April - May 2017

As spring progressed, many sites were still partially flooded from the historically wet winter. Nevertheless, good reports of shorebirds and migrant songbirds were widespread. Three Red-breasted Mergansers were a surprise along Able Rd at the south end of the Colusa NWR on 5/4. The pair of Bald Eagles with two chicks at Lake Natoma continued as a highlight for many into May. There were multiple reports of Black Rails, including calling birds at White's Slough (a known location for the species near the Lodi Sewer Ponds), one seen along the Wetlands Walk boardwalk at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/28, and birds seen and heard along a small drainage in El Dorado Hills in late April and into May.

There were quite a few good shorebird reports, including three Snowy Plovers at the Granite Bay boat launch at Folsom Lake on 4/7 and a single along Desmond Rd at CRP on 4/15. Two Marbled Godwits were found on 4/14 at the Colusa NWR auto tour shortly after it reopened from flooding. A single Marbled Godwit was at CRP on 4/22 as was an impressive flock of 78 Whimbrels on 4/13. Single Solitary Sandpipers  were found on 4/30 at the large Meiss Rd Pond near Dillard Rd and at the Orr Ranch at CRP, and another was at CRP on 5/5. Two Willets were along Desmond Rd on 4/15, a Sanderling was found at the Lincoln WTP on 4/21, a Semipalmated Sandpiper (eBird checklist), especially rare for spring, was photographed at the Sacramento Reg. WTP (SRWTP) on 4/18-19, a Pectoral Sandpiper was found along Yolo County Rd 30 near Rd 105 on 4/27, and another Pectoral Sandpiper (a male in breeding plumage) was at CRP on 5/3. The Davis WTP had a great run, with a single Stilt Sandpipers from 5/7-9, two from 5/10-14, and a Red Knot on 5/10 and 5/13. A Sabine's Gull was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 4/7 and a Least Tern on 4/25 was locally early at SRWTP where they have nested in recent years, including this year beginning in May.

A Common Poorwill was heard calling along Latrobe Rd on 4/30 and a poorwill was found dead from a vehicle strike on 4/16 along S River Rd, south of West Sacramento; this species is a rare, or at least rarely detected, migrant on the Valley floor. There were multiple reports of Calliope Hummingbirds visiting local feeders, and an impressive report of 6-8 males found in chaparral/chamise habitat on the ridge above the Beek's Bight parking lot at Folsom Lake on 4/25. There were a fair number of Hammond's Flycatcher reports throughout the month and, surprisingly, Gray Flycatcher  reports, between 4/9 through May, were too numerous to list here (more than a dozen reports). Single Dusky Flycatchers were reported at Bobcat Ranch west of Winters on 4/20 and at Wood Duck Lake, south of West Sacramento, on 4/30. A late Say's Phoebe on 5/15 was unusual for the date along the ag buffer in the Wildhorse neighborhood in Davis. Two Varied Thrushes along Irish Hill Rd near Ione were a surprise on the late date of 5/14 when they have been extremely scarce in our area this year. Single Northern Parulas were found along Irish Hill Rd on 5/14 and at Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 5/28. A Palm Warbler at White's Slough from at least 4/2-10 was an excellent find for the Valley. Other notable reports included a Green-tailed Towhee visiting a Rancho Cordova yard on 4/24, a Vesper Sparrow (eBird checklist) along Meiss Rd on 4/30, a Brewer's Sparrow on Meiss Rd on 5/2, and an impressive 20 Chipping Sparrows along Michigan Bar Rd on 4/24. A singing male Summer Tanager was present at CRP on 5/27 (for the fourth year in a row) and a singing male Baltimore Oriole was reported from private property along Putah Creek near the Solano diversion dam on 5/28.

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: Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Carla Barbaro, Paul Buchanan, Roy Carlson, Lily Douglas, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephan Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Claire Gallagher, Ted Gilliland, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, James Holmes, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Stephen Long, John Luther, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Sonia Santa Anna, Mark Sawyer, Sarah Newton-Scott, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Charley Walker, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

March 2017

While there were breaks in the weather, the historically wet season continued to produce a lot of rain and flooding. It's fitting that many of the notable birds for the month were water birds. Among the most interesting ducks of the season was a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal at Cosumnes River Preserve from 3/5-7 (eBird checklist). The male Tufted Duck found on the San Joaquin River along W. Brannan Island Rd continued through at least 3/11 (eBird checklist). A female Surf Scoter was found on Putah Creek near Fishing Access #4 from 3/4-19, and a female Red-breasted Merganser was found on Lake Natoma on 3/23. A Common Loon was downstream of Fishing Access #4 on 3/13.

A pair of Bald Eagles were seen nesting at Lake Natoma throughout the month, continuing the local expansion of this species. A Snowy Plover was an early surprise on 3/22 at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento, and an adult Slaty-backed Gull was photographed at the Scally Rd landfill off Hwy 12, east of Fairfield, on 3/5. Up to 10 Short-eared Owls (eBird checklist) were reported along Metro Air Parkway between Elkhorn Blvd and Elverta Rd, and up to seven Long-eared Owls were found on private property in an olive orchard between Davis and Winters. A Merlin of the locally rare prairie subspecies was a nice find along Michigan Bar Rd on 3/9.

Before the month was over, Western Kingbirds and Bullock's Orioles were getting established on their breeding grounds and the first Pacific-slope Flycatchers  and Warbling Vireos were being reported. A very early or wintering Cassin's Vireo  was found in north Davis on 3/5. At least five Steller's Jays were found at Fishing Access #1 along Putah Creek on 3/13. Surprisingly early Swainson's Thrush reports by experienced birders came from Davis on 3/11 and the American River Parkway (ARP) near the Gristmill access on 3/17. A hybrid White-crowned X Golden-crowned Sparrow (eBird Checklist) was photographed at the west end of Rd 27 north of Winters on 3/18. Up to three White-throated Sparrows continued along the ARP between Howe and Watt Aves, and the wintering Red Fox Sparrow at the same site continued through 3/9.

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, Terry Colborn, Lily Douglas, Bob Ellis, Gil Ewing, Stephan Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Terry Hodapp, David Hollie, James Holmes, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Roger Muskat, Jason Riggio, Mark Sawyer, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Charley Walker, Chris Wills, and Terry Wills. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2017

Extremely wet weather continued and many local sites were partially or completely flooded, limiting access to popular birding area such as the Cosumnes River Preserve, portions of the American River Parkway, and the Yolo Bypass. The male Tufted Duck first found on 1/29 from the San Joaquin River Levee Rd at Sherman Island continued on and off through at least 2/20. What was apparently a second male Tufted Duck was found and photographed miles upsteam off of Brannan Island (eBird checklist) on 2/11. The two White-winged Scoters also continued into February, with at least one through reported through 2/19. A Surf Scoter was found in the same area from 2/11-18, with others reported at the Winters WTP (eBird Checklist), beginning on 2/3, and Lake Berryessa on 2/28.

A Common Loon was found at the Deep Water Channel in West Sacramento from 2/6-21 (eBird checklist), with two at Lake Solano on 2/27-28, and a single below Monticello Dam on 2/28. An adult Brown Pelican on Lake Natoma on 2/18 was a surprise for the season (most Brown Pelican records for the Valley have been in the summer and fall). A pair of Bald Eagles began nesting at Lake Natoma this season, reflecting the further expansion of this species in the area. A light-morph Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk was an interesting find in El Dorado Hill from 2/19 through at least 2/26. An adult Glaucous Gull was found at Rd 104 just south of Rd 155 along the flooded Yolo Bypass from 2/11-15 (eBird checklist).

