4 Wilson's phalaropes, one of which was being harassed by an avocet.
There were at least 200 peeps in the distance, but unstable atmosphere and distance made it hard to make a positive ID.
Date: 7/2/17 4:22 pm From: Michael Mammoser <mmammoser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] New Chicago Marsh Semipalmated Sandpiper
I visited New Chicago Marsh in Alviso this morning, 2 Jul 2017, to perform a colonial waterbird survey. In the State and Spreckles pond I had a group of roosting peeps, mostly WESTERN SANDPIPERS, that included a single adult SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Flying about the pond was a group of 23 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, with a handful of Western Sandpipers. Large numbers of AMERICAN AVOCETS are now flocking together after breeding, and the 500+ in State and Spreckles included a leucistic individual.
Mike Mammoser
Any chance you could grab a photo/video of this? I used to study cowbirds, and this is entirely unknown. Any chance that the host is in fact a Red-wing or Brewer’s blackbird? This would be so unusual that it would deem a publication believe it or not.
From: <south-bay-birds...> [mailto:<south-bay-birds...>] On Behalf Of Brooke Miller <idbirds...> [south-bay-birds]
Sent: Sunday, July 2, 2017 3:41 PM
To: south-bay-birds <south-bay-birds...>
Subject: [SBB] Adult Male Cowbird Feeding Juvenile Cowbird
Hi SBB’ers!
This morning while out on my neighborhood walk I observed an adult male Brown-headed Cowbird feeding a begging juvenile cowbird. This surprised me, and is the first time I’ve ever noticed this. According to Bird of North America parental care is completely provided by the host species, and this continues once the juvenile has fledged. I wonder what the explanation for this is. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Brooke Miller
San Jose
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Date: 7/2/17 3:40 pm From: Brooke Miller <idbirds...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Adult Male Cowbird Feeding Juvenile Cowbird
Hi SBB’ers!
This morning while out on my neighborhood walk I observed an adult male Brown-headed Cowbird feeding a begging juvenile cowbird. This surprised me, and is the first time I’ve ever noticed this. According to Bird of North America parental care is completely provided by the host species, and this continues once the juvenile has fledged. I wonder what the explanation for this is. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Brooke Miller
San Jose
------------------------------------
Posted by: Brooke Miller <idbirds...>
------------------------------------
Date: 7/1/17 6:34 pm From: Janna Pauser <jannapauser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Rancho Canada Del Oro 7-01-17
I returned to Rancho Canada Del Oro this morning but did not see the Lawrence's Goldfinch pair I reported 5-24. The female was briefly seen on Monday 6-26 birding with Karen Burnson. It was in a Sycamore past Baldy Ryan Creek, the same location where a pair nested in 2013.
Twenty five WILD TURKEYS were foraging along Casa Loma Road at 8 am this morning. BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE, WARBLING VIREO, ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER and PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHER were heard from the car. The meadow loop off the Open Space parking lot had some interesting birds. A normally elusive CASSIN'S VIREO was singing in the open on a high perch.A WOOD PEWEE pair was feeding nestlings in a beautiful lichen covered nest near Llagas Creek.
Highlights along the Longwall trail was a family of HOUSE WREN'S, several HUTTON'S VIREO, ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER pair and a singing male PURPLE FINCH with a downy fledgling. A second CASSIN'S VIREO was heard at the trailhead off Casa Loma Road. WEWP were all along the Longwall trail with 7 seen and more heard. A quiet PSFL was near the green gate and another ATFL heard here. A COOPER'S HAWK circled overhead on my way out. BLUE GRAY GNATCATCHER and WRENTIT were also heard only. The walnut orchard near Uvas attracted a dozen YELLOW BILLED MAGPIES.
Date: 7/1/17 11:12 am From: <Vanslagerf...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Some Alviso Bird Sightings
All:
At about 9 AM on July 1, I had good Questar views of three Red-necked Phalaropes perched and preening below a flock of American Avocets at State and Spreckles. Then something flew over, alerting them, and they flew off to the north. Earlier, from Elizabeth and Gold, I had seen two large gyrating flocks of shorebirds in the distance. From the EEC I later saw that those birds might be on the ground, very far in the distance to the west. I didn't check any further since all of the islands seemed to be only occupied by plastic terns and an occasional Gull.
Date: 7/1/17 10:29 am From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] San Antonio Valley Photos
Guys:
I've attached a couple of record shots from San Antonio Valley on Thursday. The Allen's was giving my autofocus problems so I focused on a nearby barbed wire fence stake. The fence stake was in excellent focus, the hummingbird is pretty fuzzy. The other photo is of one of the juvenile/fledgling Bell's Sparrow.
