After a dry winter, we had an unusual spring, with mostly cool temperatures and a strong Delta Breeze. Aside from flycatchers, songbird migrant reports were below average, but there was good diversity of shorebirds and uncommon hummingbirds. A male Eurasian Green-winged Teal was photographed at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 4/23 and a male Red-breasted Merganserwas at Lake Camanche on 4/13. Single Least Bitterns were reported through 4/11 at Stone Lakes NWR, at the Barn Ponds of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/19, Mather Lake on 5/12, and Cache Creek near the Wild Wings County Park west of Woodland on 5/16. Presumably the sameLittle Blue Heron returned to the rookery in Natomas on 5/8, but it was only reported one day, courting a Cattle Egret, and didn’t linger like it did last spring. Following on the numerous Black Railreports at Stone Lakes last month, up to three were singing and calling along the River Walk at CRP from 5/23 into June; another was reported from Twitchell Island on 4/17.
In contrast with a slow songbird migrant season, shorebirds were particularly well represented. Lake Camanche had a good showing, with two Snowy Plovers on 4/13, four on 4/18, five on 4/21, plus a Marbled Godwit and Baird’s Sandpiper (eBird checklist) on 4/25; the latter being quite unusual in spring. An impressive 215 Semipalmated Plovers were at CRP on 4/26 and an impressive 43 Willets were at the Woodland WTP on 4/16. Abel Rd in Colusa County east of Williams had quite a list of species on 4/24, including Snowy Plover (cont. to 5/3),Marbled Godwit (cont. to 5/3), a Semipalmated Sandpiper (regular but rare in fall, very rare in spring), and a Baird’s Sandpiper. Solitary Sandpiper reports included the YBWA on 4/8, the Bufferlands on 4/21, the Ione WTP on 4/25, and Mather Lake on 5/2. Four Marbled Godwits were at the Granite Bay Boat Launch at Folsom Lake on 4/27. Ostrom Rd southeast of Yuba City hosted two Willets and four Marbled Godwits on 4/27 and the shorebird highlight of the season, a Rufffrom 4/28-30.
After last winter’s influx, a few Band-tailed Pigeons lingered until late May. A migrant Common Poorwill along Pumphouse Slough near Babel Slough in Yolo County was a nice find on 4/20.Costa’s Hummingbirds males were reported at Fair Oaks on 4/2 and Rancho Cordova on 4/20, while Calliope Hummingbirds (eBird checklist) were reported more widely than ever before, with a few dozen reports throughout the Sacramento Area from 4/1 to the last week in May. Lewis’s Woodpeckers were widespread into early May. The last report was from Hwy 16 near Latrobe Rd in Amador County on 5/25, but probably the same bird was found dead on the highway on 5/31. The male and female Hairy Woodpeckers along Lake Natoma, downstream of Young Wo Circle, continued through at least 4/19, with the female reported in early June.
Amid a generally slow spring for songbirds, empids were well represented, with widespread reports of Hammond’s Flycatchers, and reports of the less common Gray Flycatcher at CRP on 4/5, Meiss Rd on 4/13 (eBird checklist), Don Nottoli Park on 4/16, the Howard Ranch on 4/19, and Mather Lake on 4/30. Dusky Flycatchers were reported on 4/11 at Cache Creek Wild Wings Park, 4/16 near the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway, 4/19 at the Howard Ranch and at CRP, along Putah Creek near Stevenson’s Bridge on 4/22, Mather Lake on 4/30 and 5/19, and William Land Park on 5/20. A singing Say’s Phoebe was at the Sacramento Reg. WTP on the late date of 4/27.
Reports of bird-rich days were few and far between this spring, though one with good numbers and diversity, including two Hermit Warblers, was along Rd 126 at the Sacramento Bypass on 5/11. Another such morning also produced good overall numbers and a Red-eyed Vireo upstream of Stevenson’s Bridge on 5/18. Steller’s Jays, widespread last winter, continued through the end of April. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was found at CRP on 4/19 and a female Varied Thrush on the late date of 5/23 at the Davis Wetlands was quite a surprise. There were several reports of Yellow-breasted Chats, with most coming from CRP, including two on 4/24. A Clay-colored Sparrow was well-described at YBWA on 4/27 and Brewer’s Sparrow reports in eastern Sacramento County continued into early May. A very vocal Baltimore Oriole (possibly with some Bullock’s traits) was found at Westgate Landing Regional Park west of Lodi from 5/15 through at least 5/31; a female Summer Tanager was reported there on 5/16. Pine Siskin reports continued into early May, with an unusually late 5/20 report from the Bufferlands. A pair of Lawrence’s Goldfinches at CRP on 5/11 was unusual away from their known sites on the margins of the Valley.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Ben Abramovitz, Dan Airola, Stuart Angerer, Breck Breckenridge, Paul Buchanan, Brent Campos, Ashley Casey, Lyann Comrack, Dave and Pat Croft, Farley Cross, Iryna Dronova, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Maureen Geiger, Ian Gledhill, Cory Gregory, Gary Grenfell, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Jim Lomax, Calvin Lou, Bunkie and Jeff Mangum, Don Marsh, Mark Martucci, Sarah Mayhew, Frances Oliver, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Judy Spitler, John Sterling, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Amy and Daniel Welsh, Dan Williams, and Julian Wood. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
March 2015
Spring-like and mostly dry weather characterized the period, exacerbating the regional drought, and appeared to cause several unusually early arrivals of Neotropical migrants. Perhaps the bird of the month was a Black Rail found at the Stone Lakes NWR Blue Heron Trails on 3/11, a fairly new managed emergent marsh wetland. As remarkable as the find was, it is equally remarkable that this secretive species was refound numerous times through 3/27, prompting one to wonder just how many individual Black Rails were involved. Movements between coastal/Delta populations and those in the Sierra foothills are not well understood or documented. Was this bird (or birds) moving to or from the foothills or looking for new breeding sites? A calling Least Bittern was reported from the same location starting on 3/11 and continued into April.
Notable waterfowl included a Redhead at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 3/4-6 and four Surf Scoters on the San Joaquin River from Staten Island on 3/1. While Rough-legged Hawks were difficult to find this season, one was found on private land beyond the end of Payen Rd on 3/15-24. Single Pacific Golden-Plovers were reported at the Lodi Sewer Ponds on 3/12 and Colusa NWR on 3/29. A Marbled Godwit was found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 3/24-26, and two were found along Abel Rd between Williams and the Colusa NWR on 3/30-31. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was a nice surprise near the Granite Bay Boat Ramp of Folsom Lake on 3/12.
An early calling Common Poorwill along the lower portion of Latrobe Rd in Sacramento County was reported on 3/1. There were few reports of Short-eared Owls this winter, so one to two at Sherman Island on 3/1, and one on Waltz Rd in Lincoln on 3/4 are worth mentioning. A male Calliope Hummingbird visiting a feeder was photographed in Fair Oaks on 3/31, and the male and female Hairy Woodpeckers along Lake Natoma, downstream of Young Wo Circle, continued through at least 3/19.