Apparently the same banded male Costa's Hummingbird that has been present on and off for over three years continued along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters this month. A Hammond's Flycatcher photographed in Village Homes, Davis, was also reported for much of the month. A Tropical Kingbird found at Brannan Island SRA on 2/11 (eBird checklist) was the first photographed in Sacramento County. The Townsend's Solitaire initially found at Lower Cache Creek Regional Park 1/15 continued through at least 2/13. The Sage Thrasher, first reported on 1/27 near Rds 25A and 96B, continued through at least mid-month (eBird checklist) and another Sage Thrasher was found on the eastern portion of Meiss Rd on 2/12. A wintering Wilson's Warbler continued near Spanos Court, along the American River Parkway (ARP), and was seen sporadically throughout the month. Finally, the Red Fox Sparrow (eBird checklist) found along the ARP between Howe and Watt continued to be reported almost daily into March.

January 2017

During an historically wet January, many of our favorite locations were partially or completely under water for much of the month. It is perhaps fitting that several of the most interesting reports were of waterfowl. Four Trumpeter Swans, a mix of adults and juveniles (eBird checklist), were reported among Tundra Swans north of Knight's Landing off of Hwy 45 on 1/5, and at least one continued there through 1/7. Four adult Trumpeter Swans were reported farther north and to the east of Arbuckle, along Lodi Rd from 1/7-9. An eight-mile stretch of the San Joaquin River is visible from East Sherman Island Rd in extreme southwestern Sacramento County (the far side is Contra Costa County). A flurry of reports from this stretch began on 1/26, with a male Long-tailed Duck, found again on 1/27 and even heard "yodeling." That bird was not refound after the second day, but on 1/29, a male Tufted Duck (eBird checklist) was found by many and continued into February. Two White-winged Scoters, very rare inland, were found the same day, and also continued into February. Greater Scaup, approaching 1,000, were reported from the river, along with many thousands of Snow, Ross's, and Greater White-fronted Geese in the nearby fields.

A Least Bittern photographed at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 1/2 was a nice find, especially for winter, and before this site was completely flooded for the rest of the month. Up to five Mountain Plovers were reported east of Davis along Rd 30, beginning on 1/2 and continuing for much of the month. Caspian Terns are fairly rare in winter, so a report of six at the Sacramento Bypass on 1/11, and a single in the vicinity of Lake Natoma and the Nimbus Hatchery from 1/15-21 were notable.

Wintering Hammond's Flycatchers are rare, but, along with Pacific-slope/"Western," account for the bulk of locally found "empids" in winter. A Hammond's Flycatcher was found and photographed at William Land Park on 1/11 and another was found and photographed at West Pond in Davis (eBird checklist) from 1/11-14. Three Northern Rough-winged Swallows at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 1/15 were notable for the season, with at least one continuing through the end of the month. A Townsend's Solitaire was a nice find at Lower Cache Creek Regional Park from 1/15-26. A Sage Thrasher, first reported on 1/27 near Rds 25A and 96B, was seen by many into February, but had apparently first been spotted about a week earlier. A second Sage Thrasher was found on 1/30 along Rd 89, north of Rd 16. A gorgeous Red Fox Sparrow, first detected on 1/3 along the American River Parkway between Howe and Watt, was photographed and reported almost daily into February.

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, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Dan Brown, Andi Burnett, Terry Colborn, Matt Davis, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Andrew Johnson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Pam Pappone, Jim Rowoth, Ben Sandstrom, Kirk Swenson, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2016

Reports from this December were dominated by birds found on our local CBCs. A few other birds of note were found, but overall, it was a quiet month without a lot of surprises. High numbers of Blue-winged Teal continue to be reported at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento. The seasonal high so far was 224, recorded on 12/11. On the 12/31 Folsom CBC, a female or young male Red-breasted Merganser (ebird checklist) was photographed on the American River near the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. A Mountain Quail was found on the Folsom CBC near Sweetwater Creek above Folsom Lake. This species is surely regular in the area, but rarely reported, and this was only the second record on this CBC in 39 years. A Red-necked Grebe (initially found in November) was reported on 12/31 from Beals Point at Folsom Lake.

Bald Eagle reports are climbing locally, and a conservative total of 14 on the 12/31 Folsom CBC is remarkable; early signs of nesting were also reported from Lake Natoma. Raptor reports from the Dunnigan Hills on 12/17 and 12/19 near the intersection of Rds 14 and 88 included up to four Ferruginous Hawks, two Rough-legged Hawks, a Golden Eagle, and a bobcat. For at least 11 years one to three Merlins have spent winter nights in the 2300 to 2700 blocks of Anza Ave in north Davis, and at least two birds were reported this month. From ten to over 50 Mountain Plovers  (ebird checklist) were reported throughout the month at the traditional location, south of Dixon, along Robinson Road north of Flannery Road. On the 12/28 Lincoln CBC, single Semipalmated Plovers were found northwest of Lincoln, both in Sutter (Cornelius Ave) and Placer counties (Waltz Rd; continuing on 12/30). Two Short-eared Owls were reported in the vicinity of Robinson and Flannery Rds on 12/2.

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found on the 12/18 Putah Creek CBC at the same location as last year, along Cantelow Rd in Solano Co. The male Vermilion Flycatcher  (ebird checklist) found last winter returned to the Maxwell Cemetery in Colusa County and was reported from 12/26 into January. A Cassin's Vireo was found at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 12/13, and two American Dippers were found along Sweetwater Creek on 12/31. The lack of Varied Thrush reports this winter continue and only one was recorded on the Sacramento CBC, while the species was missed on other local counts. Mountain Bluebirds were reported multiple times near Yolo County Rds 16 and 89, a Wilson's Warbler was a nice surprise on the 12/3 ARNHA Count near the Spanos Ct. access to the American River Parkway, and an impressive eight Thick-billed Fox Sparrows were found at the top of Mix Canyon Rd in Solano County on the Putah Creek CBC.

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, Peter Armstrong, Keith Bailey, Elliot Chasin, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Ed Pandolfino, Jim Rowoth, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Charley Walker. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2016

In strictly avian terms, the biggest regional news was of typically pelagic Red Phalaropes turning up in many inland locations, including the Central Valley. The other notable theme was the lack of montane and northern irruptive species that characterized the past two winters.  So far this season, there have been very few reports of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins, relatively few Lewis's Woodpeckers and Golden-crowned Kinglets, and very few Varied Thrushes. Among waterfowl reports, Blue-winged Teal numbers continue a steady climb, most impressively with 177 at Bridgeway Island Pond on 11/6. Inland Surf Scoter reports included one at the Marysville Sewage Ponds from 11/6-21 and one at the out-of-the-way Frog Pond off of Rayhouse Rd in Cache Creek Canyon on 11/13-14 (eBird checklist).

The fields near Plainfield School at Yolo County Rds 25 and 96 have hosted good numbers of Ferruginous Hawks in recent fall and winter seasons. On 11/6, three were reported, including one dark morph. Rough-legged Hawk reports included singles at Yolo County Rd 28H between Rds 103 and 104 on 11/5, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 11/15, Scott Rd on 11/22, and Meiss Rd on 11/27. The inland invasion of Red Phalaropes in our region was represented by up to four at Colusa NWR seen from Able Rd on 11/18-23 and one at the YBWA on 11/27 (eBird checklist). Two Marbled Godwits were reported from Colusa NWR on 11/25. 