Bill
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 6/30/17 2:06 pm From: Janna Pauser <jannapauser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Calero Co Park 6-30-17
I birded Calero Co. Park headquarters along the road from McKean to the levee this morning. WHITE TAILED KITES and a BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK were heard along the creek. Several ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER, a CAL. SCRUB JAY, CAL. THRASHER and OAK TITMOUSE family groups were seen along the road. A HOODED ORIOLE pair, HUTTON'S VIREO and two HOUSE WRENS were beyond the gate. CAL. QUAIL, RED SHOULDERED HAWK and RED TAILED HAWKS were seen. Near the abandoned horse stables I heard a hard dry repeated spik call and found a LAZULI BUNTING in a bush with five WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. A COOPERS HAWK called from beyond the creek and more WTKI were heard only. The Los Cerritos Pond had 2 GREAT BLUE HERON, 5 BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERON, MALLARD and AM. COOT with young. Hundreds of CLIFF SWALLOW and some TREE SWALLOWS were near the Bailey Fellows House. The levee is completely overgrown with blackberry bushes.
Date: 6/29/17 5:28 pm From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] San Antonio Valley Transect
Folks:
I did a San Antonio Valley transect today, 6/29/17, starting at the county line on Mines Road and finishing at Mt. Hamilton. Not far south of the county line I encountered a male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH, it was the only one I saw all day. Opposite the entrance to the Biel Ranch (1.4 mi. from county line), I saw a male PHAINOPEPLA calling. At the first summit on Mines Road, I saw two juvenile-plumaged BELL'S SPARROWS. They didn't appear to be foraging and stayed close together, so perhaps nest mates. My guess is that they are still dependent on their parents, but I never saw an adult. There is a long curve on Mines Road as it drops down to Colorado Creek from the first summit. Along that curve there are about a dozen or so Napa thistles in bloom. I was surprised to find an AHY male selasphorus hummingbird that was feeding on the flowers along with a couple of young Anna's. At first I thought it was a Rufous, but a fuzzy photo suggests it was an ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD. Most male Rufous move south in mountains to our east, but a few show up at this time of year and this is also the time of the year when male Allen's are heading south. We don't have many records of fall migrant selasphorus hummers in the Diablo Range. I saw two adult GREEN HERONS on the transect, one at the lower stock pond on Sweetwater Creek (below the Digger Pine Ranch) and the other flying from the stock pond at the dogleg south of the junction. A few TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS remain at the colony east of the junction at the second stock pond on Del Puerto Road, I guessed about 6 males and 15 female-plumaged birds. I didn't seen any birds carrying food or fecal sacs. Along San Antonio Road, I saw a single Tricolor. The only LEWIS'S WOODPECKER I saw was in the first half mile south of the junction.
If you have any plans to visit Mines Road, the road department has put up signs at the county line and the junction that say the road will be closed on Saturday, 8 Jul, from 7 am-7 pm. Maybe they'll fix the washout on the road. Or maybe it's a block party and we're not invited.
Normally, when I return home from Mt. Hamilton, things are quiet until Alum Rock. Not so today. There were two wildfires burning along Mt Hamilton Road. I hit the first just this side of Twin Gates and the second was a quarter mile above Grant Lake. Cal Fire had their airborne people out, but I didn't see any fire crews until just before Grant Lake, so I guess the fires started sometime before I came over the summit. Before I reached Alum Rock Avenue, I must have pulled over for 30+ fire vehicles, including a couple of lowboy trailers with earth moving equipment for the fire. They sure are quick.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 6/29/17 7:46 am From: 'Alvaro Jaramillo' <chucao...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: RE: [SBB] Continuing Shoup Park Pygmy Nuthatch
Hi,
There are actually hundreds of experiments that get at this question indirectly, that is to say that the effect of playback was not part of the study yet one can surmise what happened from elements of the results of the paper, or if you get to chat to the researchers. Here is an example on neighbor recognition – actually the paper that discovered that birds do recognize their neighbors:
This was part of a multiyear study, and even though they did playback the birds remained, they bred, and basically in the important parts of their life (territory maintenance etc.), there were no obvious effects.
Of course if you do playback regularly you know that you do change behavior, this is obvious, and the reason you do it. You want the bird to stop doing what it is doing and come to see you. You have changed behavior. Here is a paper that proves that playback changes behavior. It also shows that birds habituate to playback, and over time will not pay attention any more. They learn to ignore it.