One of the most intriguing reports of the month was an Ash-throated Flycatcher at River Bend Park along the American River Parkway, nearly a month early, on 3/3; a bird on 3/25 from the Tall Forest at CRP would be considered quite early in a typical year. A Warbling Vireo on 3/29 at CRP was the first report for the season. Steller’s Jay reports continued to be widespread, including two in the town of Sutter on 3/9. A Townsend’s Solitaire was reported near the Nimbus Hatchery on 3/16, and a Wilson’s Warbler at CRP on 3/28 was on the early side. Two Brewer’s Sparrows were found on Meiss Rd on 3/29 (photos on flickr). An interesting bird that looked remarkably like a Clay-colored Sparrow was found nearby (photos on flickr), but most who looked at the photos believe it is a boldly marked Brewer’s Sparrow. A Thick-billed Fox Sparrow at Grasslands Regional Park in Yolo County from 3/5-19 was unusual for the Valley floor. An early Bullock’s Oriole was found at Michigan Bar on 3/15, and a female Evening Grosbeak was heard and then seen in Carmichael on 3/12.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Keith Bailey, Bruce Deuel, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Stanton Hunter, Logan Kahle, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Frances Oliver, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, John Trochet, Amy and Daniel Welsh, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
February 2015
This month was most notable for the continued reports of unprecedented numbers of Band-tailed Pigeons, Steller’s Jays, Varied Thrushes, and Pine Siskins. Most interesting among the waterfowl was a reported flyover Emperor Goose at County Line Rd at the Yolo/Colusa boundary and the Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR that continued through at least 2/17. The male Red-breasted Merganser at the Gristmill access of the American River Parkway (ARP) was reported from 1/22-2/17, and up to two Red-throated Loons were reported from various locations on Folsom Lake through 2/12. For sheer numbers, the most impressive raptor report was from Yolo County Rd 96B, between Rds 25 and 25A, where a few minutes with a scope produced 39 Red-tailed Hawks and 9 Ferruginous Hawks on 2/3.
County Line Rd east of I-5 hosted 54 Mountain Plovers, the highest number from Yolo County in many years (eBird checklist). A Marbled Godwit, quite rare in winter away from the coast, was found at Colusa NWR from 1/31-2/1. Gull reports were relatively few this month, with a first-cycle Western Gull at Folsom Lake’s Beals Point on 2/1 and a second-cycle Western Gull at the Yolo County Landfill Pond on 2/14 being most notable. A Greater Roadrunner reported between Davis and Winters on 2/22 where Rd 91A almost meets Rd 31 may have been the same bird seen at that location on the Putah Creek CBC. A nearby private orchard hosted a Northern Saw-whet Owl, first noticed on 2/19, and a Long-eared Owl on 2/25. The male Costa’s Hummingibird that has been reported along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters continued for another month.
The Red-naped Sapsucker found last month continued at Lake Solano through at least 2/15, and a male and female Hairy Woodpecker along Lake Natoma between Young Wo Circle and Parkshore Drive continued into March (eBird checklist). A Cassin’s Vireo with a slightly deformed bill near the Gristmill access to ARP on 2/5 was a surprise for the winter season. Even more surprising was the report of calling and briefly seen Bohemian Waxwings among a huge flock of Cedar Waxwings near Carmichael on 2/7. Unfortunately they were not refound despite considerable effort. A Lark Bunting was found and photographed along Robinson Rd south of Dixon on 2/10 (photos). The Swamp Sparrow at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area was reported from 1/23 through at least 2/10, up to five White-throated Sparrows were found between the Howe and Watt accesses to ARP throughout the month, while the Harris’s Sparrow in N Davis continued, but was not always easy to find. A male Cassin's Finch was reported in Davis on Feb 10 and may have been the same bird found earlier in the winter.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Patricia Bacchetti, Lyann Comrack, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, David and Denise Hamilton, Steve Hampton, David Hartley, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Joan Humphrey, Jeri Langham, Karen Keinitz, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Eric LoPresti, Tim Manolis, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Janet and Mark Scheel, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, Kent Van Vuren, Bruce Webb, Dan Williams, and Roger Willmarth. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
January 2015
Band-tailed Pigeons, Steller’s Jays, Varied Thrushes, and Pine Siskins continued in high numbers into the New Year, breaking some local CBC records. Among the interesting waterfowl were the continuing Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR that remained into February and a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal photographed at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) north of Desmond Rd on 1/29. The female Red-breasted Merganser below the Nimbus Hatchery continued on 1/1-4, with one female reported at Folsom Lake on 1/9. A male Red-breasted Merganser near the Gristmill access of the American River Parkway was reported from 1/22 into February, often displaying to a female Common Merganser (photo on flickr). A Surf Scoter was found off Sherman Island in the San Joaquin River on 1/1, with six on 1/19. The Red-throated Loon continued on Folsom Lake through the month and a Red-necked Grebe was reported there on 1/9.
The most interesting raptor report was of a light morph Harlan’s Hawk near Yolo County Rds 97 and 25A on 1/30. Mountain Plovers are rare away from their regular haunts in Solano County south of Dixon, so 18 found along County Line Rd at the Yolo-Colusa boundary west of I-5 on 1/29 were a nice surprise. An adult Iceland Gull (a state review species) photographed downstream of Nimbus Hatchery on 1/2 would be a first confirmed record for Sacramento County if accepted by the CBRC. The only Glaucous Gull reported in January was an adult at the Davis WTP on 1/4.
A Long-eared Owl was found in CRP’s Tall Forest on 1/2 and the long-staying male Costa’s Hummingbird in South Sacramento was last reported on the same date. A Red-naped Sapsucker was a nice find at Lake Solano on 1/28. A Hairy Woodpecker along Lake Natoma between Young Wo Circle and Parkshore Drive from 1/27 into February, when two were reported on several occasions, was a good find for Sacramento County.
A Hammond’s Flycatcher was reported at Babel Slough on 1/1, the continuing Hammond’s Flycatcher at William Land Park was present through at least 1/2, and a “Western” (Pacific-slope/Cordilleran) Flycatcher was found at the SRWTP Bufferlands on 1/5. A Canyon Wren reported along upper Lake Natoma below the Folsom Rodeo Grounds on 1/4 was one of just a few reports for the location, and a Townsend’s Solitaire at Gates Canyon in Solano County on 1/4-5 was unexpected. The Black-and-white Warbler found on 12/27 along Babel Slough Rd was reported through 1/24 (photo). Interesting sparrow reports included two Vesper Sparrows along Meiss Rd on 1/30, a Swamp Sparrow at the Lost Slough Wetlands of CRP on 1/5, and another Swamp Sparrow at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area from 1/23 into February. A Cassin’s Finch in north Davis from 1/3-7 was a nice surprise, as was a Red Crossbill flying over Don Nottoli Park in Elk Grove on 1/20, a male Lawrence’s Goldfinch at Sutter’s Landing north of downtown Sacramento along the American River on 1/18, and an Evening Grosbeak in Woodland on 1/16.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Brent Campos, Ashley Casey, Terry Colborn, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Ken Ealy, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, David and Denise Hamilton, Steve Hampton, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Clay Kemf, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Jeri Langham, Jolie Lipsig, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Charles Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, Deb Weston, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
December 2014
The highlight of the month came on the last day of the year with a Long-tailed Duck (eBird checklist) found downstream of Sailor Bar on the American River Parkway (ARP), the same spot where one was found 20 years earlier. Other interesting waterfowl included the Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR continuing into January (eBird checklist), a high of 34 Blue-winged Teal at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 12/31, a female/immature Red-breasted Merganser at the same location also on 12/31, another Red-breasted Merganser on Folsom Lake on 12/7, and another continuing from November on ARP into January (eBird checklist). An impressive total of 137 Hooded Mergansers were found on the 12/14 Putah Creek CBC. A Red-throated Loon and possibly twoPacific Loons were reported on Folsom Lake 12/4-7, and a Red-necked Grebe was on Lake Berryessa on 12/14.