The only reports of Short-eared Owls came from Yolo County Rd 30, with one on 11/15 and two on 11/29, and a Northern Saw-whet Owl was a nice surprise in a Roseville yard on 11/16. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was photographed along Rd 78A in the Capay Valley on 11/5 (eBird checklist). The male Costa's Hummingbird that was banded as a hatch-year in September 2013 and has spent much of its life on private property along Putah Creek between Winters and Davis was seen on 11/16 after an absence of months. A late Hammond's Flycatcher was found at Cosumnes River Preserve's Tall Forest on 11/12 (eBird checklist)  and a Cassin's Vireo was photographed at Bobelaine Sanctuary on 11/27 (eBird checklist). A Plumbeous Vireo in the Covell Park area of North Davis from 11/5 through most of the month (https://radamson.smugmug.com/Birds/Plumbeous-Vireo-in-Davis-2016) was a nice find for the region. An American Dipper was found at the traditional location downstream from the Hwy 128 Bridge in the Putah Creek Canyon from 11/14-25 and a Sage Thrasher was an excellent find near the Michigan Bar Bridge, south of the Cosumnes River, on 11/20-21.

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, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Ted Beedy, Ken Britten, Elliot Chasin, Dan Cook, Kathy DeFay, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Ian Gledhill, Steve Hampton, Darlene Hecomovich, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Eric LoPresti, Calvin Lou, David Nickerson, Frances Oliver, Muriel Parker, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Shannon Skalos, Kirk Swenson, Linda and Scott Terrill, Charley Walker, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2016

After a very busy September, reports slowed during what proved to be an historically wet October. Impressive Blue-winged Teal numbers continue to be reported at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento, with a high of 92 on 10/29 (eBird checklist). Locally uncommon Redhead reports were of a single male at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 10/20 and a high of six at the Davis WTP from 10/16-18. A Marbled Godwit was a nice surprise among a Long-billed Curlew flock along East Levee Rd in Natomas on 10/27. The nice showing of Pectoral Sandpipers at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) continued, with six on 10/1 and a single continuing through at least 10/8. Two Pectoral Sandpipers were found at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 10/18-22, and two were found at the Davis Wetlands on 10/2 along with a fairly late Solitary Sandpiper. An adult Western Gull was a nice find at the Davis Wetlands on 10/31, where they are rare but regular (eBird checklist). The  Sabine's Gull at the Sacramento Regional WTP continued through 10/1.

Two Band-tailed Pigeons were seen along Wood Duck Slough at the CRP's Tall Forest on 10/1. From 10/25 to the end of the month, a Greater Roadrunner was seen by many along Yolo County Rd 92B (eBird checklist) near Matchbook Winery. A well-described Yellow-shafted (Northern) Flicker was reported at the UC Davis Arboretum on 10/4 and another was reported from Lake Solano on 10/9. An Olive-sided Flycatcher reported along the American River Parkway (ARP) between the Howe and Watt accesses on 10/1 was the latest report of this uncommon migrant this season. A probable Tropical Kingbird was briefly seen and heard at Charles Jensen Park in Carmichael on 10/30. 

A Townsend’s Solitaire at the Sacramento City Cemetary on 10/5 was an excellent report of this species that has proven to be quite rare in the Valley (eBird checklist). Three Mountain Bluebirds along Michigan Bar Rd on 10/30 in eastern Sacramento County were the first for the season. A female-type American Redstart was found along ARP near the Estates Dr access on 10/1 (eBird checklist) and a hatch-year male was found along Babel Slough on 10/2 (eBird checklist). On 10/2, a Brewer's Sparrow was photographed at the Sacramento City Cemetery along with five Chipping Sparrows (eBird checklist). A Grasshopper Sparrow found along Meiss Rd on 10/10 was surprisingly late in the season (eBird checklist). A Chestnut-collared Longspur found along Lamb Road, east of Staten Island, in northern San Joaquin County on 10/22 continued through the end of the month and is a good record of a rare but likely under-reported species.

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, Mike Curry, Lily Douglas, John Ehrenfeld, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Keith Kwan, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Dan Murphy, Frances Oliver, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Ben Sandstrom, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, David Yee, and Bryan Young. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2016

Periods of transition are always interesting and September may be the richest transition period of the year. Warblers and other migrants move through in high numbers, tapering off a bit by the end of the month, while winter residents begin arriving in the form of waterfowl, cranes, and sparrows, to name a few. This September was richer than most in terms of rarities.

A few Least Bittern reports continued into this month, with singles at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) reported from 9/5-10 and one to two were calling from a wetlands mitigation bank on private land near Colusa NWR on 9/22. Shorebird activity tapered off a bit from last month, but there were still some interesting reports. A juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper was found at YBWA on 9/6, and Pectoral Sandpipers were reported there from 9/1-21, with a high of three. Two Baird's Sandpipers and five Pectoral Sandpipers were reported from the Lincoln WTP on 9/2. Additional Pectoral Sandpipers were found at the Davis WTP from 9/26-28 (a high of four), and the Lost Slough portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 9/11 into October, with a high of eight (eBird checklist). A Solitary Sandpiper was found downstream of the Capay Bridge along Cache Creek on 9/3 and another was at the Davis WTP on 9/26-27 (eBird checklist). A juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger (eBird checklist ) was a nice surprise at the YBWA on 9/2, as was a juvenile Sabine's Gull at the Sacramento Regional WTP from 9/26 through 10/1 (eBird checklist).

A migrating Common Poorwill at the Sacramento City Cemetery was a nice find on 9/2 (eBird checklist). Single Hammond's Flycatchers were reported from the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 9/2, the Lost Slough portion of CRP on 9/4, and Babel Slough on 9/23-24. A Plumbeous Vireo was reported in north Davis on 9/22, but even more remarkable was a Philadelphia Vireo reported at Upper Sunrise along the American River Parkway on 9/13. This bird was well-seen but unfortunately did not linger for others to see or photograph it. An Ovenbird was reported from a Woodland yard on 9/18 and single Northern Waterthrushes were found at Blue Oaks Park in Roseville on 9/4, YBWA on 9/16 (eBird checklist), and one was mist-netted and banded at Stone Lakes NWR on 9/21. An American Redstart was found along the Garden Hwy on 9/11, Blackpoll Warblers were reported from Babel Slough on 9/23 and along the Garden Hwy on 9/28, and a Canada Warbler at Lake Solano on 9/7 was an excellent find (eBird checklist). A Clay-colored Sparrow at Michigan Bar on 9/11 was the first photographed in Sacramento County (eBird checklist). Other interesting reports from Michigan Bar include a Brewer's Sparrow on 9/5 and a Vesper Sparrow on 9/24. A Green-tailed Towhee was found at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/3 (eBird checklist), a Thick-billed Fox Sparrow was reported along Putah Creek upstream from Winters on 9/13 (eBird checklist), and a female-type Orchard Oriole was reported along Babel Slough on 9/10.