There is need for more research. There are other papers and the general picture that is emerging is this:
Playback changes behavior (but we knew that).
Behavior changes can last for a while after playback ends in some species, not in others.
No effects found in any of the important parts of a birds life. Birds do not leave their nesting area due to playback. They do not fail in reproduction due to playback. In one of the above studies, some birds began a nest near the playback speaker.
Intangibles – People worry about “stressing” the birds. This is problematic to study. Those who have studied stress in birds find it works differently than in humans. For us stress is a huge deal, we feel like we are about to die when we do something like miss a credit card payment, yet in fact we do not die. Stress stays with humans long after the fact. Stress in birds occurs during the actual event (Sharp-shinned hawk seen, other male invades territory), but it goes down to low baseline leves immediately after, they do not have stress stay with them. They pretty much go back to doing what they were doing immediately after the event. Stress is in essence not a big deal with birds, and it does not seem to affect their subsequent behavior. This is very hard for us to even understand.
My take on it – well it is complicated. I have been doing playback in many settings, including research for decades. I think that over time one learns to read the birds, how results vary in different species, and when a bird is not even paying attention. There are elements that affect how a bird responds, including volume is nuanced (low volume can often be higher aggression). You also learn to see when a bird comes in to playback in a more curious manner, and in a very hot and heated manner. All of this takes ages to learn, and how you perform your playback is dependent on seeing what the bird does in response to it. But today anyone with a cell phone can playback to a bird. I think that playback should be minimized, and done by people who have experience. If it was possible, it would be awesome to get a “playback card” to show you have gone through some training, but of course this will never happen. I would also suggest that it should be done in situations where there is a scientific benefit, or you are using it to show a group of people a bird. So that there is some benefit for it. There are other arguments published about the benefit of playback to minimize overall disturbance of habitat etc, this is definitely the case in group situations. Playback is a good tool, it is not as evil as people believe, yet it is not something to be done all over the place willy nilly. I also suggest that in highly frequented areas where playback is used regularly to see birds, such as in various tropical birding locales, the playback be limited to one or two known territories, and the others be given a rest. Often a major effect and tangible of playback is the effect is has on others enjoying nature. Most people do not go out doors to hear recordings of birds, they want to hear the real things.
From: <south-bay-birds...> [mailto:<south-bay-birds...>] On Behalf Of Brooke Miller <idbirds...> [south-bay-birds]
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:02 AM
To: Michael Mammoser <mmammoser...>
Cc: Phil Ball (UK - Assurance) <philip.j.ball...>; Bob Reiling <rreiling2...>; south-bay-birds <south-bay-birds...>
Subject: Re: [SBB] Continuing Shoup Park Pygmy Nuthatch
Mike,
This topic is really a ‘hornet’s nest’. Saying there is no scientific study or evidence just means that no one has done any scientific research or observation. Any playback has an impact on a bird, whether you can scientifically measure it or not.
If Sibley, the ABA, Audubon, Cornell, or any other birding individuals or groups wanted to really find out they could commission a scientific study. They haven’t and I kind of doubt they will. They have their members and their sponsors (i.e. birding apps with bird songs) to keep happy. Perhaps some unconnected individuals, like students doing research, will start studying this and publish some real results.
Actually, it is worth observing that there is little or no scientific study or evidence of the effects of audio playback on song birds. However, the opinions of birders seem to run the gamut - from "don't do it at all" to "it makes no difference", and all points in between.
There is a very good discussion of this issue on the Sibley Guides web site at the following link.
It seems worthwhile observing that playing tapes without good reason in the breeding season can have a significantly detrimental impact on breeding success of many species. Duration of playing is not important - if you get a response you have played the tape too long!
Having been around for a while, having never heard of Shoup Park before and knowing that the Pygmy Nuthatch is a nemesis bird for me I had to go there this morning as a result of Bill Pelletier's recent post. This is a small park, I birded the whole area in less than 1.5 hours, but it has a great redwood section (dirt trails) where I played a couple calls and immediately saw a PYGMY NUTHATCH fly into a deciduous tree near me where it provided good views as it work thru the top of the tree. After a few minutes it flew to the sunlit portion of a short redwood nearby where I was able to get great views and a photograph. Go early as the parking was full by 9:15.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
-------------------- End of message text --------------------
Our 2016 Annual Report, 'Leading in changing times', is available now. We've used videos, infographics and data modellers to tell the story of our year. Visit <http://www.pwcannualreport.co.uk/> www.pwcannualreport.co. uk
This email is confidential and is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the addressee, please delete the email and do not use it in any way. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not accept or assume responsibility for any use of or reliance on this email by anyone, other than the intended addressee to the extent agreed in the relevant contract for the matter to which this email relates (if any). PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England under registered number OC303525, with its registered address at 1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6RH. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for designated investment business and by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for regulated legal activities. PwC may monitor outgoing and incoming emails and other telecommunications on its email and telecommunications systems; by replying to this email you give your consent to such monitoring.
