January 2021

Despite the continuing pandemic, the unfolding season allowed for a good escape into the natural world. Storms arrived, some packing a punch, but seasonal rain totals remain historically low. One of the more interesting birds was a male Baikal Teal shot by a hunter on 1/20 at the Delevan NWR just north of the area typically covered here. While it wasn't a bird we could enjoy in life, the record speaks to possibility; this species of Siberia and eastern Asia has been detected in the state fewer than ten times. The striking male Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (eBird checklist) continued into February at the Lost Slough Wetlands of Cosumnes River Preserve. One to three Surf Scoters were found on the San Joaquin River in early January off Sherman Island in extreme southwestern Sacramento County. Two White-winged Scoters (eBird checklist) spent the month, starting 1/2, near the Folsom Lake dam, accounting for just the third occurrence of this species in Sacramento County (all since 2017). A Red-breasted Merganser continued, moving between Beals Pt and near the Folsom Lake dam, and a Red-necked Grebe first found on 1/10 exhibited a similar pattern. Another Red-necked Grebe was found in the shipping channel in West Sacramento on 1/27, continuing into February.

One of the most widely enjoyed birds in recent memory was a cooperative male Broad-billed Hummingbird (eBird checklist), found on 1/29 in a private yard in central Davis by brand new birders who then opened their yard to dozens of socially-distanced visitors into February. A very rare but near annual wanderer to Southern California, this species is a great find in the northern half of the state. A Costa's Hummingbird was a nice surprise in Folsom on 1/24. Last month's Black-headed Gull continued at the Stockton WTP through at least 1/17, and the Glaucous Gull near the Nimbus Hatchery continued through 1/6. A Yellow-billed Loon (eBird checklist) was a great find, seen by many from 1/14 through at least 1/24 on the Mokelumne River, near the Tower Park Marina and Hwy 12. Two Pacific Loons continued on Folsom Lake, often near the Sacramento/Placer county line.

An Eastern Phoebe (eBird checklist) found on 1/24 along Cache Creek near the Wild Wings County Park was enjoyed by many into February. A Tropical Kingbird at Reichmuth Park 1/31 also continued, providing the fourth record for Sacramento County and the first continuing bird in a legitimate, public location. A vigorously calling Pacific-slope Flycatcher was a nice surprise at Sherman Island on 1/1, and a Cassin's Vireo was seen in residential Davis from 1/12-24. Up to 40 Mountain Bluebirds were enjoyed by many along the short section of Meiss Rd north of the Cosumnes River. A calling Evening Grosbeak was reported in Elk Grove on 1/2, and in keeping with this finchy winter season, two Cassin's Finches were reported at Rollingwood Buffs near Lake Natoma on 1/13, with up to 25 along Rayhouse Rd on 1/23, and one to two found in an Orangevale yard (eBird checklist) on 1/29 were enjoyed by many visitors into February. And finally, a flock of Red Crossbills was reported in Citrus Heights on 1/8.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Dan Brown, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Will Hemstrom, Isaac Henderson, Adrian Hinkle, Jim Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Augie Kramer, Adam Kucharek, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Lori Markoff, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Bart Wickel, Lynette Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2020

Despite the COVID pandemic leading to the cancellation of many local CBCs, there was good quantity and quality of bird reports throughout the region. Very dry conditions have characterized most of the fall and winter, but where the wetlands had water, bird numbers were good. Waterfowl highlights included a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal on 12/15 at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) and the returning hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler at the Lost Slough Wetlands of Cosumnes River Preserve. A Greater Scaup along the American River Parkway (ARP) upstream of the Mayhew Drain from 12/25 into January was unusual for the region away from Delta. A Surf Scoter was reported off Sherman Island on 12/12, and Red-breasted Merganser reports included one off Beals Pt at Folsom Lake for most of the month, another off Tyler Island on 12/23, and multiples at the Amador County portion of Lake Camanche along with two Red-necked Grebes on 12/22.

The American Golden-Plover found at the Woodland WTP continued through at least 12/19, which is extremely late in the season for this species. A lingering Semipalmated Plover was at the YBWA on 12/5 and the Woodland WTP through 12/15. A little south of the area typically covered here, a Black-headed Gull (eBird checklist) found at the Stockton WTP from 12/5 into January deserves mentioning, along with a Franklin's Gull at the same site from 12/4-15. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found near the Nimbus Hatchery from 12/1-2, and a second-cycle bird was found in the same area on 12/22-27. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was near the Yolo Landfill from 12/7-28. A striking first-cycle Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) caused a stir downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery from 12/14 into January; a second-cycle bird was near the Yolo County Landfill on 12/27. A Pacific Loon was first found off Brown's Ravine at Folsom Lake on 12/5, and one to two continued off Folsom Point and/or Beals Point into the new year; one to two Pacific Loons were in Amador County waters of Lake Camanche on 12/22.

A calling Northern Pygmy-Owl was reported downstream of the Gristmill access to the ARP on 12/5. A Long-eared Owl was found at Mississippi Bar from 12/10-11, and up to four Short-eared Owls were seen at Sherman Island during the first half of the month. An American Dipper was reported along Sweetwater Creek just upstream of Folsom Lake on 12/4, and the returning dipper continued along Putah Creek near the Hwy 128 bridge downstream of Lake Berryessa. A Sage Thrasher was found on private land from 12/21-23 off Central Ave in Yolo County where it meets the Deep Water Ship Channel. A Townsend's Solitaire was a nice surprise on 12/20 at Sailor Bar. Evening Grosbeak reports included one in Davis on 12/1 and two over Elk Slough in Yolo County on 12/24. One to two Cassin's Finches (eBird checklist) were found and photographed in Davis from 12/3-7, and a Red Crossbill was reported over Rosemont on 12/14. A Black-throated Sparrow continued on private property near Lake Solano and a Lark Bunting (eBird checklist) was found and photographed at the YBWA on 12/30. Unlike recent winters, no unusual wintering warblers were reported this month.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Steve Abbott, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Jonathan Eisen, Elias Elias, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Brad Holtz, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Lindsey Mitchell, Frances Oliver, Adam Panto, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Ed Whisler, Lynette Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2020