Rough-legged Hawks were not widespread this month, with reports limited to one found on 12/13 (and continuing) near the intersection of Yolo County Rds 103 and 28H and up to three reported off Payen Rd south of Folsom, beginning on 12/22. Six Swainson’s Hawks, a rare winter bird in the Delta, and a Ferruginous Hawk were along Hwy 12 just west of Lodi on 12/27. At least three Glaucous Gulls were in Yolo County, with an adult at the Davis WTP on 12/6 and the Yolo Bypass on 12/27, and two 2nd cycle birds were in the vicinity of the Landfill and WTP. On 12/14 a Greater Roadrunner near Rds 31 and 91A was just the third Putah Creek CBC record. Band-tailed Pigeons continued in impressive numbers, with over 200 recorded on 12/1 and 12/29 at Michigan Bar (photo on flickr). The two male Costa's Hummingbirds (Putah Creek between Davis and Winters and the other in South Sacramento) continued, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was photographed on 12/4 in the Hollywood Park neighborhood of Sacramento (https://picasaweb.google.com/113364264343827160307/YellowBelliedSapsucker141204).
An amazing 292 Steller’s Jays were reported on the Putah Creek CBC (previous high of 78), though they were slightly less widespread in the region than they had been a month earlier. Other interesting songbirds included a Hammond’s Flycatcher at William Land Park on 12/12 (with probably the same bird continuing on 12/31), a Cliff Swallow at the Yolo Bypass on 12/27, and an American Dipper (photo on flickr) at the traditional location below the Hwy 128 bridge in the Putah Creek Canyon from 12/7 throughout December.Varied Thrushes were widespread, with moderate to shockingly high numbers. An example of the latter was 85 counted in one area of William Land Park on 12/14 and other reports of over 60 in view at one time. A Black-and-white Warbler was found on 12/27 along Babel Slough Rd and continuing into January; a Chipping Sparrow was at Teal Bend Golf Course on the same date; five Western Tanagers were in the same tree in William Land Park on 12/17, and Pine Siskins continued to be numerous and widespread.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Lyann Comrack, Matthew Dodder, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Jim Holmes, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Jolie Lipsig, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Charles Smith, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, Amy Welsh, Dan Welsh, and Deb Weston. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
November 2014
After two months with an amazing number of unusual birds, things quieted down a little in November, but there were still plenty of notable reports. The Falcated Duck first reported from Colusa NWR on 10/30 continued into December, though some days it was absent from the pond near the observation deck. A Eurasian Green-winged Teal (or “Common Teal”) was reported at the Davis Wetlands on 11/9, and it or another was photographed at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (eBird checklist) on 11/14. Two female Greater Scaupwere found on the American River near Sailor Bar on 11/17. A flyover Marbled Godwit along the River Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/3 was very unusual for the date. A Franklin's Gull was found just west of I-5 at Turner Rd, north of Lodi, on 11/22; two were seen the morning of 11/23 in addition to a few Mew Gulls. On 11/21, a second-cycle Glaucous Gull was found at the Davis WTP.
Band-tailed Pigeons continued throughout the month in many Valley locations, with some totals approaching 100 birds. A Northern Saw-whet Owl photographed (photo on flickr) in a Natomas neighborhood was a nice surprise on 11/4 (two were reported from Lower Sunrise along the American River Parkway on 10/20). The two male Costa's Hummingbirds (one along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters and the other in South Sacramento) continued throughout the month. Lewis’s Woodpeckers were widespread, but along Latrobe Rd in eastern Sacramento County (Deer Creek Hills) several observers noted concentrations greater than they had ever recorded (eBird checklist). An impressive series of Lewis’s Woodpecker photos was taken along Putah Creek (photos on facebook). A Red-breasted Sapsucker at Fishing Access #1 along Putah Creek west of Winters appeared to be of the northern subspecies ruber. On 11/29, a female Williamson’s Sapsucker was found in the Tall Forest at CRP for a first Sacramento County record. A “Western” (presumably Pacific-slope) Flycatcher was found nearby the same day. Steller’s Jays were widely reported around Folsom and the eastern portion of Sacramento County, along the American River downstream to the Gristmill access, with one along the River Walk at CRP on 11/2, regularly in the Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters, and in Davis on 11/27.
Late Yellow Warblers were reported from North Pond in Davis on 11/1 and Lost Slough at CRP on 11/2. A Prothonotary Warbler was reported from Colusa NWR on 11/26, but it apparently was not refound. Single Vesper Sparrows were found along Meiss Rd from 11/1-19 (eBird checklist) as well as north of the Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar on 11/11. A Red Fox Sparrow was found 11/4-7 in a Folsom yard (photo on flickr) and the Harris’s Sparrow continued in North Davis. Western Tanagers appear to be wintering again (2-4 individuals) in Land Park. Pine Siskins were widespread, but most notable was a report of over 100 on 11/28 from the Willow Creek East neighborhood of Folsom. Evening Grosbeaks reports included 20 at the Folsom Rodeo Grounds on 11/1, one over the River Walk at CRP on 11/3, six from Fair Oaks on 11/4, and four in William Land Park on 11/23.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Steve Abbott, Elizabeth Bredberg, Lyann Comrack, Jann Dorothy, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Phil Lutz, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Alison Sheehey, Steve Stump, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Amy Welsh, Dan Welsh, Deb Weston, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
October 2014
The streak of rare and unusual species continued and if it wasn't for last month’s unprecedented number of rarities, this October would stand out even more. A Falcated Duck photographed at Colusa NWR on 10/30 and seen for a few days was not as bright as the bird found in the winter 2011-12 (and briefly the following winter). It is relatively early in the season, so with continued molt it could present a more striking appearance. Band-tailed Pigeons (eBird checklist) became more widespread in Sacramento County toward the end of the month and into November than any time on record. A Common Poorwill was foraging along Latrobe Rd in the pre-dawn of 10/9. The male Costa’s Hummingbird continued at a south Sacramento yard into November, while Lewis’s Woodpeckers and Acorn Woodpeckers continued to show up in unusual locations and the latter, especially, persisted at these sites.
An Ash-throated Flycatcher on 10/4 at “the Point” along the River Walk of Cosumnes River Preserve was unusually late. Like the Band-tailed Pigeons,Steller’s Jays staged an unprecedented invasion. Two were reported in Orangevale on 10/18 and then the floodgates opened, with reports from Fair Oaks (eBird checklist), Lake Natoma, the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway, Folsom, and the Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters. Chestnut-backed Chickadees continued around Davis and Putah Creek and Varied Thrushes were in good numbers at many locations throughout the region.