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, Laura Davis, Matt Davis, Lily Douglas, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Stanton Hunter, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Brad Rangell, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Robert Shields, Ian Souza-Cole, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Charley Walker, and Stan Wright. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2016

While many are waiting for September, for sheer numbers and diversity of migrants, August is hard to top—especially before the heat of mid-day. Massive numbers of flycatchers, vireos, and warblers migrate through the Central Valley, with only a small fraction ever detected. At the same time, shorebird numbers are also at or near their peak. Signs of fall start to creep in with shorter days and the first locally reported Sandhill Cranes this season were flying over Sacramento on 8/31. Continuing from earlier in the summer, Least Bitterns were reported from Mather Lake on 8/20, Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 8/28, and up to two were reported throughout the month from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA).

Many of the notable reports this month come from the shorebird group, which is expected for August. Single Solitary Sandpipers were reported from the Davis Wetlands on 8/19 and the Ione WTP from 8/22-23 (eBird checklist). A Marbled Godwit was at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) from 8/29-31 and a juvenile Sanderling was at the same location on 8/31-9/1 (eBird checklist). Semipalmated Sanpipers were reported at YBWA on 8/7 and 8/12-13, a single was reported at SRWTP on 8/31, and another was reported from the Arbuckle WTP in Colusa County on 8/1 along with a juvenile Baird’s Sandpiper (eBird checklist). Baird’s Sandpipers were also reported at the Winters WTP on 8/25-31, with a high of three on 8/29, and from YBWA from 8/30-31. Three Pectoral Sandpipers were found at the YBWA on 8/31 (eBird checklist).

A Calliope Hummingbird was a nice find at Ancil Hoffman on 8/28. On 8/9, a Gray Flycatcher was found along Michigan Bar Rd. This species is detected far more often in spring migration. Somewhat more expected was a Dusky Flycatcher at the Orr portion of CRP on 8/27 and a Hammond’s Flycatcher at the Tall Forest on 8/28. Two Pileated Woodpeckers were seen eating grapes near the Fishing Access #1 parking area along Putah Creek west of Winters on 8/2, and a Steller's Jay found the same day at Fishing Access #2 was a surprise so early in the season. Among the few Yellow-breasted Chat reports was one of two birds on 8/27 along Babel Slough Rd on what was described as a morning “bustling with migrants.” Three streaky juvenile Chipping Sparrows were found at the same location (eBird checklist). A Green-tailed Towhee in a Carmichael Backyard on 8/21 was a nice find, and even more unexpected was a female Summer Tanager along Putah Creek near Hopkins Rd on 8/5, west of UC Davis.

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, Kathy Blankenship, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Ken Schneider, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

June - July 2016

With the heat of summer, June and July are two of the most uncomfortable months to be in the field; nevertheless, excellent finds are made during this period each year. On 6/2, a Blue-winged Teal pair was seen with nine young along the auto loop at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA). A Least Bittern was photographed at Mather Lake on 6/26 (eBird checklist), where this species is found just about every summer; it was reported again on 7/3. A Least Bittern was also seen along the YBWA auto tour on 7/10, with continued reports throughout the month, and another was at the Bridgeway Island pond on 7/21. A small Green Heron nesting colony was found in planted live oaks along La Riviera Dr near the Howe access to the American River Parkway (eBird checklist). While nests are found regularly in the area, most have been single nests rather than colonies.

Songbird migration doesn’t pick up until right at the end of the period, but “fall” shorebird migration is well underway by the last week of June. The shorebird report of the season was a Stilt Sandpiper seen by many at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Reserve on 7/22 (eBird checklist). This is a great find anywhere in the Valley, but this is one of few Sacramento County records. A Pacific Golden-Plover was a nice find at YBWA on 7/10 (eBird checklist) and a Snowy Plover was found at YBWA on 7/21. Two Willets were seen at the Davis WTP on 7/17, and a single was at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 7/15. Marbled Godwit reports from the period include one on 6/4 at YBWA, a high of 24 at the same location on 7/16, as well as multiple reports from the Davis Wetlands. Single Semipalmated Sandpipers were found at SRWTP on 7/6-7 (eBird checklist) and 7/28-29 (eBird checklist). There were several reports of single Semipalmated Sandpipers in July from YBWA and the Davis Wetlands. On 7/11, a Baird’s Sandpiper was found at YBWA, with another reported from the same location on 7/31. The pair of Least Terns found nesting at SRWTP continued through July, and fledged two young.

A couple of locally rare kingbirds were good finds for Sacramento County. On 6/5, an Eastern Kingbird (eBird checklist) was found along Payen Rd on both sides of the Sacramento/El Dorado County line, and was seen by many who searched for it through 6/10. A Cassin’s Kingbird found on 7/9 along the River Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) was one of a very few ever reported for the county. Unfortunately, that bird did not stick around. The first solid report of a Gray Catbird (with a date and location!) for the county came from the Tall Forest area of CRP on 6/14. A Red-breasted Nuthatch on 7/31 at Slide Hill Park in Davis was a nice find for the season.

Another great songbird report was of a Worm-eating Warbler singing and briefly seen on 6/4 from an area of excellent habitat west of Latrobe Rd, south of Hwy 50, in El Dorado County. The site is publicly accessible along a portion of the closed railroad track paralleling Deer Creek and continuing to Payen Rd (the El Dorado Trail: http://eldoradotrail.com/trail-map/). Yellow-breasted Chats were among the interesting birds found by those looking for the Worm-eating Warbler. A singing Ovenbird was reported along Goethe Rd in Rancho Cordova on 6/15 and an American Redstart was found in a backyard near Madera Park off Sunrise Ave on 6/3. Six Yellow Warblers singing at the Cache Creek Settling Basin on 6/20 is an encouraging sign of local breeding. A Black-throated Gray Warbler on 6/12 at CRP was either a little late or early. On 6/18, at least 14 Savannah Sparrows were on singing along the YBWA where this species has previously been documented nesting. This site appears to be near the limit of inland expansion from the SF Bay region, where they are regular nesters. A streaky juvenile Dark-eyed Junco was found on 6/13 along Babel Slough and another was found at Reichmuth Park on 6/16 (eBird checklist), indicating local nesting. A few pairs are detected each summer at CRP, but they are exceedingly rare nesters elsewhere in the Central Valley. The singing male Summer Tanager from the Orr Forest at CRP continued on 6/25, but was not found on a subsequent visit in July. On 6/7, there was an intriguing report of an Evening Grosbeak along Desmond Rd at CRP.

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, Terry Colborn, Farley Cross, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Bob Ellis, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Ted Gilliland, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Rosa Jimenez, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Sonia Santa Anna, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Shannon Skalos, Lindsey Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2016

 A very active two months with a lot of interesting birds included the second Marsh Sandpiper record for our area. Among rare waterfowl, two male Red-breasted Mergansers were found on Lake Natoma on 4/7. A Glossy Ibis (eBird checklist) was found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and seen by many from 4/2-8. North of our area, but still of interest were four Brown Pelicans soaring over the Sacramento NWR on 4/20.

An American Golden-Plover was an excellent find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/24, though the bird of the period was a Marsh Sandpiper found at YBWA on 4/16-23 (http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/scolopacidae/tringa/masand00.html), allowing most who searched for it excellent views. A Ruff was also in the area from 4/19-20 (eBird checklist), as were lesser notables like two Snowy Plovers. A Ruff was also found along Desmond Rd at CRP on 4/28. A Soliary Sandpiper was found in north Davis on 4/17, and there were reports from YBWA on 4/4 and 4/18-23, as well as the Orr Forest at CRP on 4/23. This was an amazing spring for Franklin’s Gull reports, with one, a probable second-winter bird, found at Colusa NWR along Abel Rd on 4/9. An adult Franklin’s Gullat CRP’s Lost Slough wetlands on 4/24 was just the second record for Sacramento County. Another was found at the Davis WTP from 4/28-5/4, and it or another was found in a field along Rd 25 near the Conaway Stock Pond on 5/16-17. Yet another Franklin’s Gull was at Folsom Lake’s Granite Bay boat launch on 5/1. On 5/23, a pair of Least Terns was found already on a nest at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP). This is the seventh year in the past nine that this species has nested at the site.