The most attention-grabbing bird this November was a Bean-Goose found along Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/14 among the tens of thousands of Greater White-fronted Geese. It was seen the following morning by the early birders, but flew off and was refound only briefly. Despite a concerted effort on subsequent days, the bird was not reported again. During long periods when most of the geese had their heads tucked it would be nearly impossible to separate it from the white-fronts. Most observers are provisionally calling this a Tundra Bean-Goose (eBird checklist), though the identification between it and the Taiga Bean-Goose can be tricky, with at least some individuals appearing intermediate. The two Bean-Geese have only been officially treated as separate species since 2007, and the California Bird Records Committee has accepted just two records so far (a Tundra Bean-Goose and a Taiga/Tundra Bean-Goose). The immature Surf Scoter first found on 10/24 downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP), continued through 11/4, and another was found off Sherman Island on 11/15. Red-breasted Merganser reports included one off Beals Pt at Folsom Lake on 11/19-30, one at the Woodland WTP on 11/22, plus up to four on Lake Camanche on 11/24.

Flocks of up to 50 Band-tailed Pigeons over Davis may have been fire refugees, as thousands of acres of their Coast Range habitat were burned over the summer. An American Golden-Plover found at the Woodland WTP on 11/28 (eBird checklist), continuing into December, was an excellent find and very late in the season for this species. Winter Golden-Plovers are usually of the Pacific variety. Mountain Plover reports have declined precipitously in the past two decades, so a flock reported for much of the month along Hwy 45 north of Knights Landing, with a high of 37, was encouraging. A report of 200+ along Robinson Rd in Solano County on 11/23 brings to mind the glory days of decades past. Pacific Loon reports included one on Lake Natoma from 11/2-4, one to two between 11/2-13 off Beals Pt, and multiples on Lake Camanche on 11/24 (eBird checklist), along with perhaps record numbers of Common Loons there.

Long-eared Owls were more widely reported than usual, with singles near Esparto on 11/15, from Ryer Island on 11/16, Cache Creek Preserve on 11/17, at Mississippi Bar on 11/20, and near Davis on 11/25. One was flushed at CRP on 11/28 along with two owls that got away unidentified. Spenceville Wildlife Area hosted an impressive 62 Lewis's Woodpeckers on 11/24. An Evening Grosbeak was reported at Sailor Bar (ARP) on 11/19, and Red Crossbills were fairly widely reported, including small flocks in Orangevale on 11/3 and 11/20, nine on 11/9 at Rollingwood Bluffs (eBird. checklist) near Lake Natoma, one at Verde Cruz Creek in Orangevale on 11/10, one at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 11/8, and another at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 11/23. Purple Finches continue to be more widespread and numerous than at any time in recent memory and Pine Siskins are in very good numbers as well. A Black-throated Sparrow was a nice surprise on 11/30 adjacent to Lake Solano, and single Yellow Warbler reports were very late for the season at CRP on 11/15 and 11/28.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Birds Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Peter Grunow, Denise and David Hamilton, Steve Hampton, Hugh B. Harvey, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Logan Kahle, Kathy Kayner, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, John Trochet, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2020

After the amazing list of finds last month, things were bound to settle down a bit, but there were still many interesting reports to go through. An immature Surf Scoter was a very nice find on 10/24 (eBird checklist) along the American River, downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP), continuing into November. A Red-necked Grebe was quite a surprise, reported mid-month from the El Dorado Hills WTP. Reports of Common Poorwills in migration this fall were few, but one was found along a service road at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/6, and another was seen in a driveway adjacent to the east side of CRP, west of Galt, for a few days mid-month. These birds are typically found by their eyeshine in vehicle headlights as they perch on little-travelled roads after dark.

Shorebird numbers continued fairly high, but rarities were limited, with a Red Knot from 10/5-8 (eBird checklist) at the Sacramento Regional WTP (just the third record for the county and the first in twenty years). A Parasitic Jaeger was reported at Folsom Lake from Folsom Point on the early morning of 10/28, and a Long-eared Owl was found in the Sacramento Bypass (Yolo County) on 10/19. Overlooked in last month's column was the report of a dead Flammulated Owl found in the Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento on 9/25. This species is rarely detected in migration, away from its mid-elevation breeding grounds.

A female Vermilion Flycatcher was reported at the Woodland WTP on 10/31, and a "Solitary Vireo" with characteristics pointing toward Blue-headed Vireo was seen on 10/19 at CRP. We might be in for a good winter of irruptive finches, with higher than typical numbers and reports of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins throughout the region. Single Evening Grosbeaks were reported on 10/17 in east Davis and near Cal Expo on 10/28. Red Crossbills were reported from east Davis, with 12 on 10/27, and at least one on 10/29. A late Grasshopper Sparrow was a nice find along Desmond Rd at CRP on 10/31, away from its low foothill, grassland haunts. Late Yellow-breasted Chats were nice surprises from Elk Slough in southern Yolo County on 10/3 and from Sailor Bar (ARP) on 10/16 (eBird checklist). A Tennessee Warbler was reported along Babel Slough on 10/4 and again on 10/9, and a Blackpoll Warbler was found on 10/2 at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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, Bill Avery, Max Brodie, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Barbara Leary, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Sonia Santa Anna, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2020

With the continued severe smoke on top of a worldwide pandemic, this is not the September that any of us would have chosen. Yet, looking back after this round of smoke has cleared, with fine particles deep in our lungs, the list of birds recorded in September 2020 is remarkable in both the number and diversity of rarities. There were also some interesting Valley floor records of species that likely fled their Coast Range haunts ahead of the fires. Among the latter was a Hairy Woodpecker in north Davis on 9/11 through at least 9/20, a higher than usual number of Green-tailed Towhees reported locally, and a Rufous-crowned Sparrow, very rare on the flats of the Valley, at Babel Slough on 9/19. A Chimney Swift reported on 9/10 from the Harrington Way access to the American River Parkway (ARP) is among a handful of reports of this enigmatic species in the region. Among the interesting shorebird records was a Ruff (eBird checklist) in Colusa County on 9/29-30 in a flooded field off of Sycamore Cuttoff between Hwys 20 and 45. A Sanderling (eBird checklist) was at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 9/9-10, and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper (eBird checklist) at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 9/22-23 accounted for one of very few historical records of this species in the area.