On 10/5, a Blackburnian Warbler was the highlight among over 130 warblers, including an exceptional 40 Black-throated Gray and 35 Townsend’s Warblers, along Wood Duck Slough near the Tall Forest at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). A return visit on 10/6 failed to find the Blackburnian, but did produce a Magnolia Warbler. On 10/1, two Palm Warblers were found in Roseville, with one off PFE Road near the Haight Nursery and another along Country Club Ave near Acton Way. Interesting sparrows included a Vesper Sparrow along Meiss Rd on 10/3, two Grasshopper Sparrows at Meiss Rd on 10/4, with one continuing on 10/30 (eBird checklist), a Swamp Sparrow along Cache Creek on 10/29, accessed from Wild Wings County Park, and theHarris’s Sparrow along Cortez Ave in North Davis, returning for its fourth winter on 10/26. Notable finches included a calling Cassin’s Finch near the Tall Forest on 10/13, another at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 10/22, a flyover Lawrence’s Goldfinchat CRP on 10/3, another west of Winters along Putah Creek on 10/8, an Evening Grosbeak at the Gristmill access on 10/3-4, and another along Putah Creek west of Winters on 10/8.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Brent Campos, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Doug Herr, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Matt Victoria, Liz West, Dan Williams, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
September 2014
In terms of rare and uncommon birds, this month was one of the most dynamic on record. Several county firsts led the way, while other notable reports included acorn eating birds outside their normal range. Many observers reported numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers where they are rarely found, but more impressive were up to twenty Lewis’s Woodpeckers in oak woodlands on the Valley floor in places that they almost never occur. Three reports of Band-tailed Pigeons on 9/28 (American River Parkway (ARP), Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), and William Land Park) hinted at more to come in October.
A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was an excellent report for Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 9/22, along with six Pectoral Sandpipers; the latter species was also found at Lodi WTP on 9/11 and the Winters WTP from 9/21-23. A jaeger not identified to species was first seen at Folsom Lake on 9/16. Presumably the same bird was identified as a Parasitic Jaeger and seen by many from Folsom Point and Beals Point from 9/19-28. This is apparently the first jaeger found at Folsom Lake and a first for Sacramento County, though not for El Dorado and Placer Counties, where this typically pelagic species is sometimes found in Sierran lakes. Observers seeking this bird found up to four Sabine’s Gulls (eBird checklist) from 9/19-28 and up to four Common Terns from 9/21-28 (apparently the second Sabine’s Gull record for Sacramento County and the first documented Common Tern for the county). Four Common Terns were also found at Camanche Reservoir on 9/21.
A Chimney Swift (eBird checklist) with six Vaux’s Swifts was heard calling and was photographed along ARP west of Capital City Freeway on 9/8. The male Costa’s Hummingbird continued at a south Sacramento yard from 5/31 to near the end of the month, and the Costa’s banded a year ago along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters continued from August.
For the Sacramento Area, the list of rare warblers and other songbirds was outstanding. A Yellow-throated Vireo found at CRP’s Tall Forest on 9/20-21 was a first for the county and a Philadelphia Vireo was reported at Lodi Lake Nature Area on 9/19-20. A flurry of excellent warbler finds began on 9/1, with a Northern Waterthrush (video on flickr) along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd (9/1-8) and a Black-and-white Warbler (eBird checklist) at Ancil Hoffman Park in the ARP from (9/1-6). Birders following up on these finds produced most of the additional rare warblers. Another Black-and-white Warbler was found in CRP’s Tall Forest on 9/26. Tennessee Warblers were found at a backyard water feature in Rosemont on (eBird checklist) 9/3, Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/11, and Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd from 9/16-22. A Blackpoll Warbler was along the same stretch of Putah Creek from 9/7-9, while another was in the same Rosemont water feature on 9/9 (eBird checklist). One of the most exciting finds for many was a Canada Warbler (eBird checklist) at Ancil Hoffman Park that continued from 9/11-26. Female/immature American Redstarts were found at Putah Creek and at CRP’s Tall Forest in the same date range of 9/21-26, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler was found in the Arden Park neighborhood of Sacramento from 9/22-26.
There was a small influx of Chestnut-backed Chickadees around Davis and early Pacific Wrens were found at the UC Davis Arboretum on 9/21 and at CRP on 9/26. A Sage Thrasher was found along Latrobe Rd about one mile west of Michigan Bar Rd on 9/22 (eBird checklist), and Vesper Sparrow reports include two along South Shingle Rd in El Dorado County (beyond the junction of Michigan Bar and Latrobe Rd) on 9/17, one at Folsom Point on 9/23, and one along Payen Rd on 9/29 (eBird checklist).
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Dan Brown, Lyann Comrack, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Bob Ellis, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Eric LoPresti, Mark Martucci, Sarah Mayhew, Roger Muscat, David Nelson, Michael Park, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, C.V. Vick, Bruce Webb, Deb Weston, Nick Whelan, Dan Williams, Sharon Wisecarver, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
August 2014
What an exciting time to be in the field. Some days can be uncomfortably hot, for sure, but others, mornings in particular, can seem magical when birds materialize in what only yesterday were quiet trees. A report of 42 migrants on the morning of 8/28, 19 of which were Black-throated Gray Warblers, in remnant oaks in a West Sacramento suburb is just one example of what we might hope to find any morning during the protracted “fall” migration period (roughly July-October).
Up to two Least Bitterns continued at Mather Lake from the previous month, while an adult Glossy Ibis near the Tall Forest of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/16 appears to be a first record for Sacramento County. A high of four Snowy Plovers, perhaps continuing from July, were reported at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) from 8/10-17; four were also at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/11. ASolitary Sandpiper was found at CRP on 8/6, and a Willet and a Marbled Godwitwere reported by several observers along Desmond Rd at CRP on 8/3. Four Willetswere at the Woodland WTP on 8/4. A Stilt Sandpiper on 8/20 at YBWA was an excellent report. A Sanderling (eBird checklist) was found on 8/16 at SRWTP, and a Baird’s Sandpiper (eBird checklist) was at the same site on 8/26-27; a Baird’s was also at Folsom Lake near Beals Point on 8/23.
The male Costa’s Hummingbird continued at a south Sacramento yard from 5/31 into September, while another was reported in early August visiting a feeder in Fair Oaks. The Costa’s banded in its hatch year last September along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters returned in late July and continued into September. A female or immature Calliope Hummingbird visited a feeder in Fair Oaks on 8/12. AGray Flycatcher at Sailor Bar along the ARP on 8/31 was a rare report for the fall. Perhaps in response to dry conditions elsewhere, large concentrations ofPhainopeplas (a high near 30) were found along the upper American River Parkway. A juvenile Black-throated Sparrow (eBird checklist) was a first for the Bufferlands on 8/11. The Summer Tanagerthat stayed all of July near the Tall Forest was last seen on 8/6 and the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak found at the entrance to Rossmoor Bar on 7/26 continued through at least 8/1. Two Lawrence’s Goldfinches along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 8/30 were unusual for that location on the Valley floor.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Ashley Casey, Terry Colborn, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Ron Pozzi, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
June - July 2014
June through July is an important period for breeding birds, but, aside from shorebirds, it can be pretty slow for birders, with overall diversity quite low. This year was an exception with many interesting finds. Among the most enjoyable was a Little Blue Heron seen by many in Natomas at a large rookery at an apartment complex near San Juan Rd and Azevedo Dr (eBird checklist). The bird was discovered on 6/22, where it was arranging sticks in a nest and displaying among Snowy Egrets and Cattle Egrets; it continued through at least 7/7. Perhaps this was the same bird seen at the Conaway Ranch in Yolo County on 5/30. Breeding evidence of Hooded Mergansers continues to accumulate, with two young birds at the Lost Slough portion of CRP on 7/13. A Least Bittern was seen by several observers throughout the period at Mather Lake, and a Glossy Ibis was found at the Davis Wetlands on 6/27 among the White-faced Ibises.