Date: 6/29/17 7:37 am From: Chuq Von Rospach <chuqvr...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [SBB] Continuing Shoup Park Pygmy Nuthatch
I’m not an expert on use of bird calls and the impact on the birds, so
instead I follow the advice of my betters. The ABA policy is what I follow,
and I suggest that they’re much better qualified to set up these policies
than I am (or we are) and that we should all follow their guide rather than
make it up as we go along…
I, personally, have seen birds that are territorial get very agitated and
waste a lot of energy try to find and eject the interloper and I feel that
kind of stress is harmful and a waste of their limited food resources, so I
personally rarely use recorded calls, never if I’m near a nest, and not
with species that I know to be territorial defenders or are migratorial and
need to build up calories for their travels.
*1(b) To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise
restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording, or
filming.*
*Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and
never use such methods in heavily birded areas or for attracting any
species that is Threatened, Endangered, of Special Concern, or is rare in
your local area.*
*Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, and
important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, if there is a need for
extended observation, photography, filming, or recording, try to use a
blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover.*
*Use artificial light sparingly for filming or photography, especially for
close-ups.*
Chuq Von Rospach - http://www.chuqui.com Email: <chuqvr...>, <chuqui...>
Twitter: @chuq
Silicon Valley, California
Date: 6/29/17 7:02 am From: Brooke Miller <idbirds...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [SBB] Continuing Shoup Park Pygmy Nuthatch
Mike,
This topic is really a ‘hornet’s nest’. Saying there is no scientific study or evidence just means that no one has done any scientific research or observation. Any playback has an impact on a bird, whether you can scientifically measure it or not.
If Sibley, the ABA, Audubon, Cornell, or any other birding individuals or groups wanted to really find out they could commission a scientific study. They haven’t and I kind of doubt they will. They have their members and their sponsors (i.e. birding apps with bird songs) to keep happy. Perhaps some unconnected individuals, like students doing research, will start studying this and publish some real results.
Just my 13 cents!
Brooke Miller
San Jose
> On Jun 28, 2017, at 9:47 PM, Michael Mammoser <mmammoser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> wrote:
>
>
> Actually, it is worth observing that there is little or no scientific study or evidence of the effects of audio playback on song birds. However, the opinions of birders seem to run the gamut - from "don't do it at all" to "it makes no difference", and all points in between.
>
> There is a very good discussion of this issue on the Sibley Guides web site at the following link.
>
> Mike Mammoser
>
>
> http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/04/the-proper-use-of-playback-in-birding/ <http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/04/the-proper-use-of-playback-in-birding/> >
>
> On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 11:07 AM, "'Phil Ball (UK - Assurance)' <philip.j.ball...> <mailto:<philip.j.ball...> [south-bay-birds]" <south-bay-birds-noreply...> <mailto:<south-bay-birds-noreply...>> wrote:
>
>
>
> It seems worthwhile observing that playing tapes without good reason in the breeding season can have a significantly detrimental impact on breeding success of many species. Duration of playing is not important - if you get a response you have played the tape too long!
>
> Phil Ball
>
> PwC | Director
> Office: +44 (0) 20 7212 3797 <applewebdata://4F45A48D-F943-41BB-ADD5-BE9DC767F583> | Mobile: +44 (0) 7764 989017 <applewebdata://4F45A48D-F943-41BB-ADD5-BE9DC767F583>
> Email: <philip.j.ball...> <mailto:<philip.j.ball...> > PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
> 1 Embankment Place, London, WC2N 6RH <applewebdata://4F45A48D-F943-41BB-ADD5-BE9DC767F583>
> http://www.pwc.co.uk <http://www.pwc.co.uk/> >
> Alternative Contact: Rosie Irving | PA | Phone: 020 7804 1116 <applewebdata://4F45A48D-F943-41BB-ADD5-BE9DC767F583> | rosie.irving@.pwc.com <mailto:<rosie.irving...> >
> On 28 Jun 2017, at 18:43, Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> <mailto:<rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> <mailto:<south-bay-birds-noreply...>> wrote:
>
>>
>> All,
>> Having been around for a while, having never heard of Shoup Park before and knowing that the Pygmy Nuthatch is a nemesis bird for me I had to go there this morning as a result of Bill Pelletier's recent post. This is a small park, I birded the whole area in less than 1.5 hours, but it has a great redwood section (dirt trails) where I played a couple calls and immediately saw a PYGMY NUTHATCH fly into a deciduous tree near me where it provided good views as it work thru the top of the tree. After a few minutes it flew to the sunlit portion of a short redwood nearby where I was able to get great views and a photograph. Go early as the parking was full by 9:15.