A Long-eared Owl was a nice find in a closed portion of the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/21, as was a Least Flycatcher along Babel Slough Rd on 9/5. An early Pacific Wren was found at Reichmuth Park on 9/26, and a Varied Thrush was also early on 9/20 at Elk Slough near Clarksburg. A Gray Catbird was an excellent find in the largely burned-over Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters on 9/27-29. One to two Clay-colored Sparrows were found at Folsom Point, Folsom Lake, from 9/12-15 along with a few of the more expected but still notable Brewer's Sparrows. Single Vesper Sparrows were found at Folsom Point on 9/4, at Sailor Bar along the ARP on 9/21, and at Don Nottoli Park along the northern border of the Stone Lakes NWR on 9/26. A Bobolink was an excellent find on 9/22 in a closed portion of the CRP.

Among the impressive warblers found this September was a Northern Waterthrush along Putah Creek, downstream of Winters, on 9/7-9, and another at Bushy Lake in the ARP on 9/12. A Black-and-white Warbler (ebird checklist) was found at Babel Slough on 9/4 and 9/15, and the bird continuing from last month in the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve was reported through at least 9/12. Single Tennessee Warblers were widely reported, including at Verde Cruz Creek on 9/3, near the intersection of Fair Oaks and Greenback, at Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 9/10, along Putah Creek near Mace Blvd on 9/20, and at Lodi Lake on 9/22-23. A Kentucky Warbler was heard-only at the CRP on 9/3, but called back and forth to a recording. An American Redstart was seen briefly in the River Park neighborhood near Sac State on 9/23, and a Northern Parula was at Ancil Hoffman Park in the ARP on 9/14, with another along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 9/25-26. A Magnolia Warbler on 9/20 along Pumphouse Rd near Clarksburg was a nice surprise, as was a Blackburnian Warbler seen by many (eBird checklist) on 9/4-5 downstream of Pedrick Rd, near Levee Rd; another Blackburnian Warbler was at the CRP on 9/25, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler was also at the CRP on 9/18. As many as three Blackpoll Warblers accounted for observations in the vicinity of the Gristmill access to the ARP, with one on 9/15, two on 9/16, and subsequent reports on 9/20-23; just across the river at William B. Pond, there were reports on 9/19 and 9/27. Another Blackpoll Warbler was found at the CRP on 9/21, and a male Summer Tanager was at the CRP on 9/18. Wow.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Lief Gallagher, Susan Goodrich, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Sean McAllister, Dan Murphy, Roger Muskat, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Steve Scott, Gavin Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, Dan Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2020

As the list of species below attests, August is one of the most exciting months for bird migration. This August was severely impacted by major fires in the region, particularly in the Vacaville and Winters areas, where many lost their homes from fires sparked by an intense lightning storm, rare for our region. Subsequent air quality was historically bad, making time in the field unhealthful or at least a lot less enjoyable than it otherwise would be. Of course, while many of us have a choice to be outside, nothing stops migration, and interesting birds kept moving through the area. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo at the Sutter NWR on 8/26 (eBird checklist) was a very nice find. The only Least Bittern of the month was reported at Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 8/9

Topping the list of shorebird reports for the month was a Stilt Sandpiper reported on 8/13 at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). Single Semipalmated Sandpipers were found at the Arbuckle WTP on 8/8, the Woodland WTP on 8/16, the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/19-21 (eBird checklist), CRP on 8/23, and the Linda WTP in Sutter County on 8/28. Solitary Sandpipers were found along Woodbridge Rd on 8/1-2, East Catlett Rd on 8/25-26, and the Linda WTP on 8/28. Least Terns were last recorded for the year at SRWTP on 8/6, with an adult and fledged young tern perched together.

This "fall" appears to be shaping up as having a regionally strong migration of Green-tailed Towhees throughout the state and beyond, with local reports in a Davis yard on 8/26, a West Sacramento yard on 8/30, continuing into early September, and at Boulder Ridge Park near Loomis on 8/31. Vagrant warblers are perhaps the most valued currency of the season. Highlights included a Black-and-White Warbler on 8/23 on the Solano County side of Putah Creek (ebird checklist) near the Pedrick Rd bridge, continuing into September, and a female-type Hooded Warbler nearby also on 8/23. On 8/27, an adult male American Redstart was found at Paradise Beach; others searching found a female of the same species on the same day. A Northern Parula was seen by several observers at Ancil Hoffman Park on 8/27-29, and a Canada Warbler was reported on 8/26 at Gibson Ranch County Park.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Brent Campos, Lyann Comrack, Colin Dillingham, Sid England, Jim Gain, Lief Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Mark Martucci, Gary Mele, Frances Oliver, Asher Perla, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Ryan Rickman, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Judy Spitler, Lucas Stephenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

July 2020

As is often the case in July, most of the highlights came in the form of shorebirds. By month's end, songbird migration had also picked up, with fair numbers of Wilson's Warblers, Western Tanagers, and even a few Hermit Warblers reported. A good collection of summering ducks was found at the Woodland WTP, including  Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye. A Bufflehead also spent the month at Sailor Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP), and a young male Common Goldeneye did the same downstream, below the Gristmill access. A Red-necked Grebe was quite a surprise at the Woodland WTP on 7/26.

Among the good numbers of migrating shorebirds, the highlight of the month was a Pacific Golden-Plover at CRP on 7/26. A photographed Snowy Plover was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 7/9. Single Semipalmated Sandpipers were reported from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area from 7/16-29, with two on 7/24, at the Woodland WTP on 7/12, the Davis Wetlands on 7/25, and along Desmond Rd at CRP on 7/19. A Solitary Sandpiper was found at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 7/20, with likely a different bird on 7/29-30; another was found at the Sutter NWR on 7/22. Reports of single Willets came from the Woodland WTP for much of the month after 7/18, SRWTP on 7/15, CRP on 7/18, as well as 7/24-25, and five were found at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 7/27. After a couple of failed nesting attempts, two pairs of Least Terns each raised a single chick to full size (ebird checklist) at SRWTP (under the watchful eyes of Swainson's Hawks and Common Ravens), with at least one of them seen flying strongly before departing in August. The terns at this site are the only regularly nesting pairs (one pair since 2008, with two pairs for the past two years) of the species in the Central Valley.