A Common Nighthawk was a nice surprise roosting along the edge of Michigan Bar Rd just before its junction with Latrobe Rd on 5/7 (eBird checklist). A male Costa’s Hummingbird was an excellent find in El Dorado Hills on 5/3. A male Calliope Hummingbird was seen along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 4/4, and at the same location on 4/30. Others were reported from Rancho Cordova on 4/9, Michigan Bar Rd on 4/12 (eBird checklist), and Mather Lake on 5/8. The Hairy Woodpeckercontinued into May along Lake Natoma near the Young Woo access. Hammond’s Flycatchers andDusky Flycatchers were reported multiple times, especially in Yolo County, and Gray Flycatcherswere reported from the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP) on 5/1, Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 5/3, and the Blue Ridge Trail on 5/9. A Plumbeous Vireo was also found at the Gristmill access on 5/1. Common Raven expansion continues, with nesting confirmed for the first time at both the UC Davis campus and the SRWTP Bufferlands.

A Townsend’s Solitaire (eBird checklist) was found at the YBWA on 4/16. On 4/19, another Townsend’s Solitaire was found upstream of Winters along Putah Creek, and a third was found on 5/1 near Putah Creek where it’s crossed by the extension of Mace Blvd (Rd 105). On 5/5, a late singing male Varied Thrush was found along Yolo County Rd 141 near the Bogle Winery. A singing Northern Parula was at CRP’s Tall Forest on 5/17, and a singing male Blackpoll Warbler was a first for spring in Yolo County along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 5/4. A Green-tailed Towhee was found at ARP’s Ancil Hoffman Park on 5/4. On 4/2, a sparrow looking very much like a Clay-colored Sparrow was found along Meiss Rd and apparently the same bird continued through 4/8. Many experienced birders thought the photos showed a Clay-colored Sparrow, but ultimately, it appears that the bird was likely a Brewer’s Sparrow. Up to three Brewer’s Sparrows were also reported there. Grasshopper Sparrows were found breeding in a closed portion of CRP near Twin Cities Rd and I-5. They were first detected on 4/18, and an adult was seen feeding a stub-tailed juvenile on 5/20. An interesting White-crowned X Golden-crowned Sparrow (eBird checklist) was found at Mather Lake on 4/12.

A male Summer Tanager sang almost continuously north of the Orr Forest at CRP on 5/22, which is the third consecutive year that singing males have been found at CRP. A female-type Cassin's Finch was reported along the north levee of the Sacramento Bypass on 5/13. On 4/3, 12 Red Crossbills were seen in a Fair Oaks backyard, and on the surprisingly late date of 5/24, Red Crossbills were heard and seen flying over Esparto. Five Pine Siskins were found in east Davis on 5/10, with one found on the late date of 5/31. Evening Grosbeaks were reported regularly in Davis through 4/19, and then with sporadic reports until the last report of two males on 5/8.

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:  Keith Bailey, Dan Brown, Laura Davis, Lily Douglas, John Ehrenfeld, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Brian Gilmore, Bob Greenleaf, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Doug Herr, Logan Kahle, Tony Kurz, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Tim Lenz, Tim Manolis, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Sonia Santa Anna, Mark Sawyer, Mary Schiedt, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, Dan Williams, Rick Williams, and Mike Yoshihara. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

March 2016

After much-needed rain early in the month, spring-like weather returned as we transitioned into April. By mid-month, some of our summer staples were returning, with many reports ofSwainson’s Hawks scouting nest sites, returning Western Kingbirds, and both Hooded Orioles and Bullock’s Orioles. Reports of unusual species, as if often the case for March, were few, but the real standout was an Emperor Goose  (eBird checklist)  seen by many on distant (for most) Twitchell Island in southwest Sacramento County from 3/9-27. There are a few previous reports of this species, but this is the first in the county that was widely seen and photographed among the large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese and Aleutian Cackling Geese. Up to four Surf Scoters continued on the San Joaquin River near Sherman Island, with reports on 3/12, 3/20, and 3/22.

An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was photographed at the Yolo Central Landfill Pond along Rd 28H on 3/4 (eBird checklist). A Flammulated Owl was reported calling in Elk Grove on 3/29 near Kloss Park. This is an intriguing report, since there are few Central Valley records and the report is about a month early, but the call is distinctive and the observers are very experienced. At least three Short-eared Owls continued in the ag fields along Yolo County Rd 30 northeast of Davis through much of the month; these were the only reports of this species in the Sacramento Area in March.

A Cassin’s Vireo at the Yolo Grassland Regional Park was a little on the early side on 3/30, as was a Warbling Vireo on 3/21 along Putah Creek to the west of the UC Davis campus. One-to-two Steller’s Jays continued north of the Cosumnes River along Michigan Bar Rd into April. AWilson’s Warbler at the Regional San Bufferlands on 3/29 was a little early. After numerous reports in February, nine Evening Grosbeaks continued in north Davis until at least 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:  Roger Adamson, Kathy Blankenship, Lily Douglas, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Nancy Gronert, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Jeri Langham, Jim Lomax, John Luther, Ed Pandolfino, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2016

Spring-like weather for much of the month allowed for a lot of activity outdoors, but rekindled fears of continued drought. By the end of the month, Sandhill Cranes were seen in high circling flocks on their way north and the first of a wave of returning Swainson’s Hawks were reported. Surf Scoterscontinued on the San Joaquin River near Sherman Island, with six seen on 2/15, and a female Red-breasted Merganser  was a nice find among Common Mergansers on the American River near the Upper Sunrise access on 2/21.

The dark morph Rough-legged Hawk continued throughout the month along Riley Rd north of Galt and another was found on Meiss Rd on 2/13. Five Mountain Plovers continued on Yolo County Rd 103 through at least 2/9. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported at Folsom Lake near the Granite Bay boat ramp on 2/3, an adult and a first-cycle, with the adult continuing on 2/6. At least three Short-eared Owls continued in the ag fields along Yolo County Rd 30 northeast of Davis, and two were found along Waltz Rd, west of Dowd Rd, just north of Lincoln from 2/20 to at least 2/25. ANorthern Saw-whet Owl was found along the American Parkway bike trail just downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 2/10, and was seen by many (eBird checklist) through 2/12. A continuing Hairy Woodpecker was at the Young Wo access to Lake Natoma through at least 2/29.