There was an excellent assortment of shorebirds found in the region this summer, including an adult American Golden-Plover reported at Woodland WTP on 6/27 and an Golden-Plover unidentified to species at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 7/20. A Pacific Golden-Plover mostly in breeding plumage was reported along Desmond Rd at CRP on 7/21 and 7/27. A Snowy Plover was found at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 7/20 and continued through the end of the month, and a Snowy Plover was also at CRP on 7/20. A Willet was found at the Woodland WTP on 6/23, while two were at CRP along Desmond Rd (photo on flickr) on 7/26, with at least one continuing through the end of month. Up to ten Marbled Godwits were reported on several occasions in Yolo County, while six were found at CRP along Desmond Rd on 7/23. A Ruddy Turnstone was an excellent report along with a couple of very early Dunlins at YBWA on 7/28. A Stilt Sandpiper (eBird checklist) was found at YBWA on 7/23 and perhaps the same bird was reported on 7/30. A Semipalmated Sandpiper was a nice find at YBWA on 7/20 (eBird checklist) and a Wilson’s Phalarope chick at YBWA on 7/19 was a nice breeding record.
A Greater Roadrunner was reported calling from the Solano County side of Putah Creek west of Winters near Fishing Access 4 off Hwy 128 on 6/19. The male Costa’s Hummingbird continued at a south Sacramento yard from 5/31 into August. A female or immature Calliope Hummingbird was reported from a private residence near North Highlands on 7/20. Among the good songbird reports was a Red-eyed Vireo reported singing in east Davis on 7/4, an American Redstart at the Regional San Bufferlands on 6/4, and an Ovenbird (eBird checklist) enjoyed by several observers on the boarder of the Sacramento Zoo on 6/7. A juvenile Chipping Sparrow was found at CRP on 7/12. Another highlight of the season was two Summer Tanagers (eBird checklist) counter-singing on 6/21 near the Tall Forest. One of the birds continued into August and was seen by several observers. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak(eBird checklist) was found on 7/26 and continued through at least 8/1, and an immature or early molting male Indigo Buntingwas at the Bufferlands on 7/23.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Ashley Casey, Terry Colborn, Lyann Comrack, Bob Ellis, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Eli Gross, Steve Hampton, Joan Humphrey, Jenner Junghans, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Susie Nishio, Charles Smith, John Sterling, Fritz Steurer, Michael Strom, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
April - May 2014
During a very busy two months, the obvious standout was a Marsh Sandpiper (photos and additional information) found along Liberty Island Rd, south of Swan Rd, in Solano County southeast of Dixon on 4/9-12. This was only the second for California and the contiguous U.S. and the first seen by multiple observers—in this case probably more than two hundred observers. The bird was also seen flying into adjacent Yolo County. The other standout shorebird of the period was a Stilt Sandpiper in alternate plumage on a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/27.
Hooded Mergansers are continuing to establish themselves as breeding birds in our area. Two family groups were seen in mid-May along the American River Parkway (ARP). One was upstream of Howe Ave and the other was near the Gristmill access. The Howe family was closely tracked and the female appeared to lose her eight young in only three days. A Red-breasted Merganser found on the American River near the Gristmill access on 2/22 continued through 4/6. Additional shorebird highlights included a Pacific Golden-Plover at Sherman Island in southwestern Sacramento County on 4/27-29 (eBird checklist), and single Snowy Plovers at the Yolo Landfill Pond along Rd 28H on 4/23, the Granite Bay boat launch at Folsom Lake on 4/25, and the Woodland WTP on 5/2. A Solitary Sandpiper was found at CRP on 4/17 and an impressive concentration of five or more was on a closed portion of CRP on 4/26. A Marbled Godwit was at the Regional San Bufferlands on 4/25 (eBird checklist). The most notable gull report was a second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Yolo County Central Landfill on 4/5.
Costa's Hummingbird by Sharon Wisecarver
A male Costa’s Hummingbird visited a south Sacramento yard from 5/31 to at least mid-June, and single Calliope Hummingbirds were reported on 4/3 in Elk Grove, 4/5 at CRP, at another site in Elk Grove on 4/7, and along Garden Hwy near Sacramento on 4/15. Gray Flycatchers were slightly more conspicuous than usual, with reports from Don Nottoli Park in Elk Grove on 4/21 (eBird checklist), the Bufferlands on 5/2, two individuals near the Nimbus Hatchery on 5/13, and Slide Hill Park in Davis, also on 5/13. The latter site also had three Hammond’s Flycatchers and a single Dusky Flycatcher on the same date. Single Dusky Flycatchers were also found near the Gristmill access on 5/14 and at CRP on 5/25. A singing Say’s Phoebe was a surprise for the late date of 5/12 at the Woodland WTP.
Plumbeous Vireos were reported from Slide Hill Park on 4/20, the Gristmill area of ARP on 5/12, with perhaps the same bird downstream at Larchmont Park on 5/14, and in north Davis on 5/23. Other interesting finds included a Steller’s Jay from Rayhouse Rd in Yolo County on 4/12 and 5/18, a Tennessee Warbler along Putah Creek in Solano County downstream of Hwy 505 on 5/16, and a Black-and-white Warbler reported singing at the Sacramento Bypass in Yolo County on 5/24. Two Brewer’s Sparrows were along Michigan Bar Rd north of the Cosumnes River on 4/20-21, single Vesper Sparrows were along Sand Creek Rd in Colusa County on 4/5 and Latrobe Rd in Sacramento County on 4/7, the Swamp Sparrow along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd continued through 4/7, a White-throated Sparrow was found in a Davis yard at the very late date of 5/31, and the Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis off of Cortez Ave continued through 4/5. And finally, a male Indigo Bunting was found singing at the Sacramento Bypass in Yolo County on 5/25-31.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Cathy Corcoran, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Chance Hines, Sharon Kirkpatrick, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Roger Muskat, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Jim Pompy, Ron Pozzi, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, Hillary White, Sharon Wisecarver, and Gary Zamzow. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
March 2014
March is an interesting month with a mix of winter and spring. The swallows arrive in force and the first of the colorful migrants, Western Kingbirds and Bullock’s Orioles, are seen while thousands of ducks and geese remain. Shorebird numbers build and the last of the Sandhill Cranes leave as Swainson’s Hawks arrive. Perhaps the most notable waterfowl report was the Red-breasted Merganser found on the American River near the Gristmill access on 2/22 that continued through March and into April. ANorthern Goshawk reported near the Old Salmon Falls Bridge at Folsom Lake on 3/23 was one of few for the area in recent years.