Over 100 Swainson's Hawks were reported on 7/23, attracted to ag fields east of I-5, between Lambert Rd and Twin Cities Rd. A photographed hatch-year Hermit Thrush was an interesting find at River Bend Park, ARP, on 7/22 (ebird.org checklist). The species doesn't breed in the Valley, so it likely travelled from the Sierra or points north well before this species is typically found around Sacramento. A Yellow-breasted Chat continued from June until at least 7/10 at Sailor Bar, ARP. A Black-and-White Warbler was an excellent find at Ancil Hoffman Park, ARP, on 7/28-29 where they have been found before in recent years, and a Summer Tanager was quite a surprise in the Sutter Buttes on 7/28.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Brian Acord, Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Farley Cross, Todd Easterla, Maureen Geiger, Eli Gross, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Peter Sands, Steve Scott, John Toldi, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

June 2020

June is undoubtedly the slowest birding month in the Sacramento area in terms of species diversity, but this month had more surprises than one would expect. By June, nearly all of the songbird migrants have passed through, though any lingering migrants found are likely as not to be something of interest. By the last week of the month, the first wave of shorebird migrants signal that the slow times are about over. A Snow Goose photographed at the Davis Wetlands on 6/9 was quite unexpected. Also on 6/9, two female Hooded Mergansers with young were found at the normally closed Valensin portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), confirming continued breeding by this species in our area. 

A presumed Vaux's Swift was found near the I St Purple Martin colony, adjacent to the Railroad Museum, into the second half of the month. By then, it seemed just as likely to be a Chimney Swift, but a convincing decision on the bird's species has yet to be rendered. Vaux's Swifts are regular migrants through the area, but there are summer records of Chimney Swifts, and one record of presumed breeding in Yolo County, after nearly all of the Vaux's have passed through. Among a smattering of early shorebirds, two Willets were a nice find at CRP on 6/20. A young Bald Eagle fledged from a nest in the Tall Forest at CRP by 6/19, provided the first successful nesting record for the lower Preserve.

For June, there were some really notable songbird records. A Pine Siskin  photographed in a Davis yard on 6/9 was unexpected for the date. The area's first nesting Chipping Sparrows along the edge of CRP's Tall Forest fledged at least two young (ebird. checklist) and continued to be found through 6/21. A Dark-eyed Junco feeding a recently fledged young bird on the UC Davis campus was a surprise on 6/12 and the first nesting record for the campus. A Yellow-breasted Chat was reported almost daily at Sailor Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP) throughout the month and into July. For the second month in a row, a Kentucky Warbler was found; this time it was Sacramento County's first on 6/10 at a closed portion of CRP. A female American Redstart along Babel Slough on 6/8 was a nice find. Up to 10 Yellow Warblers were singing in the vicinity of the Accidental Forest, northeast of the Tall Forest at CRP, with breeding confirmed by early July. This is an unprecedented number for the area, but the forest quality continues to improve, with well over a mile of unbroken, early successional riparian forest. A gorgeous singing male Chestnut-sided Warbler along ARP (ebird checklist), downstream of the Gristmill access, was found on 6/10 and briefly on 6/11. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found at a closed and seldom-visited portion of CRP on 6/6. On the same day and in the vicinity, among at least 15 Lazuli Buntings, was a hybrid Lazuli x Indigo that was blue except for white wing bars and a white belly. A young male Indigo Bunting was seen and photographed by many from 6/10-15 at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (ebird checklist).

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Andy Engilis, Irene Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Jason Riggio, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Jim Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

May 2020

Certainly by mid-month, many people were getting out in the field and traveling more widely than they had during the first month and a half of the stay-at-home order for COVID-19. The migration came in fits and starts, with some really high numbers of regular songbird migrants in early May and a few vagrants peppered in, raising excitement levels. A young male Common Goldeneye lingered through at least 5/26 along the American River Parkway (ARP) near Paradise Beach and another young male was reported on the Delta Shores Circle pond, just north of the Bufferlands, on 5/23. Black Swifts are rarely encountered on the Valley floor, and when they are, it is usually during periods of unsettled weather. This May, singles were reported from Sailor Bar along the ARP on 5/13 and 5/25.

Among the shorebird highlights was a Sanderling in breeding plumage at the Woodland WTP on 5/18 (eBird checklist). A Solitary Sandpiper was found at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/4, and one was found on the same date at the Yolo County Central Landfill Pond. A bigger surprise came in the form of four Red Phalaropes in a flooded field near the Davis Wetlands on 5/18. Least Terns were first noted back at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 5/8, with two pairs attempting nesting; success is difficult, with a high level of predation by Common Ravens,  Swainson's Hawks, and others on the young of nesting stilts and avocets, as well as the terns. Sacramento County's second Glossy Ibis was found along Desmond Rd at CRP from 5/5-7 (eBird checklist).

Among the songbird highlights were typically wintering species found later than usual into spring, including a very late Golden-crowned Kinglet singing at Twitchell Island on 5/21, and a singing brown (female-type) Purple Finch at CRP on 5/12. Unprecedented numbers of Chipping Sparrows were reported in April, but much more surprising was a nesting pair found in a closed portion of CRP in mid-May and continuing into June, establishing the first breeding record for the county and perhaps for the Valley floor. A Brewer's Sparrow was a nice find along the grassland portion of Michigan Bar Rd on 5/25. Good numbers of Yellow-breasted Chats were reported, including one apparently on territory at Sailor Bar. Notable vagrants included a  Tennessee Warbler (eBird checklist) at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 5/9, a  Kentucky Warbler, exceedingly rare for the region, seen by many at Yolo Grasslands Regional Park on 5/27, a male Hooded Warbler at CRP on 5/29, and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at CRP on 5/16.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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: Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Matthew Doyle, Konshau Duman, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Mike Guard, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Novak, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, Dan Williams, Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

April 2020

Despite (and to some degree because of) travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a lot of bird observation was happening--much from near home and some a little farther afield. The male Eurasian Green-winged Teal continued through at least 4/3 at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on the Lost Slough Wetlands. Band-tailed Pigeon reports included one from a Wilton yard on 4/19 and two flying on the west side of Lake Natoma on 4/24. Unprecedented numbers of Calliope Hummingbird reports came in this April (eBird checklist) with at least 18 distinct individuals reported from Sacramento County alone.