The Black-chinned Sparrow (eBird checklist), exceedingly rare for the Central Valley floor, continued until at least 2/27. A Grasshopper Sparrow photographed at close range at Deer Creek Hills on 2/20 was a nice find for winter (eBird checklist). A Red Fox Sparrow was reported from CRP around the Tall Forest on 2/28. Two Swamp Sparrows continued from the Sacramento CBC just off the auto route at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 2/13. While caution is advised with rare out-of-range races of Dark-eyed Juncos, a Pink-sided Junco was well-described near the Mace Blvd bridge over Putah Creek on 2/14. Lawrence’s Goldfinches showed up several times this month, including two flyovers in Davis on 2/7, four in Fair Oaks on 2/13, a male at the Folsom Rodeo Grounds on 2/21, and a flyover at the Orr Ranch at CRP on 2/27. Red Crossbill reports began drying up in Sacramento, with the last report from the Old Cemetery on 2/5 and a report of two flyovers near Sac State on 2/9. Up to 10 Evening Grosbeaks continued in north Davis until mid-month (eBird checklist). Based on their call-type, they are not birds that summer in the Sierra, but are from farther north.

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:  Ralf Baker, Virginia Bonham, Dan Cook, Lyann Comrack, Lisa Couper, Laura Davis, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, James Holmes, Jeri Langham, Amy McDonald, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Dave Quady, John Robinson, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Mary Schiedt, Judy Spitler, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Amy Welsh, Daniel Welsh, Deb Weston, and Mara Weston. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2016

With the tail end of the Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) and periods of nice weather, there were a lot of observers in the field producing many reports of interesting birds. Among the waterfowl, a Eurasian Green-winged Teal was reported at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 1/3, and five Surf Scoters were found in Sacramento County on the San Joaquin River off of the Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 1/1, with reports continuing through 1/8 (eBird checklist). Impressive raptor numbers have been reported in recent years near Plainfield Elementary by Yolo County Rds 97 and 25A, and on 1/2, 25Red-tailed Hawks, including one dark Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk, and six Ferruginous Hawkwere found there. A Swainson’s Hawk near Lake Solano on 1/26 was an interesting report, and a beautiful dark morph Rough-legged Hawk was reported throughout the month along Riley Rd north of Galt (eBird checklist).

Mountain Plovers used to be more common in Yolo County than in recent years, so reports from two sites were encouraging (eBird checklist):  eight were found northeast of Davis near Rds 102B and 27 on 1/2, with as many as 12 reported through the second week of January, and a single was found near Plainfield Elementary on 1/23. A Pacific Golden-Plover was reported from YBWA from 1/3-9. An adult Glaucous Gull found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 1/17-25, initially in a closed area and later along Desmond Rd, was rare for Sacramento County, which has had far fewer records of this species than Yolo County.

Reports of single Northern Pygmy-Owls from the Putah Creek Canyon below the Hwy 128 bridge came in on 1/8 and 1/13. A Long-eared Owl was flushed from a day roost from private land near Sweetwater Creek on the 1/3 Folsom CBC. Five Long-eared Owls were found roosting in an orchard near Putah Creek between Davis and Winters, and five were also found at a closed portion of CRP on 1/4. Up to four Short-eared Owls continued in the ag fields along Yolo County Rd 30 northeast of Davis, and four were also seen on Sherman Island Crossing Rd on 1/1. A continuingHairy Woodpecker on 1/3 was a little farther downstream, near the Parkshore Dr access, than reports from Lake Natoma last winter and spring.

Just ten miles north of the typical cutoff for this column was a male Vermillion Flycatcher found at the Maxwell Cemetery, west of I-5, on 1/23 and seen by many into February. A Cassin’s Vireo was a nice winter find at UC Davis on 1/26. Two Steller’s Jays were near Michigan Bar on 1/8 and a single was along Putah Creek downstream of the Hwy 128 bridge on 1/13.  It’s widely acknowledged that Common Raven numbers have been building locally, but a single group of 114 along Riley Rd on 1/4 was astounding. A MacGilivray’s Warbler found on a closed portion of CRP on 1/16 was likely the same bird found nearby on 11/29 and accounts for one of very few winter records of this species.

The Black-chinned Sparrow, exceedingly rare both for the Central Valley floor and for anywhere in the state in winter, last reported on 10/23 was refound on 1/14 and continued to be seen and photographed into February (eBird checklist). Two Bell’s Sparrows were found on 1/3 near Sweetwater Creek, where they’re likely resident, but often missed on the CBC. An apparent White-throated X White-crowned Sparrow of was at CRP on 1/16-18. A Swamp Sparrow was reported as a brief sighting at the William B. Pond access to the American River Parkway on 1/25. Red Crossbill reports continued, especially at the Sacramento City Cemetery, with up to 20 reported throughout the month. Red Crossbills were also found at the Sutter Cemetery from 12/29 through at least 1/24, and a single and a flock of three were in Folsom on 1/3. Twelve crossbills were also reported at the Mosquito Abatement Ponds on Bond Rd in Elk Grove on 1/4. A male Lawrence’s Goldfinch at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 1/13-14 was new for the SRWTP/Bufferlands (eBird checklist), and eight to twelve Evening Grosbeaks were very cooperative in north Davis near Antelope Ave from 1/27 into February (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:  Roger Adamson, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Mark Cudney, Laura Davis, Bruce Deuel, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Bob Ellis, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ted Gilliland, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Dan Murphy, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, Ian Taylor, John Trochet, Daniel Welsh, Rick Williams, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible. 

December 2015

Reports from this December were dominated by birds found on our local CBCs. A few other birds of note were found, but overall, it was a quiet month without a lot of surprises. High numbers of Blue-winged Teal continue to be reported at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento. The seasonal high so far was 224, recorded on 12/11. On the 12/31 Folsom CBC, a female or young male Red-breasted Merganser (eBird checklist) was photographed on the American River near the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. A Mountain Quail was found on the Folsom CBC near Sweetwater Creek above Folsom Lake. This species is surely regular in the area, but rarely reported, and this was only the second record on this CBC in 39 years. A Red-necked Grebe (initially found in November) was reported on 12/31 from Beals Point at Folsom Lake.

Bald Eagle reports are climbing locally, and a conservative total of 14 on the 12/31 Folsom CBC is remarkable; early signs of nesting were also reported from Lake Natoma. Raptor reports from the Dunnigan Hills on 12/17 and 12/19 near the intersection of Rds 14 and 88 included up to four Ferruginous Hawks, two Rough-legged Hawks, a Golden Eagle, and a bobcat. For at least 11 years one to three Merlins have spent winter nights in the 2300 to 2700 blocks of Anza Ave in north Davis, and at least two birds were reported this month. From ten to over 50 Mountain Plovers (eBird checklist) were reported throughout the month at the traditional location, south of Dixon, along Robinson Road north of Flannery Road. On the 12/28 Lincoln CBC, single Semipalmated Plovers were found northwest of Lincoln, both in Sutter (Cornelius Ave) and Placer counties (Waltz Rd; continuing on 12/30). Two Short-eared Owls were reported in the vicinity of Robinson and Flannery Rds on 12/2.

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found on the 12/18 Putah Creek CBC at the same location as last year, along Cantelow Rd in Solano Co. The male Vermilion Flycatcher (eBird checklist) found last winter returned to the Maxwell Cemetery in Colusa County and was reported from 12/26 into January. A Cassin's Vireo was found at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 12/13, and two American Dippers were found along Sweetwater Creek on 12/31. The lack of Varied Thrush reports this winter continue and only one was recorded on the Sacramento CBC, while the species was missed on other local counts. Mountain Bluebirds were reported multiple times near Yolo County Rds 16 and 89, a Wilson's Warbler was a nice surprise on the 12/3 ARNHA Count near the Spanos Ct. access to the American River Parkway, and an impressive eight Thick-billed Fox Sparrows were found at the top of Mix Canyon Rd in Solano County on the Putah Creek CBC.