>> Take care,
>> Bob Reiling
>>
>>
>>
>
> -------------------- End of message text --------------------
> Our 2016 Annual Report, 'Leading in changing times', is available now. We've used videos, infographics and data modellers to tell the story of our year. Visit www.pwcannualreport.co. uk <http://www.pwcannualreport.co.uk/> > ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------
> This email is confidential and is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the addressee, please delete the email and do not use it in any way. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not accept or assume responsibility for any use of or reliance on this email by anyone, other than the intended addressee to the extent agreed in the relevant contract for the matter to which this email relates (if any). PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England under registered number OC303525, with its registered address at 1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6RH. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for designated investment business and by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for regulated legal activities. PwC may monitor outgoing and incoming emails and other telecommunications on its email and telecommunications systems; by replying to this email you give your consent to such monitoring.
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>
Date: 6/28/17 9:47 pm From: Michael Mammoser <mmammoser...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: Re: [SBB] Continuing Shoup Park Pygmy Nuthatch
Actually, it is worth observing that there is little or no scientific study or evidence of the effects of audio playback on song birds. However, the opinions of birders seem to run the gamut - from "don't do it at all" to "it makes no difference", and all points in between.
There is a very good discussion of this issue on the Sibley Guides web site at the following link.
Mike Mammoser
On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 11:07 AM, "'Phil Ball (UK - Assurance)' <philip.j.ball...> [south-bay-birds]" <south-bay-birds-noreply...> wrote:
It seems worthwhile observing that playing tapes without good reason in the breeding season can have a significantly detrimental impact on breeding success of many species. Duration of playing is not important - if you get a response you have played the tape too long!
Alternative Contact: Rosie Irving | PA | Phone: 020 7804 1116 | rosie.irving@.pwc.com
On 28 Jun 2017, at 18:43, Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> wrote:
All,
Having been around for a while, having never heard of Shoup Park before and knowing that the Pygmy Nuthatch is a nemesis bird for me I had to go there this morning as a result of Bill Pelletier's recent post. This is a small park, I birded the whole area in less than 1.5 hours, but it has a great redwood section (dirt trails) where I played a couple calls and immediately saw a PYGMY NUTHATCH fly into a deciduous tree near me where it provided good views as it work thru the top of the tree. After a few minutes it flew to the sunlit portion of a short redwood nearby where I was able to get great views and a photograph. Go early as the parking was full by 9:15.Take care,Bob Reiling
-------------------- End of message text --------------------Our 2016 Annual Report, 'Leading in changing times', is available now. We've used videos, infographics and data modellers to tell the story of our year. Visit www.pwcannualreport.co. uk------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------This email is confidential and is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the addressee, please delete the email and do not use it in any way. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not accept or assume responsibility for any use of or reliance on this email by anyone, other than the intended addressee to the extent agreed in the relevant contract for the matter to which this email relates (if any). PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England under registered number OC303525, with its registered address at 1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6RH. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for designated investment business and by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for regulated legal activities. 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If you don't get Bay Nature, it is highly recommended. There are all sorts of great articles, and topical to anyone living in the Bay Area with an interest in the natural world.
BTW - Farallon Island trip July 8, and summer seabirds July 15 (this is the trip we found the Salvin's Albatross on a few years ago).
Date: 6/28/17 8:57 pm From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale Baylands Park
Folks:
This morning, 6/28/17, I stopped by the Sunnyvale Baylands Park. There is still some wet mud in the seasonal wetlands, but not enough to float a duck. I spotted a SAY'S PHOEBE along the fence at the wetlands and had a good enough view to see it was in adult plumage, so not a recent youngster. Still, it may have nested there earlier in the season (the ones at Moffett had fledged young by late April). A bit farther on my walk, I saw a bird flying from perhaps the eucalyptus east of there, heading southeast until it dropped down along the bike/pedestrian trail--a WESTERN KINGBIRD! Maybe these dry country flycatchers know something we don't.