A Golden-Plover not identified to species was among hundreds of Black-bellied Plovers on 4/7 at the Robben Rd Ponds southeast of Dixon. Good numbers of shorebirds were reported at CRP, highlighted by 145 Semipalmated Plovers on 4/22. A Semipalmated Sandpiper, very rare for spring (and perhaps the first for Sacramento County in spring) was found at CRP on 4/25. On 4/14, a Stilt Sandpiper was reported among good numbers of other shorebirds (eBird checklist), including five Willets, and a Marbled Godwit at the Woodland WTP. Solitary Sandpipers were found at CRP on 4/14 and 4/20 and at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) from 4/16-19. A winnowing flight display by two Wilson's Snipe at the marsh at the end of Payen Rd, just into El Dorado County, was a nice surprise on 4/12. The only two Least Bittern reports came from the Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 4/12 and YBWA on 4/27. A possible Glossy Ibis was seen at YBWA on 4/11.

Nesting Bald Eagles are increasing locally, and now include a nest with a chick at the Tall Forest portion of CRP. A Northern Pygmy-Owl was an excellent find on 4/17 at a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County. One of the biggest surprises was a Long-eared Owl photographed as it was being harassed by crows in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento on the late date of 4/29. A Hairy Woodpecker was found on the east side of Lake Natoma on 4/21 where they have been found in recent years. There were impressive numbers of rare to uncommon empids reported, including Hammond's, Gray, and Dusky flycatchers; many of the reports came from sites along the upper portion of the American River Parkway, such as Sailor Bar. A Plumbeous Vireo was reported at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 4/15. On a busy morning for migrants along Putah Creek near Fishing Access #1 on 4/18, an American Dipper was a nice surprise, especially so late in the season. A Townsend's Solitaire was found at the Old Fellows section of the Sacramento City Cemetery on 4/21, and there was a flurry of reports of Red-breasted Nuthatches from multiple sites toward the end of the month. There were continued reports of good numbers of Chipping Sparrows, such as along the upper ARP, and an impressive 25 were found over a long day at a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 4/17; a Brewer's Sparrow was found on the same visit. Single Brewer's Sparrows were also reported on Meiss Rd on 4/16 (eBird checklist) and 4/26. While good numbers of regular species were reported, there were no unexpected warblers detected this April.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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: Max Brodie, Elliot Chasin, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Desiree Haight, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Will Hemstrom, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Steve Scott, Mark Stephenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

Calliopes For Spring

There were at least 18 individual Calliope Hummingbirds reported in Sacramento County this April through eBird. As a comparison, in the previous four Aprils there were between two and eight reported. Calliopes are fairly rare migrants (or at least rarely found) in the Valley and appear to be found slightly more often from Fair Oaks east than on the flats of the Valley. They breed in the Sierra and elsewhere in the western mountains. Away from feeders, they have been reported several times feeding on wild radish as well as blooming locust trees. One can only speculate whether the increased numbers this April were from people staying local and watching their feeders, or if there really was an increase of North America's smallest hummingbird passing through our neighborhoods. My guess is that it was a combination of the two.

March 2020

The first half of the month was more or less a typical March in the Sacramento region, but with stay-at-home orders ramping up in the latter half of the month in response to COVID-19, there was a significant decrease in bird reports from many local hotspots. For the birds, spring was still unfolding, and early spring migrants like Western Kingbirds, Hooded Orioles, and Bullock's Orioles were in place before month's end. Birders too were getting out when they could, reporting the continuing presence of Colusa County's first Garganey, found on 2/26 off of White Rd east of I-5 and continuing into April. A possible Garganey was also reported at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 3/25 but was not refound, while a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal was reported at CRP on and off throughout the month. A male Costa's Hummingbird was heard calling in north Davis on 3/5, and a male Allen's Hummingbird was reported at CRP on 3/28. An immature Glaucous Gull was seen sporadically in the first half of the month between the Yolo County Central Landfill Pond, adjacent ponds along Rds 103 and 104, and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA).

A couple of wintering empids were notable for the region. A Hammond's Flycatcher found at CRP on 3/21 was likely the same bird found a few times beginning in early January. A Dusky Flycatcher in north Davis was found on 3/5 through the end of the month. It was seen, recorded calling, and photographed by multiple observers (eBird checklist). The Northern Shrike found on 2/29 at the Colusa Garganey location continued through at least 3/20. An early-arriving Warbling Vireo was found at CRP on 3/27, and an Evening Grosbeak was a nice surprise in Sacramento near 42nd St and U St on 3/9. 

While the Vermilion Flycatcher left before March began, the Clay-colored Sparrow first found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued until at least 3/9. A Sagebrush Sparrow was an excellent find along Robinson Rd south of Dixon on 3/3-4 (eBird checklist). A small flock of Vesper Sparrows along English Hills Rd between Vacaville and Winters became more interesting when a banded individual was photographed (eBird checklist). It was later learned that the bird had been banded just south of Tacoma, Washington, and was only the second from the banding project to be reported on the wintering grounds; the first was also found by local birders in the Capay Valley in November 2018. This is important information about the movements of this declining subspecies known as the Oregon Vesper Sparrow . Additional notable reports included the continuing Harris's Sparrow in Woodland, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the YBWA, and a Yellow Warbler found at CRP on 3/28 that was quite unexpected so early in the season. A Red-naped Sapsucker found near the Mayhew Drain (downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway) was found in late February and inadvertently left out of last month's column.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Gil Ewing, Douglas Hall, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Stan Hunter, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Dave Quady, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2020

For the first time in recorded history, we had absolutely no rain in February. That's not to say that the region was devoid of waterfowl. Colusa County's first Garganey was found on 2/26 off of White Rd (eBird checklist), east of I-5 at Harrington, and continued into March. A Eurasian Green-winged Teal (eBird checklist) was seen sporadically at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA). The White-winged Dove found on 1/24 along Meiss Rd to the west of Dillard Rd continued through at least 2/2. A male Costa's Hummingbird was visiting feeders in southeastern Davis mid-month, and an Allen's Hummingbird was seen by multiple observers visiting flowering eucalyptus on Sherman Island from 2/12 through at least 2/24, with a displaying male and at least three other Rufous/Allen's Hummingbirds seen. This Delta location is just beyond the edge of the regular breeding range for this species.

