Sacramento County has been my birding focus for the past twenty years–and more so this past year. There have been good excuses to travel, and many taken, but having a home focus has been a great learning experience. Even within the relatively circumscribed area of a moderately-sized county, my visits have only constituted a sampling of habitats rather than a thorough exploration. About six years ago, Ed Pandolfino initiated a careful study of Sacramento County’s breeding birds, which, along with Lily Douglas and Tim Manolis, I’ve helped work into a book-level treatment. It should be ready for publication in the next few months. Among the questions that grew out of this effort was, “What’s going on just to the east?”
Lark Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard
With an excuse to venture outside of Sacramento’s borders to discover where a notable transition occurs between eastern Sacramento County, the foothills, and the Sierra proper, Kimya and I have made several trips this spring to Tonzi and Electra roads in Amador County (it’s a difficult assignment, but someone has to do it). With the aim of comparing the birds of Michigan Bar and Deer Creek Hills with those to the east, we’ve had some enjoyable outings and can recommend these two sites to others for exploration. These sites were picked because they are accessible and enjoyable to visit, and might indicate a transition in the birdlife toward the more montane.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard
Tonzi Road, the lower and nearer of the two sites, is much like Michigan Bar. It holds several of the characteristic species of that site, only more so. Most notably, Lark Sparrows and Rufous-crowned Sparrows are more conspicuous. We had Lawrence’s Goldfinches on two visits. There is a patch of chaparral (a habitat largely absent from Sacramento), but so far, the only characteristic species it has produced for us is a Wrentit. Sadly, we’ve noted nearby patches of chaparral being removed by bulldozers for vineyards or other development. Twice, a portion of Tonzi Road was blocked by fallen trees. Electra Road, south of Jackson and along the Mokelumne River is more dramatic, with rocky cliffs, interesting flora, and, of course, the river. Compared with eastern Sacramento County, the most notable additions to the list have been Hairy Woodpecker, up to three soaring Bald Eagles, and abundant singing Song Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warblers, and Yellow Warblers. On the most recent visit, an American Dipper was near the powerhouse and a Yellow-breasted Chat sang from streamside tangles. The results of this informal research project may end up as an article for Central Valley Birds, but, at the very least, are now in eBird and add to a personal store of knowledge and enjoyment.
-Chris Conard