RIP Test Garden: An organization that engages kids with animals is taking over a few acres in the northwest part of the park. I found a local news article on the group on Google and it said they would start in June and build a barn and some other buildings. The test garden will be replaced with a vegetable garden. They will be open to the public occasionally. So far they have a fence that surrounds at least some of their area. The path that has been used by cheap birders in the past to avoid paying the entry fee is now blocked. But the park (or someone) has opened a path through the shrubbery 30 m. farther on, so no problem.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 6/28/17 4:28 pm From: Robert Reiling via eBird <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Robert Reiling has shared an eBird checklist with you from Redwood Grove Nature Preserve on Jun 28, 2017 - 7:09 AM
To accept this checklist into your eBird account, click on the link below:
It seems worthwhile observing that playing tapes without good reason in the
breeding season can have a significantly detrimental impact on breeding
success of many species. Duration of playing is not important - if you get
a response you have played the tape too long!
Alternative Contact: *Rosie Irving* | PA | Phone: 020 7804 1116 |
*rosie.irving@.pwc.com* <rosie.irving...>
On 28 Jun 2017, at 18:43, Bob Reiling <rreiling2...>
[south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> wrote:
All,
Having been around for a while, having never heard of Shoup Park before and
knowing that the Pygmy Nuthatch is a nemesis bird for me I had to go there
this morning as a result of Bill Pelletier's recent post. This is a small
park, I birded the whole area in less than 1.5 hours, but it has a great
redwood section (dirt trails) where I played a couple calls and immediately
saw a PYGMY NUTHATCH fly into a deciduous tree near me where it provided
good views as it work thru the top of the tree. After a few minutes it
flew to the sunlit portion of a short redwood nearby where I was able to
get great views and a photograph. Go early as the parking was full by 9:15.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
--
-------------------- End of message text --------------------
Our 2016 Annual Report, 'Leading in changing times', is available now.
We've used videos, infographics and data modellers to tell the story of our
year. Visit www.pwcannualreport.co.uk
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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are not the addressee, please delete the email and do not use it in any
way. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not accept or assume responsibility
for any use of or reliance on this email by anyone, other than the intended
addressee to the extent agreed in the relevant contract for the matter to
which this email relates (if any). PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is a limited
liability partnership registered in England under registered number
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Date: 6/28/17 9:43 am From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Continuing Shoup Park Pygmy Nuthatch
All,
Having been around for a while, having never heard of Shoup Park before and knowing that the Pygmy Nuthatch is a nemesis bird for me I had to go there this morning as a result of Bill Pelletier's recent post. This is a small park, I birded the whole area in less than 1.5 hours, but it has a great redwood section (dirt trails) where I played a couple calls and immediately saw a PYGMY NUTHATCH fly into a deciduous tree near me where it provided good views as it work thru the top of the tree. After a few minutes it flew to the sunlit portion of a short redwood nearby where I was able to get great views and a photograph. Go early as the parking was full by 9:15.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Date: 6/27/17 5:19 pm From: David Zittin <dzittin...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Some South Bay observations
Today we decided to do a fun trip to the South Bay to see what was going on with bird abundance. We stopped for a few minutes at the Arzino Ranch close to the Jubilee Church area where we saw 9 burrowing owls, four of which were recent fledglings.
In the same area we saw 4 immature white-tailed kites hanging out together in a small tree on the owl reserve. We could clearly see reddish streaking on their breasts, but they were too far away to see their yellow eyes.
New Chicago marsh at Grand and Spreckles was pretty quiet, mostly avocets, a lesser number black-neck stilts and at least 4 snowy plovers. The nature center board walk was equally boring except for a lot of swallows (barn & cliff) and 4 Savannah sparrows.
The reeds at the floating dock (off the pond A16 levee in Coyote Creek) were alive with marsh wrens. We saw 2 and heard many more. A first for me at this location were two great-tailed grackles working rocky areas at low tide in Coyote Creek, a male and a female. I watched the female catch a fish and eat it. Some Forster's terns in flight and lots of decoy terns (not in flight :-).
This morning (6/27/17) I checked my 'hood in the back of the campus. The pair of PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS are still in their spot in Frenchman's Park. Here's the one that posed for me today, four months after I first saw one of them: http://www.pbase.com/tgrey/image/165736565
The WHITE-TAILED KITE family of two adults and four juveniles have been around sporadically, readily identified by both cheeps and scratchy calls; but not seen or heard this morning; probably hunting up on Dish Hill.