Among the notable shorebird reports were three Snowy Plovers near the Granite Bay boat ramp at Folsom Lake on 3/29. Early Solitary Sandpipers were reported from both the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 3/25. The adult Slaty-backed Gull (a state review species) and adult Lesser Black-backed Gull reported from the landfill south of Dixon at Hwy 113 and Hay Rd last month continued through 3/4, and a second-cycle Slaty-backed Gull was reported at the Davis WTP on the same day. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull found near the landfill on Ostrom Rd southeast of Beale Air Force Base on 3/5-6 was a first Yuba County record. A first-cycle Glaucous Gull at the Davis WTP continued through much of the month and it or another was at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 3/22.
A Common Poorwill was calling along Latrobe Rd in Sacramento County on 3/24. The male Costa’s Hummingbird that wintered along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters continued through the month, while a male Calliope Hummingbird was at the same location on 3/30. A Hairy Woodpecker was reported at Lake Natoma near the Young Wo access on 3/26, and a male Yellow-shafted Flicker was at the same location on 3/5. An early singing “Solitary” Vireo (probably a Cassin’s) was at CRP on 3/23, and an early Wilson’s Warbler was reported in east Davis on 3/28. SingleBlack-throated Sparrows were found and photographed, with one at Yolo County Rd 16 and Ridge Cut Slough, east of Rd 102, from 3/5-21, and the other at Rancho Murieta from 3/16-17. Other interesting reports included a Vesper Sparrow on Payen Rd on 3/30, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along Putah Creek near the Pedrick Rd Bridge on 3/7, the continuing Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis off of Cortez Ave, twoRed Crossbills over east Davis on 3/28, and several early reports of Lawrence’s Goldfinches in the last week of the month along Latrobe Rd in Sacramento County.
Black-throated Sparrow at Rancho Murieta, on 3/16/2014
Photos by Gary Fregien
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Tim Fitzer, Gary Fregien, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, John Harris, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Jim Laughlin, Eric LoPresti, John Luther, Mark Martucci, Tristan McKee, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Craig Swolgaard, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
February 2014
This was a fairly quiet month in terms of new bird reports. Multiple Eurasian Wigeons and Blue-winged Teal reports continued, and four Surf Scoters were found in the San Joaquin River off of Sherman Island, Sacramento County, on 2/23 where they are proving to be sporadic but somewhat expected in winter. A female Red-breasted Merganser was found on the American River near the Gristmill access on 2/22 and continued into March.
Rough-legged Hawks were found in low numbers in their regular grassland haunts. Mountain Plovers were harder to find than usual in Solano County south of Dixon this dry winter, so 40 off of Robinson Rd on 2/13 were notable for this year. A possible adult Kumlien’s Iceland Gull (a state review species) was reported from the landfill south of Dixon at Hwy 113 and Hay Rd on 2/7 along with an adult Slaty-backed Gull (also a state review species). An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (photos) was at the same location on 2/13, along with a pale apparent second-cycle Glaucous Gull (photo). A second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported from the Yolo County Central Landfill on 2/15, and a first-cycle Glaucous Gull was at the Davis WTP on 2/14.
A Red-naped Sapsucker was reported along Yolo County Rd 20 near the entrance to the Cache Creek Nature Preserve on 2/23, but it was apparently not refound; until last winter, this species had not been confirmed in Yolo County. A male Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker was a nice find at Cosumnes River Preserve on 2/11. A “probable” Plumbeous Vireo was seen and reported singing near North Davis Pond on 2/24. Up to 15 Varied Thrushes were regularly reported in William Land Park between Funderland and the golf course pro shop; and as many as four Western Tanagers were in the surrounding neighborhood. The continuing Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis off of Cortez Ave was reported through at least 2/22, and an Evening Grosbeak was found along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 2/5.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Justin Bosler, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Joseph Morlan, Roger Muskat, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, and Chris and Teri Wills. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
January 2014
First things first: rain on 1/29 ended a record 52-day stretch without any precipitation, an unprecedented dry spell for mid-winter, and summer-brown fields persisted into February. The six Trumpeter Swans at Lagoon Valley in Solano County continued through at least 1/2, with some sightings at a nearby pond adjacent to Travis Air Force Base. Impressive high counts in Yolo County of 28 Blue-winged Teal came from Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 1/5, and a spectacular 56 were seen at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 1/14 (eBird checklist). The species has never been so numerous in Sacramento County, so while only a single Blue-winged Teal was found along E Levee Rd in Natomas, two to three Eurasian Wigeons were notable there among the numerous American Wigeons (eBird checklist). One of the most impressive observations in recent years was a communal night roost of up to nearly 150 Northern Harriers along Yolo County Rd 30 east of Rd 105. These birds continued into February and were seen interacting with up to four Short-eared Owls. As dusk approached, the owls attempted to forage in the field while harriers were streaming in from all directions. A dark morph Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk was found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 1/17-18.
A Semipalmated Plover continued through at least 1/7 at the Farmers Central Rd Pond along Yolo County Rd 102 for a very rare January record. Western Gulls are rare in the Sacramento area away from Sherman Island, so notable reports this month included a first-cycle bird at the Nimbus Hatchery on 1/12, an adult along the American River Parkway at Ancil Hoffman Park on 1/24, and an adult near the Tower Bridge along the Sacramento River on 1/31. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Landfill on 1/7 and 1/14, and a second-cycle Glaucous Gull was reported from the same location on 1/8. On 1/19 at the Davis WTP, a first-cycle Glaucous Gull was reported along with an adult "Kumlien’s Gull" at the Davis WTP (Kumlien's is currently considered a subspecies of Iceland Gull, a state review species, but thought by many to be on a continuum between Iceland Gull and Thayer’s Gull).
This Costa's Hummingbird spent its first winter along Putah Creek upstream of Davis and molted into this gorgeous male during its stay. Photo by Manfred Kusch.
A wintering bird originally identified as a hatch-year Black-chinned Hummingbird, a species perhaps undocumented in the region in winter, molted into a distinctive male Costa’s Hummingbird by the end of the month along Putah Creek upstream of Davis. Songbird highlights included a “Solitary Vireo” (likely Cassin’s or Plumbeous) singing at Lake Solano on 1/12, a Townsend’s Solitaire at upper Lake Natoma near the Young Wo Circle access on 1/23, a Sage Thrasher at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 1/18, the continuing Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis off of Cortez Ave, here for its third winter, and the Swamp Sparrow first reported from Lagoon Valley on 12/28 continued through at least 1/1. Another Swamp Sparrow was found along Putah Creek downstream of the Pedrick Rd Bridge from 1/16 through the end of the month, and a Gray-headed (Dark-eyed) Junco was an extremely rare report from the Orr Forest portion of CRP on 1/1.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Terry Colborn, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Shawn Lockwood, John Luther, Tristan McKee, Frances Oliver, William Rockey, Deren Ross, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, Ron Storey, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Charley Walker, Dan Williams, and Bruce Webb. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
December 2013
With only one day of rain (0.36"), this December was consistent with what has been the driest year on record. What little water was available still held some highlights, including six Trumpeter Swans at Lagoon Valley in Solano County. They were tentatively identified on 12/22, and with solid confirmation by 12/24, they were seen by many into January. A dozen Hooded Mergansers found along the American River Parkway (ARP), where only recently quite rare, between Howe and Watt on 12/7 is further illustration of this species' expansion in the region. The "boat crew" on Lake Berryessa found four Pacific Loons on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC, and a single Pacific Loon was reported off Beal's Point, Folsom Lake, on the 12/29 Folsom CBC. Unlike some recent winters, Rough-legged Hawk reports came in from many locations in the region. Golden-crowned Kinglets and Varied Thushes were widely reported, but Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, and Pine Siskins were absent or nearly so.