A Marbled Godwit at the YBWA on 2/23 was a nice find for the season, and a Ruff (eBird checklist) at the same location on 2/27 was even more unexpected. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo Landfill Pond on 2/25, and perhaps different adult was found at the YBWA on 2/26. An adult Slaty-backed Gull was photographed on 2/15 (eBird checklist) along Yolo County Rd 104 where likely the same bird had been found earlier in the season. Rough-legged Hawks are much less expected than they were two decades ago, but this winter they continue to be reported fairly regularly from good raptor locations in the region. A wintering flock of at least ten Long-eared Owls was found on 2/22 in a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) where the flock had been found in November and December, but missed in January. 

The young male Vermilion Flycatcher first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued to 2/26, but was missed thereafter. The Gray Flycatcher, first found on 1/4 along the River Walk at CRP, continued through at least 2/21. A Northern Shrike was found on 2/29 and seen by many into March near the Colusa Garganey location. The Plumbeous Vireo reported in Winters on 12/8 continued through at least 2/20, and a singing Cassin's Vireo at Slidehill Park in Davis on 2/26 was also notable for the date. Two Evening Grosbeaks were heard and seen near Sac St. on 2/16. A Lark Bunting was found (eBird checklist) on 2/1 along Yolo County Rd 86 to the north of Rd 16 and continued through the end of the month. The Clay-colored Sparrow found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued into mid-March. Additional notable reports included the continuing Harris's Sparrow in Woodland, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the YBWA, and a Black-and-white Warbler at Bobelaine on 2/1. The continuing Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis, first found on 10/27 at San Marino Park, was only sporadically found through at least 2/29.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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, Kathy Blankenship, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Leif Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Stan Hunter, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ken Schneider, Steve Scott, Dave Shuford, Ken Sobon, Gavin Stacey, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Bart Wichel, Dan Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2020

Many of the notable birds this month were found on or continued from the local Christmas Bird Counts. After decent rains in December, this January was mostly dry, and the disconcerting pattern continued through press time. Notable waterfowl were headlined by the apparent return of last winter's Garganey to Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento; it was reported from 1/3 through the end of the month, though still mostly in eclipse plumage. One of the more striking birds found was a male hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler seen and photographed from 1/3 into February. The female/immature Red-breasted Merganser first found downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/17 continued sporadically through at least 1/10. A Band-tailed Pigeon was found in the Pocket/Greenhaven area of Sacramento on 1/1, and Sacramento County's second record of White-winged Dove was found on 1/24 among dozens of Mourning Doves and Eurasian-Collared Doves coming to seed along Meiss Rd to the west of Dillard Rd through the end of the month

It has been a good winter for Western Sandpipers in the Valley, and five were found on Sherman Island on 1/26. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported along Yolo Rd 104 on 1/1, and an adult Slaty-backed Gull (eBird checklist) was photographed at the same location on 1/31. A Barred Owl found on private property in south Davis was reported publicly on 12/11. It turned up again on 1/12, where it was seen and photographed (eBird checklist), but became tangled in a net at a fish pond on 1/13 and was taken to the UC Davis Raptor Center. Because this expanding species is a threat to Spotted Owls, it will likely remain in captivity. A wintering flock of Long-eared Owls was found on private land near Sloughhouse, with a high of 15 or more birds reported. A Common Poorwill found on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/15 was a nice surprise so early in the season.

The Tropical Kingbird first found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23 continued through at least 1/11. The young male Vermilion Flycatcher, becoming increasingly bright red, first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued into February. There was a good showing of wintering Empidonax flycatchers at Cosumnes River Preserve. A Hammond's Flycatcher was found in the Tall Forest on 1/2, while a Gray Flycatcher (found 1/4: eBird checklist) and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher (found 12/29) were found on public trails and continued into February. The Plumbeous Vireo reported in Winters on 12/8 continued through at least 1/6. The Clay-colored Sparrow found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued into February. Additional notable reports included up to 45 Mountain Bluebirds along Meiss Rd west of Dillard Rd (first found on 1/15), two Lawrence's Goldfinches (much harder to find in winter) on 1/15 on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and the continuing Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis, first found on 10/27 at San Marino Park and continuing through at least 1/13.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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: Max Brodie, Gil Ewing, Marc Fenner, Ben Graber, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Ronan Nicholson, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, Lucas Stephenson, Mark Stephenson, Thomas Tinsley, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2019

The extended dry period this fall finally broke up in late November, with moderate rainfall occurring on and off throughout December. Many of the interesting birds for the period were found during local Christmas Bird Counts or from increased scouting and followup visits the counts inspired. Among notable waterfowl was a female/immature Red-breasted Merganser  (eBird checklist) downstream and later in the vicinity of the Nimbus Hatchery. It was first reported on 12/17 and found sporadically into January. A well-photographed male Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (eBird checklist) was at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 12/27.

Lesser Black-backed Gull reports continue to increase in our region. On 12/21, a third cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Landfill Pond and an adult was at the Davis WTP on the same day. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was photographed (eBird checklist) at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve on 12/21 and refound there for a few days. It or another adult was also found near the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/28. Two Glaucous Gulls were found on 12/20 along Yolo Rd 104, with probably the same birds found at the nearby Yolo County Landfill on 12/21. An adult Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) was photographed just downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/29. A Barred Owl (eBird checklist) on private property in south Davis, apparently the first for the Central Valley, was reported publicly on 12/11. It was roosting in a barn and adjacent trees and turned up again in early January. Approximately 12 Long-eared Owls continued at a communal roost on 12/28 on a portion of Cosumnes River Preserve with restricted access.