The pair of BROWN CREEPERS in and near my yard continue; this morning heard only.
Date: 6/26/17 9:13 pm From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] South County Regional WasteWater Authority treatment ponds (Gilroy)
Folks:
I visited the Gilroy treatment ponds this morning 6/26/17. Three male and 7 female/immature WOOD DUCKS were in the entrance ponds with the regular ducks. An alternate EARED GREBE was there as well. The "Southern Ponds" along Llagas Creek were dry except for the second from the south which held mostly Mallards. Tucked away in the Mallards was a male GREEN-WINGED TEAL. There was some water in a pond south of the plant and two alternate GREATER YELLOWLEGS were foraging there. In a row of willows that borders the "Obata Ponds," I came on a male HAIRY WOODPECKER that was agitated, flew east a dozen meters, then back again. He was holding a monstrous grub in his bill, undoubtedly for a nearby nest. Few of the willow trunks seemed thick enough for a cavity, but there must have been an old trunk in the thick willows there. Hairy's are quite rare as nesters on the valley floor, this may be the first breeding evidence for Block 2590.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 6/26/17 2:19 pm From: 'Bill P. ' <wrpelletier...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Sharpies big day, long day Sunday 6/25/17
Folks,
The Sharpies birding team went for a big day and celebrated the longest birding day of my year (so far) and a surprisingly productive outcome. We ended up with 103 species at 12 locations between 5am(Alum Rock) and 10pm (Monte Bello) and a lot of great birds & many laughs. Meet the group:
Bill Pelletier - Bus Driver
Kitty O'Neil - Navigator
Garret Lau - Photographer
Sergio Perez - Spotter
SSHA (Sharp Shinned Hawk) aka Sharpie is known to chase birds. Four of the Sharpies team went chasing birds yesterday for 18 hours in Santa Clara county. We learned a lot about birding in June ... such a fantastic spectacle of birds we found! There was an amazing amount of breeding activity and a wide range of ages/sizes among the dozens of recently fledged species we discovered. You can see the birds we found on the following eBird checklists:
1. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37788498 Starting out a big day with GHOW (Great Horned Owl) and COPO (Common Poorwill) was a treat before dawn near Alum Rock Park.
2. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37789591 We tried for ROWR (Rock Wren) and HOLA (Horned Lark) at Sierra Vista summit, but dipped on both. However, we were thrilled with an early view of YBMA (Yellow Billed Magpie) since we didn't plan to bird south county as usual. We also nailed our only VASW (Vaux's Swift) of the day at this stop.
3. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37792025 Spring Valley (Ed Levin County Park) provided us a good chance for Selasphorus hummingbirds, but we dipped on both RUHU (Rufous Hummingbird) but dippe d on both. However, we did get an amazing close up encounter with GRHE (Green Heron) and we stocked up on our Swallows on this stop with BARS (Barn Swallow) & VGSW (Violent [sic] Green Swallow) & nesting TRES (Tree Swallow) both perching and on the wing.
4. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37792023 Sandy Wool Lake (Ed Levin main entrance) yielded BAEA (Bald Eagle) flew over several times and was seen on 3 different perches as well. We enjoyed watching as a CATE (Caspian Tern) successfully hunting all parts of Sandy Wool.
5. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37792474 Arzino Ranch in Alviso coughed up 3 different families of BUOW (Burrowing Owl) with 2 chicks seen on the closest mound.
6. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37793951 We made a quick stop at Don Edwards Environmental Center and the gate was locked, as usual on Sundays, costing us some time. This effort yielded us our only GTGR (Great Tailed Grackle) & FOTE (Forster's Tern) of the day. We then dipped on RNEP (Ring Necked Pheasant) at Harvey Marsh over by Great America.
7. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37800749 Shoreline and Charleston Slough were extra fun since we commandeered four abandoned Google bikes and rode way out to the CAGU (California Gull) colony, where we also nabbed almost 100 AWPE (American White Pelican) in a group right in the middle of the gulls.
8. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37800744 Arastradero is usually a great place for raptors, but we only added RSHA (Red Shouldered Hawk) on this stop. We did see another BAEA at close range flying over. We got our only BEKI (Belted Kingfisher) of the day at the pond.
9. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37802263 Steven's Creek County Park typically coughs up warblers and we hadn't seen a single one all day. We charged confidently into the deep woods of this under-birded park. We didn't see or hear a single warbler. However, saw another ALHU, nailed our only DOWO (Downy Woodpecker) of the day and heard the distinctive call of a BGGN (Blue Gray Gnatcatcher).
10. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37803533 Shoup Park is home to a pair of breeding PYNU (Pygmy Nuthatch) that Kitty & I had just discovered 10 days earlier. After waiting almost 1/2 hour Kitty declared she had heard the staccato call and instructed us to listen. Sure enough we heard it again and were also briefly treated to sights of the fluttering behavior of the bird.
11. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37812511 After charging up at Opa's with some excellent food and libation we decided to try the skyline route instead of heading south to Morgan Hill. We drove south from Page Mill road on Skyline and watched as the sun set over the ocean. We walked back into Sanborn park from above enjoying the cooling air.
12. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37811819 Finally, at almost 10pm, we repeatedly heard the screams of a BANO (Barn Owl) at Monte Bell Open Space Preserve. 18 hours of driving and birding ended with tired smiles and instant sleep upon striking the pillow.
Date: 6/25/17 9:58 am From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Sanborn-Skyline CP
Folks:
Yesterday morning, 6/24/17, I walked a bit of Skyline Trail from Indian Rock and the Summit Rock Loop Trail. A PILEATED WOODPECKER was calling nearby on the loop trail. Montane summer residents included a singing WESTERN TANAGER and two CASSIN'S VIREOS.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 6/24/17 4:55 pm From: David Zittin <dzittin...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Saturday Audubon Field Trip at Sanborn Co. Park
Hi Birders, It was great at Sanborn today, if not for the birding, the temperature. The elevation and shade made for a comfortable outing.
Some highlights of the trip:
- This one took several experience birders by surprise: a group of five Pacific wrens. These were mostly seen foraging on the ground. Apparently this was a recent brood with either 1 or 2 parents, but it was impossible to tell for sure. Need I say I think some personal records were broken today seeing 5 pawr grouped together.
- We heard 2 pacific slope flycatchers and saw one of these. - Four brown creepers seen and others heard. - A beautiful adult cooper's hawk. - Warbling vireos heard.
Date: 6/24/17 11:49 am From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Horned Larks on Sierra Road
All,
At about 10:40 this morning (6/24) I had a flock of 12+ HORNED LARKS, all ages, in a sparsely vegetated area on the South side of Sierra Rd just uphill from the cattle pond that is located on the North side of the road, Earlier I had three Horned Larks on the North side of the road near the cattle pens at the top of the hill. Still no Rock Wrens on Sierra Rd and no Snowy Plovers in New Chicago Marsh.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Date: 6/23/17 5:22 pm From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Palo Alto to Alviso
Folks:
A belated report from yesterday, 6/22/17. I started at the Palo Alto estuary mouth and finished at Pond A16. Four LONG-BILLED CURLEWS at the estuary mouth were probably oversummering. WILLETS have returned to Charleston Slough. I counted at least 188 wide-awake Willets plus a flock of 140 sleeping Willets and godwits. I only saw 2 or 3 birds in basic plumage. Also in the slough was an alternate WESTERN SANDPIPER, probably an oversummering bird. Nearby in the seasonal ponds west of the Mountain View Forebay, I saw 7 fledgling or juvenile COMMON GALLINULES and 8 precocial young as Juliana reported, but no adults. So at least 15 young this summer, which is pretty good. At New Chicago Marsh, viewed from the EEC entrance road, I saw two male SNOWY PLOVERS, one with two chicks. Near the boardwalk, I spotted three alternate LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, probably oversummering birds. A male REDHEAD continues near island #17 in Pond A16, not yet in eclipse plumage.
Bill Bousman Santa Clara County records compiler
------------------------------------ Posted by: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> ------------------------------------
Date: 6/23/17 9:21 am From: Karen Burnson <burnsonk...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] Fishing Lure In Common Loon
6/23/17 8am A Common Loon at Los Gatos Creek County Park has a fishing lure in its mouth and neck. It was in the water in front of the walking path at the main entrance and I photographed it from my car. I contacted Wildlife Rescue and left a message. https://www.flickr.com/photos/karensbirds/
Date: 6/22/17 12:01 am From: Karen Burnson <burnsonk...> [south-bay-birds] <south-bay-birds-noreply...> Subject: [SBB] California Quail Chicks
6/19/17 The first California Quail chicks have arrived in my yard. One was with an adult male while its siblings stayed in the shade with the female. Brush rabbits co-exist well with them and they are in the yard as well. www.flickr.com/photos/karensbirds