Shorebird highlights included a Semipalmated Plover that continued through the month at the Farmers Central Rd Pond along Yolo County Rd 102 (eBird checklist) and Western Sandpipers, rare in winter, were present with up to five at the previous location, up to 22 at the Woodland WTP, with a single at Cosumnes River Preserve on 12/1, and two on the 12/30 Lincoln CBC. A Glaucous Gull at the Yolo County Landfill on 12/2 (photo) continued through much of the month along with a second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull at the same location from 12/7-10.
A Long-eared Owl was reported on Quail Ridge during the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC. A male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was a rare report for the region from Paradise Beach (ARP) on 12/7 and two Red-naped Sapsuckers were reported on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC. Another Red-naped Sapsucker was reported on 12/15 at McBean Park in Lincoln. It was refound on 12/30, and photos may show some out of place red feathering indicative of some Red-breasted Sapsucker ancestry; prior to 1985 these three species were considered one, and there is considerable interbreeding at the contact zones. A Hairy Woodpecker was reported at Upper Lake Natoma, off of Young Wo Circle, on the 12/29 Folsom CBC.
Out of season flycatchers included a "Western" Flycatcher (probably Pacific-slope) at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 12/1 and a very rare wintering Ash-throated Flycatcher in Antelope from 12/5-17. A Northern Shrike was a nice find along William Lane (a dirt road west of Dowd Rd, south of Nicolaus Rd) in Placer County on 12/30. Other interesting reports include a Plumbeous Vireo along Old River Rd in Yolo County on the 12/22 Sacramento CBC, a Steller's Jay near Brown's Ravine, Folsom Lake, on 12/29, a (eastern) Winter Wren reported on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC (a state review species), and a Townsend's Solitaire along Babel Slough Rd from 12/11-23. A Red Fox Sparrow was reported from CRP on 12/1 and at least three different Red Fox Sparrows were reported on the 12/7 ARNHA count. More surprising was a Thick-billed Fox Sparrow along Blue Ridge Rd near Mt. Vaca on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC, and a Swamp Sparrow was reported on 12/28 at Lagoon Valley. Five Lawrence's Golfinches, rare in winter, were reported both on the east side of the Foresthill Bridge near Auburn on 12/14 and from Sweetwater Creek on 12/29.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, David Diller, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Frank Gray, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Dick Norton, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, William Rockey, Deren Ross, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and Bruce Webb. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
November 2013
Despite an exceedingly dry fall, in terms of precipitation, waterfowl reports led the way. Blue morph Ross’s Geese appear to have increased in recent years, but they are still rare. On 11/19, individuals were reported at both Sutter and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges. An immature/female Surf Scoter (photo) was an excellent find at the William B. Pond access to the American River Parkway on 11/30, while the bird of the month was Yolo County’s first Black Scoter, a female (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34046677@N04/11072939933/in/set-72157638086308206), at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 11/25-27. This last species is exceedingly rare in the Central Valley.
The few shorebird and gull highlights this month included a long-staying Pacific Golden-Plover at the Woodland WTP (11/12-27) and a late Semipalmated Plover at the same location on 11/12-16. A hatch-year Western Gull found along Lone Star Rd east of Williams on 11/19 was a very good find for Colusa County, and an adultWestern Gull was found at Nimbus Hatchery on 11/21. Rounding out the gull reports, a hatch-year Glaucous Gull was seen at the Yolo County Landfill Pond, viewed from Rd 28H, on 11/14.
A hatch-year male Costa’s Hummingbird (eBird checklist) was a nice find in Esparto on 11/3-4, and 39 Band-tailed Pigeonswere reported along Putah Creek west of Winters on 11/17. A Yellow Warbler along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 11/2 and a Wilson’s Warbler along the River Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve on 11/9 were reported much later in the year than expected. Other nice finds included a Vesper Sparrow at the traditional large bend west of Winters along Hwy 128 on 11/17-23, a Red Fox Sparrow at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 11/7, the continuing Harris’s Sparrow in N Davis, and anotherHarris’s Sparrow found in Amador County north of Lake Camanche from at least 11/19-29.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Chris Dunford, Ken Ealy, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, John Luther, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Dale Rubach, John Sterling, Michael Strom, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and Sylvia Wright. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
October 2013
October 2013 was quite a contrast from the previous year. The influx of montane birds that characterized last fall and winter did not occur, and Red-breasted Nuthatches, which last year seemed to be everywhere, were absent. On the other hand, Lewis’s Woodpeckers, very hard to see last fall and winter, are back in their regular haunts on the Valley’s margins this fall; one was even found along the River Walk of the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/12. They are quite rare on the Valley floor itself, away from blue oak woodlands in the low foothills.
Woodland Wastewater Treatment Plant held many of the most interesting reports. Greater Scaup are rare in the area away from the Delta, so one there on 10/21 and two on 10/23 were notable. Two American Golden-Plovers(eBird checklist), less regular in the Valley than Pacific Golden-Plovers, were also found at Woodland WTP from 10/17-24, as was a Marbled Godwit on 10/1, one to two Pectoral Sandpipers from 10/16-18, and a Franklin’s Gull on 10/21 (eBird checklist). The latter was refound at the Yolo Central Landfill Pond from 10/22-24, and a juvenile Western Gull was there on 10/11.
Other interesting reports included a Common Poorwill on private property in SE Sacramento County on 10/23, a male Calliope Hummingbird in a Folsom backyard on 10/6, and single Hammond’s Flycatchers in N Davis on 10/12 and the Yolo Co. Grasslands Reg. Park on 10/14. A Warbling Vireo on 10/27 at the Orr Forest of CRP was later than expected, as was a Grasshopper Sparrow along Meiss Rd at a traditional breeding location on 10/14. The only Brown Creeper reported in Sacramento County was in Fair Oaks on 10/4. On 10/20, the Harris’s Sparrow returned to the same N Davis neighborhood for the third consecutive fall/winter. The only other vagrant songbird of the month was a male Indigo Bunting that visited a Sacramento Backyard on the late date of 10/22.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Steve Abbott, Brent Campos, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Don Schmoldt, John Sterling, John Trochet, and Sally Walters. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
September 2013
Summer Tanager, Cosumnes River Preserve, 7 September 2013, by Chris Conard
Flocks of Sandhill Cranes, the quintessential sound of fall in the Valley, were increasingly reported the last week of the month. There were several good shorebird and gull reports, but most notable were some excellent migrant songbirds. The biggest highlights included a Tennessee Warbler and a Chestnut-sided Warbler along Putah Creek downstream from Pedrick Rd on 9/1; both continued through 9/3, and theTennessee Warbler was last reported on 9/10. The same species pair was found along Babel Slough Rd on 9/22. A Northern Parula was reported from Cache Creek Nature Preserve west of Woodland on 9/12 and a Blackpoll Warbler was found along Putah Creek on 9/2. Likely the same adult male American Redstart found at Reichmuth Park on 8/14-16 continued on 9/6. A Summer Tanager was found at the Accidental Forest of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/7, and an Orchard Oriole was reported along Putah Creek with nearby Hooded Orioles for comparison on 9/6.