The Tropical Kingbird found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23 continued into January, as did the young male Vermilion Flycatcher, becoming increasingly bright red, first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30. A Plumbeous Vireo was found in Winters from 12/8 through at least 12/15. Tanzanite Park also produced a Clay-colored Sparrow (eBird checklist), first found and photographed on 12/27; it continued through at least 12/29 in the vicinity at a private yard. Additional notable reports included a Harris's Sparrow (eBird checklist) visiting a Woodland yard on 12/13, the continuing Swamp Sparrow at YBWA, an Evening Grosbeak at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 12/14, four Red Crossbills over a Carmichael yard on 12/28, and a Tennessee Warbler found in Davis on 12/29 near the Birch Lane Elementary School. The Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis found on 10/27 at San Marino Park continued through the end of the month, while a Wilson's Warbler was a surprise near Larchmont Park along the American River Parkway on 12/8, as was an unseasonable Black-headed Grosbeak at Lake Solano on 12/15.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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: Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Suzanne Day, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Rich Howard, Emmett Iverson, Tony Kurz, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Dan Murphy, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2019

Dry weather continued through most of the month with warm, calm, and sunny days. While many took advantage of the beautiful weather to get out in the field, much-need rain finally came at month's-end, easing fears of another round of devastating fires. A Brant at the Woodland WTP and environs on 11/6-7 was a first Yolo County record (eBird checklist). A hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler male was found for the second year in a row at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/9, and two Redheads at CRP's Lost Slough Wetlands were a nice find for Sacramento County, where they are far less regular than in Yolo County.

In contrast to recent months, unusual shorebird records did not steal the show despite good numbers where habitat was available. A few Western Sandpipers, rare after mid-October, did linger through the end of the month at the Woodland WTP and at the Sacramento Regional WTP, with a high of seven toward the end of the month. First-cycle Glaucous and Lesser Black-backed gulls were reported at the Yolo County Landfill (eBird checklist), beginning on 11/16, while a first-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported near the Nimbus Hatchery on 11/29.  Approximately ten Long-eared Owls were found at a communal roost on 11/30 at the same location as the previous winter on a portion of CRP with restricted access.

One of the month's highlights came in the form of a Tropical Kingbird found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23. Only the third record for Sacramento County, and the first seen by many observers, viewing was still difficult because of a lack of parking and private property concerns at the remote location. Greater access difficulty surrounded a more unexpected species: Yolo County's first Pygmy Nuthatch was found in West Sacramento on 11/21 where it persisted for a few days along a railroad line behind the police station. The young male Vermilion Flycatcher found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued to at least late November. Other interesting finds included a "Western Flycatcher" (Pacific-slope Flycatcher expected) at CRP's Lost Slough on 11/2; a Cassin's Vireo along CRP's River Walk on 11/9; the returning Swamp Sparrow at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (eBird checklist), and a long-overdue first Swamp Sparrow at the Sacramento Regional WTP Bufferlands on 11/26; an Evening Grosbeak in Carmichael on 11/26; and calling flyover Red Crossbills near the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway on 11/1, east Davis on 11/3, and the Arden neighborhood in Sacramento on 11/4 . The Worm-eating Warbler found in southeastern Davis on 10/27 at San Marino Park continued through at least 11/16 (eBird checklist). 

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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: Max Brodie, Suzanne Day, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2019

October represents a period of transition, with the long, exciting season of post-breeding migrant songbirds and shorebirds tapering off by mid-month, and the full compliment of wintering species in place by month's end, signaled by the arrival of Tundra Swans and Snow Geese. Numbers continue to build into November, but nearly all of the regulars are in place by late October. This October was characterized by dry, sunny days, and periods of high winds, driving devastating fires elsewhere in the state in a pattern that is becoming too familiar.

There were no obvious avian patterns, but rather a grab bag of interesting reports. A Stilt Sandpiper at the Woodland WTP from 10/13-16 (eBird checklist) was a nice surprise, and perhaps the same bird was found at the Davis WTP on 10/20. A Black Rail was reported at the Yolo Bypass on 10/28. Common Poorwills turn up in low numbers in the flats of the Valley post-breeding, and this month there were singles found at the Sacramento Bypass on 10/8, Mace Rd at Putah Creek on 10/15, and Latrobe Rd on 10/28. More unexpected was a Northern Saw-whet Owl (eBird checklist) roosting at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 10/17; it is unclear how common these inconspicuous little owls are in migration and winter, though they are always a treat to encounter.

Just north of the area typically covered here, the male Vermilion Flycatcher  returned to the Maxwell Cemetery for the fifth straight year, as reported on 10/19. An immature male Vermilion Flycatcher was found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 (eBird checklist). It continued through press time, and accounts for just the fourth Sacramento County record, but the second this year, after the immature female that was found at Cosumnes River Presrve (CRP) last March. A Townsend's Solitaire was an excellent find at CRP on 10/4, and late Swainson's Thrushes were found at William Land Park on 10/3, and CRP on 10/4. A Sage Thrasher was a very nice find along Michigan Bar Rd on 10/6, as was a late  Grasshopper Sparrow on Meiss Rd on 10/14. Chipping Sparrows were reported in impressive numbers along the upper American River Parkway, at Phoenix Field, and in Fair Oaks. Is this species becoming more common locally, or are we just learning more through additional reports coming in via eBird? The biggest surprise of the month was a Worm-eating Warbler found in southeastern Davis on 10/27 (eBird checklist), between San Marino Park and Putah Creek. It was seen by many, continuing into November, and accounting for just the second Central Valley report after the January 2018 bird at Reichmuth Park.  

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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, Dan Brown, Holly Coates, Suzanne Day, Konshau Duman, John Ehrenfeld, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2019

September might be the most interesting month on the local bird calendar. Shorebirds are still excellent, though perhaps slightly down in numbers from July and August (assuming good conditions can be found) and it is peak time for warblers and other songbird migrants. In addition, wintering and migrating waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and raptors are moving in, along with wintering sparrows. There is even turnover in open country flycatchers, as we say goodbye to the last of the Western Kingbirds and hello to Say's Phoebes.