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, Peter Armstrong, Keith Bailey, Elliot Chasin, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Ed Pandolfino, Jim Rowoth, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Charley Walker. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2015

As fall turned toward winter, most of the regular winter birds were established in their usual haunts. Each minor storm was watched with anticipation to see if it might help end the drought, but at the time of this writing, rainfall has been occasional and too modest to make much of a dent in the deficit of recent years. A gynandromorph Gadwall, left side male and right side female, was an intriguing find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/1 at the Lost Slough Wetlands. A Greater Scaup, rare regionally away from the Delta, was found with a Lesser Scaup (eBird checklist) along the American River Parkway near Sailor Bar on 11/30. On 11/3, seven female Red-breasted Mergansers were spotted on Folsom Lake near Mormon Island, and another female was at the Lodi Sewage Ponds on 11/21.

The few Rough-legged Hawk reports included singles at the Conaway Ranch on 11/2, the Davis WTP on 11/9, Sacramento International Airport on 11/11, and one obviously in transit over upper Lake Natoma on 11/14. Ferruginous Hawk reports were widespread, but four, including a dark morph, along with 22 Red-tailed Hawks near Rds 97 and 25A in Yolo County on 11/18 were notable. A Pacific Golden-Plover at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) was reported on 11/5, with one to two continuing throughout the month (eBird checklist). Another Pacific Golden-Plover was found on 11/16 along Abel Road on the south side of Colusa NWR. A Marbled Godwit was found along the entrance road to YBWA on 11/18, but more surprising were 11 reported along Cherokee Ln near Galt on 11/30. A Western Sandpiper was a nice find for the season among a large flock of Dunlin and Least Sandpipers in flooded rice fields near the intersection of Kempton Rd and Brewer Rd in eastern Sutter County. A Red-necked Phalarope was a surprising find in a large puddle near Mormon Island at Folsom Lake on 11/3, while the latest report for the season was one continuing at the Woodland WTP on 11/4. An adult Western Gull was found at Touchstone Lake in West Sacramento on 11/25.

Band-tailed Pigeon reports included two at Upper Sunrise along the ARP on 11/6, seven at Sailor Bar on 11/7, one at Garcia Bend Park in the Pocket Area of Sacramento on 11/26, one at the SRWTP Bufferlands on 11/22 (eBird checklist), and 27 at Michigan Bar on 11/28. A Common Poorwill on Michigan Bar Rd, north of the Cosumnes River on 11/14, was quite late in the season (eBird checklist). A Long-eared Owl was a nice find at a closed portion of CRP on 11/29; one or two have been recorded from this portion of CRP in most recent fall/winter seasons. Two Steller’s Jays were reported north of the Michigan Bar Bridge on 11/26-30, and two Mountain Bluebirds were found on 11/14 near the Manzanita Cemetery north of Lincoln. A MacGillivray’s Warbler found on 11/29 at CRP was an excellent report this late in the season. Late Wilson’s Warblers were found at CRP on 11/8 and at Delta Meadow’s State Park near Walnut Grove on a 11/20 Central Valley Birding Symposium trip. A Red Crossbill invasion continued to build with reports along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 11/1, three in Natomas on 11/17 near West El Camino Ave and Capitol Oaks Dr, and 10 in downtown Winters on 11/21--check back in December. And lastly, four Evening Grosbeaks were reported flying over Slide Hill Park in east Davis on 11/12.

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: Roger Adamson, Keith Bailey, Terry Colborn, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Michael Gertz, Ted Gilliland, Ben Graber, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Scott Hoppe, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Mark Martucci, Gary Mele, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Susan Steele, John Sterling, Michele Swarthout, Craig Swolgaard, Kevin Thomas, Daniel Thomson, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2015

This month was modestly slow in the scheme of things and can't really be characterized, like some months can, as an invasion year of montane birds or one with a lot of rarities. Waterfowl numbers continued to build, Ferruginous Hawks and Merlins and other winter raptors increased in abundance, and some of the most interesting reports were of birds that lingered from September. The only Pectoral Sandpiper report of the month was from the Davis Wetlands on 10/5, while a single Red-necked Phalarope continued through the end of the month at the Woodland WTP.

Unlike the past fall/winter period, there were few reports of Band-tailed Pigeons away from typical sites on the west side of the Valley, where over 50 were reported in the Putah Creek canyon on 10/17. A Common Poorwill found along Latrobe Rd in eastern Sacramento County on 10/24 was later than most. A Red-naped Sapsucker was photographed (eBird checklist) at Lake Solano County Park on 10/3.

Among songbirds, a Western Kingbird was reported along Babel Slough on the surprisingly late date of 10/8. There doesn't appear to be a repeat of last winter's  Steller's Jay invasion, though singles from Fair Oaks on 10/21-22 and another Fair Oaks site on 10/31 were notable. A Sage Thrasher along Michigan Bar Rd first reported on 10/8 continued to at least 10/15 and was seen and photographed (eBird checklist) by several observers. A Tennessee Warbler found at Ancil Hoffman Park on 10/7 was probably the same bird found there on 9/30. A Black-and-white Warbler first reported at the UC Davis Arboretum on 9/29 continued through at least 10/1, while a late Wilson’s Warbler was found in Davis on 10/25. The Black-chinned Sparrow first found along Babel Slough on 9/30 was reported through 10/19. An impressive 9 Vesper Sparrows were at “Vesper Sparrow Corner” on Hwy 128, the first bend west of Winters, on 10/17. A female Cassin’s Finch was a nice surprise among Purple Finches at Fiske Lake in the mountains of northwest Yolo County. A flock of Red Crossbills were reported north of the American River near Hazel Ave on 10/30, and Evening Grosbeak reports included one from along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 10/8, one at Effie Yeaw on 10/17, and four in Fair Oaks on 10/30.

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, Ralf Baker, Kathy Blankenship, Subhash Chand, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ted Gilliland, Steve Hampton, Larry Hickey, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Eric LoPresti, Calvin Lou, Mark Martucci, Linda Melching, Dan Murphy, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Michele Swarthout, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet and Mike Yoshihara. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2015

During the hot days of summer, many of us long for September. Not only does it promise cooler weather, but the arrival of the first Greater White-fronted Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and White-crowned Sparrows, to name a few. It also is one of the best times to turn up unexpected species.This month, a Glossy Ibis was photographed at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 9/18 (photos); another surprise was a clearly seen Black Rail along Babel Slough on 9/14.

There were excellent shorebird reports this month, including four Snowy Plovers at the Woodland WTP on 9/4. There were a handful of Willet and Marbled Godwit reports from YBWA and a Solitary Sandpiper was photographed along the River Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/19., The shorebird report of the season was a Black Turnstone photographed and seen by many from 9/15 through 9/22 at the Woodland WTP; a Red Knot was at the same location on 9/17. A juvenile Ruff was found and photographed at YBWA from 9/20-24 and aSanderling was at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 9/10. Pectoral Sandpiper reports were few, with one at Yolo County Rds 45 and 95B on 9/6, one at CRP along Desmond Rd on 9/13-14, and another at YBWA on 9/17. 

The breeding Least Terns continued just into September, with one adult and one juvenile still present at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 9/4. “Several” Chimney Swifts were reported among a large flock of swifts along Babel Slough, including Vaux’s and White-throated, on 9/13. AShort-eared Owl was reported along Cherokee Ln in Galt on 9/27 and there were two Common Poorwills found on the lower CRP: one on 9/12 and another on 9/21.