A Sanderling and a Pectoral Sandpiper were found at the Granite Bay Boat Launch at Folsom Lake on 9/26 and two Pectoral Sandpipers were seen along Desmond Rd at CRP on 9/27-28. A first-cycle Franklin’s Gull at Woodland WTP on 9/30 was matched by another first-cycle Franklin’s Gull the same day at the Granite Bay Boat Launch along with an early adult Mew Gull and an early adult Thayer’s Gull. An adult Western Gull was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 9/25.
A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd from 9/2-3. Single Hammond’s Flycatchers were reported in Yolo County along Babel Slough on 9/3 and Cache Creek Nature Preserve on 9/12. A Dusky Flycatcher was found at the Putah Creek Sinks portion of the Yolo Bypass on 9/5, and a Gray Flycatcher, unexpected in fall, was reported at the Gristmill Access to the American River Parkway on 9/8. Additional interesting reports included a Yellow-breasted Chat along Putah Creek on 9/5-7, a Brewer’s Sparrow at the SRCSD Bufferlands on 9/30, and single female Indigo Bunting along Babel Slough on 9/3 and Putah Creek on 9/4.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Brent Campos, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Ruth Rudesill, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Kevin Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
August 2013
The summer doldrums in our area fully break in August, with good movement of migrant shorebirds and songbirds. This August produced a few highlights in both categories. Summering waterfowl included two Redheads and a Lesser Scaup at the Woodland WTP, a Canvasback at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/14, and the continuingSnow Goose at CRP. The Glossy Ibis found last month at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) was reported through 8/1. Ed Whisler noted a remarkable occurrence on 8/4: a Peregrine Falcon flushed a roosting Double-crested Cormorant, killed it in midair, and carried the much larger bird to a willow tree. Two other cormorants, obviously disturbed by the incident, left the roost and flew very close to the falcon.
Shorebird highlights included a Snowy Plover at Sac Reg. WTP on 8/23 and single Solitary Sandpipers at the Davis Wetlands on 8/7 and CRP on 8/3. A Willet was found at CRP on 8/17, with two in the same field the following day, and one was at the Davis WTP on 8/31. Two Marbled Godwits were reported at the Davis WTP on 8/27. A Dunlin found on 8/20 at YBWA, still in breeding plumage, was at least a month early (eBird checklist). Semipalmated Sandpiperswere reported at YBWA on 8/6 (eBird checklist) and 8/20, and Pectoral Sandpipers were at the Davis WTP on 8/10, YBWA on 8/20 and 8/25, and the Davis WTP on 8/31. A first cycle Franklin’s Gull was a nice surprise at the Davis WTP on 8/27, and a juvenile Western Gull was there the following day.
A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard and then seen near the Pedrick Rd bridge along Putah Creek on 8/16. There were two reports of heard-only Yellow-billed Cuckoosalong the American River on 8/18: one across the river from Paradise Beach and the other at William B. Pond Rec. Area. There was a somewhat early report of twoLewis’s Woodpeckers in Capay near the Cache Creek bridge on 8/31. After last winter’s sparse showing, perhaps this species will winter in higher numbers this coming season.
Songbird highlights included an adult male American Redstart at Reichmuth on 8/14-16, with what is likely the same bird found in September. Another adult male American Redstart was found at the SRCSD Bufferlands from 8/16-19, and an adult maleBaltimore Oriole was photographed at the Sacramento Bypass, accessed from Yolo County Rd 126 on 8/19.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Mark Ackerman, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, Brian Williams, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.
June - July 2013
This is one of the most important periods for our local nesting birds, but, as a rule, it is the slowest time of year for birding in the Sacramento Area. Often a songbird rarity or two will spice things up, like the Putah Creek Gray Catbird (see below), and by mid-July shorebird migration is in full swing. An impressive list of summering waterfowl was noted at the Davis Wetlands on 7/12, including Greater White-fronted Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, and Canvasback. A Snow Goosespent the summer in the wetlands along Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) and a female Hooded Merganser with three fully grown young was found at the Valensin portion of CRP on 6/16. An adult Glossy Ibis was seen by many observers at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 7/28-30. A Prairie Falcon was reported near Esparto on 6/10, not far from where the species has been documented nesting in the Capay Valley.
Interesting shorebird reports included an American Golden-Plover at YBWA on 7/21, very rare for the Central Valley, a Snowy Plover at CRP on 7/18-20, a Solitary Sandpiper at Davis WTP on 7/22, a Willet at the Sacramento Reg. WTP on 7/29, a high of 14 Marbled Godwits at Davis WTP on 7/17, a Marbled Godwit at CRP on 7/14, where they are much rarer than in Yolo County, and a Semipalmated Sandpiper at Davis Wetlands on 7/25. A first-cycle Heermann’s Gull, extremely rare for the Central Valley, was found at the Davis WTP on 7/21-22. Once again Least Terns visited the Sacramento Reg. WTP, with four adults on 6/28 and one continuing on 6/29. For the first time in six years, they did not attempt to nest.
An adult male Costa’s Hummingbird was seen by many from 6/23-7/25 in residential Natomas. Visitors were graciously hosted by Kevin Guse as the bird visited his yard and hummingbird feeders.
Costa's Hummingbird by Kevin Guse on 23 June 2013
Costa's Hummingbird by Kevin Guse on 23 June 2013
A Hairy Woodpecker on 7/16 at Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, was an excellent find for Sacramento County. Songbird migration trickled into June, including a Warbling Vireo in West Sacramento on 6/7. A Gray Catbird was an excellent find along Putah Creek east of Pedrick Rd on 6/9 and is perhaps a first for Solano County. Horned Larks were confirmed nesting for the first time at Lower CRP, with newly fledged young found at the Twin Cities Unit on 6/6. They are regular breeders in the eastern foothills of Sacramento County, as well as nearby portions of San Joaquin County near Staten Island and at the YBWA. Brown Creepers were once again confirmed nesting along Putah Creek to the west of Winters. A Yellow-breasted Chat at the Humbug/Willow Creek Parkway in Folsom on 7/9 was found where one was seen and heard earlier this spring. Several Grasshopper Sparrows were noted on territories in the Putah Creek Sinks (the southern portion of the Yolo Bypass). A lingering White-crowned Sparrow was found along the Garden Hwy in Natomas on the very late date of 6/22, and an impressive 30Lawrence’s Goldfinches were at Sweetwater Creek and Folsom Lake on 7/17.
The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Steve Abbott, Andy Engilis, Ron Cole, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Linda Melching, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Sonia Santa Anna, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, and Daniel Welsh. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.