Interesting shorebird reports continued from August, with a Buff-breasted Sandpiper (eBird checklist) at the Woodland WTP on 9/28 leading the pack. On 9/1 at Sherman Island, two Baird's Sandpipers were reported along with 19 Marbled Godwits. Two Baird's Sandpipers were also at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 9/3, and two Baird's Sandpipers were at the Woodland WTP on 9/20 along with a Pectoral Sandpiper. Two Sanderlings were a nice surprise at the Winters WTP on 9/9, and a Solitary Sandpiper was found at North Pond in Davis on 9/7. A Franklin's Gull was found at the Woodland WTP on 9/20, and a Long-tailed Jaeger was found and photographed at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 9/12-13 (eBird checklist).

There was a big region-wide movement of Lewis's Woodpeckers on 9/21: 8-10 were reported moving over North Pond in Davis, with a similar number flying upriver at Ancil Hoffman, plus at least 80 moving south in Auburn, about 500 feet up, along with Turkey Vultures! A major highlight for the month was a Wood Thrush along Putah Creek, west of Mace Blvd in Solano County, on 9/15-19 (audio calls  eBird checklist). A Green-tailed Towhee was found in a Fair Oaks yard on 9/1, while another was found at the Wood Thrush location west of Mace Blvd on 9/16 (eBird checklist); also at the latter site was a Northern Waterthrush on 9/15-16 (eBird checklist). A Tennessee Warbler was a nice find at Yolo County Grasslands Park on 9/27. During a period of a few days with excellent warbler numbers, the Tall Forest and vicinity at Cosumnes River Preserve on 9/29 produced a Chestnut-sided Warbler, a Blackpoll Warbler, and at least 85 Black-throated Gray Warblers. Blackpoll Warblers were also found at Upper Sunrise on the American River Parkway on 9/17 and William Land Park on 9/22. Flyover Evening Grosbeaks were reported over Davis on 9/21 and 9/26, and over Putah Creek at Mace Blvd on 9/27

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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, Jean Broadhvest, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Deren Ross, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2019

While the long, hot summer still holds sway in August, migrating birds are one of our best indicators that the season is changing. By the first of the month, warblers, flycatchers and other songbird reports were picking up. Shorebird numbers that soared in July continued at high levels through the end of the month. As happens in most Augusts, shorebirds led the way with unusual reports, and a few songbirds highlights kept things interesting. On the last day of the month, the first Sandhill Cranes were reported at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP).

Among the shorebird highlights, a Snowy Plover was a nice find at CRP on 8/6, and up to five Marbled Godwits at Sherman Island toward the end of the month were notable for Sacramento County, where they are much less frequently found than in neighboring Yolo County. It's likely that increased coverage of Sherman Island, in the extreme southwestern portion of the county, would yield more of this and other locally uncommon species. A Sanderling, also from Sherman Island on 8/1, was a nice find. Baird's Sandpiper reports came from the Davis WTP on 8/16, Sherman Island on 8/28, and the Sacramento Reg. WTP on 8/31 (eBird checklist). The only Least Bittern report of the month was from Mather Lake on 8/10-11.

After being largely absent last fall and winter, starting on 8/22, there were good numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatch reports that continued into September. A Green-tailed Towhee at Babel Slough on 8/31 (eBird checklist) was a nice find where this species has been found before. Four Yellow-breasted Chats at Babel Slough on 8/30 is an impressive number, but this species has been widely reported this year. Rare warbler reports included a Tennessee Warbler at Ancil Hoffman on 8/28, a Black-and-white Warbler at Sacramento Bypass on 8/10, and a Magnolia Warbler along the American River Parkway at the William B Pond access on 8/18. Surely September promises additional interesting finds.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot 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, Max Brodie, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Afton Kern, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Susan Schneider, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Daniel Welsh, Amy Welsh, Dan Williams, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

June - July 2019

June and July can be slow months for birding in the Valley. While there are fewer species to see, it is a very important time for our local breeding birds. The hoped-for rare songbirds in late spring were not found, but a good showing of shorebirds added interest to the period, and a few common songbird species began to trickle in along their post-breeding migrations by late July. Summer records of Redheads continued, with a high of 12 at the Woodland WTP, and one to two at Bridgeway Island Pond. A calling Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported along the American River upstream of Watt Ave on 7/27; unfortunately, it wasn't seen.

Shorebird reports dominated the period, with some excellent finds. Marbled Godwits are fairly regular in Yolo County during the period, where there were many reports, but four at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 7/30 (eBird checklist) were much less expected. A Red Knot (eBird checklist) was an excellent find at the Woodland WTP on 7/21-22. A Semipalmated Sandpiper and a Solitary Sandpiper were nice reports from 7/15 at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve off of Sunrise Blvd. A Dunlin at the Davis Wetlands on 7/1 was very early for this species, which is typically one of the later-arriving shorebirds. A single Willet was found at the Lincoln WTP on 7/10, while there were multiple July reports from regular Yolo shorebird sites. Up to three Western Gulls were reported in July from Sherman Island.

Two pairs of Least Terns nested at the Sacramento Regional WTP, and while a total of five chicks were hatched, none persisted for more than a week. No predation was observed, but likely culprits included a family group of five Common Ravens (which have begun nesting locally), Red-tailed and Swainson's hawks, and two Peregrine Falcons that were observed several times near the nest sites. There were multiple  Least Bittern reports throughout the period from Davis Wetlands (eBird Checklist), the Yolo Bypass, and the Putah Creek Sinks. A Brown Pelican seen along Hwy 160 south of Rio Vista on 7/28 was a nice surprise. Unusual songbirds were not reported during this period, though a high of 87 Bank Swallows among a congregation of post-breeding swallows on Sherman Island in the last half of July was a nice report for Sacramento County. While regular in Yolo County in migration, this species is often missed in Sacramento County, even in migration, since they ceased breeding near Rossmoor Bar along the American River more than 15 years ago. Perhaps there are regular at Sherman Island in July, but few people have looked in recent years.

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 (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Max Brodie, Brant Brumbeloe, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Afton Kern, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Ron Melcer, Gary Mele, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Jim Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.