A Least Flycatcher was an excellent report from CRP on 9/16 and single Dusky Flycatcherswere reported from CRP on the same day as well as along Michigan Bar Rd on 9/18. The firstGolden-crowned Kinglet reported this season was at Yolo County’s Grasslands Regional Park on 9/21. Rare warblers included a female or immature  American Redstart found at the Gristmill access to ARP on 9/8 that may have been the same bird first found there on 8/30. A Northern Parula was found along Babel Slough on 9/5 and another was reported from Putah Creek and Mace Blvd on 9/11. A Tennessee Warbler was reported at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/30 and a Blackpoll Warbler was found along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 9/12.  A Black-and-white Warbler was found at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/22, the same site where one was seen by many last fall, and two were reported at the UC Davis Arboretum on 9/29-30. Following on last month’s flurry of Green-tailed Towhee reports, one was photographed along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 9/6. Chipping Sparrows were reported at a feeder near Hazel Ave north of the American River on 9/18, at CRP on 9/21, and at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/23. ABlack-chinned Sparrow found and photographed along Babel Slough on 9/30, continuing into October, was very unexpected and an extremely rare bird for the Valley floor (eBird checklist). Brewer’s Sparrow reports came from Arcade Creek near American River College on 9/14 and Michigan Bar Rd on 9/18.  A female Painted Bunting seen and photographed (photo) at the Ione WTP on 9/12 was a really nice surprise. Among the few Pine Siskin reports was one from Lost Slough at CRP on 9/6.

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, Elliot Chasin, Lisa Couper, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ted Gilliland, Steve Hampton, Scott Hoppe, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Eric LoPresti, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Kevin Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2015

While Sacramento area residents still suffer the hot days of summer, by August there are many birds to keep them company. Shorebird migrant peaks from mid-July through August and by early August the numbers of migrant warblers, flycatchers and other songbirds are often quite impressive, especially in the first couple hours of light on hot summer days. This August, despite the unusually dry conditions brought on by the continued drought, provided many highlights and a good showing of the expected migrant shorebirds and songbirds that keep us heading into the field.

After many reports from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) last month, one-to-two Least Bitterns were seen and photographed at the Bridgeway Island Pond near West Sacramento from 8/7-9. Shorebird highlights included a handful of Willet and Marbled Godwit reports from traditional sites in Yolo County, along with a single  Willet report from Sacramento County at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/7 and a single Marbled Godwit at Cosumnes River Preserve on 8/15. The only  Sanderling report of the month was from the Woodland WTP on 8/7. A Semipalmated Sandpiper was found at Camanche Reservoir in Amador County on 8/7, apparently a first county record, and two were found there the following day. Another Semipalmated Sandpiper was found and photographed at SRWTP from 8/24-26 (eBird checklist). The only August Baird’s Sandpiper reports were of one at the Woodland WTP on 8/12-13 and one at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve off Sunrise Blvd on 8/22, with two reported there on 8/24.

The pair of Least Terns that nested at SRWTP had two flying young on 8/18, though only one juvenile was seen after 8/19. It was regularly seen into early September along with one or both adults. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported calling and was briefly seen near the Mayhew Drain, downstream from the Gristmill access along the American River Parkway (ARP). The male Costa’s Hummingbird that was banded in September 2013 has since been sporadically reported along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters, including several times this August.

Songbird highlights included a female or immature American Redstart found at the Gristmill access to ARP on 8/30. There was a flurry of Green-tailed Towhee reports, with one along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 8/22, one at the Wood Duck Lakes along South River Rd near West Sacramento on 8/26, and one at the Sacramento Bypass off of Rd 126 on 8/30 (eBird checklist). A male Indigo Bunting photographed at YBWA on 8/8-9 was a nice surprise, and a flyover Pine Siskin on 8/31 at Grassland Regional Park in Yolo County was the only one for the season so far.

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, Jon Dunn, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Clifford Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Eric LoPresti, Harry Oakes, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

June - July 2015

June is a very important month for birds, as it is one of their most active breeding months, but for birders in the Sacramento area it is the slowest month in terms of diversity. But the birding drought doesn't last too long, as by the end of June and into August is the best time for shorebird diversity and numbers--plus there usually are a few vagrants to spice things up. Least Bitterns (eBird checklist) were detected at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) from May into July, with adult and juveniles seen in early and mid-July; a single was also found at Mather Lake on 6/12. Ospreys are locally scarce as breeders, so a pair working on a nest along the Sacramento River near Elverta Rd on 7/10 was notable. The two to three Black Rails found singing and calling along the River Walk at CRP continued from 5/23 to at least 6/6. 

Shorebird highlights included a Pacific Golden-Plover at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) 7/25-27 (eBird checklist) and a Snowy Plover at the same location on 7/14. There were a handful of Willet and Marbled Godwit reports in mid-July at both YBWA and Woodland WTP. A molting adult Sanderling found at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 7/21 (eBird checklist) continued for an impressive eight days. Most of the Baird’s Sandpiper reports in our area are of juveniles, so the 7/14-17 report of an adult photographed at the Woodland WTP was notable for its age and for arriving about a month before most of our records for that species. Another early Baird's Sandpiperwas reported at Cosumnes River Preserve on 7/22. A Ruff in partial breeding plumage was found at the Davis Wetlands on 6/29, with another reported from CRP on 7/6. A pair of Least Terns was found at SRWTP on 7/5 (eBird checklist); they nested despite the late date and had two chicks by early August. A single pair nested at SRWTP from 2008-2012, made a brief appearance in 2013, and did not return in 2014, so their reappearance was a pleasant surprise. Another Least Tern was found and photographed on 7/17 at the Woodland WTP.
 
A Long-eared Owl at West Pond in Davis on 7/24 was an unexpected surprise, and a male Costa’s Hummingbird put in an appearance along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 6/23. ALewis’s Woodpecker at Babel Slough on 6/6 was quite a surprise for the date, and the femaleHairy Woodpecker, found with a male earlier in the year along Lake Natoma downstream of Young Wo Circle, continued through at least 6/6.

After an intriguing backlit photo of a kingbird was posted to Facebook the previous day, an experienced birder heard a Cassin’s Kingbird call several times at the William B Pond access to the American River Parkway (ARP) on 6/24, but it was not subsequently detected. A Red-eyed Vireo was a nice find on 6/8 along Cache Creek upstream of Woodland and Rd 94B, accessed from Wild Wings County Park. A California Thrasher photographed at Sailor Bar on 6/21 provided the only record for Sacramento County this year. A Northern Parula was found at the William B Pond access to ARP on 6/25 and a singing male Northern Parula was recorded at the Sacramento Bypass (Yolo County) on 6/29. Grasshopper Sparrows, including recently fledged young, were found along Yolo County Rd 104, south of Rd 38A on 6/29. For the second year in a row, aSummer Tanager took up residence along Wood Duck Slough at the Tall Forest of CRP. This year one was seen and heard singing from at 6/16 to 7/18. A second-year male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was a nice find near the Tall Forest at CRP on 6/19, as was a singing male Indigo Bunting at Spenceville Wildlife Area from 5/30 through at least 6/6.

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: Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Ted Beedy, Brent Campos, Lily Douglas, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Melissa Gates, Maureen Geiger, Ian Gledhill, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Stanton Hunter, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Phil Lutz, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, David Rial, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Gene Trapp, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.